Best Pet Insurance For English Bulldogs
An overview of the best pet insurance plans for English Bulldogs; to safeguard your pet and your finances.
Written by
Lauren Rey
With 15 years of experience in the veterinary industry, Lauren is well-versed in the world of pet insurance. She’s a content writer for several online pet publications and loves to help pet parents stay informed. When not researching the latest pet news, you’ll probably find her off on an adventure with her rescue dog Pickles.
Last Update on Jan 11, 2024
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- English Bulldogs are a brachycephalic breed and can be prone to serious respiratory issues and other health conditions
- Treating common English Bulldog health conditions can require costly surgeries and treatments
- A pet insurance plan can help cover your English Bulldog’s medical costs, some up to 100%
- The best pet insurance plans for English Bulldogs offer coverage for their most common ailments and do not have any breed restrictions
Why English Bulldogs Need Pet Insurance
Known for their signature “smushed” faces and bulky, barrel-like bodies, English Bulldogs are beloved for their unique characteristics. Unfortunately, some of these characteristics come at a detriment to their health. English Bulldogs are prone to a long list of health conditions, from breathing issues to orthopedic problems.
Some common English Bulldog health conditions can require procedures, lengthy hospitalizations, and specialty care that can add to thousands in medical bills. Pet insurance can help cover these costs, in some cases even up to 100%.
The Best Pet Insurance Plans For English Bulldogs
While there’s no pet insurance plan just for English Bulldogs, there are some plans with better coverage for conditions that commonly occur in this breed.
Trupanion
Maximum Annual Coverage
Unlimited
Reimbursement Choices
90%
Wellness Plan Benefits
$0 to $1,000
App Available
Yes
Types of Pet Covered
Cats and Dogs
Waiting Periods
5 days for accidents and 30 days for illnesses
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Often referred to as the #1 Pet Insurance in America, Trupanion offers superior coverage and a fast, direct-vet-pay option to reduce upfront costs for pet owners. Covered costs include diagnostics, treatments, surgeries, hospitalizations, prescription medications, and more. Complementary coverage add-ons are also available.
Pros:
- Covers a wide range of conditions, including dental illness or injury
- No annual deductibles (per-condition deductible)
- Unlimited lifetime coverage
- Fast claims and reduced upfront costs with direct-vet-pay option
- Reimburses 90% of all covered costs
Cons:
- Exam fees are not covered
- No wellness plans offered
- Extended waiting periods: 5-day for accident, 30-day for illness
Additional Details
Why we picked them for English Bulldogs:
- No breed exclusions for hereditary or genetic conditions
- Covers many common English Bulldog health conditions with no caps
- Treatment for BOAS is covered
- Hip dysplasia is covered
- Covers wheelchairs and carts for English Bulldogs with mobility issues
Embrace
Maximum Annual Coverage
$5,000, $10,000, Unlimited
Reimbursement Choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible Choices
$100, $250, $500
App Available
Yes
Type of Pets Covered
Cats and Dogs
Waiting Periods
2 days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses, 6 months for orthopedic conditions for dogs
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A trusted name in pet insurance, Embrace offers comprehensive coverage for accidents and illnesses, plus an add-on option for wellness coverage. Covered costs include exams, diagnostics, treatments, hospitalizations, surgeries, prescription medications, and more.
Pros:
- Covers a wide range of conditions, including dental illness or injury
- Complementary treatments like rehabilitation are covered
- Offers a short, 2-day waiting period for accident coverage
- Provides pet owners access to a 24/7 Pet Telehealth
- Diminishing deductible perks for every year a pet goes without a claim
Cons:
- Limited choices for annual coverage, reimbursement rate, and deductible
- Orthopedic conditions have a 6-month waiting period (unless waived by exam)
- No direct-vet-pay option
Additional Details
Why we picked them for English Bulldogs:
- No breed exclusions for hereditary or genetic conditions
- Hip dysplasia is covered (after a 6-month waiting period)
- Treatment for BOAS is covered
- Alternative therapies such as laser and acupuncture are covered for English Bulldogs with orthopedic issues
- The wellness plan add-on offers coverage for orthopedic testing (early detection for hip dysplasia)
Figo
Maximum Annual Coverage
$5,000, $10,000, Unlimited
Reimbursement Choices
70%, 80%, 90%, 100%
Deductible Choices
$100, $250, $500, $750
App Available
Yes
Type of Pets Covered
Cats and Dogs
Waiting Periods
1 day for accidents, 14 days for illnesses, 6 months for orthopedic injuries
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Founded by pet owners, Figo Pet Insurance offers great coverage for accidents and illnesses, plus optional “power-ups” to tailor coverage to your individual pet. Covered costs include diagnostics, lab work, treatments, hospitalizations, surgeries, and more.
Pros:
- Covers a wide range of conditions, including dental illness or injury
- A short, 1-day waiting period for accident coverage
- Access to Figo Cloud with 24/7 Pet Telehealth and other perks
- Customizable coverage with up to 100% reimbursement option
- Lightning-fast claims service (most processed within 3 days)
Cons:
- Exam fees are not included in the base plan (must be added as a “power-up”)
- 6-month waiting period for orthopedic conditions
- No direct-vet-pay option
Additional Details
Why we picked them for English Bulldogs:
- No breed exclusions for hereditary or genetic conditions
- Treatment for BOAS is covered
- Hip dysplasia is covered (after a 6-month waiting period)
- Covers some alternative therapies for English Bulldogs with orthopedic problems
- The shortest accident coverage waiting period on the market
ManyPets
App availability
Yes
Types of pets covered
Cats and dogs
Waiting periods
15 days for accidents and illnesses, 24 hours for wellness care
Maximum annual coverage
Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $500
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A long-time trusted pet insurer in the UK, ManyPets was recently introduced into the US and has quickly risen the ranks. ManyPets plans feature extensive, unlimited coverage for accidents and illnesses, plus wellness coverage add-ons. Covered costs include exams, diagnostics, treatments, surgeries, hospitalizations, prescription medications, and more.
Pros:
- Covers a wide range of conditions, including dental illness or injury
- No annual limits
- No extended waiting periods for orthopedic conditions
- Fast reimbursement process with direct deposit
- Reimburses 80% to 90% of all covered costs
Cons:
- Not available in all states
- Hip dysplasia is only covered in pets enrolled before 6 years of age
- No direct-vet-pay option
Additional Details
Why we picked them for English Bulldogs:
- No breed exclusions for hereditary or genetic conditions
- Covers many common English Bulldog health conditions with no annual limits
- Treatment for BOAS is covered
- Hip dysplasia is covered (if the pet was enrolled before age 6)
- Covers acupuncture and alternative therapies for English Bulldogs with mobility issues
Paw Protect
App availability
Yes
Types of pets covered
Cats and dogs
Waiting periods
48 hours for accidents, 14 days for illnesses, 6 months for orthopedic conditions (could be reduced to 14 days with an orthopedic exam after enrollment)
Maximum annual coverage
Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $500
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One of the newest and fastest-growing pet insurance providers, Paw Protect offers excellent coverage and a direct-vet-pay option to help reduce upfront costs. Covered costs include exams, diagnostics, treatments, hospitalizations, surgeries, prescription medications, and more. Optional wellness coverage is also available.
Pros:
- Covers a wide range of conditions, including dental illness or injury
- Direct-vet-pay option (up to $2,000 on a virtual Visa)
- Offers coverage for complementary therapies like rehabilitation
- A short, 2-day waiting period for accident coverage
- Provides policyholders access to a 24/7 Pet Telehealth
Cons:
- Limited options for annual coverage, reimbursement rate, and deductible
- 6-month waiting period for orthopedic conditions (unless waived by orthopedic exam)
- Age limits on pets over 14
Additional Details
Why we picked them for English Bulldogs:
- No breed exclusions for hereditary or genetic conditions
- BOAS treatment is covered
- Hip dysplasia is covered (after a 6-month waiting period)
- Alternative therapies such as laser and acupuncture are covered for English Bulldogs with orthopedic issues
- The wellness plan add-on offers coverage for orthopedic testing (early detection for hip dysplasia)
Spot
Maximum Annual Coverage
$2,500 to Unlimited
Reimbursement Choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible Choices
$100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000
App Available
Yes
Type of Pets Covered
Cats and Dogs
Waiting Periods
14 days
Show More Details
A top-rated, budget-friendly option, Spot Pet Insurance offers great coverage at a competitive and customizable price. Covered costs include exams, diagnostics, treatments, hospitalizations, surgeries, prescription medications, and more. Optional wellness coverage is also available.
Pros:
- Covers a wide range of conditions, including dental illness or injury
- Customizable annual coverage, deductibles, and reimbursement rates
- Offers affordable plans for all budgets
- Pet owners have access to 24/7 Pet Telehealth
- Offers a 10% multi-pet discount
Cons:
- 15-day accident coverage waiting period
- No direct-vet-pay option
Additional Details
Why we picked them for English Bulldogs:
- No breed exclusions for hereditary or genetic conditions
- Covers many common English Bulldog health conditions with no lifetime caps
- Covers some treatments for BOAS
- Behavioral therapy is covered
- Covers acupuncture and alternative therapies for English Bulldogs with orthopedic issues
Disclaimer: As with all insurance, pre-existing conditions are excluded, changes in coverage or eligibility can occur, and waiting periods typically apply. Check individual policies for more details.
Common Health Issues in English Bulldogs
- Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) – English Bulldogs are a brachycephalic breed, meaning they have shortened skulls and flattened faces. This can lead to a set of conditions that restrict airflow, collectively known as Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome or BOAS. These conditions can cause varying levels of respiratory distress and often need surgery to correct.
- Hip Dysplasia – Pugs are highly prone to developing hip dysplasia, a type of joint deformity that causes pain and trouble walking. According to studies done by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, a staggering 72% of screened English Bulldogs had dysplastic hips.
- Heat and Exercise Intolerance – Due to their body type and breathing issues, English Bulldogs are very prone to overheating and exhaustion. This breed does not fare well with warm weather or vigorous exercise. They can easily overheat on walks or if left outside. Heat stroke can develop quickly and be fatal for an English Bulldog.
- Dermatological Conditions – Because of all their folds and wrinkles, English Bulldogs can be prone to developing a variety of skin conditions. Rashes, hot spots, dermatitis, and skin infections are among the most common dermatological conditions of this breed. They can also be prone to allergies and ear infections.
- Eye Problems – Like most brachycephalic breeds, English Bulldogs are prone to eye problems. Their most common eye issues include corneal ulcers, eye infections, cherry eye (a prolapsed gland), and entropion (a deformity of the eyelid). Some of these can require surgery to correct.
- Cancer – English Bulldogs can be predisposed to developing lymphoma, a type of cancer that spreads via the lymphatic system as well as different types of skin cancer. Some cancers may require surgery and chemotherapy.
Understanding Pet Insurance Coverage For English Bulldogs
When it comes to deciphering pet insurance coverage, brachycephalic breeds such as English Bulldogs can present an extra set of challenges. One of their most common conditions, Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome, or BOAS, can often be considered a pre-existing condition for various reasons.
It’s important to read the fine print in your insurance policy and/or speak to an insurance representative to discuss potential coverage. Some insurance policies will consider any sort of breathing issues before enrollment as a precursor to BOAS while others may only consider certain symptoms.
Hip dysplasia, which is also unfortunately very common in English Bulldogs, is another area of your insurance policy you’ll want to look closely at. Similar to BOAS, some companies may consider any prior symptoms of limping or lameness as signs of hip dysplasia. Therefore deeming it as a pre-existing condition.
How To Get The Most Out Of Your Coverage For English Bulldogs
To get the most out of your pet insurance plan, enroll your pet as early as possible. While this is important for all breeds, in the case of English Bulldogs, it can mean the difference between some of their most common conditions being covered or not.
Since English Bulldogs tend to have more health issues than the average dog, it’s best to enroll them in pet insurance while they are still a puppy. Of course, if you adopted an older Bulldog it’s still always a good idea to get them insured, just be prepared for higher premiums and the chance that certain conditions might be deemed pre-existing.
Another way to get the most out of your plan is to utilize the wellness options for preventative care. Wellness check-ups are essential to your dog’s overall health and can help detect potential issues early, especially if your plan includes OFA screening for hip dysplasia.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Factors Should I Consider When Comparing Pet Insurance Providers For English Bulldogs?
When comparing pet insurance providers for your English Bulldog, it’s important to start with customized quotes. Monthly premiums and coverage can vary widely based on factors like breed, age, sex, medical history, and location. Once you have quotes to compare, look for the best coverage for the breed’s most common conditions like BOAS and hip dysplasia, at a monthly premium that fits your budget.
How Can I Save Money On Pet Insurance For My English Bulldog?
One of the best ways to save money on pet insurance is by enrolling your pet early, preferably when they are still a puppy. You’ll get the most coverage for the lowest price. While your premiums may go up as your pet ages, if they develop a health condition it’s more likely to be covered (unless they had pre-existing conditions as a puppy).
You can also inquire about discounts, some pet insurance companies offer multi-pet discounts, bundling discounts with other insurance services, and discounts for military members.
Can I Use Any Veterinarian With Pet Insurance For My English Bulldog?
Unlike human health insurance which operates within networks of physicians, pet insurance can be used at any veterinary clinic. Your pet can be treated by any licensed veterinarian and you can submit a claim for the visit to be reimbursed.
If you have a direct-vet-pay insurance policy, such as Trupanion, you may want to check with the vet’s office ahead of time to ensure you are able to use the direct-vet-pay feature. Not all veterinary clinics are set up for that type of billing. If they are not, you can still complete the visit, pay upfront, and file a claim for reimbursement.
What Is the Waiting Period For Coverage With Pet Insurance For English Bulldogs?
Pet insurance waiting periods can vary from 1 to 30 days. Every company has different policies on waiting periods, some are for complete coverage, while others are condition-specific. In general, most plans require a waiting period of 2 to 5 days for accidents and 14 to 30 days for illnesses.
How Do I Make A Claim With Pet Insurance For My English Bulldog?
Every pet insurance company has a slightly different claims process, but most require a claim form to be completed and copies of your veterinary records and bills. Many companies now offer fast electronic claims that can be done online or through an app. Once a claim is approved, either you or your vet will receive payment from the insurance company (depending on the type of plan, direct-to-vet pay vs. owner reimbursement).
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Lauren Rey
Author
With 15 years of experience in the veterinary industry, Lauren is well-versed in the world of pet insurance. She’s a content writer for several online pet publications and loves to help pet parents stay informed. When not researching the latest pet news, you’ll probably find her off on an adventure with her rescue dog Pickles.
More from Pet Insurance
