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John Leach is a licensed insurance agent who reviews and fact-checks articles for Compare.com. John has several years of experience reviewing and editing various insurance topics, and he also holds a valid personal lines producer license from the California Department of Insurance (NPN #20461358).
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With their adorable flat faces, bat ears, and loving personalities, it’s no surprise that French bulldogs are the most popular dog breed in the U.S.[1] But the physical characteristics that make them so charming can also lead to significant health issues that require pricey veterinarian care.
Pet insurance can be a smart way to get help paying for treatment for high-risk conditions like brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) and hip dysplasia. On average, pet insurance for French bulldogs costs about $76 per month, our data shows. But the exact cost to insure your pet will vary based on factors like their age and where you live.
Here’s what to know about buying pet insurance for your fabulous Frenchie, including which companies offer the cheapest rates and best coverage for your pup’s breed-specific needs.
Pets Best and Spot are the cheapest pet insurance companies for French bulldogs in the U.S.
Frenchies are a brachycephalic breed, making them more prone to breathing, eye, skin, and spinal problems.[2]
It’s important to buy your French bulldog from a responsible breeder that follows AKC and French Bulldog Club of America standards to ensure your pup is as healthy as possible.
The Best Pet Insurance Companies for French Bulldogs
To help you find a pet insurance company that will meet your French bulldog’s unique needs, we reviewed more than a dozen top insurers. We evaluated each company’s available coverages, deductibles, reimbursement rates, how the insurer handles pre-existing conditions, enrollment age limits, and more.
Here are our picks for the best pet insurance companies for French bulldogs.
Pets Best: Best for comprehensive Frenchie coverage
Average premium for French bulldogs: $36 per month
No upper age limit for enrollment
Acupuncture care coverage available
Unlimited coverage option available
No 100% reimbursement option
No coverage for pre-existing conditions
Doesn’t cover behavioral conditions
Not only does Pets Best offer some of the lowest rates for French bulldog pet insurance, but it also provides robust coverage options. You can customize an accident and illness plan with annual coverage limit options of $5,000, $10,000, and unlimited. Reimbursement levels range from 70% to 90%. Depending on the plan level you choose, it may cover exam fees and therapies like acupuncture. It also offers wellness plans as an add-on coverage.
AKC: Best for French bulldogs with pre-existing conditions
Average monthly for French bulldogs: Not avaliable
Potential to add coverage for hereditary, congenital, and chronic illness
Pre-existing conditions covered in most states after one year
Offers a discount for insuring multiple pets
No illness coverage available for senior pets
Doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions
Negative online user reviews for claims coverage
While most pet insurance companies exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions, AKC handles them a bit differently. It’ll cover pre-existing conditions after your pet has had 365 consecutive days of coverage — but this option isn’t available in every state.[3] It also offers a basic accident and illness plan for pets younger than 9 years old. You can customize the policy by choosing a deductible, co-insurance amount, and coverage limits. Pets 9 and older can get an AKC accident-only policy, but you can add wellness coverage to either plan.
Lemonade: Best for French bulldog puppies
Average premium for French bulldogs: $66 per month
Premiums start as low as $10 per month
Discount available if you bundle pet and home insurance
File claims through Lemonade’s mobile app
Behavioral treatment covered only with an add-on
Doesn’t cover alternative therapies
Not available in every state
Lemonade consistently offers some of the lowest pet insurance premiums, based on our research. It’s a good option if you want to insure a French bulldog puppy because it offers a preventive care package that covers spaying or neutering, microchipping, flea treatment, and up to six vaccine shots or boosters.[4] It also offers a good range of plan types with varying coverage, including add-ons for preventive and wellness care. Reimbursement options range from 70% to 90%, and annual coverage limits can be as high as $100,000.
Figo: Best for senior French bulldogs
Average premium for French bulldogs: $83 per month
No upper age limit for new policies
Multiple reimbursement and deductible options
24/7 virtual vet visits included
No coverage for pre-existing conditions
Many negative customer reviews about claims
No coverage for prescription food
Some pet insurance companies will turn down applications for older dogs, but Figo has no upper age limit on new enrollments. And if you’re looking for a customized pet insurance policy, Figo is worth considering. The insurer offers reimbursement rates of 70%, 80%, and 90%, and you can choose unlimited coverage with deductibles ranging from $100 to $750. Add-ons include coverage for vet exam fees and wellness plans.
The Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies for French Bulldogs
Prices to insure your French bulldogs can vary quite a lot, so it pays to compare quotes. Since Frenchies are prone to respiratory issues, spinal problems, and other health conditions, finding a plan that balances cost and coverage is key.
Here’s a look at average monthly premiums for French bulldogs from several top pet insurance companies, along with standout features that could help cover breed-specific health issues. Comparing providers side by side can help you find the right fit for your budget and your Frenchie’s needs.
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
---|---|
Pets Best | $41 |
Spot | $42 |
ASPCA | $49 |
Lemonade | $53 |
Healthy Paws | $76 |
Figo | $89 |
Prudent Pet | $90 |
Pumpkin | $109 |
What Does Pet Insurance for French Bulldogs Cover?
French bulldogs are more likely than many other breeds to develop health issues tied to their genetics and build. From breathing difficulties to spinal conditions, these problems can lead to steep vet bills over time.
If you have an active pet insurance policy before any symptoms show up, it can help cover these costs.
Common French bulldog illnesses and accidents
Like many brachycephalic breeds (bulldogs, pugs, etc.), French bulldogs are more susceptible to certain types of health problems. And without pet insurance, treatment costs can be significant.
Here’s a look at some of the most common injuries and illnesses French bulldogs face, along with what you might expect to pay out of pocket to treat these ailments.[5][6][7]
Condition | Symptoms | Cost to Treat |
---|---|---|
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) | Breathing difficulties due to narrow nostrils or elongated soft palate | $3,000–$5,000 for one or more surgeries |
Hip dysplasia | Joint pain, stiffness, limping | $1,200–$7,000+, depending on type of surgery |
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) | Pain, limping, anxious behavior, decreased appetite, paralysis | $2,000–$5,000, excluding diagnostic, pre-op, and post-op costs |
Skinfold dermatitis | Infections in skin folds, itching | $1,000+ for allergy testing, $90+ per month for pills, $50–$200 for injections |
Ear infections | Shaking head, ear drainage, scratching at head, neck, and ears | $50–$250 |
Most pet insurance plans include coverage for accidents, illnesses, and even hereditary conditions — as long as they aren’t pre-existing. That’s especially important for Frenchies since they’re prone to issues like BOAS and hip dysplasia. Having the right policy in place can help you manage major expenses later on.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Coverage
While your premium depends in large part on your pet’s breed, age, and overall health, other factors affect the cost of pet insurance for French bulldogs. Your premium will also factor in:
Deductible: This is how much you pay out of pocket before your insurer chips in to pay for a covered treatment. A higher deductible usually means lower monthly premiums, but you’ll pay more out of pocket when your Frenchie needs care. A lower deductible will give you a higher premium but with less out-of-pocket expense when you file a claim.
Reimbursement rate: Most insurers cover a percentage of your vet bill, typically 70%, 80%, or 90%. But some insurers also offer 100% reimbursement options. A higher reimbursement rate means more money back, but it’ll cost more each month.
Payout limit: Some pet insurance plans cap how much they’ll pay out each year or over your pet’s lifetime. Higher or unlimited payouts give you more protection but come with higher premiums.
Knowing how these factors affect the cost of pet insurance can help you pick a plan that gives your Frenchie the right level of coverage without stretching your budget.
Additional Pet Insurance Coverages for French Bulldogs
Accident and illness coverage is a solid foundation, but you can get even more out of your pet insurance policy by adding a wellness plan. These optional add-ons cover routine care like:
Vaccinations
Annual checkups
Flea and tick prevention
Dental cleanings
Spay or neuter procedures
For French bulldogs, these extras can go a long way. Regular preventive care helps catch problems early and can reduce the risk of common issues like skin allergies and dental disease.
Some insurance companies also offer coverage for things like behavioral therapy, prescription diets, or alternative treatments, including acupuncture and chiropractic care. These types of coverage can be especially helpful if your Frenchie has a chronic condition or needs a little extra support to stay comfortable.
How to Find the Right Pet Insurance for French Bulldogs
French bulldogs are lovable, loyal, and full of personality, but their unique health needs can make choosing pet insurance a bit more complicated. Because they’re prone to genetic conditions like hip dysplasia and breathing problems, you’ll want a policy that includes coverage for hereditary and congenital conditions.
It’s also important to consider your Frenchie’s lifestyle. Heat sensitivity, obesity, and breathing difficulties can all increase the risk of unexpected vet visits and the costs that come with them. That’s where pet insurance can help.
To find pet insurance for your French bulldog, follow these steps:
Research pet insurance companies. You can visit insurers’ websites or get insight from a pet insurance comparison site.
Evaluate important factors like available coverages, reimbursement rate options, payout limits, and waiting periods.
Request quotes from at least three pet insurance companies. Be sure to compare coverages and how each handles pre-existing conditions. For example, many insurers won’t cover pre-existing conditions at all. But some will if your pet recovers and is symptom-free for a certain amount of time.
Buy your policy. Once you’ve picked a pet insurance plan, you’ll make your initial payment. It’s a good idea to put your monthly premium on auto pay.
How Your French Bulldog’s Age Affects Pet Insurance Premiums
French bulldogs have a life expectancy of just 10–12 years[8] — a relatively short lifespan for a small dog. And many of the health issues Frenchies face, like arthritis, breathing problems, and cancer, can emerge or get worse as your dog grows older.
Generally, puppies have the lowest pet insurance premiums since they’re less likely to have serious health issues. But as your dog gets older, costs tend to rise, especially once they reach adulthood. If you wait too long to buy a policy, insurers may consider your dog’s health issues to be pre-existing conditions and not cover them. Because of this, locking in coverage early can help you secure lower rates and avoid gaps in protection.
Most pet insurance companies divide dogs into age groups — typically puppy, adult, and senior — when calculating how much to charge. Senior Frenchies, in particular, may see bigger jumps in premiums due to their higher risk of chronic conditions like brachycephalic syndrome or hip dysplasia.
But some insurers don’t raise premiums as your dog gets older. That can offer more predictable long-term costs, which is especially helpful for a breed with ongoing health needs.
The table below shows average premiums by age for French bulldogs to help you see how rates change and choose the best plan for your dog’s life stage.
Company | Average Monthly Premium: Young Frenchies | Average Monthly Premium: Adult Frenchies | Average Monthly Premium: Senior Frenchies |
---|---|---|---|
Spot | $38 | $89 | $101 |
ASPCA | $45 | $93 | $118 |
Lemonade | $48 | $66 | $127 |
Pets Best | $53 | $86 | $98 |
Healthy Paws | $69 | $81 | $182 |
Figo | $81 | $90 | $207 |
Prudent Pet | $82 | $102 | $216 |
Pumpkin | $100 | $120 | $262 |
How Your French Bulldog’s Location Affects Pet Insurance
Where you live can make a big difference in how much you pay for pet insurance. Insurers look at several location-based factors when setting premiums, including local vet costs, regional cost of living, state insurance regulations, and even environmental risks.
For example, if you live in an urban area, you may pay more for veterinary fees than someone in a rural area. And if you live somewhere with extreme weather or a higher risk of illness — like areas prone to heatwaves, wildfires, or tick-borne diseases — your rates could be higher, too.
French bulldog owners in Alabama pay the lowest monthly average premium to insure their pets, according to our data. On the other hand, Colorado has the highest monthly average to insure a Frenchie.
Here’s a look at average pet insurance premiums for French bulldogs by state so you can get a clearer picture of how location affects what you’ll pay.
State Name | Average Monthly Premium |
---|---|
Arkansas | $49 |
Iowa | $50 |
Alabama | $51 |
South Carolina | $53 |
Rhode Island | $55 |
New Mexico | $58 |
Nebraska | $59 |
Nevada | $59 |
Ohio | $59 |
Texas | $59 |
Indiana | $63 |
North Carolina | $63 |
Connecticut | $64 |
Missouri | $64 |
Georgia | $65 |
Louisiana | $65 |
Washington | $66 |
Kentucky | $67 |
Wyoming | $67 |
Pennsylvania | $68 |
Florida | $72 |
Mississippi | $73 |
Kansas | $75 |
Oklahoma | $75 |
Montana | $76 |
Maine | $79 |
Virginia | $79 |
New Jersey | $80 |
Arizona | $81 |
California | $81 |
Minnesota | $81 |
Michigan | $83 |
Wisconsin | $84 |
New York | $86 |
Illinois | $87 |
Massachusetts | $87 |
Tennessee | $88 |
Oregon | $89 |
Maryland | $90 |
Hawaii | $95 |
New Hampshire | $98 |
Colorado | $105 |
Delaware | $150 |
Pet Insurance for French Bulldogs FAQs
We answered some common questions about insuring French bulldogs to help you choose the best insurer for you and your pet.
What does pet insurance typically cover for French bulldogs?
Most pet insurance plans for French bulldogs cover unexpected accidents and illnesses. That includes treatments for common genetic issues like brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), hip dysplasia, and allergies. You’ll also typically get coverage for surgeries, prescriptions, diagnostic tests, and emergency vet visits.
But coverage depends on your specific policy. Most plans won’t cover pre-existing conditions, and you’ll have to add a wellness plan if you want coverage for routine care like vaccines or dental cleanings.
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
Not typically. In most cases, pet insurance won’t cover any illness or injury your Frenchie was diagnosed with before your policy started. That’s why it’s smart to sign up for coverage early, before common issues like BOAS or skinfold dermatitis show up.
But some insurers do make exceptions for curable conditions. If your dog hasn’t shown symptoms for a set period — often 12 months — it may cover the condition. But that varies by company, so it’s worth reading the fine print before you buy.
How much does pet insurance cost for French bulldogs?
On average, pet insurance for French bulldogs costs about $76 per month, our data shows. Rates vary based on your dog’s age, where you live, and the type of coverage you choose. Dogs like Frenchies, which are more likely to develop significant health issues, tend to have higher premiums. That makes comparing plans especially important if you want solid coverage without overpaying.
Is pet insurance worth it for French bulldogs?
For most French bulldog owners, pet insurance is worth it. Frenchies are prone to costly health problems, and treatment can get expensive fast. Having a policy in place means you won’t have to choose between your budget and your dog’s care. It helps cover the cost of ongoing conditions and emergencies so you can focus on your Frenchie’s health without draining your savings.
Sources
- American Kennel Club. "Most Popular Dog Breeds."
- Scientific Reports. "Unravelling the health status of brachycephalic dogs in the UK using multivariable analysis."
- AKC Pet Insurance. "Every Dog Deserves the Pet Insurance of Champions."
- Lemonade. "Pet insurance with super fast everything."
- PetMD. "Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome in Dogs."
- PetMD. "IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease) in Dogs."
- Time. "Why So Many Dogs Have Allergies Now."
- AKC. "French Bulldog."