Owning a dog can be one of life’s greatest joys—but it also comes with a fair share of responsibilities and expenses. Beyond food, grooming, and routine veterinary care, there’s the cost of pet insurance to consider. For many dog owners, insurance is an essential safety net that ensures you can afford unexpected medical bills. Yet, not all dogs cost the same to insure. Some breeds come with higher premiums due to their susceptibility to health issues.
This article will walk you through the factors affecting dog insurance costs, the five priciest breeds to insure, and tips on how to save money on coverage without compromising your pet’s health.
What Affects the Cost of Dog Insurance?
Table of Contents
Several factors contribute to the cost of dog insurance. Knowing what these are can help you understand why your premiums are higher—or lower than someone else’s.
1. Breed
Your dog’s breed plays the most significant role in determining insurance costs. Some breeds are more prone to hereditary conditions, such as hip dysplasia, heart disease, or respiratory issues. For example, Bulldogs are prone to breathing problems, which means insurers see them as a higher risk.
2. Age
Just like humans, older dogs tend to have more health issues. Insurance premiums therefore increase as your furry friend ages. Providers may even limit coverage options for senior dogs or raise prices for pre-existing conditions.
3. Location
Where you live can impact your premiums. Veterinary costs vary by region (urban areas typically have more expensive vets), and the risks your dog faces day-to-day, such as exposure to ticks or traffic, might also be factored in.
4. Health History
A dog with a clean bill of health is less expensive to insure. Conversely, dogs with a history of medical problems or chronic conditions will see higher premiums, as they’re more likely to require veterinary care.
5. Coverage Level
What you include in your policy affects your dog’s insurance cost. Comprehensive plans that cover accidents, illnesses, and routine care are naturally costlier than plans focusing only on emergencies.
By considering these factors, you can better understand why insurance companies quote specific premiums—and why certain breeds are notoriously expensive to insure.
The Top 5 Most Expensive Dog Breeds to Insure
Some dog breeds are adorable, loyal, and loving—but also come with sky-high insurance premiums. Below are five of the most expensive dogs to insure, and why they cost so much.
1. Bulldogs
Bulldogs are lovable companions, but they’re also susceptible to a range of health issues. Their flat faces (a trait known as brachycephaly) often result in breathing difficulties, while joint problems like hip dysplasia and ACL tears are also common. These breed-specific issues make Bulldogs one of the priciest dogs to insure.
2. French Bulldogs
Close cousins to Bulldogs, Frenchies are just as expensive to insure due to similar health challenges. Known for their short snouts, they’re more likely to develop brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). French Bulldogs are also prone to allergies and skin conditions, which often require ongoing treatment.
3. Rottweilers
Rottweilers are strong and loyal guardians, but their health conditions can weigh heavily on insurance costs. They are at high risk for joint issues like hip and elbow dysplasia, along with heart disease and certain cancers. Their large size also makes surgeries and treatments more expensive, leading to higher premiums.
4. German Shepherds
German Shepherds are intelligent working dogs, but they’re also one of the most accident-prone breeds. They are susceptible to hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy (a spinal condition), and bloat, which is a life-threatening but treatable condition. These risks push up their insurance costs significantly.
5. Great Danes
Known as gentle giants, Great Danes are beloved family dogs. Unfortunately, their large size predisposes them to heart issues, joint problems, and a particularly dangerous form of bloat. Due to their high medical needs and the specialized care they require, Great Danes round out this list as some of the most expensive dogs to insure.
Tips for Lowering Your Dog Insurance Costs
Concerned about the high price of dog insurance? Here are some tips to help you save without compromising your pet’s health.
1. Compare Providers
Not all insurance providers are created equal. Take time to compare pet insurance options, policies, and pricing to find one that suits both your budget and your dog’s needs. Websites like Petinsurance.com make this process easy.
2. Start Early
The younger your dog is when you enroll them in insurance, the lower the premiums tend to be. Insuring your pet early also ensures pre-existing conditions won’t be excluded from coverage.
3. Opt for a Higher Deductible
Choosing a higher deductible can lower your monthly premiums. However, you’ll need to be prepared to cover more out-of-pocket costs upfront if your dog does need medical care.
4. Focus on Essential Coverage
Evaluate what your dog truly needs. If you have an active, healthy pup, you may not require a policy that covers extensive routine care. Basic accident and illness coverage might be enough.
5. Promote a Healthy Lifestyle
Preventative care goes a long way. Regular vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and sufficient exercise can reduce your dog’s risk of illness, which means fewer claims and potentially lower premiums over time.
By taking these steps, you can keep insurance costs manageable while ensuring your dog receives the best possible care.
Protect Your Pup—and Your Wallet
Owning a dog is a joy, but it’s also a financial commitment. While breeds like Bulldogs, Rottweilers, and French Bulldogs can be costly to insure, pet insurance offers peace of mind, ensuring you can handle unexpected veterinary expenses. By understanding the factors affecting premiums and following tips to lower costs, you can provide the coverage your furry friend deserves without breaking the bank.
Wish to learn more? Explore various pet insurance providers and see how their plans compare. A little research can go a long way toward safeguarding your pup’s health and your finances.
