The super popular Pug packs a big personality in that itty-bitty body. Known for their loud snoring, adorable roly bodies, smushy faces, buggy eyes, and corkscrew tails, Pugs are full of charm and make excellent companions. Unfortunately, many of this breed’s trademark physical traits can result in several hereditary health concerns, such as brachycephalic obstructive airway disease, hip and spinal abnormalities, patella luxation, dental problems, eye conditions, and more.
Dealing with your Pug’s medical issues can be a considerable financial and emotional responsibility. Pet insurance is designed to provide substantial relief by covering a significant portion of your dog’s medical costs. With your dog insured, you can ensure they receive the best and potentially lifesaving treatment.
Thanks to my more than 10 years of experience as a pet insurance specialist, I can assist you in finding the ideal insurance plan for your cherished pup. I also provide detailed information about common health concerns and the associated veterinary expenses for Pugs. Given the wide variation in pet insurance policies, I will recommend the most suitable providers based on your unique needs.
Best Pet Insurance For Pugs
As with all purebred dogs, Pugs have distinct insurance requirements. After conducting thorough research, I have identified the best pet insurance options tailored to the specific needs of your precious Pug. My selection process involved considering factors such as your dog’s age, coverage options, specific health conditions, premium pricing, and more.
Best Value: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 provides extensive coverage for Pugs at highly competitive prices. The company’s flexible options allow you to customize your coverage,benefits,and budget. Being one of the few pet insurance providers with an accident-only plan,Pets Best is a valuable option for those on a limited budget.
With shorter waiting periods than many providers,particularly for accidents and hip dysplasia coverage,you can have peace of mind knowing that coverage will kick in quickly. Pets Best also provides a wellness plan add-on that can be added to your policy for a reasonable monthly fee,which can assist you with regular veterinary care costs like yearly examinations and shots.
Expert Price Analysis
Pets Best premiums were consistently among the least expensive when I ran quotes for Pugs of different ages and locations using the same deductible,reimbursement,and annual payout. Pets Best continued to provide incredibly competitive pricing when I compared quotes that took rehabilitation and exam costs into account,making this insurer an excellent value.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Offers an accident-only plan and 3 affordable accident and illness plans | Claim processing (18-30 days) is longer than average |
| 5% discount for multiple pets | Vet exam fee and complementary care* coverage requires a policy upgrade |
| Economical wellness plan add-on | |
| Curable pre-existing conditions are covered once cured or healed | |
| Shorter than average waiting periods for accidents (3 days) and hip dysplasia (14 days) | |
| No upper age limits |
In-Depth Review Of Pets Best
Read my full review of Pets Best to gain a better understanding about this insurer’s multiple plan options,coverage,customization options,reimbursement process,and more.
Best For Unique Benefits: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 pet insurance offers extensive coverage for your Pug’s needs and unique additional benefits.These include free online vet consultations,boarding expenses should you become hospitalized,and trip cancellation insurance in case your pet falls ill. With these financial benefits,you can be sure you’re investing wisely in your pet’s health.
Fetch’s all-inclusive policies are also designed to simplify your life. All policies cover veterinary exam fees,behavioral therapy,and complementary therapy.Notably,the pre-approval of cost estimates and procedures before treatment and coverage for treatable pre-existing conditions after a year ensure maximum convenience for you and your pet.
Expert Price Analysis
When I ran quotes for Pugs,I frequently found that Fetch’s premium pricing was above average compared to other insurers when using the same deductible,reimbursement,and payout. The results were similar when I compared Fetch’s policy costs to those of other providers with exam fee coverage added.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extensive coverage with few exclusions | Longer than average 15-day accident waiting period |
| Covers curable pre-existing conditions after 1 year with no symptoms | 6-month waiting period for hip dysplasia coverage |
| Unique benefits include virtual vet consultations,pet boarding,and more | No multi-pet discount |
| Offers 3 optional wellness plans | Excludes coverage for IVDD in some cases* |
| Pre-approval for procedures and cost estimates | |
| Can enroll puppies as young as 6 weeks old |
In-Depth Review Of Fetch
I encourage you to check out my full review of Fetch to learn more about this insurer’s extensive coverage,unique benefits,customizations,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
Given that Pugs can have many costly health issues,owners may want to consider obtaining pet insurance with no limits on annual maximum payouts. This means you never have to worry about running out of coverage during the year,providing you with peace of mind. With Healthy Paws,every policy has an unlimited annual payout cap.Compared to other providers,Healthy Paws pet insurance may appear more costly due to its unlimited payouts per policy. However,Healthy Paws provides affordable plans,often cheaper than other insurers that offer the same deductible,reimbursement,and unlimited annual payouts.
Expert Price Analysis
Healthy Paws only offers unlimited annual payouts for all its plans,making it challenging to compare premium costs with other insurers. However,I found that Healthy Paws’ premiums for Pugs were often more reasonable or the same as those of other companies with a $5,000 yearly payout,similar deductible,and reimbursement.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| All policies have no limits for your annual payout | Older dogs have very limited customization options for your deductible and reimbursement |
| Policies with unlimited payouts and the same deductible and reimbursement are often quite reasonable compared to other insurers | Doesn’t offer any coverage for veterinary exam fees |
| Quick 2-day average for claim processing | Hip dysplasia coverage is excluded for dogs enrolled at 6 years old or older |
| Longstanding fantastic reputation for customer satisfaction | Long 12-month waiting period for hip dysplasia coverage |
In-Depth Review Of Healthy Paws
Learn more about this insurer’s coverage,restrictions,customizations,and more in my full review of Healthy Paws.
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
Unsure about the perfect pet insurance plan for your Pug? Figo has you covered with a wide range of options designed to fit your needs.Choose from three set plans for accidents and illnesses,including the budget-friendly Value Plus plan,or customize your own plan by selecting the annual payout,reimbursement,and deductible that best suits you. Figo’s standout features include the options of unlimited annual payouts and 100% reimbursement. Additionally,all Figo plans cover gum disease,complementary and behavioral therapies,and curable pre-existing conditions.
Expert Price Analysis
Figo was frequently in the middle of competitors’ prices when I obtained quotes for different Pugs for less coverage ($750 deductible,70% reimbursement,and $5,000 payouts). In some cases,however,Figo missed being among the least expensive by a few dollars. Alternatively,the premium pricing was higher than many insurers when I maxed out coveragewith a $100 deductible,90% reimbursement,and unlimited annual payouts.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent customization options,including 100% reimbursement | Exam fee coverage requires an add-on |
| Shortest waiting period for accidents (1 day) in the industry | 6-month waiting period for hip dysplasia |
| Coverage for gum disease,complementary therapy,and behavioral therapy included in all policies | |
| Covers curable pre-existing conditions after 1 year with no symptoms | |
| 2 wellness plan add-ons to choose from | |
| Reduces your deductible by $50 each year you’re claim-free | |
| Fast 3-day average claim processing | |
| 5% discount for multiple pets |
In-Depth Review Of Figo
See my in-depth review of Figo to learn more about its set and customizable plans,coverage,waiting periods,reimbursement process,and my personal experience.
Best For Pug Puppies: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 offers some of the most comprehensive accident and illness policies with few exclusions.Each policy includes coverage for behavioral therapy,complementary therapy,and $1,000 annual dental illness coverage. You can also supplement your coverage with prescription medications and veterinary exam costs.
Embrace allows puppies to be enrolled as early as six weeks,earlier than most other insurers that require pets to be at least eight weeks old. Thanks to its two-day waiting period for accidents,you can rest easily knowing your puppy is covered,especially if they get hurt during rough play or ingest something toxic. And with a diminishing deductible,Embrace is a fantastic option to enroll your puppy for their lifetime.
Expert Price Analysis
Embrace consistently offered some of the lowest pricing for Pug puppies. Embrace’s pricing for varying Pug and locations frequently fell in the low to middle rangewhen using the same deductible,reimbursement,and annual payout. The same held true when adding coverage for exam fees and prescription drugs.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent value for Pug puppies and older dogs | Additional cost for vet exam fee and prescription drug coverage |
| 10% multi-pet discount is the best in the industry | Some Pugs are uninsurable,depending on location and age |
| Lowers your deductible by $50 each year you’re claim-free | Long 6-month waiting period for coverage for hip dysplasia,patellar luxation,and IVDD |
| All policies include complementary and behavioral therapies and $1,000 for dental illness | |
| Covers curable pre-existing conditions after 1 year with no symptoms | |
| 3 wellness plan add-ons available |
In-Depth Review Of Embrace
My extensive review of Embrace provides more details about this insurer’s customizations,coverage,waiting periods,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 considering pet insurance,it’s essential to take into account the price of premiums. Lemonade stands out by offering affordable premiums,making it a top choice for budget-conscious Pug owners.Its base plan consistently ranks among the most reasonably priced options available. With options to extend coverage for exam costs,complementary therapy,dental care,behavioral therapy,and end-of-life benefits,Lemonade provides the flexibility to tailor your pet’s coverage to your specific needs,all while keeping expenses under control.
Despite being a relatively new player in the pet insurance industry (launched in 2020),Lemonade has rapidly gained popularity and positive customer feedback. Although it’s not as well-established as other insurers I include in this article,I recommend giving Lemonade further consideration.
Expert Price Analysis
Using the same deductible,reimbursement,and annual payout,Lemonade’s pricing was consistently among the most reasonablewhen I ran quotes for Pugs of different ages and locations. When compared to other top insurers,Lemonade’s rates were still very affordable,even with the addition of vet exam fee coverage.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Often,the most affordable premium pricing | Unavailable in 13 states |
| Many customization options for benefits and add-ons | Must pay extra for vet exam fees,higher dental coverage,complementary therapy,and behavioral therapy |
| Multi-pet discount of 5% | No coverage available for alternative therapies |
| Speedy claim processing average of 2 days | |
| Covers curable pre-existing conditions after 1 year with no symptoms | |
| Choice of 2 optional wellness plans | |
| 30-day waiting period for hip dysplasia is shorter than many insurers |
In-Depth Review Of Lemonade
My full review of Lemonade gives you more details on this provider’s optional add-ons,benefits,customization options,AI-driven 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,in contrast to many other pet insurance providers,do not limit coverage for bilateral pre-existing conditions.This means that a condition discovered before enrollment on one side of the body will still be covered on the other. Most insurers exclude coverage for a second incidence of a bilateral condition if the first ailment occured before enrollment.
This is particularly crucial for breeds like Pugs,who are more likely to experience bilateral conditions like patellar luxation,hip dysplasia,Legg-Calve-Perthes disease,and eye disorders. Considering the potentially high cost of many bilateral conditions,this can be highly advantageous,providing financial security to pet owners.
Expert Price Analysis
I compared quotes from Trupanion for various ages and locations and found that their Pug premiums were two or three times more expensive than those of other providers.Trupanion’s maximum coverage for Pugs older than five frequently costs hundreds of dollars more.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| All policies have no limits for your annual payout | Pug premiums are the highest compared to other providers |
| To avoid waiting for reimbursement,Trupanion may be able to pay your vet directly | Doesn’t offer any coverage for veterinary exam fees |
| No exclusions for pre-existing bilateral conditions | Long 30-day waiting period for illnesses |
| Covers curable pre-existing conditions after 1 year with no symptoms | |
| Processes claims in 2 days on average | |
| 30-day waiting period for hip dysplasia is lower than average |
In-Depth Review Of Trupanion
Read my complete review of Trupanion for details about this provider’s coverage,benefits,customizations,vet direct pay,and more.
What Type Of Pet Insurance Plan Is Best For Pugs?
When considering pet insurance,you have two main options to choose from:accident-only and accident and illness plans. Additionally,some insurers offer optional wellness plans. These plans are not pet insurance,but they’re designed to help you save money on preventive care,ensuring that your Pug stays as healthy as possible.
| Accident-Only | Accident &Illness | Wellness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Injuries(eye trauma,heatstroke,lacerations,broken bones,etc.) |  | | |
| Diseases(brachycephalic obstructive airway disease,allergies,gum disease,cancer,etc.) | | ||
| Preventative(annual exams,vaccinations,professional dental cleaning,etc.) | |
What Are Accident-Only Pet Insurance Plans?
Accident-only pet insurance plans reimburse you for emergency treatment expenses resulting from certain accidents and injuries,such as heatstroke,foreign body ingestion,eye trauma,broken bones,and wounds.They are designed for pet owners with a tight budget and may be ideal for pets with many pre-existing conditions that wouldn’t be eligible for coverage in an accident and illness plan. But remember that these plans do not cover diseases and inherited ailments. This limitation is a key factor to consider when choosing a pet insurance plan. Also,many providers don’t offer accident-only plans.
Pricing Tip– Compared to accident and illness plans,accident-only plan premiums are typically much lower.
What Are Accident &Illness Pet Insurance Plans?
Accident and illness insurance gives you the ultimate protection for your Pug. These plans offer comprehensive coverage not only for accidental injuries but also for a wide range of conditionssuch as allergies,skin and ear infections,eye problems,patella luxation,hip dysplasia,mast cell tumors,and other diseases that Pugs are prone to. This means you’re financially equipped for nearly any health problem that could occur.
What Are Wellness Plans?
One proactive step in taking control of your pet’s health is to add a wellness plan to your pet insurance policy. These plans cover a portion of the expenses of regular preventive care,such as yearly physicals,immunizations,dental cleanings,parasite prevention,and more. Using a wellness plan to budget for your pet’s care is an investment in your pet’s future health. It can help ensure their well-being and lessen the financial burden of pet ownership.
Wellness plans are not considered pet insurance and don’t cover any costs associated with accidents or illnesses.
What Does Pet Insurance Cover &Exclude?
Take responsibility for your insurance decisions by carefully reading the policy before signing. This step ensures that you understand all the advantages and restrictions,which can vary greatly depending on the insurance company and the type of policy you choose. Most insurers’ accident and illness insurance plans cover the following conditions deemed medically necessary.However,it’s essential to be proactive and read your policy,as different providers may impose specific limitations for certain conditions.
| 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
Read my comprehensive guide on what pet insurance covers and doesn’t to gain a better understanding of limitations to keep an eye out for when choosing a policy.
What Determines The Cost Of Pet Insurance For Pugs?
It is important to understand the factors that influence the cost of pet insurance,such as the age and location of your Pug and the underwriting requirements of each insurer. Here’s a general summary to help you navigate this.
- Keep in mind that pet insurance costs vary based on the age of your pet.Older dogs tend to have higher insurance costs,while younger dogs typically come with lower premiums due to their lower risks of health problems.
- Premium pricing is directly impacted by the cost of living in your area.It’s critical to realize that price fluctuations affect you and veterinarians in the same manner. Therefore,if the cost of living in your area is high,your veterinary bills and pet insurance premiums will increase.
- The cost of pet insurance is significantly influenced by the breed.Certain breeds are more likely than others to experience health issues. Also,purebred dogs like Pugs are more prone to health problems,which can significantly impact insurance prices.
- Male Pugs may have slightly higher premiums than females. This is because male dogs,being larger in size,may require higher medication dosages,larger medical equipment,and additional medical supplies. It’s important to note,however,that not all insurance providers take a dog’s gender into account when setting premium prices.
You can’t control the factors mentioned above that influence the cost of your policy,but you can still find a pet insurance plan that fits your needs and budget with many customization options. I’ll explain how this all works below.
Customization Options Affect Cost &Benefits
When it comes to pet insurance,you have more control over the cost than you realize. Most pet insurance companies provide a wide range of customizable options to fit your budget. First,you can choose between an accident-only policy or an accident and illness policy. Additionally,you have the flexibility to adjust your deductible,reimbursement percentage,and maximum payout. It’s crucial to grasp how each adjustment will impact your benefits.
What Is A Maximum Payout?
Pet insurers offer either annual or lifetime maximum payouts. All of the providers in this article have annual payouts — the most common being $5,000,$10,000,and unlimited.What’s the difference between annual vs. lifetime payouts? Annual maximum payouts are the total amount an insurance company will pay out during your policy’s yearly contract. Alternatively,a lifetime cap is the highest amount that an insurer will pay throughout your pet’s insured lifetime. Typically,annual payouts are your better option with pet insurance.
Pricing Tip– I encourage you to carefully consider your maximum payout. If you choose a larger payout,you will pay less out of pocket should your Pug need expensive veterinary care,but your monthly premium will be higher.
What Is A Deductible?
Your deductible is the predetermined sum you must pay out of pocket before your insurance company covers the remaining balance of your vet bill. Most pet insurance policies have annual deductibles with common options of $100,$250,or $500. However,Trupanion requires per-incident deductibles.
What’s the difference between annual and per-incident deductibles? With an annual deductible,you pay your set amount once a year,regardless of how many treatments your pet requires. This predictability allows you to confidently budget for your pet’s medical needs,providing a sense of security and control.
On the other hand,under a per-incident deductible,you must pay the deductible for each new emergency or medical issue. This could become costly if your pet develops multiple health problems yearly. However,the advantage of a per-incident deductible applies to chronic,long-term conditions such as BOAS,allergies,and arthritis. Why? Because you only pay the deductible once for that condition during your pet’s insured lifetime.
Pricing Tip– Choosing a lower deductible increases your monthly premium,but you’ll face lower out-of-pocket expenses at the time of treatment.
What’s The Reimbursement Percentage?
The reimbursement rate you select is a key factor in determining your financial responsibility for your pet’s healthcare.For instance,with an 80% reimbursement rate and a $100 deductible,you would pay the first $100 plus 20% of the total vet bills,and the insurance provider would cover the rest. Common reimbursement options are 70%,80%,and 90%.
Pricing Tip– Choose your reimbursement percentage carefully. A lower reimbursement percentage lowers your monthly premium but can result in much higher out-of-pocket costs for your pup’s treatment.
Learn More About Pet Insurance Costs
My in-depth article about pet insurance costs gives you more details to understand how all of your deductible,reimbursement,and payout options affect your benfits and premium costs.
How Much Is Pet Insurance For A Pug?
To receive personalized pet insurance quotes from top providers,please fill out the form below with information about your Pug and your zip code. This will give you the most accurate idea about the cost of pet insurance for your dog. I have also gathered some quotes on Pugs for general reference.
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 general idea of premium pricing,I collected pet insurance quotes for Pugs of different ages and geographic locations from the top providers I recommend. I used similar deductible,reimbursement,and payout rates to provide the best price comparison across insurers.
*70% reimbursement;†50% reimbursement and $1,000 deductible (no other options);‡$0 deductible;§Unlimited annual payouts
Pug Insurance Cost:Lowest &Highest Amounts
In order to provide you with a comprehensive comparison,I also collected quotes for the monthly premium range of Pug pet insurance from the same reputable providers. These quotes take into consideration the deductible,annual payout,reimbursement,and optional add-ons (excluding wellness plans). Additionally,I’ve included premiums for two different ages of Pugs to illustrate the impact of a dog’s enrollment age on insurance costs.
| 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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $19-$120 | $24-$152 | $13-$81 | $16-$102 | $16-$99 | $18-$114 | $14-$80 | $16-$92 | $14-$87 | $17-$110 |
| $35-87 | $71-$186 | $31-$66 | $54-$122 | $35-$79 | $63-$145 | $22-$46 | $38-$83 | $34-$75 | $60-$135 |
 | $29-$73 | $42-$83 | $29-$60 | Uninsurable | $30-$73 | $49-$128 | $26-$66 | $38-$60 | $29-$60 | $43-$67 |
| $24-$139 | $31-$181 | $20-$154 | $26-$201 | $16-$122 | $23-$178 | $14-$107 | $20-$155 | $25-$160 | $32-$207 |
 | $19-$147 | Uninsurable | $22-$137 | $23-$140 | $16-$74 | $20-$96 | $15-$69 | $19-$91 | $21-$98 | $28-$129 |
| $18-$128 | $22-$156 | $21-$114 | $22-$122 | $14-$95 | $17-$119 | $18-$88 | $19-$93 | $21-$113 | $23-$122 |
| $56-$236 | $115-$508 | $46-$189 | $78-$337 | $99-$184 | $213-$394 | $42-$170 | $81-$350 | $52-$215 | $103-$454 |
What Are Waiting Periods For Pug Pet Insurance?
Waiting periods,the time between signing up for insurance and when coverage begins,vary depending on the provider. For accidents,waiting periods range from 0 to 15 days. For illnesses,the average waiting period is 14 days. In addition,some insurance companies impose longer waiting periods for orthopedic conditions such as hip dysplasia and patellar luxation,which are common among pugs.
*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
Do want to know more about waiting periods for insuring your pet? Check out my artice on pet insurance waiting periods to understand why insurer’s implement these timelines.
How Does Pet Insurance For Pugs 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.
15 Common Health Issues In Pugs
Pugs live an average of 12-15 years. Despite a longer lifespan than larger dogs,Pugs still suffer from many potential health problems. As a Pug owner,it’s so important to be informed about this breed’s potential health issues and associated costs. This can help you decide if pet insurance is necessary for your Pug.
- Pugs are prone to allergies and recurring skin conditions,such as canine atopic dermatitis,bacterial infections,and skin fold dermatitis due to their wrinkly skin. Treatment for allergies and skin infections can be costly,often amounting to hundreds of dollars annually.
- Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Disease (BOAS)is common in flat-faced dog breeds such as Pugs. These dogs have upper airway abnormalities due to their flattened skull shape,which can lead to various health problems. BOAS is a lifelong,progressive condition. While long-term medication can help reduce symptoms,severe cases may require surgery,which can cost over $1,000.
- Because of their breathing issues,dogs with BOAS are more likely to suffer from heatstroke. The average cost of treatment is between $500 and $1,000,but in the most extreme cases,prolonged hospital stays and intensive care can cost up to $15,000.
- Patella luxation,or a slipped kneecap,is a genetic condition often found in Pugs. In more than half of cases,it occurs in both knees of the hind legs. Surgery,costing from $1,500 to $3,000 per knee,is often required to prevent recurring knee problems.
- Smaller dogs like Pugs can be prone toLegg-Calve-Perthes disease,which occurs when the femur head deteriorates. This can result in chronic arthritis and collapse of the hip joint. Typically,hip surgery,medications,and post-op rehab are required,with costs ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 per hip joint.
- Elbow and hip dysplasia are painful and debilitating conditions caused by excessively loose joints. Surgery can cost anywhere from $1,700 to $4,500 or more per hip or elbow,and it is frequently necessary to improve quality of life.
- 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.
- Pugs are prone to many eye problems,including corneal ulcers,cataracts,entropion,dry eye,proptosis,distichiasis,and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). While there’s no treatment for PRA,many other eye issues are treatable,but costs vary widely by condition. For example,expensive surgery,averaging $2,600-$3,800,is required to fix cataracts. Entropion,distichiasis,and proptosis treatment can cost over $1,000 for each condition.
- Dental disease is very common in Pugs due to their small jaws and overcrowded teeth. This can lead to serious gum disease. It’s crucial to establish a dental cleaning routine to help prevent gum disease. Annual professional dental cleaning is recommended for Pugs,with costs up to $1,000 per year.
- Pugs are also more prone to retained baby teeththan many other breeds. These puppy teeth require extraction to make room for adult teeth to grow in. X-rays,anesthesia,and tooth extraction can cost up to $1,000 or more.
- In a 2016 study,researchers found that over half of the Pugs in their study had mast cell tumors (MCTs),a type of skin cancer.Surgical removal is typically the treatment of choice,with the average surgery cost ranging from $500 to $1,000.MCTs that have spread also require chemotherapy,which costs $800-$1,000 per injection.
- Pugs with allergies often develop ear infections.Diagnostic testing,medication,and initial and follow-up vet visits medication can cost upto $500 or more for each occurrence.
- This breed is also prone to several spinal problems,such as hemivertebrae,Pug myelopathy,and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). Diagnosing and treating these conditions may involve X-rays,CT and MRI scans,medication,surgery,frequent veterinarian visits,alternative therapy,hospital stays,and more. You could potentially incur $3,000 to $8,000 in veterinary bills.
- Epilepsyis a genetic condition that leads to seizures in dogs. Depending on the medication chosen,you may spend approximately $500 or more per yearon medication alone. The initial diagnostic testing is also an expense to take into account.
- Pug dog encephalitis (PDE)is an inflammatory neurological disease that typically affects younger Pugs. Sadly,there is no cure,and the disease is usually fatal within months of onset. Diagnostic testing and supportive anti-seizure medication can run into hundreds of dollars.
Is Pet Insurance Worth It For Pugs?
According to a recent study from the Royal Veterinary College,Pugs are almost twice as likely to experience one or more health disorders annually compared with other dogs. The study found the most prevalent issues for Pugs are narrowed nostrils,eye ulceration,skinfold infections,ear discharge,allergic skin disorders,among others.
Pug owners can significantly reduce the potential financial strain of health issues with pet insurance. This practical solution ensures you can provide the best care for your Pug without worrying about your finances. It’s crucial to take a proactive approach and enroll your dog in insurance before any medical emergency or hereditary condition arises. Remember,pre-existing medical conditions may not be covered,so insuring your dog immediately is critical.
Determine If Your Pug Needs Insurance
Be sure to read my guide on whether pet insurance is worth it for your Pug if you’re still on the fence about insuring your pup.
5 Steps To Find The Best Pet Insurance For Pugs
Here are the most important factors to consider when selecting the best insurance policy for your Pug.
- Do your research about each insurance company’s reputation. In general,pet insurance providers with years of experience are more stable than brand-new insurers.
- Take into account all of the health problems Pugs potentially faceand be fully aware of all the policy terms about coverage for these conditionsin each policy.
- Decide if you want accident-only or accident and illness coverage.
- Understand how claim reimbursement works and the average processing time for each provider.
- Get pet insurance quotes from at least three companiesto compare pricing.
Methodology
To determine the best pet insurance for Pugs,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.
