Best Pet Insurance For Rottweilers In 2023

Rottweilers, celebrated for their imposing presence and protective instincts, are a highly regarded breed. Originating in Germany, they have a storied history as working dogs, excelling in roles such as herding and guarding. With a robust build and distinctive black and tan coat, Rottweilers exude a commanding appearance.

These loyal and self-assured dogs thrive in active households that can provide them with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. While they are known for their protective nature, proper socialization and training are essential to ensure they are well-behaved and non-aggressive. Rottweilers form strong bonds with their families and are often affectionate and playful companions.

If you own a Rottweiler , you’re undoubtedly concerned about its health and well-being. As a pure breed, a Rottweiler is more likely to suffer from genetic health issues than mixed-breed dogs. Unfortunately, 4 out of 5 pet parents can’t pay for an unexpected $500 veterinary bill out-of-pocket. However, pet insurance will help you reduce your financial risk.

In this review, we’ll look at some of the top pet insurers for Rottweilers and help you pick the policy that best meets your needs. You’ll find that pet insurance is much like personal health insurance; it provides better treatment options and limits out-of-pocket costs. But unlike private health insurance, it won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

Common Health Issues For Rottweilers

Purebred canines, like Rottweilers, often face health challenges. Over time, certain breeders have not given sufficient attention to genetics when breeding Rottweilers, resulting in problems that affect the entire Rottie community. Generally, Rottweilers are more vulnerable to genetic health issues compared to other breeds.

Here are some common health concerns for Rottweilers:

• Hip Dysplasia
• Elbow Dysplasia
• Aortic Stenosis
• Osteosarcoma (bone cancer)
• Bloat (Gastric Torsion)
• Allergies
• Hypothyroidism

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a prevalent orthopedic ailment, often impacting larger dog breeds. It results from abnormal hip joint development, causing arthritis and discomfort. Treatment options range from medication to surgical procedures, such as total hip replacement. The cost of addressing hip dysplasia varies based on the condition’s severity and where the treatment is performed.

Surgery for hip dysplasia can be very expensive, often more than $4,000 per hip.

A total hip replacement surgery can cost as much as $3,500-$7,000 per hip. However, the cost of treatment for pain relief over 10-12 years could well exceed this one-off cost.

Elbow Dysplasia

Elbow dysplasia is a common orthopedic issue in dogs, particularly in larger breeds. It manifests as lameness and pain, impacting a dog’s overall mobility. Treatment options encompass medication and various surgical procedures, each with its associated costs. The expenses related to treating elbow dysplasia depend on factors such as the severity of the condition and the location where treatment is provided.

The cost of fixing elbow dysplasia without pet insurance can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the location of the treatment. According to the search results, the cost of surgical treatment for elbow dysplasia typically ranges from $1,500 to $4,000 per elbow

Aortic Stenosis

Aortic stenosis is a cardiac condition affecting dogs, causing restricted blood flow from the heart. It can lead to cardiac issues and reduced quality of life. Treatment options include medication or surgical interventions, with associated expenses varying based on the condition’s severity and where the procedures are performed.

According to the search results, the cost of surgical treatment for aortic stenosis typically ranges from $2,000 to $5,000

Osteosarcoma (bone cancer)

Osteosarcoma is a malignant bone tumor that predominantly affects larger dog breeds. This aggressive cancer can lead to bone pain and lameness. Treatment typically involves surgery to remove the affected bone, followed by chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The overall costs are influenced by the extent of the disease and the type of treatments required. Swift diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing osteosarcoma.

According to the search results, the cost of treatment for osteosarcoma in dogs can range from $5,000 to $20,000 or more.

Bloat (Gastric Torsion)

Bloat, medically known as gastric torsion, is a critical and life-threatening condition in dogs. It occurs when a dog’s stomach fills with gas, causing it to twist. Immediate emergency surgery is necessary to relieve the torsion and prevent severe complications. The costs associated with treating bloat can be significant, underscoring the importance of rapid medical attention when a dog exhibits symptoms such as restlessness, unproductive vomiting, and a distended abdomen.

The cost of surgical treatment for bloat typically ranges from $1,500 to $7,500

Allergies

Allergies are common in dogs and can manifest as skin irritations or digestive issues. Identifying the specific allergen is crucial to implementing the appropriate treatment. Options include dietary changes, medications to manage symptoms, or allergen avoidance strategies. Costs associated with managing allergies depend on the diagnostic process, ongoing treatment, and any necessary lifestyle adjustments to keep a dog comfortable and symptom-free.

The cost of fixing allergies without pet insurance can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the location of the treatment. According to the search results, the cost of treatment for allergies in dogs can range from $500 to $1,500 per year

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurs when a dog’s thyroid gland produces insufficient hormones, leading to various symptoms like weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems. Treatment involves lifelong medication to replace the missing hormones. Costs encompass medication expenses, veterinary monitoring, and regular thyroid function tests. Managing hypothyroidism effectively ensures a dog’s overall well-being and quality of life.

Looking at the results, the cost of treatment for hypothyroidism in dogs may be around $850 in the first year, and $300-$700 for each additional year of your dog’s life. However, the average cost of thyroid hormone deficiency treatment is $1,800

Average Cost Of Pet Insurance For Rottweilers

Average Cost Of Typical Vet Procedures

Average Cost Of Emergency Vet Procedures

Is Pet Insurance Worth It For Rottweilers?

Pet insurance protects against unexpected veterinary bills. Many pet owners pay out-of-pocket for their pet’s medical expenses, but most Americans can’t afford a $1500 emergency vet bill. The right pet insurance can literally be a lifesaver. Having coverage will give you the freedom to make medical decisions for your furry family member based on the quality of life, not finances.

The value of pet insurance is largely based on your expectations. If your pet is currently undergoing treatment for a chronic condition and you would like help with the cost of the treatment, you will likely be disappointed as no company in our review covers preexisting conditions.

But, if you understand your policy and what it does and doesn’t cover and have a policy that fits your budget and needs, you are far more likely to consider the policy worth it.

How To Find The Best Pet Insurance Company For You

The costs and types of pet insurance plans available on the market vary by company, making choosing one over the others challenging. To find the best plan for your pet, consider these tips before applying for coverage:

Check Whether Your Pet Is Eligible

Puppies and kittens often must be a minimum of 6 to 10 weeks old to be insured, depending on the company. Senior pets may not be eligible for first-time enrollment with some companies, or they may qualify for accident coverage only. Once the pet is enrolled, though, most plans will offer coverage for life as long as you continue paying the premiums.

Research What’s Covered

Pet insurance plans typically cover expenses like surgery, hospitalization and medication if your pet gets sick or hurt. However, there are certain things that some companies charge extra for or won’t cover at all. Here are a few examples:

• Exam fees. Say your dog breaks her leg. Some plans will reimburse expenses like X-rays,  surgery and pain medication, but not the vet’s exam fee.
• Alternative treatments and rehabilitation. Some companies include coverage for things like acupuncture and physical therapy in their standard plans. Others charge extra.
• Behavioral therapies. Not all policies cover veterinary treatment for aggression or other behavioral issues.
• Prescription food. Certain plans won’t cover food or supplements at all, even if your vet prescribes them for a covered condition.·
• Dental care. Pet insurance plans vary widely when it comes to caring for your pet’s teeth. For example, your policy may not cover dental illnesses such as gingivitis or periodontal disease. Alternatively, it may cover them only if your pet has had a recent tooth cleaning. Some add-on wellness plans pay for cleanings.

Note that pet insurance policies usually won’t cover pre-existing conditions, cosmetic procedures, or breeding expenses.

Decide How Much Coverage You Want

Most pet insurance plans cap the amount they pay out per year, although some have no annual limit. Only you can decide the amount that gives you reasonable peace of mind for paying vet bills.

If your dog or cat is relatively healthy, you might go years without paying for anything but routine care. But an unexpected surgery or serious illness could add up to thousands of dollars in expenses.

Understand Reimbursements And Deductibles

Most pet insurance plans reimburse you for a percentage of your vet bill. You can generally choose a reimbursement level — such as 70%, 80% or 90% — when you buy the plan.

Other plans pay what the insurance company deems a standard fee for a given treatment, which might be less than what your vet charges. You’d be responsible for the remainder.

Most plans also have a deductible — the dollar amount you pay out of pocket before the policy pays. You can usually choose from a range of deductibles, such as $100, $250, or more. Some plans apply deductibles to each injury or illness that’s treated. Most have you pay the deductible every year.

Generally, the lower your out-of-pocket costs are, the more you’ll pay for coverage. Alower deductible and higher reimbursement rate can lead to a higher premium, while a higher deductible and lower reimbursement rate can mean a lower premium.

Check Waiting Periods

Most plans include short waiting periods after you purchase the policy for general accident and illness coverage, such as 14 days. Your plan won’t pay for any treatment during the waiting period.

Some plans include longer waiting periods for coverage of certain conditions, such as cruciate ligament injuries — a common orthopedic problem for dogs. The cruciate ligaments help stabilize the knee; when injured, it can make it difficult for a dog to walk.

Examine Extra Costs

Some pet insurance companies offer coverage for routine services such as well visits and vaccinations. While this may sound tempting, do the math to determine whether it’s worth the extra cost. Compare the annual price of the wellness insurance plan with the amount you’d pay each year on your own for services the plan covers. Read the details because the items covered for “wellness” vary by pet insurance company.

Compare Quotes

The cost of insurance varies by carrier and the amount of coverage. Some pet insurers offer discounts; you might be able to save money by insuring more than one pet, for example. But a discount doesn’t guarantee the plan is the best deal.

The only way to find the best insurance for your pet is to dig into the details and get quotes for several plans. Make sure you’re making a fair comparison with similar coverage amounts, deductibles, and reimbursement limits.

Factors That Impact Cost Of Your Pet Insurance Policy

Similar to your health insurance plan, your pet insurance price is going to vary depending on certain factors, such as:

• Where you live. Pet insurance companies take the cost of vet care in your area into account when pricing your policy.
• Your pet’s age. Because older animals are more likely to have health problems, their premiums are generally higher.
• Your pet’s breed. Certain breeds are more prone to health issues. For example, bulldogs and Boston terriers often develop breathing problems, while German Shepherds and other large breeds are more likely than others to get hip dysplasia. These potential problems may be reflected in the cost of your pet insurance plan.
• Your deductibles, coinsurance and coverage limits. The less you’re willing to pay out of pocket for your pet’s care, the higher your pet insurance premium will be. For instance, choosing a $100 deductible instead of a $500 one means your plan will start reimbursing you sooner for your pet’s care — but it’ll cost you more in premiums.

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