Best Pet Insurance For Old English Sheepdogs In 2024

It’s shocking that 80% of pet owners are financially unprepared for a sudden $500 vet expense. That’s where pet insurance steps in, providing essential financial relief.

In this guide, we’ll explore the leading pet insurance providers for Old English Sheepdogs, helping you choose the policy that best fits your needs. Like personal health coverage, pet insurance helps ensure better care while keeping costs manageable.

Average cost of pet insurance for Old English Sheepdogs 

Average cost of typical vet procedures

Average cost of emergency vet procedures  

Is pet insurance worth it for Old English Sheepdogs? 

Pet insurance offers a protective layer against unexpected veterinary expenses. While many pet owners can cover their pets’ medical bills, a significant number of Americans struggle with a $1,500 emergency vet cost. The right pet insurance acts as a safety net, empowering you to prioritize your furry friend’s health without financial stress.

The value of pet insurance is subjective and depends on your expectations. If your pet has a chronic condition and you’re looking for help with treatment costs, you might be let down, as no companies in our review cover pre-existing conditions. However, if you understand your policy and how it fits within your budget and needs, you’re more likely to view it as a valuable investment.

How to find the best pet insurance company for you

Selecting the right pet insurance can be complicated due to the differences in costs and options offered by various companies. To help you find the best plan for your pet, keep these essential guidelines in mind before making your final choice:

Check whether your pet is eligible

To secure insurance, young puppies and kittens usually need to be at least 6 to 10 weeks old, depending on the company. Some providers may restrict initial enrollment for senior pets or offer only accident coverage. However, once your pet is enrolled, most plans provide lifelong coverage as long as you maintain your premium payments.

Research what’s covered

Most pet insurance plans cover expenses such as surgeries, hospital stays, and medications for sick or injured pets. However, there are certain things that some companies might charge extra for or not cover at all. Here are a few examples:

• Exam fees: For instance, if your dog breaks a leg, while some plans might pay for X-rays, surgery, and pain medications, they might not cover the veterinarian’s exam fee.
• Alternative treatments and rehab: Some plans include alternative treatments like acupuncture and physical therapy, while others might require an additional charge.
• Behavioral therapies: Many plans do not cover treatments for behavioral issues like aggression.
• Prescription food: Certain plans might exclude food or supplements, even if prescribed by the vet for a covered condition.
• Dental care: Pet insurance varies in its approach to dental care. Some might not cover conditions like gum disease or tooth problems. In some cases, coverage might depend on recent teeth cleanings. Some wellness add-ons may pay for cleanings. Remember, pet insurance usually doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions, cosmetic procedures, or breeding costs.

Decide How Much Coverage You Want

Many pet insurance policies have a maximum annual payout, but some provide unlimited coverage options. It’s important for you to choose a coverage amount that makes you feel secure about handling vet expenses. If your dog or cat is healthy, you may go years without having to pay anything beyond routine checkups. However, unexpected surgeries or significant illnesses can result in veterinary costs that can reach into the thousands.

Understand reimbursements and deductibles

In pet insurance, most plans reimburse a portion of your veterinary costs. When you choose a policy, you typically select a reimbursement level, such as 70%, 80%, or 90%. Conversely, some plans may only cover specific treatments at a fixed rate, which could be less than your vet charges, meaning you’ll have to cover the remaining amount.

Almost all plans also include a deductible, which is what you pay upfront before coverage begins. You generally have a choice among different deductibles, like $100 or $250. Some plans apply the deductible to each condition, while most only require it to be paid once a year. Typically, opting for a lower deductible and higher reimbursement results in higher premiums, whereas a higher deductible with lower reimbursement leads to lower premiums.

Check waiting periods

Insurance plans generally impose a brief waiting period after purchase, typically around 14 days, before providing comprehensive coverage for accidents and illnesses. During this period, treatments are not covered. Longer waiting periods may be required for specific conditions like cruciate ligament injuries, which can affect a dog’s knee stability and mobility.

Examine extra costs

Several pet insurance providers offer coverage for regular services like check-ups and vaccinations. While this might sound appealing, it’s important to consider if the added cost is really worth it. Compare the yearly cost of the wellness insurance plan to what you typically spend for those services each year. Make sure to carefully review the specifics, as definitions of “wellness” may vary among pet insurance providers.

Compare Quotes

Pet insurance prices vary depending on the provider and the coverage level chosen. Certain insurers offer discounts for insuring multiple pets, potentially reducing costs. However, discounts alone don’t guarantee the best plan. To find the most appropriate pet insurance, research and compare quotes from different plans. Be sure to conduct an impartial comparison, considering coverage levels, deductibles, and reimbursement limits.

Common health issues for Old English Sheepdogs

Purebred Old English Sheepdogs often face health challenges linked to genetics. In some cases, breeders may have ignored these concerns, which has led to health issues becoming more common in the Old English Sheepdog breed. Old English Sheepdogs are generally more prone to genetic problems than other breeds. Below are some of the most frequent health concerns in Old English Sheepdogs:

• 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

Factors that impact cost of your pet insurance policy

The cost of pet insurance can vary significantly, much like health insurance, based on certain factors, including:

• Location: Pet insurance providers consider local veterinary expenses when setting your policy’s price.
• Pet’s Age: Older pets tend to be more prone to health problems, which can lead to higher premiums.
• Pet’s Breed: Some breeds are more likely to have health issues. For instance, bulldogs and Boston terriers often deal with respiratory difficulties, while larger breeds like Pugs are more susceptible to hip dysplasia. These breed-specific concerns can impact the cost of your insurance.
• Deductibles, Coinsurance, and Coverage Limits: If you prefer to minimize out-of-pocket expenses for your pet’s care, you may end up paying higher premiums. For example, a lower deductible of $100 compared to $500 means you’ll get reimbursed faster, but you’ll also pay more in premiums.