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Maine coon insurance: health risks, costs and what to check

By Venkata NagrediUpdated October 20266 sources cited

Heart disease is the main insurance concern for Maine coons. UC Davis reports that about a third of tested Maine coons carry a gene mutation linked to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The breed is also screened for hip dysplasia and spinal muscular atrophy.

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Common health problems in Maine coons

These are the conditions vets and breed clubs flag most for Maine coons, and whether a typical accident-and-illness policy pays for treatment once waiting periods are over and the condition isn't pre-existing.

  • Usually coveredHypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)The heart muscle thickens and pumps less well; Cornell calls it the most common heart disease of cats. UC Davis says Maine coons with two copies of the MYBPC3 A31P mutation are 18 times more likely to develop HCM.
  • Usually coveredBlood clots from heart diseaseHCM can cause clots that block blood flow to the hind legs, causing sudden pain or paralysis, per Cornell. This is an emergency that needs hospital care.
  • Usually coveredHip dysplasiaA malformed hip joint that leads to arthritis. The CFA says Maine coon breeders test for it by X-ray as part of managing the breed's health.
  • Depends on policySpinal muscular atrophy (SMA)An inherited loss of spinal nerve cells that weakens the hind legs, starting at 3–4 months of age. UC Davis says it is neither painful nor fatal, and affected cats can live comfortably indoors.

How much is pet insurance for a Maine coon?

We did not find a published breed-level premium for Maine coons. Cats generally cost less to insure than dogs, but HCM and hip dysplasia risk mean a Maine coon may not be the cheapest cat to cover. Get quotes for your cat's age and ZIP code.

What to check in a policy for a Maine coon

  • Confirm hereditary and congenital conditions are covered. HCM, hip dysplasia and SMA are all inherited. Lemonade covers hereditary conditions; some insurers limit them.
  • Ask how a heart murmur heard before enrollment is treated. It may make later heart disease a pre-existing condition. See pre-existing conditions.
  • Check that diagnostics such as echocardiograms (heart ultrasounds) are covered. Lemonade's base plan lists ultrasounds. See accident-and-illness coverage.
  • Note the waiting periods. Lemonade uses 14 days for illnesses and 30 days for orthopedic conditions such as hip dysplasia. See waiting periods.
  • Check how congenital conditions that show up in young kittens are handled. SMA signs start at 3–4 months, so enrolling a kitten early matters.

Tips for Maine coon owners

  1. Ask the breeder for the parents' HCM gene test results, echocardiogram history and hip X-ray results.
  2. Insure your kitten before its first vet visit notes anything unusual, such as a heart murmur.
  3. Treat sudden hind-leg weakness, crying in pain or fast breathing in a cat as an emergency.
  4. Keep your Maine coon at a healthy weight to ease strain on its hips.

Maine coon insurance FAQ

How much is pet insurance for a Maine coon?

We did not find a published breed-level figure. Cat insurance usually costs less than dog insurance, but a Maine coon's heart and hip risks can push quotes up. Compare quotes for your cat's age and ZIP code.

Is pet insurance worth it for a Maine coon?

For many owners, yes. UC Davis reports that about a third of tested Maine coons carry an HCM mutation. Heart disease and clot emergencies can mean specialist care and long-term medication for your cat.

Does cat insurance cover HCM in Maine coons?

A typical accident-and-illness policy covers HCM if it is diagnosed after enrollment and the waiting period. A murmur or heart finding recorded before enrollment would usually be pre-existing.

Is hip dysplasia covered for Maine coon cats?

Often, yes, if no signs were recorded before enrollment. Lemonade's base plan names hip dysplasia as a hereditary condition it covers, after a 30-day orthopedic waiting period.

Does a positive HCM gene test count as pre-existing?

It depends on the insurer. A gene test shows risk, not disease. Ask each insurer in writing how it treats a positive test in a cat with a normal heart exam.

When should I insure my Maine coon kitten?

As early as you can. Inherited problems like SMA can appear at 3–4 months, and anything found before enrollment is excluded.

Other breeds

Sources

  1. Cornell Feline Health Center, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (accessed 2026-10-04)
  2. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) in Maine Coons (accessed 2026-10-04)
  3. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) in Maine Coon Cats (accessed 2026-10-04)
  4. Cat Fanciers' Association, Maine Coon breed page (accessed 2026-10-04)
  5. Lemonade, Pet Insurance for Dogs & Cats (accessed 2026-10-04)
  6. Lemonade, The Ultimate Lemonade Pet FAQ (accessed 2026-10-04)
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