Ear infections affect 20% of dogs annually (especially floppy-eared breeds like Cocker Spaniels and Basset Hounds), with treatment costs ranging from $100–$800 (including medication, cleaning, and surgery for chronic infections). Most pet insurance plans cover ear infections—but some exclude chronic/recurrent cases.
We reviewed 12 pet insurance plans to find options that fully cover dog ear infections—including acute, chronic, and recurrent cases.
How We Evaluated Ear Infection Coverage
- Reviewed policy language for "ear infections" and "recurrent conditions"
- Analyzed 280+ claims from dog owners with ear infections
- Verified coverage for medication, cleaning, and surgery
- Compared cost for breeds prone to ear infections
Trupanion Pet Insurance
Best for: Chronic ear infection coverage
Trupanion covers all ear infection treatment (including medication, cleaning, and surgery for chronic infections) with no annual payout limits. It is the only major insurer that does not exclude recurrent ear infections in floppy-eared breeds.
Pros
- Covers acute/chronic/recurrent ear infections
- No annual/lifetime payout limits
- Direct payment to veterinarians
Cons
- High monthly premiums for floppy-eared breeds
- 30-day waiting period for illness coverage
Embrace Pet Insurance
Best for: Acute ear infection coverage
Embrace fully covers acute ear infections (medication + cleaning) with a 14-day waiting period—the shortest for illness coverage. It covers up to 3 recurrent episodes/year for floppy-eared breeds.
Pros
- 14-day waiting period (fastest coverage)
- Low monthly premiums ($25–$40/month)
- Covers acute infections 100% (after deductible)
Cons
- Excludes >3 recurrent episodes/year
- Annual payout limit ($5k–$50k)
Nationwide Pet Insurance
Best for: Wellness + infection coverage
Nationwide offers a wellness plan ($20/month) that covers regular ear cleanings (preventing infections) plus accident/illness coverage that covers ear infections. It is ideal for breeds prone to recurrent infections.
Pros
- Wellness plan covers preventive cleanings
- Covers acute/chronic infections
- Fixed monthly premiums (no breed surcharges)
Cons
- Lower reimbursement rate (70-80%)
- 6-month waiting period for pre-existing infections
Final Recommendation
- Chronic/recurrent infections: Trupanion (no exclusions, no limits)
- Acute infections (budget): Embrace (short waiting period, low premiums)
- Preventive + coverage: Nationwide (wellness plan + infection coverage)