Boxers are a popular family dog in many households due to their affectionate, playful, and downright goofy personalities. However, they’re prone to numerous costly health conditions, such as hip dysplasia, ulcerative colitis, kidney disease, eye and heart disorders, and a very high incidence of cancer.
Taking care of your dog’s health issues can be very taxing on you both monetarily and emotionally. No pet owner should have to decide between their wallet and essential veterinary care. However, pet insurance is designed to alleviate these burdens by paying for a sizable amount of your dog’s veterinary bills.
I have over 10 years of experience as a pet insurance expert, and I can assist you in finding the ideal insurance policy for your furry family member. I’ll also give details about possible health problems and related veterinary expenses for Boxers. Since pet insurance policies differ widely, I will recommend the best providers based on your dog’s requirements and financial situation.
Best Pet Insurance For Boxers
Boxers, like all purebreds, have unique insurance needs, so I’ve conducted extensive research into the best pet insurance for your precious pup’s breed. I selected these providers based on many factors, including the dog’s age, coverage, specific health conditions, premium pricing, and more.
Best For Boxer Puppies:Pets Best
- Policy Options:Accident-Only,Accident &Illness,Wellness
- Annual Deductible Options:$50,$100,$200,$250,$500,$1,000
- Annual Payout Options:$5,000,Unlimited
- Reimbursement Options:70%,80%,90%
Why I Picked Pets Best
Pets Best is an excellent choice for Boxer puppies because of its affordability and extensive coverage. While many providers won’t insure puppies under eight weeks old,you can enroll your puppy in Pets Best as young as seven weeks.
With a brief three-day waiting period for accidents,you can have peace of mind knowing that your puppy is protected,especially in situations where they might get hurt during rough play or swallow something they shouldn’t. Pets Best also provides an economical monthly wellness plan add-on,which can help you manage routine vet care costs,such as annual exams and vaccinations,and set your puppy on a healthy path for life.
Expert Price Analysis
When I obtained quotes from top providers,Pets Best premiums were consistently among the most competitive for Boxer puppiesin varying geographic locations. This includes using the same deductible,reimbursement,and annual payout. Pets Best is also among the most affordable for older Boxers.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| One of few insurers to offer an accident-only plan | Longer than average claim processing (18-30 days) |
| 5% multi-pet discount | Must pay extra for exam fee coverage and complementary therapies* |
| Reasonably priced optional wellness plan | Accident-only plan excludes coverage for CCL injuries |
| Many customization options and 3 accident and illness plans to choose from | |
| Covers curable pre-existing conditions once cured or healed | |
| Has no upper age limits | |
| Waiting periods for accidents (3 days) and hip dysplasia (14 days) are shorter than average |
In-Depth Review Of Pets Best
Check out my in-depth review of Pets Best to learn more about its multiple plans,customizations,coverage,reimbursement process,etc.
Most Extensive Coverage:Fetch
- Policy Options:Accident &Illness,Wellness
- Annual Deductible Options:$250,$300,$400,$500,$700
- Annual Payout Options:$5,000,$10,000,$15,000
- Reimbursement Options:70%,80%,90%
Why I Picked Fetch
Fetch’s pet insurance plans are ideal for Boxer owners seekingextensive coverage with minimal exclusions.Their broad range of benefits includes coverage for vet exam fees,gum disease,behavioral and complementary therapies,and C-sections in all policies.Fetch offers peace of mind through pre-approval for procedures and cost estimates prior to treatment. Additionally,you can take advantage of unique benefits,such as coverage for virtual vet appointments with no deductible.
Expert Price Analysis
When I run quotes for Fetch,I frequently find that its pricing varies considerably and is unpredictable. Using the same deductible,reimbursement,and payout for all of the quotes I obtained for Boxers,Fetch’s pricing was average or above average in certain instances but very competitive in others. The results were similar when I compared Fetch’s policy’s cost to that of other insurers with exam fee coverage added.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| All-inclusive policies with few exclusions | 15-day accident waiting period is longer than average |
| Covers healed,curable pre-existing conditions after 1 year with no symptoms | Coverage for hip dysplasia and CCL surgery have 6-month waiting periods |
| Benefits include coverage for virtual vet consultations | No discount for multiple pets |
| 3 wellness plan add-ons to choose from | |
| Offers pre-approval for procedures and cost estimates | |
| Puppy enrollment begins at 6 weeks old |
In-Depth Review Of Fetch
Read my extensive review of Fetch,which uncovers more details about its wide coverage,unique benefits,customizations,FAQs,and more.
Best For Unlimited Payouts:Healthy Paws
- Policy Options:Accident &Illness
- Annual Deductible Options:$100,$250,$500,$750,$1,000
- Annual Payout Options:Unlimited
- Reimbursement Options:50%,60%,70%,80%,90%
Why I Picked Healthy Paws
Owners of Boxers,who are prone to numerous expensive health problems,should think about getting pet insurance with unlimited annual payouts. Why? With Healthy Paws,you never have to worry about running out of coverage because each policy has an unlimited yearly cap. Does that mean Healthy Paws is more expensive than its competitors? No,not necessarily. Plans from Healthy Paws often cost less than those from other insurers that provide the same deductible and reimbursement with limitless annual payouts. For some Boxers,Healthy Paws may be less expensive than policies with lower payout caps.
Expert Price Analysis
Healthy Paws only offers unlimited annual payouts for all of its plans,making it challenging to compare premium costs with those of other insurers. Nevertheless,after comparing Boxer quotes,I discovered that,in several cases,Healthy Paws’ premiums were either cheaper or fairly comparable to those of other companies with a $5,000 yearly payout and a similar deductible and reimbursement.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| All policies include unlimited annual caps | Customization options are very limited for older dogs |
| Premiums are often cheaper than others with unlimited payouts and the same deductible and reimbursement | Some Boxers aren’t insurable based on age and location |
| Speedy 2-day average for claim processing | No ability to get coverage for vet exam fees |
| 15-day CCL surgery waiting period (many have 6 months) | Dogs enrolled when older than 6 years of age are excluded from hip dysplasia coverage |
| Long track record for high customer satisfaction | 12-month hip dysplasia waiting period is the longest in the industry |
In-Depth Review Of Healthy Paws
In my in-depth review of Healthy Paws,I discuss this provider’s coverage,limitations,customization options,etc.
Best For Customizable Plans:Figo
- Policy Options:Accident &Illness,Wellness
- Annual Deductible Options:$100,$250,$500,$750
- Annual Payout Options:$5,000,$10,000,Unlimited
- Reimbursement Options:70%,80%,90%,100%
Why I Picked Figo
Figo offers a variety of options to create the perfect pet insurance plan for your beloved Boxer. With three set accident and illness plans and the ability to customize the annual payout,reimbursement,and deductible,you can tailor the benefits to your budget. Figo’s standout features include options for unlimited annual payouts and 100% reimbursement,making it a unique choice in the pet insurance industry.
Figo is also a top choice due to its exceptional customer service,a one-day waiting period for accidents,and an average claim processing time of just three days.Furthermore,all Figo policies provide comprehensive coverage,including gum disease and complementary and behavioral therapies.
Expert Price Analysis
Comparing the quotes I ran,Figo’s premium pricing for Boxers was consistently above average,using a $500 deductible,90% reimbursement,and $5,000 annual payout. However,its pricing is competitive for a policy with a $750 deductible,70% reimbursement,and a $5,000 payout.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Multiple customizations,including unlimited payouts and 100% reimbursement | Must pay extra for vet exam fee coverage |
| Waiting period for accidents is only 1 day | Hip dysplasia coverage waiting period is 6 months |
| All policies cover gum disease,complementary therapy,and behavioral therapy | |
| Covers curable pre-existing conditions after 1 year | |
| Offers 2 optional wellness plans | |
| Lowers your deductible by $50 each year you don’t make a claim | |
| Speedy 3-day claim processing | |
| 5% multi-pet discount |
In-Depth Review Of Figo
Discover more details on this provider’s plans,customizations,coverage,reimbursement process and my personal experience in my thorough review of Figo.
Best Value:Embrace
- Policy Options:Accident-Only,Accident &Illness,Wellness
- Annual Deductible Options:$100,$250,$500,$750,$1,000
- Annual Payout Options:$5,000,$8,000,$10,000,$15,000,Unlimited
- Reimbursement Options:70%,80%,90%
Why I Picked Embrace
Embrace’s comprehensive coverage and competitive premium pricing for Boxers of all agesmake it an excellent choice for owners. Its accident and illness policies encompass complementary therapy,behavioral therapy,and $1,000 annual coverage for dental illness at no additional cost. You also have the flexibility to enhance your coverage by adding vet exam fees and prescription drugs. In addition,the company offers added value by lowering your deductible by $50 for every year you go without filing a claim.
Expert Price Analysis
I found that Embrace’s premium pricing came out as an excellent value for Boxers when using the same deductible,reimbursement,and payout rate. In many cases,Embrace’s pricing ran lower than average to average.Based on the quotes I ran,it’s particularly cost-effective for older Boxers.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent accident-only plan that covers CCL surgery and canine bloat | Must pay extra for vet exam fee and prescription medication coverage |
| Industry-leading 10% multi-pet discount | Some Boxers are uninsurable,depending on location and age |
| Reduces your deductible by $50 each year you don’t receive a claim payment | Long waiting period for hip dysplasia coverage at 6 months |
| Complementary and behavioral therapies and $1,000 dental illness included in all policies | |
| Curable pre-existing conditions are covered after 1 year with no symptoms | |
| 3 optional wellness plans to choose from |
In-Depth Review Of Embrace
I encourage you to read my comprehensive review of Embrace,which provides more information about this provider’s plan options,coverage,customization options,reimbursement process,and more.
Most Affordable:Lemonade
- Policy Options:Accident &Illness,Wellness
- Annual Deductible Options:$100,$250,$500
- Annual Payout Options:$5,000,$10,000,$20,000,$50,000,$100,000
- Reimbursement Options:70%,80%,90%
Lemonade Pet Insurance Is NOT Available In:AK,AZ,DE,HI,ID,KS,KY,LA,ME,MN,MT,WV,WY
Why I Picked Lemonade
When it comes to pet insurance,the cost of premiums is a crucial factor to consider. Lemonade is well-known for its affordability,making it an excellent choice for Boxer owners who are mindful of their budget.Its base plan is consistently among the most affordable in the industry. With Lemonade,you have the option to include additional coveragefor exam fees,complementary therapy,more extensive dental care,behavioral therapy,and end-of-life benefits by paying extra premiums for each. This flexibility gives you the power to tailor your pet’s coverage to your distinct needs while managing your expenses.
Lemonade entered the pet insurance market in 2020 and has quickly made a name for itself. Despite being relatively new and not as established as other providers I recommend here,Lemonade has received exceptional customer praise,thanks partly to its efficient and prompt claims handling.
Expert Price Analysis
When I ran quotes for Boxers of varying ages and locations,I found that Lemonade’s pricing was consistently among the most affordable,using the same deductible,reimbursement,and annual payout.Even with the inclusion of vet exam fee coverage,Lemonade still offered highly competitive prices compared to other leading insurers.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Among the most affordable premium prices | Only available in 37 states and Washington,D.C. |
| Many customization options for benefits and add-ons | Adds-ons required for vet exam fees,higher dental coverage,complementary therapy,behavioral therapy,and end-of-life care |
| 5% discount for multiple pets | 6-month waiting period for CCL surgery coverage |
| Quick 2-day claim processing average | Doesn’t enroll some Boxers once they hit a certain age |
| Covers curable pre-existing conditions after 1 year symptom-free | |
| 2 optional wellness plans to choose from | |
| Shorter 30-day waiting period for hip dysplasia compared to many |
In-Depth Review Of Lemonade
See my thorough review of Lemonade for more details on this provider’s coverage,add-ons,customization options,coverage,unique reimbursement process,and more.
Best For Pre-Existing Bilateral Conditions:Trupanion
- Policy Options:Accident &Illness
- Per-Incident Deductible Options:$0 – $1,000 (in $5 increments)
- Annual Payout Options:Unlimited
- Reimbursement Options:50%,60%,70%,80%,90%,100%
Why I Picked Trupanion
Trupanion’s policies are notable for their lack of bilateral exclusions,which limit coverage for conditions that could affect both sides of a pet’s body. This is particularly significant for breeds like Boxers,which tend to develop bilateral conditions such as CCL tears,hip dysplasia,and various eye disorders.
Unlike many other pet insurance providers,Trupanion does not deny coverage for pre-existing bilateral ailments. This means that conditions diagnosed on one side of the body before enrollment will not be excluded for the other side.This can be incredibly beneficial,especially considering the potentially high costs of many bilateral conditions.
Expert Price Analysis
Trupanion’s Boxer premiums were significantly higher than those of other providerswhen I compared quotes for different ages and locations. This discrepancy is more pronounced in older dogs — sometimes by hundreds of dollars.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| All policies have unlimited annual payouts | Highest premium prices for Boxers for all ages and locations |
| Trupanion may be able to pay your vet directly | Exam fee coverage is unavailable |
| No exclusions for bilateral conditions | Waiting period for illnesses is 30 days (longer than most) |
| Healed,curable pre-existing conditions are covered after 1 year symptom-free | |
| Fast 2-day claim processing average | |
| Lower than average 30-day waiting periods for hip dysplasia and CCL surgery |
In-Depth Review Of Trupanion
Be sure to check out my full review of Trupanion for more information about its coverage,customization options,vet direct pay,FAQs,and more.
What Type Of Pet Insurance Plan Is Best For Boxers?
Two types of pet insurance plans are available:accident-only and accident and illness. Some providers also offer optional preventative (also called wellness) plans. While these plans are not insurance products,they provide a reassuring way to set aside money for routine and preventive care,supporting your Boxer’s long-term health and well-being.
| Accident-Only | Accident &Illness | Wellness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Injuries(CCL injuries,canine bloat,eye trauma,broken bones,wounds,etc.) |  | | |
| Diseases(allergies,colitis,cancer,heart problems,kidney disease,etc.) | | ||
| Preventative(vaccinations,annual exams,dental cleaning,etc.) | |
What Are Accident-Only Pet Insurance Plans?
Accident-only plans cover expenses for emergency treatment resulting from specific accidents and injuries in pets,such as eye trauma,broken bones,heat stroke,canine bloat,foreign body ingestion,and wounds. These plans are ideal for pet owners on a tight budget or pets with many pre-existing conditionsthat wouldn’t be covered in an accident and illness plan. It’s important to note that,as the name suggests,these plans do not cover illnesses or inherited diseases. Additionally,only a few providers offer accident-only plans.
Pricing Tip– Premiums for accident-only plans are usually far less expensive than accident and illness plans.
What Are Accident &Illness Pet Insurance Plans?
You’re not just getting a safety net when you purchase accident and illness insurance for your Boxer. In addition to injuries,these plans provide comprehensive coverage for a wide range of conditions,including cancer,chronic kidney disease,ulcerative colitis,brachycephalic obstructive airway disease (BOAS),hip dysplasia,and other hereditary diseases that this breed is susceptible to. This means you’re fully prepared for nearly any health issue that may arise.
What Are Wellness Plans?
Adding a wellness plan to your pet insurance policy is a proactive step toward managing your pet’s health.These plans cover the costs of routine preventive care,such as annual physicals,vaccinations,dental cleanings,parasite prevention,and more. By budgeting for your pet’s health with a wellness plan,you can reduce financial worries and ensure your pet’s health,making pet care less burdensome.
It’s important to remember that wellness plans are not pet insurance. They don’t cover any costs related to illnesses or accidents.
What Does Pet Insurance Cover &Exclude?
Before signing any insurance policy,it’s crucial to review the fine print. This process ensures that you know all the benefits and limitations,which can differ significantly based on the insurance provider and the type of policy you purchase. Most insurers’ accident and illness insurance plans cover the following when deemed medically necessary.However,each provider may impose specific limitations for certain conditions,so it’s vital to be vigilant when reading your policy.
| Covered | Excluded |
|---|---|
| Blood tests | Boarding |
| Cancer (chemo &radiation) | Cremation &burial costs |
| CT scans | Elective procedures (e.g.,declawing,ear cropping,spaying/neutering,tail docking,etc.) |
| Chronic conditions | Food &supplements |
| Congenital conditions | Grooming |
| Emergency care | Pre-existing conditions* |
| Euthanasia | Pregnancy &breeding |
| Hereditary conditions | Vaccines |
| MRIs | |
| Non-routine dental treatment | |
| Prescription medications | |
| Rehabilitation | |
| Specialized exams &care | |
| Surgery &hospitalization | |
| Ultrasounds | |
| X-rays |
Learn More About Pet Insurance Coverage
Coverage and exclusions can be very confusing,so I encourage you to read my in-depth guide on what pet insurance covers and doesn’t.
What Determines The Cost Of Pet Insurance For Boxers?
The cost of pet insurance can be complicated and affected by several variables,such as the age and location of your Boxer,each insurer’s underwriting guidelines,and more. To make things easier to understand,here’s a broad rundown:
- The cost of pet insurance is significantly influenced by the age of the pet.Older dogs have higher insurance costs,while younger dogs have lower premiums due to the lower health risks they pose.
- The cost of living in your areahas a direct influence on premium pricing. It’s important to understand that price changes impact veterinarians in the same way that they affect you. Therefore,if the cost of living in your area is high,both your veterinary bills and pet insurance premiums will also be higher.
- The breedhas a big impact on how much pet insurance costs. Health problems are more common in some breeds than in others.Moreover,purebred dogs,like Boxers,are more susceptible to health issues,which can significantly affect insurance costs.
- Male Boxers may have more expensive insurance compared to females. Due to their larger size,male dogs might need higher medication dosages,larger medical equipment,and more medical supplies. However,not all insurance providers factor in a dog’s gender with premium pricing.
Although the factors mentioned above that affect the cost of your policy are beyond your control,you have many customization options to help you find a pet insurance plan that suits your needs and budget. Below,I’ll go over how this all operates.
Customization Options Affect Cost &Benefits
You have more control over the cost of a pet insurance policy than you might think. The majority of pet insurance companies offer a variety of customizable options to suit your budget. You can decide between an accident-only and an accident and illness policy. Then,you can adjust the maximum payout,deductible,and reimbursement percentage. It’s essential to understand how each change will affect your benefits.
What Is The Maximum Payout?
Two types of payout options are available in the pet insurance market:annual and lifetime. Most insurance companies have yearly payout caps;the most popular amounts are unlimited,$10,000,or $5,000. An annual payout is the maximum amount the insurance company will pay out over a policy period. The maximum cut the insurer will pay out over the pet’s insured lifetime is known as a lifetime cap.
Pricing Tip– Think carefully about the payout maximum you select. If you choose a smaller amount,you will pay more out of pocket should your Boxer need expensive veterinary care,but your premium will be lower.
Is The Deductible Annual Or Per-Incident?
The deductible is a fixed sum you must pay out of pocket before your insurance company pays the balance of your vet bill.Although most pet insurance policies have annual deductibles with common choices of $100,$250,or $500,Trupanion has per-incident deductibles.
What distinguishes per-incident deductibles from annual deductibles? With an annual deductible,you pay a predetermined amount once a year,regardless of how many treatments your pet requires. This makes it simpler to budget for your pet’s medical needs.
Under a per-incident deductible,you must pay the deductible for each new emergency or medical issue.While this could become costly if your Boxer develops multiple health problems in a year,the advantage of a per-incident deductible applies to chronic,long-term conditions such as allergies,arthritis,and kidney disease. Why? You only pay the deductible once for that condition during your pet’s insured lifetime.
Pricing Tip – Selecting a higher deductible reduces your monthly premium,but you’ll have a larger out-of-pocket expense at the time of treatment.
What’s The Reimbursement Percentage?
The amount of your vet bills that the insurance company will cover after you’ve paid your deductible is determined by the reimbursement rate you select.For example,if you choose a 70% reimbursement rate with a $100 deductible,you would pay the first $100 plus 30% of the total vet bills,and the insurance would cover the remaining amount. Typical reimbursement options include 70%,80%,and 90%.
Pricing Tip– Choosing a higher reimbursement percentage raises your monthly premium but results in lower out-of-pocket costs for treatment.
Learn More About Pet Insurance Costs
See my comprehensive article on pet insurance costs for more information about how these customization options affect your premium cost and benefits.
How Much Is Pet Insurance For A Boxer?
Please input your Boxer’s details and zip code in the form below to receive personalized pet insurance quotes from multiple top providers. This gives you the most accurate information about your dog’s insurance costs. For a general idea of pricing,I’ve also run several quotes for Boxers.
According to NAPHIA (North American Pet Health Insurance Association),the average monthly premium for an accident and illness dog insurance policy in the U.S. is $56.30 ($31.94 for cats).
To give you a rough idea of premium pricing,I obtained multiple insurance quotes for Boxers from various locations and ages. These quotes compare similar customization options and come from the best insurance providers I have chosen for this breed.
*70% reimbursement;†50% reimbursement and $1,000 deductible (no other options);‡$0 deductible;§Unlimited annual payouts
Boxer Insurance Cost:Lowest &Highest Amounts
I also collected quotes for the monthly premium range of Boxer pet insurance from the same leading providers to offer an extra comparison. These quotes consider the deductible,annual payout,reimbursement,and optional add-ons (wellness plans not included). I used two different ages of Boxers to show how premiums vary based on the dog’s enrollment age.
| Company | 2mo old 95818 (Sacramento,CA) | 5yr old 95818 (Sacramento,CA) | 2mo old 14211 (Buffalo,NY) | 5yr old 14211 (Buffalo,NY) | 2mo old 33604 (Tampa,FL) | 5yr old 33604 (Tampa,FL) | 2mo old 79404 (Lubbock,TX) | 5yr old 79404 (Lubbock,TX) | 2mo old 07108 (Newark,NJ) | 5yr old 07108 (Newark,NJ) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $27-$165 | $41-$256 | $17-$111 | $27-$172 | $23-$148 | $33-$210 | $21-$120 | $30-$170 | $18-$116 | $29-$180 |
| $43-$110 | $102-$168 | $38-84 | $70-$157 | $44-$100 | $80-$185 | $25-$54 | $44-$97 | $42-$94 | $76-$173 |
 | $55-$83 | $80-$121 | $49-$60 | Uninsurable | $36-$90 | $59-$159 | $50-$60 | $73-$88 | $56-$67 | $82-98 |
| $32-$189 | $42-$245 | $28-$212 | $36-$276 | $22-$169 | $32-$245 | $19-$147 | $28-$213 | $33-$216 | $43-$281 |
 | $27-$210 | Uninsurable | $32-$196 | $32-$200 | $26-$121 | $34-$158 | $24-$114 | $32-$149 | $35-$162 | $45-$212 |
| $26-$178 | $40-$265 | $30-$158 | $39-$204 | $19-$134 | $29-$207 | $32-$142 | $30-$143 | $27-$132 | $36-$174 |
| $65-$274 | $112-$494 | $64-$273 | $111-$490 | $180-$333 | $385-$713 | $67-$286 | $134-$595 | $83-$358 | $170-$762 |
What Are Waiting Periods For Boxer Pet Insurance?
Depending on the provider,there are differences in waiting periods —the interval between signing up for pet insurance and when coverage starts. For accidents,waiting periods range from 0 to 15 days,while for illnesses,they are typically 14 days. Furthermore,certain insurance companies have waiting periods for orthopedic conditions that Boxers are more likely to experience,like CCL injuries and hip dysplasia.
*States are slowly adopting a Model Law for pet insurance. This Model Law attempts to standardize each state’s regulations,which includes a standard for waiting periods that all companies must follow. Waiting periods for California,Delaware,Louisiana,Maine,Mississippi,Nebraska,New Hampshire,and Washington are as follows:
- Accidents – 0 days
- Illnesses – 14 days
- Cruciate Ligament Conditions – 30 days
- Routine Care – 0 days
Learn More About Waiting Periods
Learn more about the reasons for waiting periods and other important details regarding pet insurance waiting periods.
How Does Pet Insurance For Boxers Work?
Once your policy’s waiting periods are over,the process for using your pet insurance is very straightforward.
- Pay your vet bill at the time of treatment.
- Submit a claim form along with an itemized receipt to your insurance company. You may need to bring a copy of your claim form to your vet appointment because some insurers require a signature from your vet.
- Once the insurance company approves your claim,you will receive reimbursement* via your chosen payment method (check,direct deposit,etc.).
* Depending on the company’s stated processing time and your claim’s complexity,the reimbursement timeline can vary from a few minutes to a few weeks.
16 Common Health Issues In Boxers
Boxers live an average of 10 years. That’s a shorter lifespan than many other breeds,partly because Boxers are predisposed to numerous severe health problems due to genetics and other factors. Being informed about potential health issues and associated costs can help you decide if pet insurance is necessary for your pup.
- Allergies require various treatment options depending on their severity. Allergies can cause recurring skin conditions,such as canine atopic dermatitis and bacterial infections. Boxers are also prone to skin fold dermatitis,which causes infection in their wrinkly skin. Testing and treatment for allergies and skin infections can cost hundreds of dollars each year.
- Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Disease (BOAS) is prevalent in flat-faced dog breeds like Boxers. These dogs have upper airway issues due to their flattened skull shape,leading to various health problems. Long-term medication can sometimes reduce symptoms. However,in severe cases,surgery,which can cost over $1,000,is often necessary.
- Dogs with BOAS are at a higher risk of heatstrokedue to their breathing problems. Treatment costs range from $500 to $1,000 on average,with the most severe cases reaching up to $15,000for prolonged hospitalization and ICU care.
- Hip and elbow dysplasia occur when the joints become too loose,causing pain and lameness. Surgery is frequently required to improve the quality of life,and costs can range from $1,700 to $4,500or more per hip or elbow.
- Boxers are more susceptible to gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV),commonly known as canine bloat,compared to many other breeds. This life-threatening condition happens when dogs eat too quickly or too much,leading to the expansion and twisting of the stomach. GDV calls for immediate emergency treatment,which can cost $3,000 or more.
- Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuriesare common in Boxers due to their high energy levels and size. These injuries cause the knee joint to break down,tear,or,in some cases,completely rupture. Typically,dogs with CCL injuries require orthopedic surgery,which can cost anywhere from $1,600 to $6,000 or more.
- Degenerative myelopathy (DM)is a progressive neurological disease that causes weakness and eventually loss of function in the hind legs. It typically affects Boxers over five years of age. While there’s no cure,regular physical therapy and dietary supplements,costing $500 or more per month,can slow DM’s progression.
- Boxers are among the top five breeds with the highest risk of cancer,with the most common being brain tumors,mast cell tumors (MCT),lymphoma,and hemangiosarcoma. Depending on the type,treatment typically involves surgery and chemotherapy,both of which can be extremely costly,ranging anywhere from $1,500 to $10,000 or more.
- The three most common heart problemsthat affect this breed are arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (also called Boxer ARVC),dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM),and aortic stenosis (AS). Diagnosing a heart condition can cost up to $1,000. In moderate to severe cases of AS and ARVC,lifelong medication is typically needed. In severe cases of DCM,surgery,ranging from $10,000 to $20,000,is required to prevent heart failure.
- Histiocytic Ulcerative Colitis(HUC) is a severe,recurring gastrointestinal disease typically seen in young Boxers. Treatment includes a special diet and immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory medications,which can cost up to $300 per episode. For severe cases,costs may run $1,000 or more with each occurrence.
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD)is a progressive disease that affects Boxers more than many other breeds. Diagnosis costs anywhere from $200 to $750. Long-term management of CKD may range from $100 to $500 a month for a prescription diet,medications,and fluid therapy.
- Boxers are more susceptible to gingival hyperplasia,an overgrowth or thickening of the gums. Treatment involves an oral examination,dental x-rays,and surgical excision (gingivectomy) to restore the gum tissue,with costs ranging from $250 to $350.
- Hypothyroidism,caused by insufficient hormone production,requires lifelong medication and testing. Monthly medication costs range from $20 to $50.Initial diagnostic testing ranges from $50 to $150,with annual retesting costing $50 to $100.
- Epilepsyis a hereditary disorder that causes seizures in dogs. Depending on the drug choice,you could be facing around $500 a year or more on medication alone. Initial diagnostic testing is also an expense to consider.
- Arthritis is a chronic joint diseasethat may require medication and physical or alternative therapies ($100 to $500 or more each month). Surgery may be required in severe cases,which costs thousands of dollars.
- Boxers are at risk of several eye disorders,including corneal ulcers,cherry eye,and corneal dystrophy.Treatment varies for each condition. For example,cherry eye,when a dog’s third eyelid pops out of place,typically becomes a recurring problem that requires surgery to fix,with an average cost of $1,500 per eye.
Is Pet Insurance Worth It For Boxers?
The simple answer is yes. According to a Boxer Health Survey by the Boxer Breed Council,pet owners answered “yes” to their Boxer suffering from cancer (15%),eye conditions (22%),gastrointestinal conditions (28%),heart conditions (15%),muscle,bone,or joint condition (23%),and skin/coat conditions (44%).
The health issues that Boxers face can be financially burdensome without pet insurance.However,pet insurance can provide significant financial relief,ensuring that you can provide the best care for your Boxer without stress about the financial aspect. It’s essential to enroll your dog in insurance before any medical emergency or hereditary condition arises.Pre-existing medical conditions may not be covered,so insuring your dog as soon as possible is crucial.
5 Steps To Find The Best Pet Insurance For Boxers
Here are the most important factors to consider when selecting the best insurance policy for your Boxer.
- Learn about the insurance companies’ reputations. Companies with years of experience are more stable than brand-new insurers.
- Consider the health issues Boxers can potentially faceand familiarize yourself with the terms associated with coverage for those conditions.
- Decide if you want accident-only or accident and illness coverage.
- Know how claim reimbursement works and each provider’s average processing time.
- Get pet insurance quotes from at least three companiesto compare pricing.
Methodology
To determine the best pet insurance for Boxers,we analyzed more than 40 U.S. pet insurance companies to provide an unbiased breakdown of how providers compare against one another. Our in-depth research includes:
- Running thousands of price quotes
- Reading hundreds of customer reviews
- Scrutinizing every policy from top to bottom and reading all the fine print
- Scoping out the purchase process
- Speaking with customer service representatives
- Having firsthand experience submitting claims with companies
- Comparing plan customization details
- Examining how long it takes to receive reimbursement
- Factoring in company history and years in the pet insurance marketplace
- Meeting with company representatives to discuss changes related to the industry,their company,and their offerings
- Requiring national experience for companies
Unlike many other review sites,we refuse to let pet insurance companies pay for the top spot in our rankings. Companies must earn their position in our comparisons by performing well in the marketplace. We also point out each company’s pros and cons in light of their competitor’s strengths. In doing so for over a decade,we’ve helped pet parents make more educated decisions among the top pet insurance options. Pet insurance providers read our reviews,regularly check them for accuracy,and value our input to help create positive industry changes and better protect your pets. We only recommend the best of the best because it’s what our readers deserve.
Additional Pet Insurance Resources
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Canine Journal has been covering the topic of pet insurance since 2012,well before other conglomerates discovered the rising popularity of health care for our pets. Many of our authors have personal experience with pet insurance,including Kimberly Alt,who has been Canine Journal’s go-to writer for pet insurance for over a decade,having written about nearly every possible facet related to pet insurance. Kimberly knows the subject so well that she can answer a breadth and depth of pet insurance questions immediately. And on the rare occasion she doesn’t know the answer off the top of her head,she can find it within minutes due to her vast list of resources. Kimberly also has extensive knowledge of dog health conditions,which can help her recommend pet insurance providers to pet owners with specific breeds.
Kimberly collaborated with Sally Jones,a seasoned health sciences communications professional with decades of experience. Sally specializes in dog health and is adept at producing content on technical topics such as pet insurance. Her wealth of knowledge and insight played a crucial role in this article’s thorough research and composition.
Kimberly also consulted with Michelle Schenker,Canine Journal’s in-house licensed insurance agent,for additional expertise to ensure accuracy and give Canine Journal the authority to write about and assist readers in purchasing policies that are accurately represented.
