WHAT'S THE BEST PET INSURANCE FOR A PIT BULL?

What Types of Pet Insurance are Available for My Pit Bull?

In the UK, there are four main types of pet insurance:

• Accident-Only – Covers a fixed sum per injury if your pet has an accident.

• Time-Limited – Also called a 12-month policy, covers your pet for accidents and illness for a period of 1 year.

• Maximum Benefit – Also known as “condition capped” pet insurance, covers accident and illness indefinitely (subject to policy renewal). Usually involves a fixed reimbursement limit (of around £1,500).

• Lifetime – The most comprehensive policy available, covers accidents, injury, and illness for your pet’s lifetime.

Is it Worth Getting Pet Insurance for My Pit Bull?

If you own a Pit Bull in the UK, it is a legal requirement to have third-party liability insurance for your dog, as a provision of The Dangerous Dogs Act. Most home insurance policies offer the option to purchase third-party public liability dog insurance. Also known as public liability insurance, third-party liability insurance covers legal and compensation costs in the event that your dog injures someone or causes an accident. It is mainly applicable to potentially dangerous dog breeds, such as the Pit. As the owner, you would be held responsible for any damage caused to a third party by an accident, be it material damage or bodily harm. Pit Bulls are athletic, energetic dogs, known for inter-dog aggression, and accidents do happen. This is where pet insurance comes in. 

Additionally, although the Pit Bull’s health is generally pretty robust, they are susceptible to certain health issues, such as hip and elbow dysplasia and skin problems. Getting your dog insured from an early age guarantees them the necessary care at all times throughout their life. Better safe than sorry! Health insurance for your Pit Bull works the same way as for humans: you pay a monthly premium to an insurance company and, in return, they reimburse you for any veterinary expenses. Veterinary costs can be very high and, as a consequence, sometimes the cheapest solution is, unfortunately, euthanasia, which can be a real problem and emotional weight for dog owners. Vet fees are not standardised in the UK and can vary substantially. As such, some owners simply do not have the means to properly care for their pet.

Here are some of the different diseases that can affect your Pit Bull:

• Hip and elbow dysplasia

• Skin problems, such as dermatitis

• Allergies

• Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), also known as twisted stomach

• Ichthyosis

Don't wait for your dog to get sick or old before taking out pet insurance, or you may risk them not being properly taken care of. We recommend getting your dog insured from an early age to guarantee they get the necessary care throughout their life.

What Kind of Diseases Are Covered by Pet Insurance?

Firstly, it’s important to note that some insurance companies may refuse to reimburse costs incurred for certain diseases, hereditary diseases in particular. Likewise, "comfort" or "lifestyle" drugs, such as food supplements, are not eligible for reimbursement. Some insurance companies will refuse to cover so-called dangerous dogs, as well as dogs who are too young or over 5 years old.

However, here are the treatments normally covered by a pet insurance policy:

• Surgeries and follow-up treatments for disease or surgery. This also includes hospital costs.

• Preventive treatments such as vaccines or deworming treatments.

• Annual health checks for older dogs.

• Some insurance companies also cover antiparasitic treatments.

How Much is Pet Insurance for a Pit Bull?

The average cost for pet insurance in the UK in 2020 works out at £36 per month or £436 per year. Certain criteria, such as where you live or the age and breed of your dog, may cause prices to vary. For a dangerous dog breed like the Pitbull Terrier, prices tend to skew slightly higher. Lifetime dog insurance is more expensive but also provides the most comprehensive cover. This usually costs closer to around £80 per month.

Choosing the Right Pet Insurance for Your Pit Bull

The important thing is to choose an insurance policy that suits your dog's needs and your own. Think long term: your dog's health needs will change with age and you never want your Pit Bull to suffer from a lack of care. While the price is, of course, important, it should not be the only criteria you consider. Before deciding on a particular contract, make sure to shop around for quotes and assess which best suits your circumstances. Then, take the time to review the contracts that are offered to you. Study each line of your contract closely to ascertain the type of services offered, as well as the reimbursement rate, limits, and eligibility or exclusion clauses.