Does Pet Insurance Cover Broken Bones?

Quick Answer

Pet insurance may cover broken bones when the fracture is caused by a new covered accident after the waiting period. Accident-only plans commonly focus on injuries like fractures, bite wounds, cuts, and swallowed objects. Accident and illness plans usually include accident coverage too, plus broader disease coverage.

Coverage depends on policy wording. X-rays, sedation, splints, surgery, hospitalization, medication, and specialist referral may be handled differently.

Compare accident-only pet insurance and emergency vet cost before choosing a plan.

What Broken Bone Costs Can Include

A fracture visit can include:

• Emergency exam.
• Pain control.
• X-rays.
• Sedation.
• Splinting or casting.
• Surgery with pins, plates, or screws.
• Hospitalization.
• Follow-up X-rays.
• Physical restriction or rehab.
• Medication.

Even when the fracture is covered, the reimbursement is usually after deductible and subject to the plan's annual limit.

When a Broken Bone May Not Be Covered

Coverage may be denied or reduced if:

• The injury happened before enrollment.
• The waiting period had not ended.
• Medical records showed prior lameness or symptoms.
• The policy excludes that condition.
• The procedure is considered elective.
• The annual limit is too low.
• Exam fees are excluded.
• Orthopedic rules apply.

Pre-existing condition language is especially important. If a pet was limping before the policy started, later fracture or orthopedic claims may be reviewed closely.

Accident-Only Plans and Broken Bones

Broken bones are one of the clearest reasons people consider accident-only pet insurance. The plan is usually cheaper than accident and illness coverage because it does not cover many diseases.

Accident-only may fit if you mainly want protection from:

• Fractures.
• Hit-by-car injuries.
• Bite wounds.
• Cuts and lacerations.
• Swallowed objects.
• Some toxin ingestions.

It may not fit if you also want coverage for cancer, urinary disease, infections, diabetes, allergies, or chronic illness.

Questions to Ask Before Buying

Ask each insurer:

• Are fractures covered under accident benefits?
• Is orthopedic surgery covered?
• Is there an orthopedic waiting period?
• Are exam fees covered?
• Are X-rays and specialist visits covered?
• Are rehabilitation or follow-up X-rays covered?
• Can an emergency clinic be paid directly?
• What annual limit would be realistic for fracture surgery?

The lowest monthly premium may not be the best value if the annual limit is too low for surgery.

Dog and Cat Fracture Planning

Dogs may break bones from falls, vehicle accidents, rough play, or breed-related orthopedic risk. Cats may be injured after falls, doors, recliners, dog attacks, or outdoor trauma.

For puppies, insurance timing matters because accidents can happen before the first year is over. Read puppy first vet visit cost and puppy vaccination schedule if you are planning a new puppy budget.

Related Guides

• Accident-only pet insurance
• Emergency vet cost
• Does pet insurance cover emergency surgery?
• Pet insurance waiting period explained
• Pet insurance cost