Yes. Coverage applies when the condition is eligible under the policy, including applicable waiting periods and pre-existing condition rules.
If your dog already had dysplasia, was treated for it, or showed signs of it before your policy started or during the applicable waiting period, it can be considered pre-existing and excluded. Illness coverage begins after the applicable illness waiting period.
Because hip dysplasia is often inherited and may develop gradually, enrolling while your dog is healthy and symptom-free can make a significant difference in whether future dysplasia-related treatment is eligible for coverage.
Hip Dysplasia Coverage at a Glance
Coverage
Kanguro Essential Care Plan
Hip dysplasia diagnosed after eligible coverage begins
Yes, subject to policy terms
Elbow dysplasia
Yes, subject to policy terms
Dysplasia diagnosed before enrollment
No — pre-existing
Dysplasia symptoms before enrollment
No — pre-existing
Symptoms during the illness waiting period
No
Diagnostic imaging
Yes, when medically necessary and otherwise eligible
Specialist veterinary care
Yes, when otherwise eligible
Surgery
Yes, when medically necessary and otherwise eligible
Hospitalization
Yes, when otherwise eligible
Prescription medication
Yes, when treating an eligible covered condition
Medically necessary mobility aids
Yes, subject to policy terms
Preventive screening for an asymptomatic pet
No
Cats get hip dysplasia too — it's underdiagnosed because cats hide lameness.
What determines whether hip dysplasia is covered?
Whether a dysplasia claim is eligible depends on several factors:
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When your pet's symptoms first appeared
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When the condition was diagnosed
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Whether it was treated before coverage began
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Whether the applicable waiting period has passed
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Whether the treatment is medically necessary
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Your deductible, reimbursement percentage and annual limit
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Any applicable exclusions or limitations in your policy
Why hereditary conditions are a coverage question
Hip dysplasia is a developmental condition with a strong genetic component. Some pet insurance policies exclude hereditary conditions or offer them separately.
Kanguro's policy specifically lists genetic or hereditary conditions — limited to elbow and hip dysplasia, hernias, and blood and eye disorders
For breeds with elevated orthopedic risk, this is an important policy detail to understand before purchasing coverage.
Breeds most affected by hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is more common in larger and some medium-sized breeds, including:
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Labrador Retrievers
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Golden Retrievers
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German Shepherds
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Rottweilers
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Bernese Mountain Dogs
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Large mixed-breed dogs
Risk can also be influenced by growth, body condition and other factors.
Cats can develop hip dysplasia too, although signs can be harder for owners to notice.
What does hip dysplasia treatment involve?
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and the individual pet. Veterinary care may include:
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Physical examination
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Diagnostic imaging
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Orthopedic consultation
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Prescription medication
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Surgery
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Hospitalization
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Post-procedure care
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Medically necessary mobility aids
Eligible treatment is subject to the terms of your policy.
Hip Dysplasia vs. Arthritis
Hip dysplasia and arthritis are related but different conditions.
Hip dysplasia is an abnormal development of the hip joint.
Arthritis is inflammation and degeneration of a joint.
Hip dysplasia can contribute to arthritis over time. Kanguro's Essential Care policy lists hip and elbow dysplasia as genetic and hereditary conditions and arthritis among covered chronic conditions, subject to the applicable policy terms.
What this means in real life
Scenario 1 — Potentially covered
Your healthy dog is insured before showing signs of hip problems. After the applicable waiting period, your veterinarian diagnoses hip dysplasia.
The condition may be eligible for coverage, subject to your policy terms.
Scenario 2 — Pre-existing
Your dog was diagnosed with hip dysplasia before you purchased insurance.
That dysplasia would be considered pre-existing and excluded.
Scenario 3 — Unrelated condition
Your dog has hip dysplasia that is excluded as pre-existing but later develops an unrelated illness.
The pre-existing dysplasia exclusion does not automatically mean unrelated future conditions are excluded.
Timing matters with inherited conditions
Your pet's genetic predisposition exists before you purchase insurance. What matters for coverage is whether the condition or its signs existed before the applicable coverage period.
Certain waiting-period waivers may apply in qualifying circumstances, including eligible pets insured within the first six months after birth or through qualifying authorized Kanguro partners.
A separate policy provision may also apply to certain cured pre-existing conditions after the required symptom- and treatment-free period.
Conditions that are not considered curable under the policy may not qualify for that provision.
When does coverage start?
Policy starts → 2-day accident waiting period → 14-day illness waiting period → eligible new conditions may be covered.
Waiting-period waivers may apply in qualifying circumstances.
Kanguro Pet Insurance at a Glance
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Up to 90% reimbursement
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$5,000 to unlimited annual limits
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$200–$1,000 deductibles
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Any licensed veterinarian
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Unlimited 24/7 Telemedicine
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Eligible direct veterinary payment for invoices over $900
Your actual coverage depends on your selected plan, deductible, reimbursement percentage, annual limit and policy terms.
Key Terms to Know
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Pre-existing condition: A condition that existed, showed signs, or received treatment before the applicable coverage period.
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Waiting period: The period after the policy starts before certain coverage becomes effective.
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Bilateral condition: A condition that can affect both sides of the pet's body.
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Annual limit: The maximum amount the policy may pay during a policy period, subject to its terms.
How Kanguro Insurance handles a dysplasia claim
Choose 70%, 80% or 90% reimbursement, a deductible between $200 and $1,000, and an annual limit from $5,000 up to unlimited. One annual deductible applies per policy period.
For eligible invoices over $900, Kanguro can pay your veterinary clinic directly — which for orthopaedic surgery is often the difference between scheduling the procedure and postponing it. You can use any licensed veterinarian in the United States, and unlimited 24/7 TeleVet is included if you want a second opinion before committing to surgery.
Trusted by Pet Parents Across the U.S.
Flexible coverage, fast digital claims, and real bilingual human support make Kanguro pet insurance a trusted choice for pet parents looking to protect their pets and manage veterinary costs with confidence.