)
Nick Versaw leads Compare.com's editorial department, where he and his team specialize in crafting helpful, easy-to-understand content about car insurance and other related topics. With nearly a decade of experience writing and editing insurance and personal finance articles, his work has helped readers discover substantial savings on necessary expenses, including insurance, transportation, health care, and more. As an award-winning writer, Nick has seen his work published in countless renowned publications, such as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and U.S. News & World Report. He graduated with Latin honors from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Digital Journalism.
)
)
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).
He’s also an alumnus of the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in linguistics.
Updated
At Compare.com, it’s our mission to give you the tools to find the best (and most affordable) insurance for your unique needs and budget. We strive to provide information that’s helpful, clear, and unbiased, and we believe that comparing insurance companies should never put you at risk of spam. Our editorial team — which is made up of experienced writers, editors, insurance agents, and data analysts — has spent thousands of hours researching and creating the coverage overviews, side-by-side comparisons, and detailed reviews you see across our site.
While we make money through partnerships with some of the brands we discuss in our articles, our editorial team operates 100% independently, and these partners never influence or affect the topics, reviews, ratings, or recommendations we provide. We never guarantee favorable reviews or mentions in exchange for compensation from any brands or partners, and we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure our content is always independent, truthful, and unbiased.
Table of contents
As a pit bull parent, you already know your pup is unique. And although Americans often think of “pit bull” as a breed, most pits are a combination of multiple breeds with some common characteristics, such as the American Staffordshire terrier, American bulldog, bull terrier, or Staffordshire bull terrier.[1]
Loyal, loving, and generally healthy, pit bulls are still prone to some health conditions inherent to their mixed breeding, including hip dysplasia, bloat, skin conditions, allergies, and obesity. Pet insurance can help cover the cost of caring for your pit bull’s health.
On average, pet insurance for pit bulls costs $75 per month, based on our data across all bully breeds. But having pet insurance means you won’t have to make tough medical decisions for your best friend based on what you can afford.
Pet insurance for pit bulls costs an average of $75 per month, but rates vary based on your dog’s age, location, and coverage choices.
Pets Best and Lemonade offer the lowest rates for pit bull insurance.
Wellness add-ons can help cover routine care for your pibble, including vaccines, dental cleanings, and parasite prevention.
The Best Pet Insurance Companies for Pit Bulls
To identify the best pet insurers for your pit bull, we considered average premiums, coverages, deductibles, reimbursement limits, age limits, and breed limitations of top pet insurance companies. Here are our picks for the best pet insurance companies for pit bulls.
MetLife: Best for pit bulls with pre-existing conditions
Average premium for pit bulls: Not available
No upper age limit for new policies
Family plan covers up to three pets with one deductible
Generally affordable premiums
Comparatively low reimbursement rates
Doesn’t cover prescription food
Exotic pet coverage available in only 19 states
MetLife offers affordable coverage for pet owners and will even insure exotic pets like reptiles, small rodents, and other small mammals. In addition to a standard plan, MetLife offers a preventive care add-on. And it may make exceptions to cover some pre-existing conditions if your previous insurer covered the condition first.
Lemonade: Best for pit bull puppies
Average premium for pit bulls: $41 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 provides the standard coverages you’d expect from a pet insurer. But it also offers a preventive care package designed for puppies that covers early-life care, like vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and microchipping.[2] Lemonade also offers some of the lowest average premiums, with a good range of plan types and varying coverages.
Fetch: Best for dental coverage
Average premium for pit bulls: Not available
Covers sick-visit exam fees
No upper age limit for enrollment
Pays up to $1,000 to advertise a missing pet and offer a reward
No coverage for pre-existing conditions
Doesn’t cover prescription food
Long waiting period for orthopedic conditions
Fetch offers comprehensive pet insurance that includes coverage for some health issues other insurers exclude. Many pet insurers cover only the dental procedures that stem from an accident or injury and may limit which teeth they’ll cover, but Fetch offers full coverage for dental care. Fetch’s annual payout limits range from $5,000 to $15,000, with reimbursement options of 70%, 80%, and 90%. And if you want coverage for routine and preventive care, you can add Fetch Wellness to your policy for an additional cost.
Trupanion: Best for direct payments to your vet
Average premium for pit bulls: Not available
Directly pays participating vets
Covers all breeds
No annual or lifetime limits for payouts
Doesn’t offer wellness or preventive care coverage
Higher-than-average premiums
Won’t cover pre-existing conditions
Trupanion offers standard accident and illness coverage but doesn’t have a wellness plan option. Still, its policies are comprehensive, with no lifetime or annual limit for payouts. And, if you visit a participating veterinarian, Trupanion will pay the provider directly when you check out — you don’t have to wait for reimbursement.
The Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies for Pit Bulls
If you’re looking for affordable pet insurance for your pit bull, comparing quotes from different companies is one of the easiest ways to save. Prices can vary widely based on the insurer, so shopping around helps you find the best deal for your budget.
Let’s take a look at the average monthly premiums for pit bulls from several top pet insurance companies. These numbers can be a starting point to help you find a plan that offers solid and affordable coverage for your pit bull.
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
---|---|
Pets Best | $26 |
Lemonade | $32 |
Spot | $33 |
ASPCA | $37 |
Prudent Pet | $79 |
Pumpkin | $87 |
What Does Pet Insurance for Pit Bulls Cover?
Pet insurance for pit bulls typically covers a wide range of accidents and illnesses, including many health conditions pitties are prone to. For example, hip and elbow dysplasia and a degenerative muscle disease called myotonia are common in pit bulls.
Here’s a look at some of the most common medical issues in pit bulls and what you might pay for treatment without insurance.[3]
Condition | Risk Profile | Cost to Diagnose and Treat |
---|---|---|
Hip dysplasia | Medium | $1,500–$6,000+ |
Gastric dilatation-volvulus (Bloat) | High | $1,500–$7,500+ |
Deafness | High | $100–$300 |
Elbow dysplasia | High | $1,500–$4,000+ |
Myotonia | High | $500–$1,500 |
Fortunately, many pet insurance plans cover hereditary and congenital issues — as long as your dog wasn’t showing symptoms before your coverage began. But most pet insurance plans won’t cover pre-existing conditions, so it’s important to insure your pittie while young, as many health problems emerge with age.
How much your insurer reimburses you for covered health issues depends on a few key factors:
Deductible: This is what you’ll pay out of pocket before your coverage kicks in. Choosing a higher deductible usually means you’ll pay less each month. But you’ll pay more out of pocket before your insurer reimburses you for a claim.
Reimbursement level: You can choose how much of your covered expenses you want your insurer to reimburse you for. Generally, reimbursement levels range from 70% to 90%, but some insurers offer 100% reimbursement plans. Keep in mind, a higher reimbursement amount usually means a higher monthly premium.
Payout limit: Just like human health insurance companies, some pet insurers cap how much they’ll pay out each year or over your pet’s lifetime. But some offer unlimited payouts.
Additional Pet Insurance Coverages for Pit Bulls
Beyond accident and illness plans, you can customize your pit bull’s insurance with optional add-ons like wellness coverage. Generally, wellness plans help cover routine care, including:
Annual checkups
Vaccinations
Dental cleanings
Spaying or neutering
Some companies also offer unique benefits. For example, Spot offers cash back on flea, tick, and heartworm prevention.[4] Fetch includes coverage for blood work, urinalysis, fecal tests, and even behavioral exams — with some plans starting as low as $10 per month.[5]
Wellness plans are especially helpful for pit bulls since they support regular preventive care. Catching health issues early can lead to better outcomes and lower vet bills in the long run.
When you combine wellness coverage with a solid accident and illness policy, you’ll have a more complete plan that helps manage both expected and unexpected costs year-round.
How to Find the Right Pet Insurance for Pit Bulls
Choosing the right pet insurance for your pit bull means finding a plan that balances cost, flexibility, and coverage for your pibble’s breed-specific health issues. Here’s what to keep in mind as you compare your options:
Coverage for breed-specific conditions
Pit bulls are more likely to develop hereditary issues like hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat). That’s why it’s important to choose a policy that covers hereditary and congenital conditions (as long as your dog wasn’t showing symptoms before enrollment). Many insurers include these conditions in their standard policies.
Customizable policy features
Look for a plan you can tailor to fit your budget and needs. The most flexible pet insurance companies let you adjust your deductible amounts, reimbursement rate, and payout limit.
Waiting periods and exclusions
Virtually every pet insurance policy includes a waiting period before coverage begins. Some have specific timelines for certain conditions. And most insurers exclude pre-existing conditions when symptoms first emerge before your policy starts. But some may pay for recurring conditions if your pit bull stays symptom-free for a certain period of time.
How Your Pit Bulls’s Age Affects Pet Insurance Premiums
Your pit bull’s age plays a major role in determining your monthly premium. Younger dogs usually cost less to insure since they’re less likely to have chronic health issues. As your dog gets older, premiums typically rise to account for increased health risks. Senior dogs, including pit bulls, often have the highest premiums due to a greater chance of conditions like arthritis, cancer, and heart disease — all of which can lead to costly vet bills.
While some insurers maintain stable costs regardless of age, most policies adjust premiums based on a dog’s age at enrollment. Enrolling your pit bull early can lock in lower rates and ensure coverage before typical pre-existing conditions emerge.
Here’s a look at the average monthly costs to insure young, adult, and senior pit bulls.
Company | Average Monthly Premium: Young Pit Bulls | Average Monthly Premium: Adult Pit Bulls | Average Monthly Premium: Senior Pit Bulls |
---|---|---|---|
Lemonade | $29 | $40 | $77 |
Spot | $30 | $70 | $79 |
Pets Best | $34 | $55 | $62 |
ASPCA | $34 | $71 | $89 |
Prudent Pet | $72 | $89 | $190 |
Pumpkin | $80 | $96 | $209 |
How Location Affects Pit Bull Pet Insurance Costs
Where you and your pit bull live significantly affects how much you’ll pay for pet insurance, largely because veterinary costs vary by location.
For example, vet costs tend to be higher in cities than in rural areas. Plus, local factors like climate, disease risks, and even state regulations can drive up premiums.
Insurers also look at how often other policyholders file claims in your area. If you live in a region where your insurance company has seen frequent claims, you’ll likely pay more.
Here’s a look at the average monthly costs to insure pit bulls in different states.
State Name | Average Monthly Premium |
---|---|
Montana | $29 |
South Carolina | $42 |
Louisiana | $45 |
West Virginia | $48 |
Missouri | $50 |
Texas | $50 |
Tennessee | $52 |
Arkansas | $55 |
Idaho | $55 |
Florida | $56 |
Kentucky | $56 |
Maryland | $56 |
Mississippi | $56 |
North Carolina | $56 |
New Hampshire | $56 |
Georgia | $57 |
Ohio | $57 |
Oklahoma | $57 |
Pennsylvania | $58 |
Wisconsin | $60 |
Alabama | $61 |
Michigan | $62 |
Virginia | $62 |
Illinois | $66 |
Maine | $68 |
Washington D.C. | $69 |
Kansas | $69 |
Washington | $69 |
California | $70 |
Indiana | $70 |
Minnesota | $72 |
New Jersey | $72 |
New Mexico | $72 |
Oregon | $72 |
Colorado | $75 |
New York | $75 |
Arizona | $76 |
Hawaii | $80 |
Nevada | $81 |
Iowa | $85 |
Utah | $95 |
Connecticut | $103 |
Delaware | $139 |
Pet Insurance for Pit Bulls FAQs
Pet insurance can help ensure your pittie lives its best life for as long as possible. Here’s some additional information to consider as you compare quotes for pit bull pet insurance.
Does pet insurance cover breed-specific conditions for pit bulls?
Yes, many pet insurance companies cover breed-specific health issues in pit bulls — including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and bloat. Just keep in mind that coverage typically applies only if the condition isn’t pre-existing when you enroll. Many specifically include hereditary and congenital conditions in their plans, offering broader protection for common pit bull health risks.
How much does pet insurance for pit bulls cost?
Our data shows that pet insurance for pit bulls typically costs $75 per month for accident and illness coverage, depending on factors like your dog’s age, where you live, and the coverage you choose. Premiums tend to be higher for older dogs or in areas with more expensive vet care. But adding a wellness plan will raise your monthly cost can help cover routine services like exams and vaccinations.
Are pit bulls more expensive to insure than other breeds?
It depends. Since factors like health, age, and location, some pit bulls can be more expensive to insure than other dogs. Some insurers consider pit bulls a higher-risk breed, which can lead to higher premiums or policy exclusions. And certain breed-specific genetic condtions — like hip dysplasia and bloat — can also drive rates up.
What factors affect pit bull insurance premiums?
Your dog’s age, health history, and where you live are major factors that affect how much you’ll pay to insure your pit bull. Younger dogs usually come with lower premiums, while older dogs cost more to cover because of higher health risks. Your coverage choices also play a role. Adjusting your deductible, reimbursement rate, and payout limit lets you customize a plan that fits your budget and coverage needs.
Does pet insurance cover preventative care for pit bulls?
Standard pet insurance policies usually cover accidents and illnesses, but not routine care. If you want help paying for things like vaccinations, dental cleanings, checkups, or flea and tick prevention, you can add a wellness plan to most policies.
Sources
- PetMD. "American Pit Bull Terrier."
- Lemonade. "Pet insurance with super fast everything."
- PetMD. "Hip Dysplasia in Dogs."
- Spot Pet Insurance. "Wellness Coverage for Cats and Dogs."
- Fetch. "Pet wellness insurance by Fetch."