Best Pet Insurance For Akitas Plans — All You Need to Know
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Whether you’re a first-time Akita owner or a seasoned pro, you know that these powerful and protective dogs require special care and attention. However, providing excellent care for your furry friend can quickly add cost. That’s where pet insurance comes in, providing peace of mind for unexpected veterinary expenses. In this article, we will explore the top pet insurance plans for Akitas, their various plans, and frequently asked questions so you can choose the right plan for you and your beloved Akita.
Best Pet Insurance For Akitas
What Is Pet Akitas Insurance?
Pet insurance is a healthcare policy that covers your Akita and reimburses specific veterinary expenses. This policy ensures that your savings remain secure despite unforeseen medical costs. It involves a monthly premium. If your pet falls ill or sustains an injury, you can file a claim with the insurance company to recoup your expenses.
How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost For Akitas?
The cost of pet insurance for an Akita will vary based on several factors, including the pet’s existing health conditions, sex, age, and area of your residence. It’s important to remember that with the progression of veterinary technology and increased claims within your locality, your insurance premiums may rise. For example, even if your Akita is quoted at $55 per month, this rate is not fixed and could change.
According to our research, Akita insurance plans can range from $30 to $81. Depending on where you live, the deductible rate, and your chosen reimbursement percentage, you may spend more or less. Akita owners can expect to pay an average $58 monthly premium.
The monthly premium for Akitas pet insurance
$30 to $81
Pet Insurance Quotes For Akitas
Company | Deductible | Reimbursement | Annual Reimbursement Limit | Monthly Price | Location | Gender | Breed | Age |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Healthy Paws | $500 | 70% | Unlimited | $76.60 | Colorado (zip code: 80023) | Male | Akita | 5 years |
Lemonade | $500 | 70% | $100,000 | $61.01 | Colorado (zip code: 80023) | Male | Akita | 5 years |
Spot Pet Insurance | $500 | 70% | Unlimited | $81.94 | Colorado (zip code: 80023) | Male | Akita | 5 years |
Healthy Paws | $500 | 80% | Unlimited | $50.27 | Utah (zipcode: 84041) | Female | Akita | 1 year |
Lemonade | $500 | 80% | $100,000 | $41.73 | Utah (zip code: 84041) | Female | Akita | 1 year |
Spot Pet Insurance | $500 | 80% | Unlimited | $71.77 | Utah (zip code: 84041) | Female | Akita | 1 year |
Healthy Paws | $500 | 70% | Unlimited | $53.77 | Virginia (zip code: 22310) | Female | Akita | 3 months |
Lemonade | $500 | 70% | $100,000 | $30.04 | Virginia (zipcode: 22310) | Female | Akita | 3 months |
Spot Pet Insurance | $500 | 70% | Unlimited | $60.66 | Virginia (zipcode: 22310) | Female | Akita | 3 months |
Akita puppy monthly cost: $48
Adult Akita monthly cost: $55
Senior Akita monthly cost: $73
The quotes we ran were for dogs with no pre-existing conditions. All quotes are from February 2023
Is Pet Insurance For Akita Worth it?
The decision to purchase pet insurance for your Akita hinges on various factors, including your pet’s health risk proclivity, tolerance for financial risk, and overall financial circumstances.
Consider a scenario where your Akita falls seriously ill or suffers an injury from an accident, incurring veterinary bills in the thousands. On average, the most common dog treatments cost $254.[1] A more severe and common condition in Akitas, like Hip Dysplasia, can cost between $1,500 and $6,000 to diagnose and treat. Can you pay for an unexpected $6,000 veterinary bill out-of-pocket? Most people can’t. The Federal Reserve states that 40% of Americans don’t have enough savings to cover a $400 emergency and 57% of U.S. adults cannot afford a $1,000 emergency expense.[2]
Investing in pet insurance for your Akita is a wise choice to protect your finances and ensure your dog can receive the necessary care. With pet insurance, should an unexpected accident or illness occur, you could be reimbursed for 70% to 100% of the veterinary costs, depending on the details of your plan and provider. Pet insurance gives peace of mind, knowing your finances and pet’s health are covered.
Predict & Protect Your Akita’s Future Health
Canine Bible uses years of clinical health findings, pet insurance data points, trends, and surveys to identify common health conditions in dogs. By gaining insight into your Akita’s potential future health issues and risks, you can take preventive action today and ensure that your Akita does not become a part of these statistics.
1 in 3
dogs will need emergency veterinary treatment every year.
$250 to $8K
is the average cost of unexpected veterinary dog care.[3]
13.6%
of Akitas may be prone to dermatitis.
47.7%
of Akitas may be affected by Sebaceous adenitis.[4]
Dogs that develop chronic conditions under pet insurance coverage are guaranteed reimbursement for these issues for the duration of their life. If you know your dog’s breed is predisposed to certain health issues, we strongly advise getting a pet insurance policy while your dog is still healthy. Chronic health conditions, emergencies, and vet visits can increase costs throughout your Akita’s life. Pet Insurance can spare you a lot of financial trouble.
How Pet Insurance Helps With Common Health Conditions In Akita
Cost to treat hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia in ECSs involves abnormal development of the hip joint, leading to looseness and instability. It is a genetic disorder exacerbated by rapid growth, obesity, and environmental factors. Symptoms include limping, difficulty in movement, and arthritis.
*The overall cost of diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries may vary. The above cost is based on average veterinary vet bill reports and claims submitted by pet insurance policyholders. We’ve used a 90% reimbursement rate for this scenario.
Cost to treat entropion
Entropion in Akitas is a condition in which the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the cornea. This results in discomfort, tearing, and potential corneal damage. It’s often inherited, though it can also arise from eyelid injuries or muscular spasms.
*The overall cost of diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries may vary. The above cost is based on average veterinary vet bill reports and claims submitted by pet insurance policyholders. We’ve used a 90% reimbursement rate for this scenario.
Cost to treat hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland underproduces hormones, leading to symptoms like lethargy, weight gain, skin issues, and fur thinning. It’s commonly treated with hormone replacement therapy.
*The overall cost of diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries may vary. The above cost is based on average veterinary vet bill reports and claims submitted by pet insurance policyholders. We’ve used a 90% reimbursement rate for this scenario.
Cost to treat cruciate ligament injury
A cruciate ligament injury in Akitas is a common orthopedic issue that affects the knee joint. This ligament is crucial for stabilizing the knee, and when it gets injured, it can cause pain, lameness, and arthritis.
*The overall cost of diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries may vary. The above cost is based on average veterinary vet bill reports and claims submitted by pet insurance policyholders. We’ve used a 90% reimbursement rate for this scenario.
Cost to treat pemphigus
Pemphigus is a group of autoimmune skin diseases characterized by blisters and erosions on the skin and mucous membranes. The dog’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own skin cells, leading to lesions. Various forms of pemphigus exist, each with slightly different symptoms and affected areas.
*The overall cost of diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries may vary. The above cost is based on average veterinary vet bill reports and claims submitted by pet insurance policyholders. We’ve used a 90% reimbursement rate for this scenario.
Cost to treat sebaceous adenitis
Sebaceous Adenitis is an inflammatory skin condition caused by immune system attacks on sebaceous glands. Symptoms include hair loss, scaly skin, and possible infections, requiring dedicated skincare routines and possible immunosuppressive medications.
*The overall cost of diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries may vary. The above cost is based on average veterinary vet bill reports and claims submitted by pet insurance policyholders. We’ve used a 90% reimbursement rate for this scenario.
Cost to treat uveodermatologic syndrome
In Akitas, Uveodermatologic Syndrome involves an immune-mediated attack on melanocytes, causing inflammation in the uveal tract of the eyes and depigmentation of the skin. The exact cause remains unclear, though genetic predisposition is suspected.
*The overall cost of diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries may vary. The above cost is based on average veterinary vet bill reports and claims submitted by pet insurance policyholders. We’ve used a 90% reimbursement rate for this scenario.
Why Get Pet Insurance For Akitas?
Here is how pet insurance can benefit Akita owners and their pets.
Benefits For Akitas
- Access to better care and health outcomes due to financial barriers removed
- Cover hereditary conditions and get better breed-specific care
- Prompt access to medical treatments
- Ongoing access to healthcare and emergency care
- Preventive care options
- Facilitates treatment from specialists
Benefits For Owners
- Decreases the likelihood of economic euthanasia when the cost is a limiting factor for treatment
- Reduces unexpected veterinary costs
- Financial peace of mind
- Cover third-party liabilities
- Avoid veterinary rising cost
- Can help you find your missing/stolen pet
How to Pick The Best Pet Insurance For Akitas
Best Pet Insurance For Akitas
Best Overall Akita Pet Insurance
Lemonade
Who It’s For: Excellent for Akita parents seeking the best all-around comprehensive coverage for accidents & illness at a value price.
Deductible: $100, $250, $500 or $750
Reimbursement rates: 70%, 80% or 90%
Annual payout limit: $5K, $10K, $20K, $50K or $100K
Why we recommended it: We named Lemonade our best overall pet insurance for Akitas for its comprehensive coverage, pricing, availability, and customer service. Lemonade premiums usually start at just $10 monthly, the lowest in the industry. We ran a few quotes for a healthy Akita at a $500 deductible and 70%, 80%, and 90% coverage to estimate your monthly premium. Based on our research, you can expect to pay between $30 and $61 monthly. We love that Lemonade is tech-forward, making it easy to manage your policy and file claims through an app. Their plans cover accidents and illnesses, including injuries, poisonings, broken bones, sprains, infections, general sicknesses, cancer, heart disease, hip dysplasia, hernias, skin conditions and more. They also offer several add-ons to help pet owners pay for exam fees, physical therapy, and preventive care.
Best Personalized Akita Pet Insurance
Spot Insurance
Who It’s For: Spot Pet Insurance is ideal for Akita dog owners who want the most flexibility when customizing their policy to fit their budget and coverage needs.
Deductible: $100, $250, $500, $750 or $1,000
Reimbursement rates: 70%, 80% or 90%
Annual payout limit: $2,500 to Unlimited
Why we recommended it: Spot Pet Insurance offers seven annual limit options, three reimbursement levels, and five annual deductibles. They offer the lowest deductible in the industry ($100), meaning that when your Akita gets sick, you pay less upfront before your plan starts paying. With so many customization options, this company is our top pick for finding a plan for meeting your specific financial needs and those of your pet. Spot’s policies also cover some items, such as exam fees and microchipping, that many other pet insurance providers don’t offer. They also have one of the cheapest plans for accident-only coverage, making it perfect for pet owners who only need minimal coverage. We ran a few quotes for a healthy Akita at a $500 deductible and 70% coverage, based on our research, you can expect to pay between $60 and $81, but prices may vary depending on your location, Akita’s age, and other factors. Spot covers you when your Akita gets hurt unexpectedly, from tooth extractions and torn ligaments to surgery and hospitalizations.
Best No-Cap Payout Akita Pet Insurance
Healthy Paws
Who It’s For: With no financial cap, it’s ideal for covering major medical or ongoing expenses such as chronic conditions. It’s also beneficial for high-risk breeds such as Akita.
Deductible: $100, $250 or $500
Reimbursement rates: 70%, 80% or 90%
Annual payout limit: Unlimited
Why we recommended it: Healthy Paws offers the benefit of no cap payout, meaning there’s no maximum limit on the amount they will pay, which is particularly advantageous for severe conditions or chronic diseases that require ongoing, expensive treatments. With no financial cap, you can choose the best treatments for your pet. This can include access to advanced medical procedures, specialized surgeries, or cutting-edge treatments that might otherwise be prohibitively expensive. Additionally, Healthy Paws stands out for its quick claim processing, typically paying 99% of claims in two days, notably faster than many competitors. We ran a quote for a healthy Akita at a $500 deductible with 70% coverage. Depending on your location, pet’s age, and other factors, you can expect to pay between $50 and $76. Healthy Paws insurance plans cover accidents and illnesses, cancer, emergency care, genetic conditions, alternative care, etc. They have competitive premium prices and fewer coverage exclusions.
Types of Pet Insurance Coverage For Akitas
There are two main types of pet insurance plans.
What Does Pet Insurance Not Cover?
When choosing pet insurance for your Akita, reviewing and understanding your policy’s exclusions is important.
Exclusions vary based on the pet insurance company and the policy you choose. Be sure to review the list of exclusions before purchasing pet insurance to confirm that your Akita is adequately covered by the plan you select and help prevent surprises in the future.
Pet Insurance For Akita Puppies
Here are the top reasons you should consider insurance for your Akita puppy.
Average Cost of Akita Vet Bills
This is what you will pay out-of-pocket on average if you don’t have pet insurance or a wellness plan.
Average Cost of Typical Vet Procedures
Typical Vet Procedure | Average Cost of Procedure |
---|---|
Puppy vaccinations | $75 - $100 |
Flea & tick prevention | $40 - $200 |
Heartworm prevention | $24 - $120 |
Spay or neuter surgery | $200 - $800 |
Annual exam | $240 - $600 |
Teeth cleaning | $200 - $500 |
Microchip | $40 |
Average Cost of Emergency Vet Procedures
Typical Vet Procedure | Average Cost Of Procedure |
---|---|
General consultation/exam | $100 - $150 |
General bloodwork | $80 - $200 |
X-rays | $150 - $250 |
Ultrasound | $300 - $600 |
1-2 day hospitalization | $600 - $1,700 |
3-5 days holspitalization | $1,500 - $3,500 |
Wound treatment & repair | $800 - $1,500 |
Emergency surgery | $800 - $2,500 |
Oxygen therapy | 500 |
Sources: 5 & 6
Factors That Impact the Cost of Your Akita Pet Insurance Policy
Deductibles, co-pays & coverage limits
The lower the amount you pay out of pocket for your pet’s care, the higher your insurance premium will be. For instance, selecting a deductible of $300 instead of $800 means you’ll get reimbursed quicker for your pet’s care, but it also leads to higher premium payments.
Breed
Certain breeds are prone to congenital health issues. For example, breeds such as Akita often struggle with cancer and spinal cord disorders. These breed tendencies could influence your pet insurance expenses.
Location
Pet insurance companies consider local veterinary care expenses when setting your policy’s price.
Pet’s Age
Older pets generally have more health problems, which results in higher insurance premiums because the insurance company is at a higher risk.
Understand Insurance Policy Basics
How Does Akita Pet Insurance Work?
Imagine your Akita’s pet insurance policy has the following terms:
Now, let’s say your Akita incurs a $2,000 veterinary bill for medical treatment.
This example assumes you haven’t yet met your deductible for the year. If you’ve already met your annual deductible, you won’t have to pay again for this or any new claims within the same policy year. Since every claim you make contributes to your annual payout limit after the insurance company pays $1,530 for it, the remaining yearly payout limit is $15,000 – $1,530 = $13,470.
Frequently Asked Question
The Bottom Line
Whether or not to get pet insurance for your Akita is a personal decision that depends on several factors. Some factors to consider include your Akita’s overall health and age, financial situation, and risk tolerance. Akitas are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can still develop health issues or get into accidents that require veterinary care. The cost of treatment for these issues can quickly add up, which is where pet insurance can provide financial support and peace of mind.
Pet insurance may be wise if you have a limited budget and can’t afford unexpected veterinary expenses. However, if you have ample savings and are comfortable taking on financial risk, you may decide pet insurance is unnecessary. Researching and comparing different pet insurance plans is essential to find one that meets your needs and budget. Consider monthly premiums, deductibles, coverage limits, and exclusions before deciding.
Ultimately, whether or not to get pet insurance for your Akita depends on your circumstances.
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Disclaimer: The details about insurance company offerings, including prices, availability, and contract specifics, can change at any time and are at the discretion of the insurance company. This website does not control these changes. The information provided here is for reference only. It is important to thoroughly read and understand your policy before signing up for a new insurance contract, as your situation may differ from the examples used in this article.
Sources
Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process and product review methodology to learn more about how we fact-check, test products, and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
- Breiner, B. (2023). Average Cost of Pet Insurance: 2023 Quotes. ValuePenguin.
- Gillespie, L. (2023, February 23). Bankrate’s Annual Emergency Fund Report. Bankrate.
- Healthy Paws Pet Insurance. (2019). 2019 Cost of Pet Health Care Report.
- Casini, L., Zago, D., Cavicchioli, E., & Tomiazzo, C. (2020). Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration in Japanese Akita dogs: A survey. Veterinary and Animal Science, 10, 100139. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vas.2020.100139
- Average Cost Of Emergency Vet Visits | Find Out What You Will Pay. (2020, March 19). Emergency Vets USA.
- Cost of Owning a Dog: From Initial Cost to Annual Essentials. (n.d.). The Dog People.
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