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Veterinary costs can be significant if your pet suddenly becomes ill or injured.
Pet owners spent a record $34.3 billion on veterinary care and related expenses in 2021, according to the American Pet Products Association (APPA). If you are concerned about the potential for expensive vet bills, pet insurance may be an option to explore to help offset the costs.
Pet insurance works much like human health insurance. You pay a monthly premium for a policy that covers (or reimburse) the costs of injuries, illnesses and other unforeseen conditions. This insurance is relatively inexpensive, but it can be a financial lifesaver if you suddenly face a hefty vet bill.
Pet insurance mainly covers dogs and cats, and we will cover the cost of pet insurance for dogs in this guide.
If you’re looking for pet insurance, get it started a free quote online first so you know exactly what to expect.
How much does pet insurance cost for a dog?
Generally, dog insurance is more expensive than cat insurance because dogs are generally larger and require more medication and sedation for veterinary procedures. Coverage premiums for dogs range from $10 to $100 per month, with an average cost between $30 and $50.
Several factors contribute to the premium amount you’ll pay, including your dog’s breed, age, and where you live. As with human health insurance, you will pay more for an older dog than a puppy because the likelihood of health issues is greater.
Depending on your policy, your pet insurance can help your dog get the treatment he needs for an accidental injury, illness or hereditary condition. Some providers allow you to purchase supplemental coverage plans for routine care, dental care, preventative procedures, and prescriptions.
Which dog breeds are cheap to insure?
The cost of dog insurance coverage can be cheap or expensive, depending on the breed. Breeds that statistically have a higher likelihood of health problems will generally cost more to insure. Breeds known to lead long and healthy lives generally have lower insurance premiums.
LendEDU analyzed the data about 114 breeds of dogs and cats from Spot Pet Insurance and found that the most affordable dog breeds to insure are the English Springer Spaniel, Miniature Yorkshire Terrier and Goldendoodle. Premiums for these breeds range from approximately $34 to $40 per month. Not surprisingly, the first two breeds are smaller dogs, and all three are known to be long-lived.
You might think that mixed breeds are more expensive to insure, but that’s not the case. Since mixed breeds are less likely to inherit breed-specific health issues, their premiums are generally more affordable than their purebred counterparts.
You can easily check Lemonade pet insurer prices online now.
Which dog breeds are expensive to insure?
Certain dog breeds are more expensive to insure because their breed is predisposed to specific diseases and conditions.
For example, Rottweilers are often more expensive to insure, in part because they are more often affected by hip dysplasia than other breeds. Fetch by The Dodo, which lists their average monthly premium for all dog breeds as $35, cited a $45.86 premium on a 2-year-old Rottweiler in St. Louis with a $5,000 limit, an 80% reimbursement rate and a $300 deductible.
According to the LendEDU study, the most expensive dog breeds to insure are Newfoundlands, Dogue de Bordeaux and Jack Russell Terriers, with monthly premiums of around $90 to $100. “Newfies” and Dogue De Bordeaux are huge animals weighing over 140 to 150 pounds, while all three breeds are susceptible to breed-specific health issues.
The bottom line
Since dog insurance costs vary by breed, it’s best to get a few quotes from pet insurance providers to determine the cost of coverage for your dog. Before doing, consult your veterinarian of any future health problems for your dog. This way you can save money by buying only the coverage you need.
You can also benefit from cheaper insurance rates with an accident-only insurance policy. These policies aren’t comprehensive, but they can meet your needs and cost as little as $10 per month.
You can receive a free pet insurance quote in 30 seconds online now or use the chart below to review some of the best pet insurance providers.