Pet Insurance by Breed,Why Breed Matters When Buying Pet Insurance
Not all pets are created equal when it comes to vet bills. While your neighbor’s Labrador may live ten healthy years with minimal issues, your French Bulldog might rack up thousands in medical expenses before age five. In 2025, more insurers are adjusting premiums based on breed-specific risk data—and that could mean big price differences depending on what you own.
If you’re considering insurance (or already own a high-risk breed), understanding breed-related health risks could save you hundreds annually—and potentially your pet’s life.
2025’s Most High-Risk Dog Breeds for Health Issues
According to recent claims data from Trupanion, Nationwide Pet, and the UK’s Petplan, the following dog breeds had the highest average yearly veterinary costs in 2024 and early 2025:
| Rank | Dog Breed | Avg. Annual Vet Cost (USD) | Common Health Issues |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | French Bulldog | $1,400+ | Breathing problems (BOAS), skin infections |
| 2 | English Bulldog | $1,350+ | Hip dysplasia, cherry eye, allergies |
| 3 | Great Dane | $1,300 | Bloat, heart disease |
| 4 | Bernese Mountain Dog | $1,250 | Cancer, joint disorders |
| 5 | Rottweiler | $1,200 | Joint issues, cancer |
| 6 | Golden Retriever | $1,100 | Skin disease, cancer, arthritis |
| 7 | Doberman Pinscher | $1,050 | Heart problems, wobbler syndrome |
These breeds aren’t just expensive—they’re also often excluded from coverage or charged 20–30% more in monthly premiums.
Cat Breeds With the Highest Insurance Value
Though cats are often seen as “low maintenance,” some purebred cats have recurring genetic issues. Here’s how things look in 2025:
| Rank | Cat Breed | Avg. Annual Vet Cost (USD) | Notable Risks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Persian | $900+ | Polycystic kidney disease, eye problems |
| 2 | Bengal | $850 | Digestive disorders, heart conditions |
| 3 | Maine Coon | $800 | Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, hip dysplasia |
| 4 | Sphynx | $780 | Skin issues, respiratory conditions |
| 5 | Scottish Fold | $750 | Genetic cartilage problems, arthritis |
If you own a mixed breed cat or domestic shorthair, you’ll usually see much lower premiums—often 30–50% cheaper than a Persian or Maine Coon.
Breeds That May Not Need Insurance as Urgently
While every pet benefits from some level of insurance, not all breeds are equally risky. The following tend to have fewer chronic issues and lower annual vet bills:
Dogs:
- Border Collie
- Australian Shepherd
- Labrador Retriever
- Beagle
Cats:
- American Shorthair
- Domestic Longhair
- Russian Blue
Of course, accidents happen. But for these breeds, accident-only or high-deductible plans may be a more cost-effective option.
Does Insurance Actually Pay Off?
Let’s do a quick scenario comparison:
| Scenario | Without Insurance | With Insurance (avg. $45/mo) |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency surgery (e.g., bloat) | $3,000 | $600–$800 out-of-pocket |
| Annual checkups + vaccines | $300 | Covered or partially covered |
| Chronic illness (e.g., skin) | $1,200/year | $200–$400 after deductibles |
Conclusion: If you own a high-risk breed, the math almost always favors getting coverage—especially with increasing vet inflation in the US and UK (up 8–11% YoY in 2025).
What Insurers Are Saying in 2025
Most top providers like Trupanion, Lemonade, and Fetch by The Dodo now provide breed-specific premium estimates directly on their quote pages. Trupanion even offers real-time claim history by breed—check it before you adopt.
How to Lower Your Premium If You Own a High-Risk Pet
- Start insurance early: Puppies and kittens get lower rates and avoid pre-existing exclusions.
- Opt for a higher deductible: If you can afford $500–$1,000 up front, your monthly rate drops.
- Avoid wellness add-ons unless you use them—many are overpriced.
- Consider accident-only plans if your pet is healthy but genetically risky.
FAQ
Q: Are mixed breeds less risky than purebreds?
Generally yes. Mixed breeds tend to have fewer inherited disorders, leading to lower claims.
Q: Do insurers deny coverage based on breed?
Some do. French Bulldogs, Pit Bulls, and Rottweilers are sometimes excluded or require higher premiums.
Q: Which company is best for insuring a French Bulldog?
In 2025, Lemonade and Healthy Paws offer the most competitive rates for flat-faced breeds.
Q: Should I get insurance if my pet is already sick?
You can, but most plans won’t cover pre-existing conditions—so the earlier you buy, the better.
Final Thoughts
If you own—or are thinking of getting—a high-risk breed, pet insurance in 2025 isn’t a luxury. It’s financial survival. With vet inflation rising and breed-specific risks more transparent than ever, doing your homework before you adopt could save you a small fortune. And if you’re already a proud owner of a Frenchie or Persian? Now might be the best time to lock in a policy before their rates go even higher.
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