However, coverage options still exist. Some of our best pet insurance companies evaluate dogs individually rather than by breed. Accident-only policies cost 40-60% less than comprehensive plans, and emergency funds or medical financing can protect you financially when traditional insurance isn't an option.
This guide will show you which insurers accept high-risk breeds, how to lower premiums, and what alternatives exist when traditional insurance isn't available.
Key Insights
- High-risk breeds face premium increases of 50-100%.
- Pre-existing conditions are permanently excluded from all pet insurance policies.
- Alternative options include accident-only policies, wellness plans, and dedicated emergency funds.
Which Pet Conditions Make Insurance More Difficult to Get?
"The relationship between symptoms and conditions might not be obvious to pet owners, but veterinary medicine isn’t always straightforward," explains Denise Petryk, DVM, Relief Veterinarian with experience in both emergency and general practice settings. "Pre-existing conditions aren’t covered, and many conditions, symptoms, or diseases can be related."
Common Pet Conditions That Face Insurance Challenges
Allergies and skin conditions: Itchy skin, ear infections, and dermatitis are frequently challenged because allergies lack specific diagnostic tests and often involve multiple contributing factors.
Lameness and joint issues: Cruciate ligament tears are considered bilateral diseases; if one knee is injured, insurers may deny future claims on the other leg, viewing it as a pre-existing susceptibility rather than a new injury.
Dental problems: Since pets can thrive without teeth on softer foods, insurers often challenge expensive tooth-saving procedures and advanced dental treatments.
Why Do Breed and Pre-Existing Conditions Affect Pet Insurance Premiums?
Insurance underwriters calculate risk based on the statistical likelihood of claims, and certain breeds and health conditions dramatically increase those probabilities.
Purebred dogs cost more to insure than mixed breeds because genetic predispositions to specific diseases create predictable, expensive claims that insurers must account for in premium pricing.
How Insurance Companies Assess Breed Risk
Insurance companies maintain lists of high-risk breeds based on historical claims data showing increased frequencies of expensive conditions. Large breeds like Great Danes and mastiffs face higher premiums because they require larger medication doses, cost more for surgical procedures, and commonly develop bone and joint problems requiring treatment throughout their lives.
Common High-Risk Breeds and Their Typical Conditions
Brachycephalic breeds: French Bulldogs, Bulldogs, pugs, and Pekingese suffer from breathing problems, eye injuries, and heat sensitivity, requiring frequent veterinary intervention.
Giant breeds: Great Danes, Mastiffs, and Bernese mountain dogs develop orthopedic issues, bloat, and heart conditions that generate substantial claims.
Breeds with cancer predisposition: Golden retrievers, boxers, and Bernese mountain dogs have significantly higher cancer rates than mixed breeds.
Breeds with joint problems: German shepherds, Labrador retrievers, and rottweilers commonly develop hip dysplasia requiring surgery.
Breeds with chronic conditions: Dachshunds face spinal disc disease, Yorkshire terriers have dental issues and collapsing trachea, and Cavalier King Charles spaniels develop heart disease. French Bulldogs and Labradoodles have allergies.
What Breed-Specific Treatments Cost
"Veterinary specialists are much more available to help our pets than ever before," notes Dr. Petryk. "Specialists have high fees, but thankfully, specialty surgeries can be life-quality altering."
| Condition | Affected Breeds | Treatment Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hip dysplasia (young dogs) | German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Rottweilers | $6,500+ | Hip repair procedures for dogs born with the condition |
| Hip dysplasia (older dogs) | Large breeds with arthritis | $10,000+ | Hip replacement performed in limited locations nationwide |
| Bloat/GDV emergency | German Shepherds, Great Danes, Standard Poodles, Basset Hounds | $3,000-$12,000 | Life-threatening condition requiring immediate surgery |
| Lymphoma treatment | Golden Retrievers, Boxers, Bernese Mountain Dogs | $4,000-$15,000 | Full treatment course over approximately one year |
According to Dr. Petryk, bloat is particularly urgent. "A bloated GDV (gastric dilatation and volvulus) labradoodle is in a life-threatening condition and requires care as fast as possible." She advises owners of deep-chested breeds to know the symptoms and act immediately.
The French Bulldog Insurance Challenge
Dr. Petryk highlights French Bulldogs as a particularly instructive case. "French Bulldogs are extremely popular. When a specific breed hits the top of the popular list, many entrepreneurs suddenly become dog breeders, and the incidence of breed-specific conditions and diseases soars."
Common French Bulldog health challenges:
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS): Breathing difficulties caused by poor genetics require $4,000 to $10,000 in surgery and aftercare; responsible breeders now use respiratory grading schemes to prevent this condition.
Environmental allergies: Inherited allergies cost $200 to $600 monthly to manage, depending on pet size and severity; insurance coverage is excellent if pets are enrolled before symptoms appear.
How Insurers Define Pre-Existing Conditions
Pet insurance companies permanently exclude any illness, injury, or symptom documented before your policy's effective date. They review complete veterinary records when processing claims.
Diagnosed conditions: Any confirmed illness or injury in medical records.
Documented symptoms: Signs of illness, even without a formal diagnosis.
Bilateral conditions: If one side is affected (like a torn ACL in one knee), the other side may be excluded, too.
Dr. Petryk explains: "A specific diagnosis is not needed for a condition to be deemed pre-existing. Signs and symptoms related to the condition are sufficient."
Why Early Symptoms Can Exclude Future Coverage
According to Dr. Petryk, even minor early symptoms can lead to permanent coverage exclusions. She provides this example:
Timeline of a denied ACL claim:
6 months old: Puppy falls off the couch and limps on the left back leg, which is documented in veterinary records.
8 months old: Limps again after chasing a cat; X-rays show nothing; vet lists possible strain, sprain, or bruising.
Owner purchases insurance: Thinking the previous limping was just minor injuries.
2 years old: Dog tears ACL—insurer denies claim, calling it pre-existing based on earlier limping episodes.
Out-of-pocket cost: $6,000-$12,000 per leg.
"There's no specific test for a pulled muscle, strain, or sprain," notes Dr. Petryk. "So was an already weak anterior cruciate ligament the cause for the limp as a puppy? The insurer says yes."
What to Expect When Getting Pet Insurance for High-Risk Breeds
Pet owners with high-risk breeds face three potential outcomes when seeking insurance:
Substantially increased premiums
Coverage with specific exclusions
Complete denial of coverage
Understanding what each means helps you evaluate options realistically. Remember, there's always the option to appeal your denied insurance claim.
Premium increases for risk factors: Breed alone can increase monthly premiums by $20-40 compared to mixed breeds, while age compounds the effect. For example, a 2-year-old golden retriever might pay $50/month while an 8-year-old pays $90/month for identical coverage.
Coverage exclusions and limitations: Some insurers offer policies but exclude specific body systems or conditions. A dog with a history of allergies might receive coverage for accidents and non-allergic illnesses, but have all skin conditions permanently excluded from claims.
Breed restrictions and blacklists: Certain breeds face automatic denials from major insurers. Pit bulls, rottweilers, Doberman pinschers, and wolf hybrids appear on many companies' restricted breed lists, meaning these dogs cannot obtain coverage regardless of individual temperament or health history.
Age cutoffs for enrollment: Most insurers set maximum enrollment ages between 10-14 years, after which new policies become unavailable.
"Breed-specific and pre-existing condition exclusions may mean that pet insurance is not the best way for you to pay for and/or plan for medical expenses," says Dr. Petryk.
"The best way to prepare for expected troubles is to set up a specific savings plan, investigate Care Credit or Scratch Pay, and keep our pet as healthy as possible with regular visits to our veterinarian.
How to Lower Pet Insurance Costs for High-Risk Breeds
Even when facing higher premiums or restrictions, several proven strategies can reduce insurance costs while maintaining meaningful protection for your pet.
Adjust Deductibles and Reimbursement Rates
Increase annual deductibles: Raising your deductible from $250 to $500 or $1,000 reduces monthly premiums by 15-30% while still protecting against catastrophic costs.
Lower reimbursement percentages: Choosing 70% reimbursement instead of 90% decreases premiums but means you pay more out-of-pocket for each claim.
Accept lower annual limits: Policies with $10,000 annual caps cost less than unlimited coverage, providing sufficient protection for most non-catastrophic conditions.
Enroll Before Conditions Develop
Puppies and kittens: Insuring pets before 6 months of age guarantees the lowest premiums and prevents any future conditions from becoming pre-existing exclusions.
Young healthy adults: Enrolling dogs and cats between 1-3 years while still healthy ensures comprehensive coverage before age-related premium increases begin.
Before veterinary visits: If considering insurance, enroll before your pet's next checkup to avoid having newly discovered conditions documented as pre-existing.
"Insure puppies and kittens as early as possible for the most comprehensive protection," advises Dr. Petryk. "Work with responsible breeders and ensure your pet is healthy from the start. Even minor symptoms can become pre-existing conditions.
For example, a labradoodle puppy with itchy skin from scratches during play could have allergies marked as pre-existing, permanently excluding coverage. Ensure any symptoms are thoroughly documented as temporary injuries, or wait until your puppy is completely healthy before bringing them home."
Consider Limited Benefit or Accident-Only Plans
Accident-only coverage: These policies cost 40-60% less than comprehensive plans but still protect against emergencies like broken bones, poisoning, or foreign body ingestion.
Limited benefit plans: Some insurers offer policies with lower annual maximums ($5,000-$10,000) at reduced premiums that cover most emergencies without unlimited protection.
Illness-only options: For breeds with known accident risks, illness-focused policies might provide better value than comprehensive coverage.
Which Pet Insurance Companies Accept High-Risk Breeds?
Several insurance companies offer coverage for high-risk breeds when major carriers turn you away. Here's how different providers approach breed coverage:
| Provider | Best For | Key Advantage for High-Risk Breeds | Monthly Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Figo | French Bulldogs | Lower premiums for Frenchies; Costco, military, and multi-pet discounts | $50-$120+ |
| Spot | Senior high-risk breeds | No upper age limits; covers behavioral issues | $60-$140+ |
| ASPCA Pet Health | Orthopedic issues | 14-day waiting period for cruciate ligament injuries (vs. 30+ days elsewhere); curable pre-existing conditions covered after 180 days | $45-$110+ |
| Pets Best | Budget flexibility | Three-tier customizable plans | $40-$100+ |
| Embrace | Chronic conditions | Unlimited annual coverage option; covers hereditary conditions | $55-$130+ |
| Trupanion | Direct payment | Vet Direct Pay option; covers hereditary conditions | $60-$150+ |
| Healthy Paws | Simplicity | Hereditary conditions included in standard policies | $50-$120+ |
| Pumpkin | Rate stability | Premiums don't increase after claims; covers anxiety treatment | $55-$125+ |
Dr. Petryk explains: "Pet insurance companies employ actuaries to determine insurance premiums. The formulas include factors such as your zip code and the ready availability of specialty care in your neighborhood.
"Owners of high-risk breeds should expect to pay over $100 monthly for insurance," warns Dr. Petryk. "At that price, the coverage is still worth it. If your pet stays healthy, your premiums help cover expensive treatments for other pets who aren't as lucky."
Pro tip: ASPCA Pet Health and Spot offer the shortest waiting periods for curable pre-existing conditions—just 180 days symptom-free. Conditions like urinary tract infections, ear infections, or diarrhea might become eligible for coverage if fully resolved.
What Are the Alternatives to Traditional Pet Insurance?
When traditional pet insurance is unaffordable or unavailable, several alternatives provide financial protection for veterinary care.
| Option | Cost | What It Covers | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive pet insurance | $50-90/month | Accidents, illnesses, emergencies (up to unlimited) | Accidents, illnesses, emergencies |
| Emergency savings fund | Save $50-100/month | Whatever you need (amount saved) | Disciplined savers with stable income |
| Wellness plans | $30-60/month | Vaccines, exams, dental cleanings only | Routine preventive care needs |
| CareCredit | $0 upfront | 0% interest financing (6-24 months) | Unexpected emergencies needing payment plans |
| Scratchpay | $0 upfront | Point-of-care financing with flexible terms | Emergency expenses with credit approval |
| Veterinary payment plans | Varies by clinic | In-house financing for specific treatments | Established clients at participating clinics |
| Low-cost vaccination clinics | $15-25 per visit | Core vaccines only | Routine vaccinations |
| Veterinary schools | 30-50% discount | Full veterinary services at reduced rates | Non-emergency care, budget-conscious owners |
| Nonprofit clinics | Sliding scale fees | Basic to comprehensive care based on location | Qualifying pet owners needing affordable care |
"Saving $100 monthly for 10 years gives you $12,000. That barely covers one major health crisis, like a slipped disc, lymphoma treatment, or severe pancreatitis, says Dr. Petryk. With advances in veterinary care, traditional pet insurance provides invaluable peace of mind."
What Questions Should You Ask Before Buying Pet Insurance?
Before purchasing any policy, especially for high-risk breeds, ask these critical questions:
Pre-Existing Conditions
How do you define pre-existing conditions? Confirm whether bilateral conditions, related conditions, and symptom-based exclusions apply.
Do you review all veterinary records? Understand what medical history the insurer examines when processing claims.
Can curable conditions become covered? Determine if conditions might qualify after symptom-free waiting periods.
Coverage Limits
What are the annual coverage caps? Know whether your policy limits coverage to $5,000, $10,000, or unlimited per year.
Are there per-condition maximums? Some policies cap reimbursement at $3,000 for cruciate ligament repair or $5,000 for cancer treatment.
Do limits reset annually? Confirm whether limits refresh each year or accumulate as lifetime maximums.
Breed and Age Restrictions
Is my specific breed covered? Ask directly rather than assuming general acceptance.
Are there age limitations for renewal? Ensure you can continue coverage as your pet ages.
What documentation is required? Understand verification requirements for mixed breeds or adopted pets.
Pro tip: Ask your veterinarian what pre-existing conditions might not be covered for your specific pet and whether insurance is a good investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will pet insurance cover my pit bull or rottweiler?
Some insurers, like State Farm and USAA, don't restrict coverage by breed and evaluate dogs individually based on behavior. However, many major carriers maintain breed restriction lists that automatically exclude certain dogs regardless of temperament or training.
Can I get insurance if my pet already has a chronic condition?
No, pre-existing conditions are permanently excluded from all pet insurance policies. However, you can get coverage for any new conditions that develop after enrollment, making insurance still valuable even with existing health issues.
How much more expensive is insurance for high-risk breeds?
Premiums for high-risk breeds typically cost 50-100% more than mixed breeds. A mixed-breed dog paying $35/month might face $50-70/month for identical coverage as a golden retriever or German shepherd.
Do wellness plans replace pet insurance?
No, wellness plans only cover routine preventive care like vaccines and exams, not accidents or illnesses. They work as supplements to insurance or alternatives for owners focused solely on preventive care costs.
The Bottom Line
Finding pet insurance for a high-risk breed or pet with health issues feels impossible, but you have more options than you think. The best move is getting coverage while your pet is young and healthy.
Do this before any conditions develop that could be excluded. If traditional insurance is out of reach, accident-only policies, emergency savings funds, and payment plans like CareCredit can still protect you from devastating vet bills.
Methodology
- Expert verification: All claims and recommendations in this article have been reviewed by Dr. Denise Petryk, Relief Veterinarian with experience in both emergency and general practice settings. Breed-specific health insights and cost estimates reflect typical pricing observed in clinical practice and may vary by geographic location and veterinary facility.
- Insurance provider data: Coverage details, breed restrictions, and policy features are compiled from publicly available information from pet insurance companies' websites, policy documents, and state insurance regulations.
- Alternative financing options: Information on CareCredit, Scratchpay, low-cost clinics, and veterinary payment plans is based on current program terms and typical availability. Costs may vary by location and individual circumstances.
