Best Pet Insurance for BOAS Coverage (2026)
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) is the most common and most expensive condition French Bulldog owners face. Corrective surgery costs $3,000-$6,000, emergency airway intervention can reach $5,000, and some dogs need follow-up procedures. Not all insurance coverage is equal when it comes to BOAS — deductible structures, reimbursement rates, waiting periods, and claims processes vary significantly between providers. Choosing the right plan specifically for BOAS coverage can save you thousands.
Why This Matters
Nearly every French Bulldog has some degree of BOAS, and an estimated 50% will need surgical intervention. BOAS is progressive — it worsens with age, heat, and weight gain. The condition is also time-sensitive: early correction (before age 2) produces better outcomes, and emergency airway distress requires immediate intervention. Having strong BOAS coverage means your treatment decisions are based on what's best for your dog, not what you can afford in a crisis.
Our Top Picks
Healthy Paws covers BOAS surgery with no annual or lifetime limits, meaning even the most complex multi-procedure corrections are fully covered after your deductible. Their fast 2-3 day claims processing ensures quick reimbursement after surgery.
- Unlimited annual and lifetime coverage
- No per-incident caps on BOAS surgery costs
- 2-3 day average claims processing
- Covers all hereditary and congenital conditions
Trupanion's per-condition deductible is ideal for BOAS because you pay the deductible once — then all future BOAS treatment including follow-up surgeries, emergency care, and complications is covered at 90% forever. Their direct vet pay eliminates the need to front $3,000-$6,000 during surgery.
- Per-condition lifetime deductible — pay once for BOAS
- Direct vet pay at Express partner clinics
- 90% reimbursement with no annual limits
- Covers follow-up care and complications
Embrace covers BOAS surgery under their hereditary condition coverage and adds value with wellness plans that cover preventive breathing assessments and routine monitoring — catching BOAS progression early before emergency intervention is needed.
- Wellness Rewards covers preventive breathing assessments
- Strong hereditary condition coverage
- Diminishing deductible reduces costs over time
- Covers exam fees included in BOAS evaluations
ASPCA provides reliable BOAS coverage in all 50 states with unlimited annual coverage options. Their wellness add-ons cover routine respiratory monitoring, and their straightforward claims process works well for planned BOAS surgeries.
- Available in all 50 states
- Unlimited annual coverage option
- Wellness add-ons for routine monitoring
- 10% multi-pet discount for multi-Frenchie households
Buying Guide
When evaluating insurance specifically for BOAS coverage, prioritize these factors: First, verify there are no breed-specific exclusions. All providers on this list cover French Bulldogs without breed restrictions, but some smaller insurers exclude brachycephalic conditions entirely — avoid these at all costs. Second, check the illness waiting period. BOAS is classified as an illness, not an accident, so the illness waiting period applies. Most providers require 14-15 days, during which any BOAS symptoms documented will become pre-existing exclusions. Third, consider the deductible structure carefully. If your Frenchie needs BOAS surgery plus follow-up care or a second procedure, Trupanion's per-condition deductible means you only pay once. With annual deductible providers, you pay the deductible again each year for ongoing BOAS management. Fourth, evaluate coverage limits. BOAS surgery with complications, emergency care, and rehabilitation can exceed $10,000. Make sure your plan's annual limit can handle worst-case scenarios — or choose a provider with unlimited coverage. Fifth, look at claims speed and direct pay options. BOAS emergencies don't wait for reimbursement. Trupanion's direct vet pay and Healthy Paws' 2-3 day processing minimize the financial burden during urgent situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, all major pet insurance providers cover BOAS surgery as long as it was not a pre-existing condition at enrollment. BOAS is classified as a hereditary/congenital condition, which is included in standard accident and illness plans. The critical requirement is enrolling before any breathing symptoms are documented by a veterinarian.
Full BOAS correction surgery costs $3,000-$6,000 depending on the procedures needed and your location. With a typical 80% reimbursement rate and $500 deductible, insurance would pay $2,000-$4,400 of a $3,000-$6,000 surgery. With 90% reimbursement and a $250 deductible, coverage increases to $2,475-$5,175.
BOAS falls under illness coverage, so the standard illness waiting period applies: 14-15 days for most providers. During this waiting period, any BOAS symptoms documented by a vet will be classified as pre-existing and permanently excluded. Enroll your Frenchie before scheduling any breathing evaluations.
It depends on whether snoring has been documented in veterinary records as a clinical concern. If a vet has noted breathing issues, BOAS may be flagged as pre-existing. If your Frenchie snores but no vet has documented breathing concerns, most insurers will cover future BOAS treatment. Enroll before your next vet visit to be safe.
BOAS is only pre-existing if symptoms were documented by a veterinarian before your insurance policy started. Since nearly all French Bulldogs have some degree of brachycephalic anatomy, insurers look for clinical documentation of breathing problems — not the anatomy itself. This is why enrolling as early as possible, before vet records document any respiratory symptoms, is so important.