Best Pet Insurance for Bulldogs

Bulldogs are among the most expensive breeds to insure due to common breed-related health issues. But don’t let that stop you from giving your beloved bully the coverage she deserves.

We’ve put together a list of affordable and comprehensive pet insurance providers for bulldogs, so you’ll know your pooch is always covered in case of an unexpected injury or illness.

Why Do Bulldogs Cost More to Insure?

Both English and French bulldogs are twice as expensive to insure than lower-cost purebreds and mixed breeds, sometimes as much as $500 a year more. Why? Because medical costs to treat common bulldog ailments can be quite costly.

Like many purebred dogs, bulldogs are at a higher risk of suffering from breed-related health issues due to overbreeding. Some traits have been bred out, while others were bred in to achieve the bulldog we know and love today. That adorable flat face, for example, can contribute to respiratory problems.

While this doesn’t make a bulldog any less enchanting, it does put her at a higher risk of developing specific physical ailments as she ages. Common bulldog health issues include:

• Respiratory problems like Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome
• Hip dysplasia and other joint disorders
• Eye conditions like cherry eye
• Temperature regulation issues
• Allergies and skin problems
• Autoimmune disorders
• Thyroid and cardiac disease
• Cancer

Why is Pet Insurance a Good Idea?

Many bulldog owners agree that health issues aren’t an “if” but a “when.” All of the above health conditions can be expensive to treat. But you never should have to decide between giving your bully the veterinary care she needs or saying goodbye. With a good pet insurance plan, you don’t have to.

Pet insurance works like human health insurance. You choose your coverage and pay a monthly premium. If an accident or ailment arises, you make a claim with your provider and are reimbursed for up to 100% of the veterinary costs after meeting your deductible.

Choosing Coverage for Your Bulldog

Bulldogs are the second most expensive breed to insure, with premiums running about $115 a month. However, the amount of coverage you have will be the primary determiner of monthly costs.

Accident-Only

This policy will only cover veterinary expenses for accidents and injuries such as bites, lacerations, or accidental ingestion of foreign matter. It’s the lowest cost coverage; however, it may not be helpful for illness-prone bulldogs since it does not cover hereditary health conditions.

Comprehensive

Also called accident and illness coverage, this type of policy is the most expensive. It covers both emergency injuries and the treatment of vet-diagnosed illnesses, including breed-specific hereditary and congenital conditions. But be aware that most companies will not cover breeding-related medical care like emergency C-sections, common for bulldog moms.

Wellness Package

A wellness rider or add-on to your standard plan will keep your bully in tiptop shape because it covers wellness visits. This may include annual exams, vaccinations, preventative medications, and sometimes dental care. It costs extra but may be well worth the expense.

The Best Pet Insurance for Bulldogs

We've researched today's leading companies to help bulldog parents find the best deal on pet insurance. These top pet insurance providers for bulldogs rate highly in affordability, relevancy, selection, and customer care.

Embrace

• No limit on genetic and hereditary conditions
• Diminishing deductible for healthy pets
• Will cover curable pre-existing conditions
• Flexible routine care plan

Lemonade

• Zero-hassle, AI-powered claims process
• Chat with a vet in the mobile app
• Extended coverage options
• Offers a wellness plan specifically for puppies and kittens

Healthy Paws

• Covers genetic, hereditary, and breed-specific conditions
• No caps on annual or lifetime payouts
• Flexible premium and deductible options
• #1 customer-rated plan for over ten years

Pumpkin

• No age or breed restrictions
• Preventive care plan covers 100% of eligible wellness costs
• Hereditary conditions are covered at no extra cost
• 90% reimbursement rate with all plans

How To Get a Low Rate

Skipping out on insurance for your bully isn’t recommended because she’s likely to need veterinary care at some point in her life. Fortunately, you can secure the best premium rate possible by following some of these cost-saving tips.

Insure Early

If you’ve recently adopted a bulldog puppy, get your insurance policy started now to save money. Buying from a credible breeder who screens for health issues may reduce your risk of problems in the future.

Bundle Policies

Most insurance companies offer a 10% discount if you insure more than one pet. You can also save by bundling your pet insurance with a home or auto policy from major providers.

Customize Your Plan

The best insurance companies allow you to customize your policy to find a rate that works with your budget. Choosing a higher deductible and lower annual max and payout percentage can reduce your monthly payment amount.

Prioritize Routine Care

A healthy dog is cheaper to insure, so keep up on your yearly wellness checkups and follow a daily healthcare routine that includes the appropriate diet and exercise. Wrinkly skin makes bulldogs prone to eye and ear problems, so be sure to clean their skin daily.

Final Thoughts

Bulldogs (French, to be exact) have been named the second most popular breed by the American Kennel Club. And if you own one, you know why. They’re dependable, loving, and courageous, pulling double duty as family companions and watchdogs.

As a bulldog owner, you also know that these strong-willed dogs run a high risk of health issues. 72% of all English bulldogs, for example, suffer from hip dysplasia. Ensure that you can afford to cover the veterinary costs if your bully develops a problem by purchasing a pet insurance policy from one of our top-rated providers.