Best Pet Insurance For Boston Terriers In 2024

It’s concerning that 80% of pet owners can’t cover an unplanned $500 vet bill. This is exactly where pet insurance comes into play, offering financial security.

In this evaluation, we’ll review the leading pet insurance providers for Boston Terriers, helping you choose the best plan. Pet insurance, like human health coverage, allows for better treatment while capping costs.

Average Cost Of Pet Insurance For Boston Terriers

Average Cost Of Typical Vet Procedures

Average Cost Of Emergency Vet Procedures

Is Pet Insurance Worth It For Boston Terriers?

Pet insurance serves as a buffer against unexpected vet bills. While many pet parents can cover their pet’s medical costs, a substantial number of Americans find it difficult to pay a $1,500 emergency vet bill. The right insurance provides a financial safety net, allowing you to focus on your pet’s well-being rather than financial constraints.

The perceived value of pet insurance varies based on your expectations. If your pet is currently being treated for a chronic issue and you’re seeking financial assistance, you may be disappointed, as no insurers in our review cover pre-existing conditions. However, if you fully understand your policy, its coverage limits, and how it fits into your budget, you’re more likely to see it as a beneficial investment.

Factors That Impact Cost Of Your Pet Insurance Policy

The cost of your pet insurance can vary much like health insurance due to specific factors, including:

• Location: Pet insurance companies consider the local veterinary care costs when setting your policy price.
• Pet’s Age: Older pets are generally more prone to health issues, which often results in increased premiums.
• Pet’s Breed: Certain breeds, like bulldogs and Boston terriers, tend to have respiratory problems, while larger breeds such as Pugs are at a greater risk for hip dysplasia. These breed-specific risks can influence your insurance costs.
• Deductibles, Coinsurance, and Coverage Limits: The less you want to pay out of pocket for your pet’s care, the higher your premiums will be. For instance, selecting a lower deductible like $100 instead of $500 means quicker reimbursements but higher costs overall.

How To Find The Best Pet Insurance Company For You

The different expenses and coverage options available in pet insurance plans can make choosing the right one difficult. To help you navigate this process, consider these tips before finalizing your selection:

Check Whether Your Pet Is Eligible

To obtain insurance, puppies and kittens typically must be at least 6 to 10 weeks old, depending on the provider. Some companies might not accept senior pets for initial enrollment, or they may restrict them to accident coverage only. Once enrolled, however, most plans provide lifelong coverage as long as you maintain your premium payments.

Research What’s Covered

Pet insurance typically covers expenses like surgery, hospital visits, and medications when your pet needs care due to illness or injury. However, some companies may charge extra for certain items or exclude them entirely. Here are some examples:

• Exam fees: For example, if your dog has a broken leg, while some plans may cover X-rays, surgery, and pain medication, they might not cover the examination fee charged by the vet.
• Alternative treatments and rehab: Some insurance plans include coverage for alternative treatments, such as acupuncture and physical therapy, while others may charge an extra fee for these services.
• Behavioral therapies: Not every plan covers treatments for behavioral issues like aggression.
• Prescription food: Some plans may exclude coverage for prescription diets or supplements, even if a vet prescribes them for a covered issue.
• Dental care: Coverage for dental health can vary significantly among pet insurance plans. Some may not cover conditions like gum disease or dental problems, while others might require recent dental cleanings for coverage. Some wellness add-ons may include dental cleaning coverage. Keep in mind that pet insurance generally does not cover pre-existing conditions, cosmetic surgeries, or costs related to breeding.

Decide How Much Coverage You Want

Most pet insurance policies have a maximum annual payout, although some do not have this limit. It’s important for you to select a coverage level that ensures you feel secure regarding vet bills. If your dog or cat remains healthy, you might go years with expenses only for regular checkups. However, unexpected surgeries or severe health issues can lead to vet bills that escalate into the thousands.

Understand Reimbursements And Deductibles

Most pet insurance plans will reimburse you for a portion of your veterinary expenses. When you purchase a policy, you typically have the option to choose your reimbursement rate, often set at 70%, 80%, or 90%. On the flip side, some plans specify a fixed fee for certain treatments that might be lower than what your vet charges, requiring you to cover the excess.

Almost every plan includes a deductible, which is the amount you pay out of pocket before the insurance begins to cover costs. You usually get to choose from various deductible amounts, such as $100 or $250. Some plans may require a deductible for each condition your pet has, while most only require it to be paid once a year. Generally, opting for a lower deductible and higher reimbursement will lead to higher premiums, while a higher deductible and lower reimbursement will reduce your premiums.

Check Waiting Periods

Following the purchase of a policy, there’s generally a brief waiting period, usually about 14 days, before full coverage for accidents and illnesses becomes effective. Treatments are not covered during this initial period. Some plans may impose longer waiting periods for certain conditions like cruciate ligament injuries, which impact a dog’s knee stability and movement

Examine Extra Costs

Certain pet insurance companies offer coverage for routine services like check-ups and vaccinations. While this might be appealing, it’s essential to consider if the extra cost is truly worth it. Compare the annual expense of the wellness insurance plan to what you would normally spend on those services annually. Make sure to carefully examine the details, as what qualifies as “wellness” can vary among pet insurance providers.

Compare Quotes

The cost of pet insurance can vary depending on the provider and the extent of coverage you choose. Some pet insurance companies provide discounts if you insure multiple pets, potentially reducing expenses. However, discounts alone don’t guarantee the best plan. To find the right insurance for your pet, it’s essential to research and compare quotes from different plans. Ensure you conduct an impartial comparison, considering coverage levels, deductibles, and reimbursement limits.

Common Health Issues For Boston Terriers

Purebred Boston Terriers are often prone to breed-specific health issues, many of which are genetic. Some breeders may not have considered genetic factors in their practices, leading to broader issues within the Boston Terrier breed. As a result, Boston Terriers are more susceptible to genetic problems than other breeds. Here are some common health concerns Boston Terriers face:

• Cancer (Oral Melanoma, Mast Cell Tumors)
• Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)
• Patellar Luxation
• Hip Dysplasia, Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease
• Corneal Ulcers, Entropion, Dry Eye
• Skin Fold Dermatitis, Infections