Best Pet Insurance For Old English Sheepdogs In 2024

Old English Sheepdogs, cherished for their friendly and intelligent nature, are beloved herding breeds. Originating from England, they were initially bred for herding and protecting livestock due to their keen instincts. Cloaked in a distinctive, thick double coat, they primarily feature a gray and white coloration.

If you own an Old English Sheepdog, you’re undoubtedly concerned about its health and well-being. As a pure breed, an Old English Sheepdog 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 Old English Sheepdogs 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 Old English Sheepdogs

Purebred dogs, including Old English Sheepdogs, often face health challenges. Over time, some breeders may overlook genetic considerations when breeding Old English Sheepdogs, leading to health issues that affect the breed. In general, Old English Sheepdogs are more susceptible to certain genetic health problems compared to other breeds.

These are some of the most common health issues for Old English Sheepdogs:

• Hip dysplasia
• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
• Cataracts
• Hip dysplasia
• Hypothyroidism

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a prevalent health concern in Old English Sheepdogs, impacting the hip joint’s functionality. It’s a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit properly into the hip socket, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Over time, this malformation can lead to arthritis. While it can’t be cured, management often involves weight management, exercise modification, anti-inflammatory medication, and sometimes surgery.

The cost of surgery for hip dysplasia can range from $1,200 to $14,000, including pre-surgical blood work, surgery, anesthesia, and other factors. The three main surgical options for hip dysplasia in dogs are Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO), Double Pelvic Osteotomy (DPO)/Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO), and Total Hip Replacement (THR). FHO surgery can cost from $1,200 to $2,500, while the cost of DPO/TPO surgery is around $3,000 for both hips. The cost of THR surgery can range from $3,500 per hip to $7,000

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Progressive retinal atrophy is a degenerative eye disorder found in Old English Sheepdogs, resulting in gradual vision loss and, in severe cases, blindness. It’s an inherited condition where the cells in the retina degenerate, leading to impaired vision and eventual blindness. While there’s no cure for PRA, regular eye check-ups and monitoring can help manage the disease. Responsible breeding practices and routine eye examinations are essential to identify affected dogs and prevent the spread of this condition within the Old English Sheepdog population.

There is currently no effective treatment available for PRA, and the use of antioxidant supplements or vitamins has not shown any measurable effect on this disease.

Cataracts

Cataracts are a common ocular issue in Old English Sheepdogs, involving the clouding of the eye’s lens, leading to impaired vision. This condition can progress and cause complete vision loss if left untreated. Regular veterinary check-ups and early intervention, which may include surgery to remove the cataracts, are crucial in managing and preserving the dog’s eyesight. Timely and appropriate care can significantly improve the Old English Sheepdog’s visual health and overall well-being.

The cost of cataract surgery in dogs can range from $1,500 to $5,000 per eye, depending on the size of the dog, the severity of the cataracts, and other factors.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder in Old English Sheepdogs, where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. This can result in weight gain, lethargy, skin issues, and a decreased metabolism. While it’s a manageable condition through lifelong medication, if left untreated, it can significantly impact the Old English Sheepdog’s overall health and quality of life. Regular monitoring and proper medication are crucial to keep the thyroid levels in check and manage the symptoms effectively.

The cost of diagnosing and treating hypothyroidism in dogs can vary. Diagnostic tests such as blood work and thyroid hormone level testing can cost around $200 to $300.

Average cost of pet insurance for Old English Sheepdogs 

Average cost of typical vet procedures

Average cost of emergency vet procedures  

Is pet insurance worth it for Old English Sheepdogs? 

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.