The most popular dog in the country for the past two years has been the French bulldog, beloved for its bat-like ears and deep wrinkles. But due to their flat faces, they are prone to respiratory and eye problems.
Perhaps that’s why “Frenchies” are the second most expensive dog breed to insure, behind the Cane Corso, a mastiff, according to Spot Pet Insurance, one of dozens of companies that sell pet health insurance. The company recently ranked the most expensive dog and cat breeds to breed, noting that some pure breeds may be more expensive because their genetic makeup makes them susceptible to certain health conditions.
The rankings were based on average policy premiums as well as the most expensive claim paid for the breed, said Trey Ferro, CEO of Spot Pet Insurance, which has 330,000 active policies. (The age of the dog and the type of policy chosen can also affect costs, the company said.)
At the other extreme, the cheapest breeds to insure were the Chihuahua and the Maltipoo, a Maltese poodle cross.
Dr. Jerry Klein, veterinary director of the American Kennel Club, noted that most of the dog breeds on the insurer’s most expensive coverage list (aside from the compact Frenchie) were larger animals, while small breeds dominated the less expensive. list.
“Large dogs cost more, period,” Dr. Klein said. They eat more, need larger boxes and other equipment, and if they need medical care, they require higher doses of medications and anesthesia, he said.
Regardless of breed, Dr. Klein said, “all dogs can get sick.” Mixed-breed dogs are less prone to genetic diseases, according to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association, a trade group whose three dozen members insure most covered pets. But they can still be injured in accidents or dog fights, or develop diseases.
Among the most common canine ailments that give rise to claims are gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea and vomiting, skin conditions, urinary tract infections, ear infections and allergies, the insurance association said.
And the cost of treatment is increasing. The Consumer Price Index rose 3.4 percent overall in April from a year ago, while the veterinary services category rose 7.1 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Contributing to rising veterinary costs are a tight supply of veterinarians and technicians, more sophisticated medications and treatments, and greater investor ownership of veterinary practices.
The most expensive pet claim paid in 2023, according to the Pet Health Insurance Association, was $51,133 for a golden retriever with lymphoma. Other major claims included $46,900 for a vomiting black and tan coonhound, and $43,389 to treat a French bulldog with a corneal ulcer.
Ferro said his own German shepherd had died about six months ago from liver cancer, leaving him with a $12,000 bill for three months of chemotherapy. (His insurance policy covered all but $2,000.) And when a Labrador retriever owned by another company official swallowed a bagel impaled on a toothpick, he said, most of the resulting $10,5000 surgical bill It was also covered.
These bills make it clear why more and more pet owners are interested in insurance. About 5.7 million pets were insured in the United States in 2023, the Pet Health Insurance Association reported, up from 4.8 million in 2022.
While people have always had strong bonds with their pets, they became even stronger during the pandemic when people stayed home all day, said Kristen Lynch, executive director of the association. Many pet owners let their dogs sleep in their beds, and half of American owners consider their pets, especially dogs, as much a part of their family as human relatives, a Pew Research Center survey found.
“Over the course of our lives, we’ve gone from the barnyard to the backyard to the bedroom,” Lynch said, so people are reluctant to face a situation where they can’t afford life-saving treatment for a pet.
However, choosing pet coverage can be a challenge because rates vary not only by breed but also by the age and location of the pet and the type of policy, said Brian Vines, deputy special projects editor at Consumer Reports. , who recently reviewed pet policies. Pet insurance policies have many options and can be customized, he said, but that makes it difficult to compare them because “there’s a lot of variability.” Deductibles and copays can mean substantial bills even with insurance, Vines said.
Their advice is to call and get quotes from several insurers for your specific needs. “You really have to do the legwork,” she said.
Despite incidents of staggering bills being covered, he said, a survey of about 2,000 Consumer Reports readers with pet insurance suggested that “most people strike a balance, at best.”
The average monthly health insurance premium in 2023 was about $56 for accident and illness coverage for a dog and about $32 for a cat, the insurance association said. These policies cover injuries from swallowing things that shouldn’t be, cuts, car accidents, torn ligaments and poisoning, as well as treatments for cancer, infections and digestive problems. Some add wellness coverage, such as routine vaccinations and dental care, for an additional cost.
And what about cats?
The most expensive felines to insure were the Maine Coon, one of the largest domestic cats, which can be prone to a type of muscle atrophy, and the chinchilla, a popular long-haired cat, Spot Pet Insurance said. The cheapest were the Russian blue and the Siamese.
Here are some questions and answers about pet health costs:
How does pet health insurance work?
Generally, you choose the veterinarian you want, pay the bill up front, and then request reimbursement from the insurer. (Most companies process claims in one or two days, although complex claims can take up to two weeks, says the Pet Health Insurance Association.) Policies generally have a waiting period, from one or two days to 30 days, before coverage begins. Policies generally do not cover pre-existing conditions. As pets age, they generally require more care, so their premium and deductibles will generally increase over time. Some insurers do not offer new coverage to pets over a certain age. Some policies may offer discounts for covering multiple pets.
How can I reduce the risk of acquiring a dog with serious health conditions?
Dr. Klein of the American Kennel Club recommended researching breed characteristics and finding a reputable breeder, such as one recognized by the club as a “breeder of merit,” meaning the breeder meets criteria such as performing health exams. recommended for the breed. A directory of individual breed clubs, which can provide references, is available on the kennel club website. Another resource he suggested is the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, a nonprofit organization in Columbia, Missouri, that works with breeders to encourage screening for genetic diseases, such as canine hip dysplasia, a degenerative disorder that causes loose joints and arthritis.
What if I can’t pay my vet bills or pet health insurance?
Vines suggests calling local veterinarians to check prices for services, as they can vary widely. Some practices may allow you to pay over time or set aside funds to help cover care when owners cannot afford it. So ask your vet. Additionally, telehealth services for pets can be less expensive than in-person visits. Try setting aside money in a savings account to cover necessary care. The Humane Society offers a Pet Help Finder tool on its website to find “financially friendly” veterinarians in your area. Local shelters and animal rescue organizations may also offer help or referrals.