Does Pet Insurance Cover Emergency Surgery for Dogs?

Emergency surgeries for dogs can be sudden, stressful, and costly. This guide explains how pet insurance—especially a plan like Figo’s—can help cover urgent care when your pup needs it most.

Emergencies happen — and when they do, every second counts. For pet parents, few moments are more terrifying than watching their dog suffer a sudden injury or illness. Whether it’s a swallowed toy, a car accident, or a life-threatening condition like bloat, emergency veterinary care often includes surgery, and it’s almost always expensive.

If you’ve ever wondered, Does pet insurance cover emergency surgery for dogs? — the answer is: It depends on your policy and insurer. Here’s what every dog parent should know before an emergency strikes, and how Figo Pet Insurance can help protect your pup when it matters most.

Why emergency surgery can cost thousands

Emergency vet care can be significantly more expensive than routine veterinary services. The reason? These clinics operate 24/7, require specialized staff, and often perform complex procedures at a moment’s notice.

Just a few examples of common emergency conditions and the average vet bills associated with them*: 

• Urinary Obstruction: $2,623 

• Hip Replacement: $7,293 

• Foreign Object Ingestion Surgery: $1,985 - $3,985 

• Gallbladdar Inflammation: $9,870 

*Source: Figo Claims Calculator, 2025

Unfortunately, many pet parents aren't financially prepared for a sudden vet bill in the thousands. That’s where pet insurance can help. Does pet insurance cover emergency surgery?

The short answer is yes, some plans do — but not all. Many pet insurance providers include emergency surgeries under accident and illness coverage, but the details vary widely. Here’s what to look for.

Covered Procedures

Not every emergency is covered. Look for plans that include surgeries related to accidents (like broken bones) and serious illnesses (like internal bleeding or bloat). 

Waiting Periods

Most policies have a short waiting period after enrollment (for instance, Figo’s is 1 day for accidents and 14 days for illness). 

Exclusions

Look for limitations around pre-existing conditions, elective surgeries, or non-emergency treatments. 

Reimbursement Terms

What percentage does the insurer reimburse? How quickly? 

Figo Pet Insurance emergency coverage: What’s included? 

Figo’s accident and illness plans are designed to help during the moments you least expect. Here’s how our coverage can work during an emergency:

Emergency Surgeries Are Covered

Figo reimburses for medically necessary emergency surgeries, including those resulting from accidents, poisoning, gastric torsion (bloat), burns, and more — as long as they occur after the waiting period and aren’t pre-existing conditions. 

No Coinsurance or Deductible for Life-Threatening Cases

If your dog experiences a life-threatening injury that requires immediate, life-saving treatment, Figo waives your annual deductible, per-incident copay, and coinsurance altogether. 

Freedom to Choose Your Vet

Unlike some providers, Figo lets you use any licensed vet or emergency hospital, anywhere in the world. You can go straight to your trusted provider, no network limitations or referrals needed. Plus, if you’re abroad when an emergency strikes, this freedom can help your pet get treatment faster. 

Quick & Simple Claims Process

After your emergency vet visit, just upload the invoice through the Pet Cloud™ app. Most claims are processed in just 2.4 working days*, and you can choose reimbursement via check or direct deposit. 

*Figo Claims Data, 2024

What’s not covered?

Like any insurance plan, there are exclusions. With Figo: 

• Pre-existing conditions (unless curable and symptom-free for 12+ months) are not covered. 

• Elective or cosmetic surgeries, like dewclaw removal or ear cropping, aren’t eligible. 

• Preventative care (like vaccines and wellness visits) is only covered if you’ve added a wellness rider. 

Want more detail? You can review the full Figo sample policy here.

Signs your dog may need emergency surgery

You know your dog best. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek veterinary care immediately: 

• Lethargy, labored breathing, or pale gums 

• Repeated vomiting or severe diarrhea 

• Limping or inability to walk 

• Distended abdomen or signs of pain 

• Unexplained whining or changes in behavior 

• Obvious signs of injury or trauma 

These could be signs of internal injuries, poisoning, bloat, or other conditions that may require emergency intervention.

Why pet insurance for emergencies is worth it

Emergency surgery can be expensive and unpredictable. It’s quite hard to plan for your dog swallowing a sock or being bitten at the dog park. But the right coverage could help ensure you won’t have to make a treatment decision based on cost alone.

Figo helps you prepare by offering: 

• Plans that cover accidents, illnesses, and emergency surgeries 

• Customizable options — including up to 100% reimbursement 

• Curable pre-existing condition coverage after 12 months symptom-free 

• 24/7 access to a live vet chat through the Pet Cloud app 

Ready to protect your pup?

Figo Pet Insurance helps give pet parents peace of mind when the unexpected happens. Whether it’s surgery after an accident or emergency care for a sudden illness, Figo is designed to help you focus on getting your dog the care they need instead of worrying about how you’ll pay for it.

Lizz Caputo is the Manager of Content Strategy at Figo, animal enthusiast, and owner of a rescued senior American Bully. Her hobbies include checking out new restaurants in her area, boxing, and petting dogs of all shapes and sizes.