Staffordshire bull terrier pet insurance
Because a dog built tough deserves cover to match.
Key takeaways
- Staffies are generally pretty healthy dogs but there are a few conditions to be aware of.
- Treating a staffy without pet insurance is very costly, often requiring thousands depending on what's needed.
- There are multiple levels of coverage available, so you can pick what best suits your budget
Do I need pet insurance for my staffy?
When it comes to insuring your dog, there are a few things to consider:
Is your dog predisposed to any specific conditions?
Staffies are known to be predisposed to a few medical problems.
- Hip dysplasia: This is a genetic condition for staffies, it occurs when the femur and pelvis grow at uneven rates and can result in arthritis. Maintaining a good weight is important to combat this.
- Skin allergies: Staffies are prone to having sensitive skin and this can be due to food or environmental factors.
- Cataracts and eye conditions: If left untreated, these can lead to blurry eyes or blindness. Regular check ups are important to keep an eye on these conditions.
- Patella luxation: This happens when the kneecap pops out of its groove, causing them to limp around. Long term, the staffy might need surgery to manage this, depending on the severity.
- Brachycephalic Syndrome: While not as bad as pugs, staffies do still have short muzzles which can make exercise difficult, particularly in hot weather.
- Deafness: Staffies with white coats are more predisposed to this than staffies with darker coats. While there's no cure, ongoing management to accommodate it is necessary.
Could you afford surgery out of pocket?
With these conditions in mind, it's important to consider if you could afford surgery out of pocket, should your staffy require it. Here's an idea of how much each surgery can cost. Keep in mind though, these prices are approximate and your actual cost will depend on your dog's condition and your vet.
- Hip dysplasia surgery: Costs vary between around $500 - $5,000.
- Skin allergies: These costs vary hugely because it depends on the severity of the condition and what kind of treatment is needed. It could be a case of switching food, in which case you'd avoid hefty vet bills.
- Cataracts: Costs are around $2,700–$3,200 per eye.
- Patella luxation surgery: Costs vary between $1,600 - $5,000.
- Brachycephalic syndrome: This is treated with a soft palate surgery and can cost between $1,500 and $1,850. However, note this is to address the primary problem of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome. If your staffy is suffering other illnesses related to this, that can cost substantially more.
- Deafness: This one can't be cured.
What can pet insurance cover for a Staffordshire bull terrier?
What your pet insurance policy covers will come down to what level of cover you choose and the provider specifics. We've broken this down below.
Accidents, illnesses, and injuries – Coverage options for Staffordshire bull terriers
Coverage levels generally include:
- Basic coverage: Also known as 'essentials' or 'accident-only' cover, these basic policies are generally the cheapest option. They typically provide essential cover for accidents, such as snake bites or vehicle-related incidents. However, basic policies won't cover common staffy-specific health issues such as hip dysplasia, skin allergies or patella luxation. You'll need a higher tier of coverage for that.
- Mid-level coverage: Providers may label mid-level coverage differently, but these policies usually cover accidents, illnesses and injuries. This is a good option if you're wanting cover to include common conditions for Staffordshire Bull Terriers like skin allergies, hip dysplasia and joint issues such as patella luxation. Annual coverage limits typically range from around $12,000 to $30,000. Typically, the higher your annual limit, the higher your premium will be.
- Comprehensive or Elite coverage: This is the highest level of pet insurance available, offering extensive protection for accidents, illnesses and injuries, typically with higher annual limits. Comprehensive policies may also include routine care cover (which is normally an optional extra). This can cover preventive treatments such as vaccinations and dental cleanings.
Compare pet insurance options for your Staffordshire bull terrier
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How to choose the best pet insurance for your Staffy
There are a few factors to consider when choosing a pet insurance policy specifically for staffy. Product disclosure statements (PDS) can contain complicated terminology, so here's a simplified breakdown:
- Waiting periods: This is the required timeframe from starting your policy payments until you can make a claim. If your staffy needs immediate treatment for breed-specific issues like skin allergies or hip dysplasia, coverage typically won't apply until the waiting period ends. However, emergency incidents, such as snake bites or accidental injuries, are usually covered immediately or within one day of you taking out the policy.
- Reimbursement options: This refers to the portion of the vet bill that your insurer will cover. Typically, it ranges from 70% to 100% — the higher the percentage, the higher the premium.
Some providers offer GapOnly claims, which allow you to pay only the difference (gap) between the veterinary bill and the insurance coverage at the time of service, eliminating the wait for reimbursement.
Other insurers require full payment at the vet first, after which you'll submit a claim and receive reimbursement after approval.
- Annual limit: This is the maximum amount your insurer will pay each year. For example, if your policy has an annual limit of $30,000, you cannot claim more than this amount in one year. This could be a concern if you choose a lower annual limit, such as $12,000, but your staffy requires surgery or treatment costing more.
- Sub-limits: These are limits placed on specific treatments, separate from your overall annual limit. For instance, if there's a sub-limit of $3,000 for paralysis tick treatment and your staffy's treatment costs $5,000, you will need to pay the remaining $2,000 even if you haven't reached your annual limit.
So, what's actually important to look for in a policy?
- High annual limits: For potentially costly treatments, particularly anything requiring surgery.
- High or no sub-limits: Ensures comprehensive coverage for expensive treatments.
- High reimbursement rates: Covers more of your veterinary expenses. However, lower reimbursement rates may be preferable if budget constraints are a consideration.
Cost of pet insurance for Staffies in Australia
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