Pre-existing conditions
We’re here for your pet’s health journey. It's important to note that coverage under your pet insurance policy does not start immediately upon enrollment. There is a waiting period before your pet's coverage becomes effective. Additionally, any conditions that already exist prior to enrollment will be considered to be pre-existing and not eligible for coverage. Exclusion of pre-existing conditions is crucial to consider when signing up for a new pet insurance plan to ensure that you understand your coverage.
Insurance with your pet’s future in mind
As pet lovers, we understand how heart-wrenching it can be to see our pets struggle with hip dysplasia. This condition can significantly diminish their quality of life, affecting everything from jumping up to their favorite spot to standing up. Hip dysplasia treatments including diagnostics, surgery, and ongoing care, can cost several thousands of dollars. Our dog insurance plans can help manage those costs, allowing you to afford the care they need to keep your pet active and comfortable. It's not just about the financial relief—it's about giving your pet the happiest, healthiest life possible.
What you need to know about hip dysplasia: What is hip dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition more commonly found in dogs that is characterized by a malformation of the ball and socket hip joint. Hip dysplasia can lead to arthritis and other joint problems, so it is important to be aware of the symptoms associated with it.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of hip dysplasia may include:
- Difficulty getting up or lying down
- Stiffness, limping, bunny hopping with back legs, or swaying gait
- Reluctance to jump, climb stairs, or decrease in activity levels
- Pain or discomfort in the hip area
- Loss of muscle mass in the hind legs
Commonly affected dog breeds
Hip dysplasia can affect any dog, though large-breed dogs are most commonly impacted. Among the most affected breeds are German shepherds, golden retrievers, and Labrador retrievers. Both English and French bulldogs, although smaller, also face a high risk due to their genetic predispositions. Understanding the risks associated with your dog's breed can help you plan for the future and save you thousands.
Commonly affected cat breeds
Hip dysplasia, while more commonly associated with certain dog breeds, can also affect cats, particularly larger and heavier breeds. Maine Coon, Persian, and Himalayan cats are among those more vulnerable to this condition.
Treatment for hip dysplasia
Treatment for hip dysplasia differs depending on the severity of the condition. Treatment for hip dysplasia in pets often begins with lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in gentle, low-impact exercise to strengthen the muscles around the joint. Your pet’s veterinarians may also prescribe pain relief medications and joint supplements. In severe cases, surgical options, including total hip replacement or other corrective surgeries, may be necessary.
Costs
Hip dysplasia can impact your pet’s quality of life. Medical management can cost $500 a year while surgery can average over $6,000 per hip.** There may be additional costs for rehab and ongoing pain management. Without pet insurance, these figures can be daunting, forcing difficult decisions about your pet's health based on finances alone. Insurance for hip dysplasia helps manage these costs, ensuring your pet gets the necessary care without straining your wallet.
**Based on Nationwide 2024 claims data
Your pet insurance may cover hip dysplasia
Our comprehensive pet insurance is designed to limit the costs of your pet's hip dysplasia treatment and ensure their quality of life is maximized. Everything from diagnostic testing, non-invasive treatments, surgeries, and physical therapy may be covered by our insurance plans under the optional coverage for Hereditary & Congenital conditions.
Non-surgical diagnostics & treatments
In manageable cases of hip dysplasia, lifestyle changes, and therapeutic methods can help reduce symptoms and improve mobility. Non-surgical diagnostics and treatments by a licensed veterinarian may be covered by our insurance plans:
- Diagnostic exams
- Specialist visits
- X-Rays
- Physical therapy
- Pain management
- Alternative therapies*
*Limited to alternative therapies prescribed by your veterinarian to treat your pet's covered condition.
Surgical treatments
In severe cases of hip dysplasia, surgery may be a necessary treatment option. Surgical treatments by a licensed veterinarian may be covered by our insurance plans:
- TPO - Triple Pelvic Osteotomy
- FHO - Femoral Head Ostectomy
- THR - Total Hip Replacement
What's not covered
At Nationwide, we aim to help cover costs associated with your pet's hip dysplasia. As pet lovers ourselves, we know how difficult it can be to learn that your pet's care may not be covered.
Being aware of what's not covered will help manage your expectations and prepare you for any potential out-of-pocket expenses. Some key exclusions are:
- Pre-existing conditions
- Predictive testing for hip dysplasia
- Over-the-counter supplements and vitamins not prescribed by a vet
Please note - any condition that began or was contracted, manifested, or incurred before the effective date of this policy or during any waiting period, whether or not the condition was discovered, diagnosed, or treated is considered to be pre-existing and will not be covered.
As fellow pet owners, we know how frustrating it can be to discover that not everything is covered. We strive to limit exclusions as much as possible while maintaining affordability in our plans.
See a full list of exclusions or refer to your policy for further information.
How hip dysplasia coverage works
It's important to have pet insurance that covers hip dysplasia before a potential diagnosis. Adding the optional coverage for Hereditary & Congenital conditions to our Accident and Illness insurance plans can help protect your pet's health and save you money on treatment costs.
Visit any veterinarian
Once your policy is active, take your pet to any licensed veterinarian, specialist, or emergency clinic in the United States or abroad.
Submit your claim
Once treatment for your pet has started, submitting a claim is easy. Simply go to Nationwide's online portal and submit the paid invoice and all relevant treatment details.
Get reimbursed
Nationwide efficiently processes claims related to hip dysplasia, allowing for quick reimbursements for the costs covered under your policy.
Protect your pet’s longevity
Enroll your pet in a comprehensive insurance plan designed for their future. Be sure to add the optional Hereditary & Congenital coverage for hip dysplasia.
Frequently asked questions
Coverage for hip dysplasia may vary based on the specific policy plan chosen. We recommend reviewing your policy details for specific coverage information.
You may need to provide medical records to determine eligibility for your older pet. Pre-existing conditions are not covered by our insurance plans.
Most plans start 14 days after your application is approved and payment has been received. Pre-existing conditions are not covered by our insurance plans.
Coverage limits depend on your chosen plan. Most plans have an annual limit. We recommend reviewing your policy details for specific limit information.
To learn more about hip dysplasia and other health issues, visit the our PetHealthZone.
Like most pet insurance companies, we do not cover pre-existing conditions, including those related to hip dysplasia. A pre-existing condition is any condition (including hip dysplasia) that began or was contracted, manifested, or incurred before the effective date of this policy or during any waiting period, whether or not the condition was discovered, diagnosed, or treated.
Whether your preferred, licensed vet is in the United States or abroad our insurance plans cover your pet wherever they go.
Our insurance plans may cover alternative treatments prescribed by a licensed vet. Please review your policy details to confirm what is included and excluded from coverage.
Yes, you can upgrade your plan during the renewal period to include optional Hereditary & Congenital coverage for conditions like hip dysplasia. Upgraded plans may require Underwriting review of medical records to determine eligibility.