Best Pet Insurance For Australian Cattle Dogs In 2024

Australian Cattle Dogs, cherished for their vibrant personality and cleverness, are beloved herding breeds. Originating from Australia, they were bred for their excellent herding abilities and work ethic. Cloaked in a short, weather-resistant double coat, they showcase distinctive blue or red speckling patterns.

Energetic and sociable, Australian Cattle Dogs thrive in active families and relish outdoor adventures. Their exceptional herding skills and agility make them outstanding working dogs. As devoted companions, Australian Cattle Dogs form strong bonds with their families, displaying alertness and playful behavior. Renowned for their resilience and adaptability, Australian Cattle Dogs remain adored working breeds worldwide.

If you own an Australian Cattle Dog, you’re undoubtedly concerned about its health and well-being. As a pure breed, an Australian Cattle Dog 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 Australian Cattle Dogs 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 Australian Cattle Dogs

Purebred dogs, including Australian Cattle Dogs, tend to be prone to health issues. Over the years, some breeders have neglected genetics when breeding Australian Cattle Dogs, creating issues that filter down throughout the Australian Cattle Dog population. In general, Australian Cattle Dogs are more susceptible to genetic problems than other breeds.

These are some of the most common health issues for Australian Cattle Dogs:

• Hip dysplasia
• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
• Deafness
• Arthritis
• Elbow dysplasia

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a prevalent health issue in Australian Cattle Dogs, 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. While it can’t be cured, management often involves weight management, exercise modification, anti-inflammatory medication, and sometimes surgery.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Progressive retinal atrophy is a degenerative eye disorder found in Australian Cattle Dogs, resulting in gradual vision loss and, in severe cases, blindness. It’s an inherited condition where the cells in the retina degenerate, leading to impaired vision and eventual blindness. While there’s no cure for PRA, regular eye check-ups and monitoring can help manage the disease. Responsible breeding practices and routine eye examinations are essential to identify affected dogs and prevent the spread of this condition within the Australian Cattle Dog population.

Deafness

Deafness is a prevalent health issue in Australian Cattle Dogs, particularly those with a white coat. It can be congenital or acquired and may affect one or both ears. While it poses communication challenges, adapting to visual cues and hand signals can help the dog lead a fulfilling life. Regular check-ups and communication training are essential for a deaf Australian Cattle Dog’s well-being.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a common ailment in Australian Cattle Dogs, especially as they age. It involves the inflammation of the joints, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. While it can’t be cured, various treatments like pain management, joint supplements, and physical therapy can help alleviate discomfort and improve the dog’s quality of life.

Elbow Dysplasia

Elbow dysplasia is a common orthopedic issue in Australian Cattle Dogs, involving an abnormality in the development of the elbow joint. It comprises several developmental abnormalities that cause pain, lameness, and limited range of motion. It can be hereditary or caused by rapid growth during puppyhood. Treatment often involves pain management, weight control, physical therapy, and, in severe cases, surgical intervention. Proper care, regular exercise, and early intervention can significantly improve the affected Australian Cattle Dog’s comfort and mobility.

Average cost of pet insurance for Australian Cattle Dogs 

Average cost of typical vet procedures

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.

Average cost of emergency vet procedures  

Is pet insurance worth it for Australian Cattle Dogs?

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.

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.