Best Pet Insurance For Akitas In 2024

Akitas, cherished for their gentle temperament and intelligence, are popular working breeds. Originating from Japan, they excel in various roles, including guarding, hunting, and family companionship, owing to their trainability and loyalty. With a dense double coat, they come in several colors, including white, brindle, and pinto.

Energetic and sociable, Akitas thrive in active households and enjoy engaging in outdoor adventures. Their strong protective instinct and natural hunting ability make them exceptional guard and hunting dogs. As devoted companions, Akitas form strong bonds with their families, displaying affectionate and loyal behavior. Renowned for their strength and versatility, Akitas remain adored as cherished breeds worldwide.

If you own an Akita, you’re undoubtedly concerned about its health and well-being. As a pure breed, an Akita is more likely to suffer from genetic health issues than mixed-breed dogs. Unfortunately, 4 out of 5 pet parents can’t pay for an unexpected $500 veterinary bill out-of-pocket. However, pet insurance will help you reduce your financial risk.

In this review, we’ll look at some of the top pet insurers for Akitas and help you pick the policy that best meets your needs. You’ll find that pet insurance is much like personal health insurance; it provides better treatment options and limits out-of-pocket costs. But unlike private health insurance, it won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

Common health issues for Akitas

Purebred dogs, including Akitas, often have a predisposition to certain health concerns. Over time, some breeders may have overlooked genetic considerations during Akita breeding, resulting in widespread health issues within the Akita population. Generally, Akitas are more vulnerable to genetic ailments compared to other breeds.

These are some of the most prevalent health issues observed in Akitas:

• Hip dysplasia
• Elbow dysplasia
• Progressive retinal atrophy
• Hypothyroidism
• Autoimmune disorders

Elbow Dysplasia

Elbow dysplasia is a common orthopedic condition affecting Akitas, characterized by an abnormality in the development of the elbow joint. It involves several developmental abnormalities that cause pain, lameness, and reduced mobility in the affected leg. This condition can be hereditary or caused by rapid growth during puppyhood. Treatment typically involves a combination of pain management, weight control, physical therapy, and, in severe cases, surgical intervention to alleviate discomfort and enhance joint function.

The cost of treating elbow dysplasia in dogs can range from $1,500 to $4,000 or more, depending on the severity of the condition and the recommended treatment.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a prevalent health issue in Akitas, impacting the hip joint’s functionality. It’s a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit properly into the hip socket, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Over time, this malformation can lead to arthritis and hinder the dog’s ability to move comfortably. While it can’t be cured, management often involves pain relief, weight management, exercise modifications, and sometimes surgery to improve the dog’s quality of life and slow the progression of the disease.

The cost of treating hip dysplasia in dogs can range from $1,200 to $14,000 or more, depending on the severity of the condition, the recommended treatment, and whether one or both hips are affected.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a degenerative eye disorder found in Akitas, resulting in gradual vision loss and, in severe cases, blindness. It’s an inherited condition where the cells in the retina degenerate over time, leading to impaired vision and eventual blindness. Unfortunately, there’s no cure for PRA. Regular eye check-ups and monitoring can help manage the disease, but it’s essential for breeders to screen for PRA to prevent its spread in the Akita population.

In some cases, treatment may not be available, and the focus may be on managing the dog’s condition and providing supportive care.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder in Akitas, where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. This can result in weight gain, lethargy, skin issues, and a decreased metabolism. While it’s a manageable condition through lifelong medication, if left untreated, it can significantly impact the Akita’s overall health and quality of life. Regular monitoring and proper medication are crucial to keep the thyroid levels in check and manage the symptoms effectively.

In some cases, treatment may involve lifelong medication, which can range from $20 to $50 per month.

Autoimmune Disorders

Autoimmune disorders are a group of conditions in Akitas where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own cells and tissues. Conditions like immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, lupus, or autoimmune thyroiditis can manifest, causing a range of symptoms depending on the specific disorder. Diagnosis involves thorough testing and evaluation, and treatment often includes immune-suppressing medications to manage the immune response and alleviate symptoms. A proactive approach is crucial in managing autoimmune disorders in Akitas.

Treatment may involve medication, regular check-ups, and monitoring, which can range from $500 to $2,000 or more per year.

Average cost of pet insurance for Akitas

Average cost of typical vet procedures

Average cost of emergency vet procedures

Is pet insurance worth it for Akitas?

Pet insurance protects against unexpected veterinary bills. Many pet owners pay out-of-pocket for their pet’s medical expenses, but most Americans can’t afford a $1500 emergency vet bill. The right pet insurance can literally be a lifesaver. Having coverage will give you the freedom to make medical decisions for your furry family member based on the quality of life, not finances.

The value of pet insurance is largely based on your expectations. If your pet is currently undergoing treatment for a chronic condition and you would like help with the cost of the treatment, you will likely be disappointed as no company in our review covers preexisting conditions.

But, if you understand your policy and what it does and doesn’t cover and have a policy that fits your budget and needs, you are far more likely to consider the policy worth it.

How to find the best pet insurance company for you

The costs and types of pet insurance plans available on the market vary by company, making choosing one over the others challenging. To find the best plan for your pet, consider these tips before applying for coverage:

Check whether your pet is eligible

Puppies and kittens often must be a minimum of 6 to 10 weeks old to be insured, depending on the company. Senior pets may not be eligible for first-time enrollment with some companies, or they may qualify for accident coverage only. Once the pet is enrolled, though, most plans will offer coverage for life as long as you continue paying the premiums.

Research what’s covered

Pet insurance plans typically cover expenses like surgery, hospitalization and medication if your pet gets sick or hurt. However, there are certain things that some companies charge extra for or won’t cover at all. Here are a few examples:

• Exam fees. Say your dog breaks her leg. Some plans will reimburse expenses like X-rays,  surgery and pain medication, but not the vet’s exam fee.
• Alternative treatments and rehabilitation. Some companies include coverage for things like acupuncture and physical therapy in their standard plans. Others charge extra.
• Behavioral therapies. Not all policies cover veterinary treatment for aggression or other behavioral issues.
• Prescription food. Certain plans won’t cover food or supplements at all, even if your vet prescribes them for a covered condition.
• Dental care. Pet insurance plans vary widely when it comes to caring for your pet’s teeth. For example, your policy may not cover dental illnesses such as gingivitis or periodontal disease. Alternatively, it may cover them only if your pet has had a recent tooth cleaning. Some add-on wellness plans pay for cleanings.

Note that pet insurance policies usually won’t cover pre-existing conditions, cosmetic procedures, or breeding expenses.

Decide how much coverage you want

Most pet insurance plans cap the amount they pay out per year, although some have no annual limit. Only you can decide the amount that gives you reasonable peace of mind for paying vet bills.

If your dog or cat is relatively healthy, you might go years without paying for anything but routine care. But an unexpected surgery or serious illness could add up to thousands of dollars in expenses.

Understand reimbursements and deductibles

Most pet insurance plans reimburse you for a percentage of your vet bill. You can generally choose a reimbursement level — such as 70%, 80% or 90% — when you buy the plan.

Other plans pay what the insurance company deems a standard fee for a given treatment, which might be less than what your vet charges. You’d be responsible for the remainder.

Most plans also have a deductible — the dollar amount you pay out of pocket before the policy pays. You can usually choose from a range of deductibles, such as $100, $250, or more. Some plans apply deductibles to each injury or illness that’s treated. Most have you pay the deductible every year.

Generally, the lower your out-of-pocket costs are, the more you’ll pay for coverage. Alower deductible and higher reimbursement rate can lead to a higher premium, while a higher deductible and lower reimbursement rate can mean a lower premium.

Check waiting periods

Most plans include short waiting periods after you purchase the policy for general accident and illness coverage, such as 14 days. Your plan won’t pay for any treatment during the waiting period.

Some plans include longer waiting periods for coverage of certain conditions, such as cruciate ligament injuries — a common orthopedic problem for dogs. The cruciate ligaments help stabilize the knee; when injured, it can make it difficult for a dog to walk.

Examine extra costs

Some pet insurance companies offer coverage for routine services such as well visits and vaccinations. While this may sound tempting, do the math to determine whether it’s worth the extra cost. Compare the annual price of the wellness insurance plan with the amount you’d pay each year on your own for services the plan covers. Read the details because the items covered for “wellness” vary by pet insurance company.

Compare Quotes

The cost of insurance varies by carrier and the amount of coverage. Some pet insurers offer discounts; you might be able to save money by insuring more than one pet, for example. But a discount doesn’t guarantee the plan is the best deal.

The only way to find the best insurance for your pet is to dig into the details and get quotes for several plans. Make sure you’re making a fair comparison with similar coverage amounts, deductibles, and reimbursement limits.

Factors that impact cost of your pet insurance policy

Similar to your health insurance plan, your pet insurance price is going to vary depending on certain factors, such as:

• Where you live. Pet insurance companies take the cost of vet care in your area into account when pricing your policy.
• Your pet’s age. Because older animals are more likely to have health problems, their premiums are generally higher.
• Your pet’s breed. Certain breeds are more prone to health issues. For example, bulldogs and Boston terriers often develop breathing problems, while German Shepherds and other large breeds are more likely than others to get hip dysplasia. These potential problems may be reflected in the cost of your pet insurance plan.
• Your deductibles, coinsurance and coverage limits. The less you’re willing to pay out of pocket for your pet’s care, the higher your pet insurance premium will be. For instance, choosing a $100 deductible instead of a $500 one means your plan will start reimbursing you sooner for your pet’s care — but it’ll cost you more in premiums.