Pet Insurance for Breeding

Finding the best pet insurance for breeding can be challenging. Only two major providers offer comprehensive breeding coverage, while others might help with emergencies like C-sections.

To save you time, we’ll guide you through your best options, breaking down what each of our top picks covers for breeding, pregnancy, and delivery. 

Does pet insurance cover breeding costs?

Most standard pet insurance policies don’t cover breeding and related costs. They primarily focus on accidents and illnesses instead. So, if you insure your pet before they become pregnant, there’s still a good chance any breeding-related issues will be excluded. 

Breeding pets comes with various medical procedures and potential risks. Typical breeding-related costs include check-up exams, ultrasounds, and sometimes emergency procedures, such as C-sections. These expenses can add up fast.

However, a couple of major insurance providers offer a “breeding rider,” which is an add-on to your standard policy covering some breeding-related costs. This optional rider will be an additional cost but could save you money in the long run if you plan to breed your pet.

This table highlights what’s often covered by pet insurance: 

Condition	Covered by insurance	Need breeding coverage
Artificial insemination	❌	❌
Dystocia	❌	✅
Eclampsia	❌	✅
Emergency C-sections	Sometimes*	✅
Gestational diabetes	❌	✅
Fertility treatments	❌	❌
Mastitis	❌	✅
Planned C-sections (non-medical)	❌	❌
Planned C-sections (medical)	❌	✅
Pre-breeding tests	❌	❌
Pyometra	❌	✅
Routine prenatal exams	❌	❌

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Tip

Standard policies might cover emergency procedures related to pregnancy if they occur after your waiting period ends. Check your policy’s fine print for details. Find out more about pet insurance that covers pregnancy.

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Top pet insurance providers for breeders

We looked at many pet insurance plans to find the best ones for breeders. We checked what they cover and what they don’t. Below, we’ll take a closer look at each of our top picks to help you choose the right one.

AKC Pet Insurance

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• Offers some of the best pet insurance for breeding dogs. 
• Plans are flexible; breeders can choose coverage based on their needs.
• There are additional rewards along with discounts for breeders and new puppy owners.

AKC Pet Insurance understands the challenges and risks associated with breeding. Whether you’re an experienced breeder or just starting, AKC has tailored plans to fit your needs. 

By adding breeding coverage to the AKC accident and illness plan, you can be prepared for unexpected accidents, illnesses, or complications during the breeding process. The process is simple: if an emergency arises, visit any vet or specialist, pay the bill, and file a claim. AKC will reimburse you for covered expenses.

On top of this, AKC offers special perks. Breeders can save up to 15% on premiums with AKC’s multipet and responsible breeder discounts. Plus, if you register your puppy with the AKC, the new owner gets 30 days of free pet insurance. It’s a win-win for both breeders and pet buyers.

What’s covered:

• Emergency C-sections
• Mastitis (mammary gland inflammation)
• Gestational diabetes during pet pregnancy
• Eclampsia causing seizures in lactating animals
• Dystocia (prolonged or difficult labor)
• Pyometra (severe uterus infection)

What’s not covered:

• Routine, preventative, or elective procedures related to breeding
• Planned C-sections

Trupanion

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• One of the first companies to offer special coverage for breeding-related conditions.
• Breeding rider covers cats and dogs bred for purebreds, crossbreeds, or new breeds.
• If your pet is already pregnant when you enroll, any claims related to this pregnancy won’t be eligible for coverage.

Trupanion was the first pet insurance company to design insurance specifically for health issues related to breeding dogs and cats. Whether you’re breeding purebreds, introducing new breeds, or crossbreeding, add a breeding rider to your policy within 30 days of enrollment, and you’re set. 

However, Trupanion’s breeding rider has a few exclusions. 

For instance, any pet with a C-section before enrolling won’t be covered for future C-sections. Also, Trupanion won’t ever cover C-sections or dystocia (prolonged labor) in breeds like English Bulldogs, Pugs, Pekinese, Boston Terriers, and French Bulldogs. 

What’s covered:

• Illnesses and injuries resulting from breeding, whelping, and queening
• Scheduled C-sections based on health concerns
• Emergency C-sections

What’s not covered:

• Scheduled C-sections (except when required for health reasons)
• Routine prenatal exams
• Pre-breeding tests
• Fertility treatments
• Artificial insemination

Fetch

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• No breeding rider, but it may cover medical complications from breeding if the breeding date is at least 15 days after your policy begins.
• May be a good option for pet parents who plan to breed occasionally, but it’s likely not enough coverage for professional breeders

Fetch doesn’t position itself as the go-to for breeding coverage. Its standard policy lists breeding, pregnancy, whelping, nursing, and treating offspring as exclusions. 

But there’s a silver lining: Fetch will cover medical emergencies like C-sections if your breeding date falls after the up-to-15-day waiting period. So, if your pet becomes pregnant 15 days after you enroll in a policy and faces life-threatening complications, Fetch may step in and cover the costs.

What’s covered:

• Medical emergencies due to breeding, pregnancy, whelping, or nursing, but only if the breeding date is after the policy’s waiting period

What’s not covered:

• Routine costs of breeding
• Pregnancy checkups and standard nursing care
• Treatment of offspring

Figo

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• Will cover complications related to these activities if the breeding date is at least 14 days after the policy start date
• May provide enough emergency coverage for hobby breeders, but those with larger operations may want more coverage 

Figo is another pet insurance provider that doesn’t typically offer specialized coverage for breeding. Under its standard policies, breeding, pregnancy, whelping, or queening costs aren’t included. 

But Figo may bring some peace of mind for some breeders. If complications arise due to breeding, pregnancy, or whelping, it will cover the medical costs as long as inception happens at least 14 days after your policy begins. 

Simply put, if you breed your pet a week after starting with Figo, and complications arise, you’re out of luck. But wait at least two weeks, and you’re in the clear. 

What’s covered:

• Complications due to breeding, pregnancy, or whelping if breeding is 14 days post-policy start date

What’s not covered:

• Routine breeding-related costs
• Scheduled C-sections
• Standard costs from pregnancy, whelping, or queening

How to choose the right insurance plan for breeding

Choosing the right pet insurance plan for breeding involves digging into many details. Don’t skimp on this part. The pet insurance industry isn’t nearly as regulated as other insurance industries, and you can easily find a ton of exclusions that make a policy not worth it. 

Let these factors be your guide:

• Identify your pet’s needs. Are you planning to breed regularly or just once? Knowing your intentions can guide you in picking the proper coverage.
• Read the fine print. Always dive deep into the policy’s details. What’s covered and what isn’t? Remember, every plan will have exclusions. Check if breeding-related issues you’re concerned about are covered.
• Consider the waiting periods. Most pet plans have waiting periods before coverage starts. This can be crucial if you’re planning for breeding soon.
• Look at your budget. Consider how much you can afford monthly. Breeding-specific coverage can be pricier, so find a balance between cost and coverage.

Asking these questions can help you compare pet insurance plans for breeding:

1. What does this policy cover, especially related to breeding? 
2. What are the exclusions?
3. Is there a waiting period for breeding coverage?
4. How easy is the claims process?
5. Can I use any veterinarian or specialist, or is there a specific network?
6. Are there any discounts for insuring multiple pets or being a member of certain organizations?

Pet insurance that covers breeding: Costs to expect

Breeding pets is an intricate process that, while rewarding, can come with unexpected expenses. Understanding potential costs can be eye-opening whether you’re a seasoned breeder or a pet owner considering a one-time experience. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Pre-breeding expenses. Expect some initial tests to make sure your pet is fit for breeding. These can cost anywhere from $100 to several hundreds of dollars.
• Pregnancy care. Regular vet visits during pregnancy are crucial. Sonograms, exams, and extra food could cost anywhere from $100 to $1,000 or more.
• Whelping supplies. You’ll need supplies like a whelping box, heat lamps, and other essentials. How much you’ll pay depends on how prepared you want to be. You could easily spend $25 on a cheap kit from Amazon to $1,000 or more on professional-grade supplies.
• Emergency care. Complications like a needed C-section can cost $1,000 to $3,000 or more.
• Post-birth care. Ensuring the health of the mother and the litter post-birth also incurs costs, especially if there are complications.

Given these potential expenses, is pet insurance worth it for breeders? The answer largely depends on your situation. 

If you’re breeding pets regularly, the chances of encountering complications multiply over time, making insurance a valuable investment. For occasional breeders, weighing the cost of a policy against potential out-of-pocket expenses can guide your decision.

FAQ

Does breeding coverage differ for dogs and cats?

Breeding coverage can differ for dogs and cats depending on the insurance company’s policies. Some insurers like AKC offer specific plans tailored just for dogs, while others like Trupanion have a generalized plan that covers both. 

Always read the fine print or talk to a customer service representative to understand what is and isn’t covered for your specific type of pet.

What are some common misconceptions about pet insurance for breeding?

The biggest misconception is that all pet insurance covers breeding-related costs. In reality, many standard policies exclude breeding-related issues unless you have a rider or endorsement. 

Another misconception is that every breeding compilation will be covered with a breeding rider. This isn’t true either. Pet insurance plans are often packed with exclusions, so read the terms and exclusions carefully.

Can you change or upgrade your plan if you decide to breed your pet later on?

Most pet insurance providers should let you adjust your coverage, but it’s never guaranteed. For example, if you remove your breeding rider from your Trupanion plan, you can’t add it back. Other companies like AKC may have more flexibility when adjusting coverage.