Best Pet Insurance Companies for High-Risk Pets in 2025

Best Pet Insurance Companies for High-Risk Pets

If you have a pet that’s more prone to health issues—either because of its breed, age, or medical history—then choosing the right pet insurance company is not just a smart move, it’s essential. In 2025, with rising vet costs and more pets being diagnosed with chronic conditions earlier, the stakes are even higher for owners of high-risk dogs and cats.

This guide breaks down the top-rated insurance providers for high-risk pets, what they cover, what they don’t, and how you can choose the best fit for your furry companion.

What Counts as a “High-Risk” Pet in 2025?

In the eyes of most insurers, a “high-risk” pet typically includes:

Certain breeds with genetic predispositions (e.g., Bulldogs, Ragdolls)
Older pets, especially over age 7
Pets with pre-existing or chronic conditions
Pets with past claims history or frequent vet visits

Insurers may increase premiums, limit coverage, or impose exclusions based on these factors—making comparison crucial.

Top 5 Pet Insurance Companies for High-Risk Pets

Insurance Provider	Accepts Pre-existing Conditions?	Breed-Specific Coverage	Annual Coverage Limit	Average Monthly Premium
Trupanion	Limited (only curable)	Yes	Unlimited	$75 – $130
Healthy Paws	No	Yes	Unlimited	$60 – $120
Embrace	Limited (after 12-month cure)	Yes	$15,000	$55 – $100
Pets Best	Some plans	Yes	$5,000 – Unlimited	$45 – $90
ASPCA Pet Health	Yes (after 180-day waiting)	Moderate	$10,000	$40 – $85

1. Trupanion

Trupanion is a favorite among owners of breeds like French Bulldogs and German Shepherds due to its no payout cap and fast direct vet payment system. However, it doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions unless they’re deemed curable and symptom-free for 18+ months.

2. Healthy Paws

Known for its comprehensive coverage, Healthy Paws excludes all pre-existing issues but offers excellent support for hereditary and congenital conditions in high-risk breeds. Claims turnaround is fast, and there’s no annual cap.

3. Embrace

What sets Embrace apart is its “curable conditions” clause, which can restore eligibility after a year without symptoms. This makes it a solid option for pets with minor past issues. Embrace also scores well in dental illness coverage, a pain point for many senior pets.

4. Pets Best

Pets Best is one of the more flexible providers, offering multiple plan tiers. Their accident-only plan is especially helpful if your pet’s chronic condition makes full coverage unaffordable. Note: older pets may be required to complete extra vet checks.

5. ASPCA Pet Health Insurance

While not as generous on coverage caps, ASPCA’s plans are accessible and allow for some pre-existing conditions to be covered after a waiting period. It’s a practical choice for moderate-risk pets and owners looking for affordable monthly rates.

What High-Risk Pet Owners Should Look For

Choosing a policy for a high-risk pet isn’t just about the premium. Here’s what matters more:

Coverage for breed-specific conditions (e.g. IVDD in Dachshunds)
No payout caps or a high enough annual limit
Short waiting periods for orthopedic or hereditary conditions
Transparency in exclusions—especially for pre-existing diagnoses
Direct vet pay options, reducing out-of-pocket burden

Before enrolling, always request a sample policy and ask how your specific pet’s medical history would be handled.

FAQs: Pet Insurance for High-Risk Pets

Q: Will any company cover my pet’s pre-existing condition?
A: Most won’t, but companies like Embrace or ASPCA may offer limited coverage if the condition is curable and symptom-free for a period of time.

Q: Are mixed-breed pets considered lower risk?
A: Typically yes, unless they show symptoms linked to high-risk breeds. Insurers focus more on medical history than pedigree alone.

Q: Does pet insurance get more expensive as my pet ages?
A: Absolutely. Premiums for pets over age 7 can jump significantly each year—especially for breeds prone to chronic issues.

Q: Can I switch providers after a major diagnosis?
A: You can, but the new provider will treat the diagnosis as pre-existing and likely won’t cover it.

Final Thoughts

Insuring a high-risk pet isn’t easy, but it can be incredibly worthwhile. The key is to start early, compare thoroughly, and understand each insurer’s fine print on exclusions and reimbursement limits.

If you’re unsure where to begin, Trupanion and Embrace are often strong starting points for most high-risk pets—especially if you’re dealing with costly, breed-specific conditions.