Best Pet Insurance For Australian Shephers 2024 — Ultimate Guide
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Welcome to the most comprehensive guide on choosing the best pet insurance for your Australian Shepherd. You’re not alone if you’re overwhelmed by searching for the perfect pet insurance for your Aussie. I’m here to walk you through everything you need about pet insurance for our beloved Aussie dogs. We’ll start from the ground up, discussing costs, benefits, breed-specific health conditions, and even a side-by-side comparison of plans. I know firsthand that not all policies are created equal, and some can be pricier than others, making it crucial to sift through the options. Luckily, I’ve done the legwork for you. Let’s get started!
Why you should trust us: Our writers, editors, and in-house veterinarians spend hours analyzing and reviewing products and services to help find what’s best for you. Read the product review methodology and editorial mission to find out how we test, analyze, and rate.
Best Australian Shepherd Pet Insurance — At A Glance
Best Overall
Lemonade
The most comprehensive
options with excellent
monthly pricing for Australian Shepherd
Best Personalized
Best No-Cap Payouts
Healthy Paws
Great for covering major
medical or ongoing expenses.
Beneficial for high-risk breeds.
What Is Australian Shepherd Pet Insurance?
Pet insurance is a healthcare policy that provides coverage for your pet, offering reimbursement for specific veterinary expenses. This ensures that your savings remain secure despite unforeseen medical costs. Such a policy involves a monthly premium. Should your pet fall ill or sustain an injury, you would file a claim with the insurance company to recoup your expenses.
The monthly premium for Australian Shepherd pet insurance
$30 to $55
How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost For Australian Shepherds?
The cost of pet insurance for an Australian Shepherd dog will vary based on several factors, including the pet’s existing health conditions, sex, age, and the area you reside in. 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 Australian Shepherd is quoted at $55 per month, this rate is not fixed and could change.
According to our research, plans for Australian Shepherds can range from $30 to $55. You may spend more or less depending on where you live, the deductible rate and the reimbursement percentage you choose. Australian Shepherd owners can expect to pay an average $40 monthly premium.
Pet Insurance Quotes For Australian Shepherds
We compared quotes from renowned pet insurance providers to estimate your expected average monthly premium for different life stages in Australian Shepherds.
| Company | Deductible | Reimbursement | Annual Reimbursement Limit | Monthly Price | Location | Gender | Breed | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lemonade | $500 | 70% | $100,000 | $30.72 | SC, 29044 | Male | Australian Shepherd | 6 years |
| Spot | $500 | 70% | Unlimited | $48.79 | SC, 29044 | Male | Australian Shepherd | 6 years |
| Healthy Paws | $500 | 70% | Unlimited | $37.43 | SC, 29044 | Male | Australian Shepherd | 6 years |
| Lemonade | $500 | 70% | $100,000 | $32.64 | CA, 95842 | Female | Australian Shepherd | 2 year |
| Spot | $500 | 70% | Unlimited | $55.16 | CA, 95842 | Female | Australian Shepherd | 2 year |
| Healthy Paws | $500 | 70% | Unlimited | $30.56 | CA, 95842 | Female | Australian Shepherd | 2 year |
| Lemonade | $500 | 70% | $100,000 | $34.88 | TX, 75219 | Female | Australian Shepherd | 6 months |
| Spot | $500 | 70% | Unlimited | $52.78 | TX, 75219 | Female | Australian Shepherd | 6 months |
| Healthy Paws | $500 | 70% | Unlimited | $33.22 | TX, 75219 | Female | Australian Shepherd | 6 months |
Australian Shepherd puppy monthly cost: $40
Adult Australian Shepherd monthly cost: $40
Senior Australian Shepherd monthly cost: $39
Is Pet Insurance For Australian Shepherds Worth it?
The decision to purchase pet insurance for your Australian Shepherd hinges on various factors, including your pet’s health risk proclivity, tolerance for financial risk, and overall financial circumstances.
Consider a scenario where your Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherds, 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 Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd’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 Australian Shepherd’s potential future health issues and risks, you can take preventive action today and ensure that your Australian Shepherd 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 care for dogs.[3]
27.3%
Australian Shepherd dogs could have MDR1 drug sensitivity.[4]
9.71%
of Australian Shepherds may experience collie eye anomaly.[4]
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 rack up costs throughout your Australian Shepherd’s life. Pet Insurance can spare you a lot of financial trouble.
Dogs that develop chronic conditions under pet insurance coverage are guaranteed reimbursement for these issues for the duration of their life.Most Common Health Conditions In Australian Shepherds
Cost to treat cardiomyopathy
Cancer in dogs is the abnormal growth of cells in their body, often leading to tumors. It can affect any organ, showing varied symptoms, and requires veterinary diagnosis and treatment.
*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 congenital heart defect
Congenital heart defects in Australian Shepherds are hereditary conditions where the heart develops abnormally from birth. These can include valve malformations or holes in the heart, leading to symptoms like fatigue and coughing.
*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 hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia involves abnormal development of the hip joint, leading to looseness and instability. This genetic disorder is 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 cataracts
Cataracts in Australian Shepherds result in the lens of the eye becoming opaque, significantly impairing vision. Often hereditary, they can also arise from aging, diabetes, or eye injuries. Initially, cataracts may cause slight visual disturbances but can progress to blindness. Surgical removal is the primary treatment to improve sight.
*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 skin disease
Dogs can suffer from various skin diseases, often manifested as itchiness, rashes, or hair loss. Causes range from allergies, parasites, and hormonal imbalances, to infections. Effective treatment requires identifying the underlying cause, which may involve dietary changes, medications, or topical treatments, depending on the specific condition. Regular skin care can help prevent recurrences.
*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 deafness
In Australian Shepherds, deafness can be present from birth or acquired later. Hereditary deafness is associated with genes affecting pigmentation, while acquired cases may result from infections or age-related degeneration. These dogs might show inattentiveness to auditory cues. Confirming deafness involves auditory tests, and adapting training methods is key for managing it.
*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 epilepsy
Epilepsy in Australian Shepherds is a neurological condition characterized by recurrent seizures, which can range from mild, barely noticeable episodes to severe convulsions. The cause is often genetic, making it a hereditary issue within the breed. Managing epilepsy typically involves long-term medication to control seizures and regular veterinary monitoring.
*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 cushing’s disease
Also known as hyperadrenocorticism, Cushing’s Disease occurs when the body produces too much cortisol, often due to a tumor in the pituitary or adrenal gland. Symptoms include increased thirst, hunger, urination, and hair loss. Treatment options depend on the underlying cause and can range from medication to surgery.
*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 elbow dysplasia
A common issue in large breeds, elbow dysplasia in Australian Shepherds stems from abnormal elbow joint development, leading to joint laxity, pain, and lameness. Genetics plays a significant role and can be exacerbated by rapid growth during puppyhood or improper nutrition.
*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 osteochondritis dissecans
In Australian Shepherds, abnormal growth of cartilage and bone can lead to joint pain and stiffness. This condition, often seen in rapidly growing dogs, results from disrupted blood supply to the bone beneath the cartilage.
*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 multi-drug resistance
Due to a specific gene mutation, affected Australian Shepherds cannot effectively pump certain drugs out of the brain, leading to increased sensitivity and potential toxicity from standard doses of certain 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 optic nerve coloboma
This eye defect, present at birth, involves a gap in the optic nerve. It can range from mild to severe, potentially affecting vision and leading to blindness in some cases.
*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 Australian Shepherds?
How to Pick The Best Australian Shepherd Pet Insurance
Best Pet Insurance For Australian Shepherds
1. Best Overall Australian Shepherd Pet Insurance
Lemonade
Who It’s For: Excellent for Australian Shepherd parents seeking the best all-around comprehensive coverage for accidents & illness at a value price.
Why we picked and recommended it: We named Lemonade our best overall pet insurance for Australian Shepherds 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 Australian Shepherd at a $500 deductible and 70% coverage to estimate your monthly premium. Based on our research, you can expect to pay between $30 and $35 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.
2. Best Personalized Australian Shepherd Pet Insurance
Spot Insurance
Who It’s For: Spot Pet Insurance is ideal for Australian Shepherd dog owners who want the most flexibility when customizing their policy to fit their budget and coverage needs.
Why we picked and 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 Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd at a $500 deductible and 70% coverage, based on our research, you can expect to pay between $49 and $55, but prices may vary depending on your location, Australian Shepherd’s age, and other factors. Spot covers you when your Australian Shepherd gets hurt unexpectedly, from tooth extractions and torn ligaments to surgery and hospitalizations.
3. Best No-Cap Payout Australian Shepherd 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. Beneficial for high-risk breeds such as Australian Shepherds.
Why we picked and 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 Australian Shepherd at a $500 deductible with 70% coverage. Depending on your location, pet’s age, and other factors, you can expect to pay between $30 and $37. 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 Australian Shepherds
There are two main types of pet insurance plans.
What Does Pet Insurance Not Cover?
When choosing pet insurance for your Australian Shepherd, 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 Australian Shepherd is adequately covered by the plan you select and help prevent surprises in the future.
Pet Insurance For Australian Shepherd Puppies
Should you get pet insurance for your Australian Shepherd puppy? Here are the top reasons you should consider Australian Shepherd puppy insurance.
Average Cost of Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherds often struggle with Cancer and bloat. These breed tendencies could influence your pet insurance expenses.
Location
Local veterinary care expenses are taken into account by pet insurance companies when setting the price of your policy.
Pet’s Age
Older pets generally face more health problems, which results in higher insurance premiums because there is a higher risk for the insurance company.
Understand Insurance Policy Basics
How Does Australian Shepherds Pet Insurance Work?
Imagine your Australian Shepherd’s pet insurance policy has the following terms:
Now, let’s say your Australian Shepherd incurs a veterinary bill of $5,000 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. And, since every claim you make contributes to your annual payout limit after the insurance company pays $3,840 for this claim, the remaining yearly payout limit is $20,000 – $3,840 = $16,160.
Frequently Asked Question
Australian Shepherds Pet Insurance — Conclusion
If you’re considering adding an Australian Shepherd to your family or already have one, consider the cost of potential health issues and pet insurance. It is also crucial to have pet insurance if your dog becomes ill or injured, as the cost of treatment can be expensive. By researching and comparing providers, you can find a policy that fits your budget and provides coverage for the medical expenses you may incur. The best way to determine if pet insurance is right for you and your Aussie is to shop around and compare policies. Ask questions of the insurers until you understand precisely what is covered and what isn’t.
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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.
- Peterson, L. (2024, January 10). Genetic Health Testing for Australian Shepherds. Embarkvet.
- Majchrakova, Z., Hrckova Turnova, E., Bielikova, M., Turna, J., & Dudas, A. (2023). The incidence of genetic disease alleles in Australian Shepherd dog breed in European countries. PLOS ONE, 18(2), e0281215.
- Australian Shepherd Health & Genetics Institute. (2013). Cancer and Aussies.
- 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.
Canine Bible authorship represents the unified voice of our entire editorial team and our in-house veterinarians rather than a single author. Each article, blog post, and review published under the Canine Bible name undergoes a rigorous review process, involving all team members to guarantee accuracy and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. This collaborative effort is an integral part of our editorial process and aligns with our four pillars of content creation. This approach ensures our content is backed by expert knowledge and factual information, offering our readers reliable, actionable, and trustworthy content.
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