Australian Shepherds are a popular canine breed that is intelligent, energetic, and dedicated to their work. They are medium-sized herding dogs with medium-length coats and stunning eyes. Australian Shepherds, or “Aussies,” as they’re affectionately known, excel at various pursuits. When there’s work to be done, they’re in their element.
This type of dog is known for its extreme sensitivity and warm disposition toward humans and other animals. They are also known to have a high amount of energy and are very easy to teach. Some of the most common health issues these pups have are Collie’s eye defect, urinary tract stones, and progressive retinal atrophy.
To ensure your dog is covered in case of any health issues, you can purchase pet insurance. This way, you can rest easy knowing that your dog is safe in an emergency.
But finding an appropriate pet insurance policy might be a challenge. Keep reading to learn more about the Best Pet Insurance for Australian Shepherds. Here, we break down the expenses, highlight the pros and cons, and assist you in making a decision.
Top 5 Pet Insurance Companies For Australian Shepherds
Given the variety of options available, it’s only highly advisable to shop for the best pet insurance coverage by comparing providers across a wide range of parameters, including price, service quality, and discounts.
We have compiled a list of the five most reliable pet insurance providers to make sure you have all the facts at your fingertips. The following pet insurance providers provide comprehensive coverage for your Australian Shepherd, from accidental injuries to chronic conditions:
| Provider | Rating | Pet Age | Claims | Reimbursement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ProviderLemonade | Rating4.8 | Pet AgeMinimum to enroll 8 weeks | Claims180 days | Reimbursement70% - 90% |
| ProviderHealthy Paws | Rating4.6 | Pet AgeMinimum to enroll 8 weeks | Claims90 Days | Reimbursement70% - 80% |
| ProviderPrudent Pet | Rating4.8 | Pet AgeMinimum to enroll 8 weeks | Claims90 Days | Reimbursement70% - 90% |
| ProviderEmbrace | Rating5.0 | Pet AgeMinimum to enroll 6 weeks | Claims60 Days | Reimbursement70% - 90% |
| ProviderWagmo | Rating4.7 | Pet AgeNo age Limits | Claims60 Days | Reimbursement900% - 100% |
Australian Shepherd Insurance by Lemonade
Lemonade’s insurance policies and services are among the best in the industry. If your pet is ever injured or becomes unwell, you won’t have to worry about how to pay for medical care since Lemonade will take care of that for you.
Lemonade is the first fully digital pet insurance provider, setting itself apart from rivals with its simple, web-based policy management. As a result, dog owners who own Australian Shepherds can get full coverage insurance using a simple mobile app for an average of $30 per month.
Customers of Lemonade will have access to the provider’s standard pet insurance plan, which includes protection for unexpected medical expenses like diagnostics, hospitalizations, surgeries, prescription drugs, and more. In comparison to its rivals, Lemonade has a few more restrictions.
This provider also doesn’t cover cosmetic dentistry, behavioral therapy, or treatment for dental illness.
Pros
- Quick and easy plan administration via mobile app;
- Monthly premiums are as low as $10, setting it apart from the competition;
- There are no coverage limits of any kind.
Cons
- It isn’t available in all 50 states;
- Has age limits and restrictions depending on the average lifespan of the breed;
- There is no coverage for mental health needs.
Australian Shepherd Insurance by Healthy Paws
Healthy Paws has been one of the best pet insurance companies since it first opened its doors. This is because of its reasonable premiums, comprehensive policy options, and helpful customer service. To save money, Healthy Paws, like Lemonade, bundles all of its services into a single complete accident and health package.
However, unlike the other providers, this one doesn’t provide any preventative care package. So, before you sign up for Healthy Paws, make sure you know what to do daily to keep your Aussie happy and healthy.
Australian Shepherd owners need to know that Healthy Paws doesn’t cover hip dysplasia for pets older than six years old at enrollment.
However, if you have a dog between the ages of 1 and 5 and need emergency pet insurance coverage, we strongly suggest this service. Dog insurance from Healthy Paws is competitively priced at $22.99 per month for a one-year-old dog.
Several variables will affect the cost of your plan, including your dog’s age, size, and location.
Pros
- Has a single primary accident and illness insurance for ease of enrollment;
- Provides policyholders with annual rewards that are not limited in any way;
- Repayment through a bank transfer or a check;
- Traveling within the United States or Canada with your pet is still insured.
Cons
- Benefits are limited, and coverage is capped at a certain age;
- Price does not include the cost of veterinary care or behavioral therapy;
- Preventative care and other optional extras are not included.
Australian Shepherd Insurance by Prudent Pet
Prudent Pet Insurance is one of the more recent companies to enter the market for pet insurance. Even though they just got their feet wet in the pet insurance industry at the end of 2018, their underwriter and administrator come highly recommended.
A wide range of flexible, high-quality insurance options for pets is available from Prudent Pet.
While there is no maximum age for cats and dogs covered by Prudent Pet, the insurer will consider your pet’s age when calculating the monthly premium cost. As is the case with the majority of pet insurance providers, Prudent Pet doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions.
However, if your pet’s ailment has been cured for six months or more and it has been 180 days since it has required any treatment, the insurance provider may agree to cover the costs. Problems affecting the knee or its ligaments are an exception to this generalization.
Insurance for senior pets is often a little more expensive than that for younger pets because of the higher likelihood that they will become ill or injured and require care later in life.
Pros
- There is no maximum age restriction;
- Plan payouts are not capped at any point in time;
- The United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, and other U.S. territories are all places where your pet is protected when traveling with you;
- Within 24 hours, 60% of claims are resolved.
Cons
- Premiums are notably more than usual;
- Accidents require a 5-day waiting period;
- A fee of $2 Per Transfer;
- There is no mobile app.
Australian Shepherd Insurance by Embrace
Their pet insurance plan covers visits to any licensed veterinarian in the country, so your Australian Shepherd can access specialists and emergency care wherever possible. Exams, tests, procedures, hospital stays, and even complementary and alternative medicine are covered under their policy.
All injuries, illnesses, chronic conditions, inherited health difficulties, cancer, and dental trauma are covered by Embrace for Australian Shepherds under 14 years of age. Although senior dogs aren’t qualified for Embrace’s accident and illness plan, they have a separate accident-only policy.
Compared to traditional pet insurance, Embrace’s wellness coverage is non-insurance and reimburses the consumer for 100% of routine care costs, up to annual maximums of $250, $450, or $650. Any pet health insurance company does not cover pre-existing conditions.
So even if your dog hasn’t shown any signs of illness for 12 months, Embrace will still pay for any treatable conditions it may have.
Pros
- Discounts can be combined for savings of up to 25% off;
- Possibility of receiving rewards;
- Only service provider to give disappearing deductible;
- Encompasses extensive protection for preventative care via its Wellness.
Cons
- When a pet is older than 14 years old, its insurance coverage is restricted to accidental injury only.
- The maximum annual benefit for preventive care is $650.
Australian Shepherd Insurance by Wagmo
Wagmo started by providing wellness plans for pets in all 50 states under their pet insurance policy. Coverage for your pet is now included in the case of an accident or illness.
In addition to a user-friendly mobile app, numerous wellness plans, all-inclusive accident and illness coverage, and more, Wagmo offers pet owners a wide range of advantages. Wagmo’s standout feature is that you can purchase their wellness programs independently of accident and illness coverage.
The wellness plan and the accident/illness plan are the two options that Wagmo offers. Wagmo Wellness is a tiered health insurance plan with escalating premiums, annual maximums, and lists of covered services for each tier.
Vaccines and checkups are covered at all three tiers, as are grooming, dental services, and protection against fleas and heartworms.
Wagmo, like most other pet insurance policies, does not cover pre-existing conditions. However, conditions that “first developed or showed clinical indications” before the starting date of this policy or “during the waiting time” are considered “pre-existing conditions” by Wagmo.
Pros
- Quick and simple insurance claims process;
- Separate wellness packages are available for purchase;
- Up to 100% reimbursement;
- No age limit for coverage.
Cons
- Not all states have accessible insurance options;
- Does not include rehabilitation, alternative, or holistic treatments.
Common Health Issues in Australian Shepherd
Gorgeous and full of life, Australian Shepherds are a popular breed of a medium-sized dog. You may have considered adding an Australian Shepherd to your family but were worried about the breed’s health.
Before bringing a new dog into your home, it’s usually wise to learn as much as possible about the breed. Aside from ensuring the dog’s personality fits in with yours, it would be best if you also learned about the genetic health problems common in Australian Shepherds.
While the Australian Shepherd is a healthy breed, we will discuss some of this species’ more common health problems.
Elbow Dysplasia
A dog with elbow dysplasia will be unable to utilize its elbow normally and will limp painfully. As a result, young dogs with this illness may not display any symptoms. Perhaps it will be more apparent when the dog is fresh after a walk or rest.
A surgical procedure is always an option, and painkillers may be provided. However, when it comes to easing the strain on your dog’s joints, nothing is more important than keeping their weight under control.
Cataracts
Cataracts aren’t a common condition in canine puppies, but they can become a severe issue as canines age. Iris clouding is a common cause of reduced visual acuity and blindness. Because it develops slowly, the dog has time to adjust to the change in its visual environment without experiencing any discomfort.
You may consider surgery. Cataracts in both eyes are typical, with the most common form of cataracts in Australia, but this does not always happen simultaneously.
Hemangiosarcoma
Hemangiosarcoma is a form of blood cancer that can manifest as a tumor anywhere in the body, including the heart, liver, spleen, and other organs.
Ultrasound, X-rays, biopsies, and the presence of aberrant body fluids can all be used to detect a variety of conditions, but sometimes the animal won’t show any signs until it’s too late. Unfortunately, although treatments are available, a cure for the ailment has not yet been found.
Multi-drug Sensitivity
Unfortunately, your Aussie’s sensitivity to pharmaceuticals might be a problem when he needs surgery and even regular treatments. Even something as innocuous as flea treatment could be fatal to an Australian Shepherd.
Dogs with MDR1 have a persistent neurological reaction to the medicine because their bodies can’t eliminate it. This can cause permanent harm, including physical, mental, and even death.
Epilepsy
Australian Shepherds, like other breeds of dogs, are not immune to the occurrence of canine epilepsy. If they occur, the results of a seizure can be very serious. Infections, hereditary factors, toxic exposure, and damage are all possible contributors to canine epileptic seizures.
However, even though there isn’t a way to screen for epilepsy in a litter of puppies, you shouldn’t worry if you get your Australian Shepherd from a reputable breeder who hasn’t had any dogs develop the condition.
Kidney Disease
Kidney disease can originate from a variety of different factors. Still, renal dysplasia is an inherited form of the condition that is almost always fatal. It probably shortens the lives of dogs, even if they have it for a long time.
Changes in the body brought on by the excess phosphorus lead calcium to be leached out of the bones, weakening them. One of their many roles is to keep blood pressure and calcium/phosphorus levels regular.
How Much is Pet Insurance for Australian Shepherds?
Costs associated with getting your pet covered by insurance vary according to when you sign them up. Insurance premiums are calculated on a monthly basis and are based on the type of coverage selected and the amount of the deductible.
Premiums and deductibles for pet insurance policies vary widely between companies, and that’s before you even consider the wide variety of coverage options available. Some pet insurance coverage won’t pay for preexisting ailments or hereditary illnesses, just like human health insurance won’t always cover such things.
That’s why you need to check with your insurer to see if preexisting conditions like your dog’s hereditary diseases will be covered, and if so, up to what maximum amount.
Pet Insurance Cost Comparison by Age and Location
Policy costs are based on several factors, including the pet’s age, breed, location, and preexisting medical conditions. It’s important to remember that your dog’s age, advances in veterinary medicine, and the increasing frequency of claims in your area could all lead to a rise in your regular premium payment. Accordingly, not only will prices differ, but they may also fluctuate.
Fortunately, Australian Shepherds owners have a wide range of options for pet insurance providers, each of which offers a little different set of coverage options at a slightly different price. So no matter your financial situation, you may discover affordable pet insurance that meets your needs.
For a simple yet comprehensive insurance plan for your Australian Shepherds, you can expect to pay between $15-$69 per month. Additional services, including microchipping, childbirth, and even aesthetic operations, are available for purchase if you want to give your gentle giant peace of mind in any situation.
We have compiled a cost breakdown of dog insurance based on dog age and geographic location:
| State | Average Premium for a 6-month Puppy | Average Premium for an 18-month Dog | Average Premium for a 5.5-year Dog |
|---|---|---|---|
| StateNew Mexico | Average Premium for a 6-month Puppy$37.12 | Average Premium for an 18-month Dog$37.12 | Average Premium for a 5.5-year Dog$46.08 |
| StatePennsylvania | Average Premium for a 6-month Puppy$39.63 | Average Premium for an 18-month Dog$39.63 | Average Premium for a 5.5-year Dog$49.29 |
| StateSouth Carolina | Average Premium for a 6-month Puppy$35.23 | Average Premium for an 18-month Dog$35.23 | Average Premium for a 5.5-year Dog$43.76 |
| StateVermont | Average Premium for a 6-month Puppy$35.08 | Average Premium for an 18-month Dog$35.08 | Average Premium for a 5.5-year Dog$43.47 |
| StateWyoming | Average Premium for a 6-month Puppy$31.40 | Average Premium for an 18-month Dog$31.40 | Average Premium for a 5.5-year Dog$39.10 |
How to Select the Best Pet Insurance for Australian Shepherds
Possessing so many options in pet insurance is undeniably advantageous. Having choices is always a plus, especially when you want to keep your Australian Shepherds safe from any potential health problems. Looking for a pet insurance company but not sure where to start? A few tried-and-true methods for zeroing in on the best option are detailed below.
Get Familiar With the Terms
Deductibles, copayments, and maximum benefits can all be found in the fine print concerning pet insurance. Learn the jargon so you know exactly what your policy covers and what it doesn’t. Your plan’s deductible will determine your out-of-pocket cost.
The most outstanding amount insurance will pay out is the coverage limit. For example, there could be a yearly cap, a lifetime maximum, or a per-incident maximum.Many pet insurance policies won’t cover pre-existing diseases or hereditary disorders, so owners need to know what these terms mean.
Figure Out What Coverage You Need
Accident-only policies, policies that also cover disease, and wellness care are all available from insurers for your pet. The first option covers injuries from things like car accidents. The second includes treatment for cancer, heart disease, and other accidental injuries.
Plus, preventative care is covered by wellness plans. When determining what kind of insurance to get, pet owners should consider their financial situation and the amount of risk they are willing to shoulder.
Have a Look at the Feedback Left by Previous Customers
Not all pet insurance providers are indeed created equal. It’s wise to check how other buyers rated the service or product you’re considering purchasing. Also, keep an eye out for comments regarding how simple it was to file a claim; nobody likes to have to argue with their pet insurer for payment when their pet is unwell.
Purchase Insurance as Soon as Possible
Finally, if you’re considering purchasing pet insurance, do it before your pet acquires any preexisting conditions that would make them ineligible for coverage. The sooner a pet owner begins the search for pet insurance and settles on a reliable provider, the better the possibility that the policy will adequately protect their pet.
Conclusion: The Best Pet Insurance for Australian Shepherds
Finding the right pet insurance policy is essential to being a responsible dog owner and giving your Australian Shepherds the best possible treatment from a veterinarian.
Before committing to it, it is essential to read the policy’s terms and conditions, including any exclusions or limits. Then, give your vet a call when you’re ready for the best.
Picking the best pet insurance company is a long-term investment, so be sure you have all the information you need before making a decision. We examined the top services for Australian Shepherds today, so you can feel confident picking any of them according to your pet’s specific requirements.
Before 1993, the AKC didn’t consider the Australian Shepherd a legitimate dog breed. Despite creating the first breed standard, the ASCA ultimately chose against joining the AKC because of the organization’s focus on conformity at the expense of performance.
Unfortunately, the insurance industry bases premiums on risk and some dog breeds are more likely to contract fatal hereditary disorders. That’s why it’s more expensive to insure purebreds than mixed-breed pets.
The breed, age, and location of your dog will all affect the monthly cost of your coverage quotation. You should also find out the specifics of your plan and whether or not it covers health issues unique to your Australian Shepherd. However, pet costs might range from $15 to $69 monthly.
