Best Pet Insurance For American Staffordshires In 2024

It’s alarming to learn that 80% of pet owners are unprepared for an unplanned $500 vet bill. Pet insurance steps in as a financial safeguard.

In this article, we’ll go over the best pet insurance companies for American Staffordshire, helping you find the right policy for your needs. Just like human health insurance, pet insurance allows for better care options while limiting costs.

Average cost of pet insurance for American Staffordshires 

Average cost of typical vet procedures

Average cost of emergency vet procedures  

Is pet insurance worth it for American Staffordshires?

Pet insurance serves as a safeguard against unexpected vet bills. Although many pet owners can cover their pets’ medical expenses, a large portion of Americans struggles with a $1,500 emergency vet charge. With the right insurance, you can prioritize your furry friend’s health without worrying about financial limits. The value of pet insurance often depends on your expectations.

If your pet is currently being treated for a chronic condition and you hope to receive assistance, you might be disappointed since no companies in our review cover pre-existing conditions. However, if you understand your policy and align it with your needs and budget, you’re more likely to see it as a wise investment.

How to find the best pet insurance company for you

With so many companies offering different costs and features in their pet insurance plans, selecting the right option can be overwhelming. To help you find the best fit for your pet, keep these recommendations in mind before finalizing your choice:

Check whether your pet is eligible

For puppies and kittens, getting insurance usually means they must be at least 6 to 10 weeks old, depending on the provider. Some insurers may limit first-time enrollment for senior pets or restrict them to accident coverage only. However, after enrollment, most plans ensure lifelong coverage as long as premium payments continue.

Research what’s covered

In most cases, pet insurance plans cover costs related to surgeries, hospital stays, and medications for pets that fall ill or get injured. However, some companies might charge extra for certain services or not cover them at all. Here are a few examples:

• Exam fees: For instance, if your dog breaks a leg, some plans might cover the cost of X-rays, surgery, and pain medication, but they might not cover the exam fee charged by the vet.
• Alternative treatments and rehab: Some plans may include coverage for treatments like acupuncture and physical therapy, while others may impose additional charges for these services.
• Behavioral therapies: Many insurance plans do not cover veterinary treatments for behavioral problems such as aggression.
• Prescription food: Certain plans might not cover food or supplements that are prescribed by a vet for a covered condition.
• Dental care: Coverage for dental health can differ significantly among pet insurance plans. Some may not cover conditions like gum disease or dental issues, and coverage might depend on whether your pet has had recent cleanings. Some wellness options may cover these cleanings. Remember that pet insurance generally does not cover pre-existing conditions, cosmetic procedures, or breeding costs.

Decide how much coverage you want

While most pet insurance plans include a limit on annual payouts, a handful offer coverage without a cap. You should decide on a coverage amount that allows you to feel secure regarding vet bills. If your dog or cat stays healthy, you might go years with minimal expenses beyond routine visits. However, unexpected surgeries or serious illnesses can lead to costs that run into the thousands.

Understand reimbursements and deductibles

Most pet insurance plans reimburse a portion of your veterinary expenses. When you choose a policy, you typically decide on a reimbursement rate like 70%, 80%, or 90%. However,some plans have fixed payments for specific treatments, which may not cover your vet’s charges, requiring you to cover the excess.

Almost all policies include a deductible, which is the amount you pay before the insurance starts to cover costs. You often have a selection of different deductibles, such as $100 or $250. Some plans require a separate deductible for each condition, while most just require it to be paid once a year.

Generally, if you choose a lower deductible and higher reimbursement, you’ll pay higher premiums, but opting for a higher deductible with lower reimbursement will decrease your premiums.

Check waiting periods

Most insurance policies include a brief waiting period after purchase, typically around 14 days, before offering full coverage for accidents and illnesses. During this period, treatments are not covered. Longer waiting periods may be specified for particular conditions like cruciate ligament injuries, which impact a dog’s knee stability and movement.

Examine extra costs

A few pet insurance companies provide coverage for routine services like check-ups and vaccinations. While this may sound appealing, it’s crucial to evaluate if the additional cost is justified. Compare the annual expense of the wellness insurance plan to your typical annual expenditure on these services. Make sure to review the specifics carefully, as definitions of “wellness” can differ among pet insurance providers.

Compare Quotes

Pet insurance expenses vary based on the provider and the level of coverage chosen. Some companies extend discounts for insuring multiple pets, which could lead to savings. However, discounts alone don’t guarantee the best plan. To find the most suitable pet insurance, research and gather quotes from various plans. Ensure you compare them objectively, considering coverage levels, deductibles, and reimbursement limits.

Factors that impact cost of your pet insurance policy

Much like with human health insurance, the cost of pet insurance can change based on various factors, including:

• Location: Insurance companies consider the local costs of veterinary care when calculating your policy’s price.
• Pet’s Age: Older pets typically have a higher risk of health issues, which can lead to higher premiums.
• Pet’s Breed: Certain breeds have a higher likelihood of health problems. For example, bulldogs and Boston terriers often deal with respiratory issues, while larger breeds like Pugs face a greater risk of hip dysplasia. These health risks can affect the price of your pet insurance.
• Deductibles, Coinsurance, and Coverage Limits: The less you want to pay out-of-pocket for your pet’s care, the higher your insurance premiums are likely to be. For example, selecting a $100 deductible instead of a $500 one will provide quicker reimbursements but at a higher cost.

Common health issues for American Staffordshires

Health problems stemming from genetic issues are common in purebred American Staffordshire. This can be due to breeders who may not have prioritized genetic factors in their breeding practices, leading to issues that are more prevalent in the breed. American Staffordshire are more likely to suffer from these problems compared to other dog breeds. Here’s a list of common health concerns in American Staffordshire:

• 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