How much does dog insurance cost?
That’s a good question! It is difficult to estimate the price of dog insurance. Why? Because it varies according to many criteria: the age of the animal, his state of health, whether he is tattooed… or even the formula and the options chosen.
However, to give you an idea of the cost, you should expect to pay between €10 and €25 per month for insurance for a young dog in France. At Lovys, for example, our dog insurance offer starts at €9/month.
Which dog insurance should I choose?
As a dog owner, you know better than anyone else: veterinary costs resulting from an accident or illness are very (and even too) expensive. That’s why it’s a good idea to insure your furry friend to reduce costs ???? But what insurance should you choose for your dog?
Hm, it’s hard to answer you straight away. Here, it’s just like with prices: the criteria for a “good” dog health insurance policy vary according to your pet’s unique profile, the benefits and options you are looking for…
However, because we like you so much, here are 5 criteria to consider when choosing dog insurance:
- Available guarantees and options: for the same package, compare the guarantees and options offered. This will give you a concrete idea of how well your dog is covered in case of a problem.
- The cost of the premium: there is no reason to ruin yourself in order to protect your pet! At Lovys, we believe that a good level of cover should be available at low cost.
- The rate of reimbursem*nt: on average, [this rate varies between 50% and 80%]. – For comparison, Lovys reimburses you a minimum of 60% ???? Also take a look at the reimbursem*nt limits, especially if your pet is no longer young! Because a furry friend who is getting old is a furry friend who is more prone to tumours and costly surgery, we adapt your reimbursem*nt benefits accordingly.
- The amount of the deductible: this is the amount you have to pay in the event of a claim… or not pay. At Lovys, there is no deductible: when you are told that you will be reimbursed for a certain amount, you actually receive that amount.
- Additional costs: on paper, some packages seem inexpensive… This is without taking into account the application fees that considerably inflate the bill. At Lovys, rest assured: there are no fees, you only pay for the protection of your dog and that’s it.
What are the category 1 and category 2 dog breeds?
According to French regulations, so-called “dangerous” dogs are divided into two categories: category 1, which includes attack dogs, and category 2, which includes guard and defence dogs.
The breeds concerned are:
- American Staffordshire terrier (formerly Staffordshire terrier)
- Rottweiler
- Tosa
- As well as dogs that are comparable by their morphology to the Rottweiler breed, or not registered in a breed register recognised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.
Guide and advice for your dog: which insurance to choose according to the breed?
At Lovys, we insure all breeds of dogs. Here are some of them ????
- Brown Basset of Brittany
Hardy and resistant, the Brown Basset of Brittany is a rather robust breed: it has no hereditary diseases and tolerates the cold well. On the other hand, high temperatures can be a problem for him! It is therefore always advisable to take out health insurance for your dog, to reduce any expenses you may incur at the vet.
- German Shepherd
Although the German Shepherd is a robust dog, he is nevertheless exposed to a number of diseases such as: canine parvovirus, hip and elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism and von Willebrand disease. Your German Shepherd should therefore be dewormed and vaccinated regularly. You should expect to pay between €1,400 and €1,500 for annual care, which is why it is a good idea to take out dog insurance to cover a large part of the veterinary costs.
- Belgian Tervueren Shepherd
Despite their robust health, Belgian Shepherds are prone to various diseases such as epilepsy, hyperthyroidism and hip dysplasia. Count on about €1,350 each year to care for this breed of dog. To limit the care costs, it is best to take out good pet insurance!
- Anatolian Shepherd Dog (Turkish dog)
Also known as the Kangal Shepherd, the Anatolian Shepherd is a member of the giant dog family, and because of its robust physique, he is not very susceptible to disease. However, the Turkish dog is not spared from the risk of hip dysplasia, which is common in this breed. You can expect to pay between €1,000 and €1,400 in annual care costs for this behemoth: taking out health insurance can therefore be a useful to help you calmly plan your future vet visits!
- Caucasian Shepherd
Originally from Georgia, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog is prone to heart problems because of his very large size. He is also not immune to common dog diseases, such as canine heartworm. A good health insurance policy will save you a lot of trouble: this massive dog costs about €2,000 a year in care, a large part of which is for vet fees.
- Polish Shepherd of Podhale
This particularly strong breed of dog is not prone to specific diseases. Due to its large size, the Polish Podhalese Shepherd is nevertheless at risk of hip dysplasia. His large, floppy ears also expose him to regular ear infections. Finally, this breed puts on weight easily, so it is advisable to take out good dog insurance, with the “therapeutic feeding” option, to limit the risk of obesity and reduce your veterinary costs.
- Bouvier des Flandres
This hardy breed is resistant to the cold and does not get sick very often. That said, the Bouvier des Flandres is prone to anomalies of the lumbosacral area, cardiac stenosis… In total, you should expect to pay on average €600 per year for care: this is why you will need health insurance to cover your dog’s veterinary care!
- Pug
Rather fragile, the Pug can be subject to respiratory problems and eye diseases, not to mention common canine diseases. She should also be monitored when giving birth, because complications are common in this breed. With an annual care cost of around €900, it is essential that her vaccination and deworming are up to date and complete. To reduce your veterinary bills, consider taking out good health insurance for your pet!
- Canaan Dog (Oriental dog)
Originally from Israel, the Canaan Dog is a powerful animal with robust health! Indeed, this breed has no specific predisposition, except for hip dysplasia. You can expect to pay €480 per year for puppy vaccinations, deworming, tick removal, etc. We therefore recommend that you take out health insurance to cover the necessary veterinary expenses and any accidents.
- Chow Chow
This large, lion-like teddy bear is in good health and rarely suffers from any hereditary diseases. However, the Chow Chow can face health problems related to its large size and coat, including hip dysplasia and dog bites. How much does it cost to care for this Chinese doggie every year? Approx. €1,400. Insurance is then useful to cover your veterinary expenses.
- English co*cker Spaniel
Although robust by nature, the English co*cker Spaniel is prone to three serious diseases: progressive retinal atrophy, familial nephropathy and coxofemoral dysplasia. You should also not neglect vaccination and deworming! You should also regularly clean his long ears, which parasites love. Expect to pay around €1,000 a year for care; dog health insurance can be useful in keeping costs down.
- Dalmatian
Cruella de Vil’s favourite breed is robustly healthy. Nevertheless, the Dalmatian is not immune to illnesses such as deafness, oesophageal dilatation, kidney disease or urinary stones. On average, an annual care budget of €1,450 is required! Opting for the Lovys BALANCED or PERFECT formula of insurance can therefore be useful to have part of your preventive costs (vaccinations, spaying and neutering, deworming, etc.) reimbursed.
- Dogue de Bordeaux
Although stocky and massive in appearance, the Dogue de Bordeaux is nevertheless prone to numerous pathologies: osteoarticular problems, brachycephalic syndrome, cancer, skin problems, dystocia, cardiac pathologies, eye problems, intolerance to heat, overweight… This explains the minimum annual care budget for him of €1,850. To reduce your veterinary costs, it is highly recommended that you take out insurance for your pet.
- Majorcan Mastiff
Also known as Ca De Bou, the Dogue de Majorca is quite robust and resistant. However, due to his slow growth, his joints need to be monitored, as well as his diet to avoid being overweight. We therefore recommend that you take out a health insurance policy to cover your veterinary costs, with the option of therapeutic feeding.
- Tibetan Mastiff
This big, furry teddy bear is distinguished by his robustness. Yes, despite his short life expectancy, the Tibetan Mastiff is a very healthy dog! However, he can suffer from various pathologies: osteochondritis dissecans, epilepsy, chronic ear infections, demodecie, allergies and hereditary polyneuropathy… and even a tendency to obesity. In order to cope with this, and to pay for your care costs, a dog insurance policy (with a “therapeutic feeding” option) is obviously recommended.
- Brittany Spaniel
The Breton Spaniel is a healthy dog and does not get sick very often. However, his ears are fragile and he may be subject to various diseases: cocofemoral dysplasia, medial luxation of the patella, cystinuria… Or, more rarely, a muscular dystrophy linked to the X chromosome, cerebellar cortical amyotrophy, spinal amyotrophy, etc. It costs about €1,000 per year to care for him: taking out health insurance to cover your expenses in the event of illness, vaccination and deworming can therefore be very useful!
- Japanese Spaniel
Very fragile, this breed is prone to genetic disorders, cardio-respiratory, ear and eye diseases. Not to mention common dog diseases. Phew, what a dog’s life! In order to protect this small dog, vaccination is recommended from a young age. Deworming is also essential to prevent intestinal parasites. It is therefore best to take out a very substantial health insurance policy, including a prevention package (such as the ESSENTIAL and PERFECT packages of the Lovys dog insurance), for your Japanese Spaniel.
- Eurasier
The average annual care for this German behemoth is €1,300. Indeed, despite a rather robust health, the Eurasier is prone to hip dysplasia due to her large size. This breed is also very fragile during pregnancy: neutering your dog is a good option if you do not plan to breed her! To minimise all these costs, it is highly recommended to take out dog insurance.
- Griffon Korthals
With its hard coat and sturdy health, this breed is not afraid of the cold or the weather. Nevertheless, the Griffon Korthals is prone to hip dysplasia and prostate disorders. Despite a decent annual care budget, it is best to take out basic dog insurance to anticipate costs and to be ready for possible accidents.
- Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is an Arctic sled dog with virtually no hereditary diseases. However, as a Nordic dog, he cannot stand hot weather and may suffer from hip dysplasia. The annual care costs for this breed range from €1,500 to €1,600, so health insurance is a good way to offset the cost of veterinary care!
- Pekingese
Prone to eye and dental problems, this dog is quite fragile and sensitive to dirt. In addition, even if this breed does not have any hereditary pathology, the Pekingese is not spared from the risk of parvovirosis. To anticipate the costs in case of risk, and to limit the annual care costs of around €900, it is best to opt for a comprehensive dog insurance.
- Small Brabant Griffon
Small but robust nonetheless, the Small Brabant Griffon very rarely gets sick and does not show any hereditary disease. That said, you should expect to pay between €600 and €900 a year for care, including vaccinations and deworming. Taking out a dog health insurance policy that includes the prevention package (like the Lovys dog insurance packages 2 or 3) can only be a good idea to limit your veterinary costs!
- Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz (Andalusian dog)
The Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz is a very healthy animal and almost never gets sick. But here’s the thing: male puppies are prone to testicular abnormalities at birth. Females, on the other hand, are very fragile during the pregnancy. Finally, in general, Andalusian dogs are prone to common diseases, such as Lyme disease. Hence the importance of taking out health insurance for this dog which, after all, costs an average of €700 per year to maintain!
- Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard, aka “Beethoven”, requires a lot of attention: in terms of his diet, which must be rich so as not to weaken his bones, in terms of his eyes because of the risk of entropion… Not to mention hearing problems that are fairly frequent in this breed. Taking out pet insurance is a good idea, especially to reduce the veterinary costs for this big dog, which costs between €2,000 and €2,500 for annual care.
- German Spitz
The German Spitz is a robust, fox-like ball of fur. The proof: thanks to his origins and his fur, he can withstand the cold and bad weather very well! His (very) reasonable care budget varies from 20€ to 40€ per month, depending on the size of the animal. However, beware of the Miniature Spitz, who is prone to excess weight, alopecia and tracheal collapse: to deal with these various pathologies and prevent the worst, dog insurance is useful.
- Japanese Spitz
Although quite robust by nature, this beauty from the land of the Rising Sun is prone to common diseases, such as Lyme disease in dogs. With an annual care cost of between €300 and €600, the Japanese Spitz requires regular vaccination and deworming. Therefore, think about taking out a dog health insurance policy that includes the prevention package (such as the Lovys dog insurance packages 2 or 3), in order to reduce your vet bills.
