No one knows your Frenchie better than you do, so it can be tough to decide which pet insurance company is best for them. The Frenchie ranked as New York’s most popular dog in the AKC’s 2020 dog breed ranking.
That’s why we’ve put together this list of the top six pet insurers for French Bulldogs, based on coverage, customer service, and other essential factors. But first, let’s take a look at the common health issues that French Bulldogs face.
Most French Bulldogs are healthy, but they can be prone to health issues. Some of the most common problems include the following:
- Hip Dyplasia
- Respiratory problems
- Allergies
- Atopy
- Back problems
- Brachycephalic syndrome
- Elongated soft palate
- Heatstroke
These conditions can be expensive to treat, so it’s essential to have pet insurance that will cover them. However, before adopting or purchasing a Frenchie, it’s necessary to understand that this breed may have the above health issues requiring expensive medical care.
For example, this dog breed is short-nosed with a smaller nose, making breathing more complex and less efficient. The Frenchie is a brachycephalic dog breed that has a hard time with heat, humidity, and strenuous exercise.
Brachycephalic dog breeds are predisposed to several health problems:
- Elongated soft palates
- Stenotic nares (pinched nostrils)
- Everted laryngeal saccules (swollen sacks at the back of the throat)
These conditions can lead to difficulty breathing, overheating, and exercise intolerance. As a result, they are more prone to health problems because of their shortened skulls and flat faces.
Health issues aside, French Bulldogs can be a lot of fun! They’re active, playful, and lovable animals that make great pets. So if you’re looking for a pet insurance company that will cover your Frenchie’s health needs, take a look at the top six companies we’ve listed below.
In a rush? Here is a table of the top picks!
Lemonade (Best Overall) | Embrace | Figo | |
Packages | A&I, Preventative, Preventative+, Add ons: vet fees, physiotherapy | A&I and add-on Routine Care Plan | A&I, Wellness package (Basic or Plus), Vet Exam Fees for A&I, Extra Care Pack |
Coverage % | 70% to 90% | 70% to 90% | 70% to 90% |
Coverage amount | $5k-$100k | $5k, $8k, $10k, $15k, $30k | $5k, $10k, Unlimited |
Deductible | $100, $250, $500 | $200, $300, $500, $750, $1,000 | $100, $250, $500, $750 |
Waiting Period | 2 days (injury), 14 days (illness) | 2 days (accidents), 14 days (illness), 6 months (orthopedic conditions) | 1 day (accident), 14 days (illness), 6 months (orthopedic conditions) |
Min/max ages | 8 weeks – 12 years | From 6 weeks to 15 years | From 8 weeks – no upper limit |
Price | Affordable | Medium Price | Medium Priced |
States | 36 states | Nationwide | Nationwide |
Quote | Get a Quote | Get a Quote | Get a Quote |
- Pros
- Prices as low as $10 a month
- Numerous discounts programs are available
- Covers tests, procedures, and medicine for pets
- Features expanded coverage with optional preventive care plans
- The fast online sign-up process
- Option to bundle policies with homeowners, car insurance, or renters.
- Cons
- Only available in 36 states
- Pets under two have no dental coverage
- Each pet has to have their policy (no-add-ons)
This is a super easy plan to understand. It features a base plan that covers accidents and illnesses. This includes significant health issues like heart disease, hip dysplasia, cancer, broken bones, sprains, infections, general sicknesses, and more. You can get more coverage with their optional preventative care plans or add-ons (like vet visit fees or physical therapy).
We like Lemonade Pet Insurance because it’s one of the most affordable options, and covers most things like the cost of vet bills related to those incidents or conditions, such as hospitalization, diagnostics, lab work, surgery, emergency care, and prescription pet meds.
With this policy, the upper age limit depends on your pet’s breed and the state you live in and can vary between 10-14.
The takeaway from this policy is that you can only adjust your deductible or premiums around purchase and renewal times.
After you file a claim via the Lemonade app, Lemonade pays the coinsurance level you initially chose for your policy, minus any amount of your annual deductible you haven’t met.
It’s an easy process allowing you to deal with your pet’s illness without the hassle of filing claims.
Features
- Most affordable
- Easy to file a claim
- Features accident and illness, and preventative care plans
- Covers the treatment costs for a variety of accidents and illnesses
- Fast reimbursement (many claims are approved within minutes)
- Unused premium dollars go to a charity of your choice through Lemonade’s Giveback program
- Pros
- Regardless of health conditions and age, all pets can be treated by a participating vet.
- No waiting periods, deductibles, or annual limits
- Large multi-pet and yearly payment discounts
- Covers pre-existing conditions
- 45-day money-back guarantee
- Covers dental care
- Business Bureau A+ rating
- Cons
- Veterinary treatment must be performed in-house by a registered Pet Assure veterinarian.
- No prescription coverage
- No coverage on tests conducted by outside labs
Pet Assure works with 5,600 veterinarians in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Pet health coverage is offered for all household pets, including dogs, cats, small mammals, reptiles, and exotic species.
Pet Assure features easy-to-understand veterinary discount plans that save pet parents 25% on all veterinary care from participating vets. Unlike regular pet health insurance, Pet Assure has no age limitations, no restrictions for pre-existing conditions, no waiting periods, no claims, and no deductibles or annual limits.
All animals are eligible, including dogs, cats, birds, and monkeys. We like this veterinary discount plan because it covers hereditary conditions and medical issues typical for all breeds.
Features
- Discount membership plan
- All treatments covered
- All types of an animal eligible
- Easy & fast online enrollment process with no forms to fill out
- Pricing is determined by location and number of pets
- No wait periods- same day sign up veterinary care
- Covers Wellness program
- 5.600 locations
- Affordable
- Mobile Application
- 24/7 Veterinary Support
- 45-day money-back guarantee
- Pros
- No breed restriction or age limit. pet is covered in the US, Puerto Rico & Canada
- Automatic credit card payments
- Features a 5% multi-pet discount
- 24/7 self-service portal
- 5- day claim processing for fast reimbursement
- Cancellation period available
- All plans include dental disease & fractures
- Ongoing & chronic conditions covered
- Hereditary & congenital conditions covered
- Choose your deductible from $50-$1000
- Cons
- Bilateral conditions excluded
- No BBB ratings yet since this is a new company
- $2 transaction fee
- No coverage in Alaska
Odie pet insurance differs from other popular providers by offering additional benefits like take-home prescription pet meds, rehab, acupuncture, and chiropractic care. Odie features standard accident and illness coverage that is highly competitive with other, more established providers. Plans start at $7.99 for cats and $9.99 for dogs.
Odie has crafted pet insurance plans with affordable pricing. Their plans, on average, are 15%-30% less expensive than equivalent products and offerings. We like Odie pet insurance because it has no age restrictions, it’s inexpensive, and you get to choose any licensed veterinarian and you get paid out within 5 days!
Deductibles range from $50 to $1000 with a 70-90% reimbursement rate. The annual limit is $5k-$40k. Odie offers several pros for those who opt to use this excellent provider. Their waiting periods are three days for accidents, and 14 for illnesses, and an average of six months for cruciate ligament and related conditions. There is no wait for routine care plans, and claims can be submitted up to 180 days after a vet visit.
Features
- Affordable
- 24/7 Veterinary Support: Yes 24/7 Televet chat with Ask Vet
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Least expensive rates compared to other plans
- No age restrictions with coverage available from 7 weeks onwards
- Wellness coverage is available as an add-on
- Annual deductible (not per incident)
- Easy & affordable customizable plans
- 70%- 90% reimbursement for all treatments covered
- Plans, on average, are 15%-30% less expensive than other pet insurance companies.
- Choose your vet
- Third generation specialty insurance company
- Mobile Application
Odie pet insurance differs from other popular providers by offering additional benefits like take-home prescription pet meds, rehab, acupuncture, and chiropractic care. Odie features standard accident and illness coverage that is highly competitive with other, more established providers.
Odie has crafted pet insurance plans with affordable pricing. Their plans, on average, are 15%-30% less expensive than equivalent products and offerings.
Deductibles range from $50 to $1000 with a 70-90% reimbursement rate. The annual limit is $5k-$40k. Odie offers several pros for those who opt to use this excellent provider. Their waiting periods are three days for accidents, and 14 for illnesses, and an average of six months for cruciate ligament and related conditions.
There is no wait for Routine care plans, and claims can be submitted up to 180 days after a vet visit.
- Pros
- No lifetime max
- Affordable
- Discounts available to Figo policyholders
- Wide range of plans, including accident-only coverage, dental insurance, and wellness plans
- Partially dependent on how much coverage you choose for your pet
- Standard health insurance policies
- Spaying/Neutering discounts: Yes
- Fast claims process
- Cons
- Premiums increase as your Frenchie ages
- Approval for authorization for procedures can take up to 7 days
- Administrative fees in certain states
The Figo Pet Insurance app and company offer 24/7 customer service helpline options to their policyholders. This means that there is always someone available to help you with any questions or concerns about your policy.
Plus, the app makes it easy to file a claim and track the progress of your claim. You can also use the app to find a veterinarian near you and see what discounts are available to Figo policyholders.
This is also another super easy-to-use app- where you upload your vet bill and visit the claim tracker for updates. The takeaway with Figo is that you also get paid electronically into your account.
If you’re looking for reliable pet insurance coverage, Figo is a good option. They offer a wide range of plans, including accident-only coverage, dental insurance, and wellness plans. And their customer service team is always available to help you with any questions or concerns you may have about your coverage. You can even email them through the app.
The annual premium you pay with Figo partially depends on how much coverage you choose for your pet, with accident-only plans being the least expensive. The more comprehensive the plan, the higher your monthly premiums are likely to be.
For example, if you decide that wellness protection is essential to you and want every one of your pets’ vaccinations up to date, this will increase your monthly premiums. But not having wellness protection means that you’ll have to pay out of pocket when it comes time for these services anyway, so it may make sense to have coverage in place in case something unexpected arises during an annual exam or vaccination appointment.
With standard health insurance policies like those offered by Figo, you’ll have a lower monthly premium if your pet has been spayed or neutered. If you choose not to have your pet fixed, the annual premium will be higher.
While it’s up to you whether or not having your pet fixed is right for your family and budget, consider that pets who are spayed or neutered typically live longer lives because they’re less likely to get certain types of cancer.
And while the operation may seem expensive at first glance, in many cases, it can be cheaper than several years’ worth of premiums over a lifetime.
Another consideration with Figo Pet Insurance is whether or not you qualify for potential discounts on either a single policy or an entire household of policies through their affiliate programs.
Accident-Only Plans: Yes
Optional Wellness Protection: Yes
Wellness Discounts: No
Annual Deductible Options: $100 – $1,000+
Standard Health Insurance Plans: Yes
Spaying/Neutering Discounts: Yes
Now that you have a better understanding of what Figo Pet Insurance is all about, it’s time to decide if this is the right type of coverage for you and your furry family members.
The good news is that Figo offers a wide variety of plans to choose from, so you’re likely to find a policy that fits both your budget and your needs. Plus, their customer service team is always available to help with any questions or concerns you may have about your coverage. You can even email them through the app.
The annual premium you pay with Figo is partially dependent on how much coverage you choose. For more information about Figo Pet Insurance, visit their website or download their app today.
Features
- No per-incident caps
- 24/7 customer service helpline
- 24/7 access to live vet
- Easy to file a claim
- Track the progress of your claim
- Find a veterinarian near you
- Some pre-existing conditions covered if no symptoms shown over the past 12 months
- Pros
- Vet telehealth line available 24/7
- It offers a diminishing deductible
- Covers veterinary exam fees Multiple pet discount of 10% plus the military member discoun
- 5% discount if paid annually
- No maximum lifetime payout under its plans
- You can customize plans.
- Cons
- Plans include annual limits
- Plan coverage only for pets 14 years and under
- $1.00 monthly transaction with a $25 enrollment fee
- CCL injuries not covered for both legs if pre-existing in one leg
Embrace pet insurance is a great way to help ensure your pet’s health. It offers coverage for both accidents and illnesses, and you can choose from a variety of plans to find the one that’s best for your needs. Plus, you can add on extras like dental care or prescription medication coverage.
Embrace pet insurance features a straightforward policy that allows pet parents to be secure, knowing that their fur babies are protected 24/7. Their premiums are also affordable. This is a “nose-to -tail” coverage that is comprehensive and covers pets throughout the US.
They also offer multiple discounts for military, multiple pet homes, and those who pay yearly. Embrace covers veterinary exam fees, specialty fees, and crafts coverage for most types of veterinary care via additional coverage or included coverage.
They will examine your pet’s medical history and inform you about any potential pre-existing conditions that their policy won’t cover. You then can cancel the policy within 30 days for a full refund.
Embrace also features a comprehensive accident and illness policy without any “loopholes” This covers exam fees with all reimbursements based on a direct percentage of the veterinary bill.
Embrace is one of the only companies that offer the Healthy Pet Deductible. This reduces a pet’s annual deductible by $50 each year that you don’t have a claim paid out.
There is also a discount for veterinary staff. All Embrace’s accident and illness plans allow pet parents to personalize their plans to accommodate their budget and adjust their annual deductible, annual maximum, and reimbursement percentage.
Embrace covers accidents, illnesses, conditions, diagnostic exam fees, treatments, and ongoing care. The only thing they don’t cover is pre-existing conditions.
We like this policy because it also features Wellness Rewards Plus, a flexible wellness plan for routine maintenance. The Wellness Rewards Plan consists of the following:
- Vaccinations
- Spay/neuter procedures
- Dental cleanings
- Plenty of other preventative care treatments
Features
- A wide array of coverage options for pets
- Affordable
- The illness and accidents plans cover vet office visits
- The 2-day wait period for accident coverage
- Pros
- Comprehensive coverage
- Claims paid out as fast as 5 minutes
- Affordable care
- Top coverage includes patella luxation, hip dysplasia, cancer,& heart disease
- It covers conditions that your pup may be prone to inheriting
- It covers treatments even without an official diagnosis
- Includes coverage for congenital conditions
- No annual limits on coverage
- No age restrictions on hip dysplasia (30-day wait period)
- US, Canada & Puerto Rico coverage is available
- Features enrollment from birth coverage
- Cons
- No preventative coverage
- Limited discounts
- No discount for paying upfront
Trupanion features a pet health insurance plan for dogs and cats with no payout limits and a per condition deductible. After meeting your deductible, ranging from $0 to $1,000, you’ll get to pay the deductible again when your pet is diagnosed with a new condition instead of footing the bill for an annual deductible that renews each year.
Vet Direct Pay eliminates the need for you to pay a vet upfront and wait to be reimbursed by Trupanion. You can also manage your policy, submit claims, and more through the company’s mobile app.
Plus, Trupanion offers 24/7 customer support if you have any questions or concerns about your policy. If you decide that pet insurance isn’t right for you, Trupanion provides a 30-day money-back guarantee.
The dog plan features a per condition deductible that starts at $0 and ranges from $1,000. After your pet’s condition is covered under the deductible, you’ll pay the same deductible again if your pet is diagnosed with a new disease. The cat plan also has a per condition deductible, starting at $0 and ranging from $500.
Trupanion does not have any payout limits, meaning you can make as many claims as necessary for your pet’s care. And if you’re ever unsure about whether or not you should make a claim, Trupanion offers 24/7 customer support.
We like this policy because they provide The Recovery and Complementary Care rider that covers procedures such as physical therapy, behavioral modification, and homeopathy. An additional Pet Owner Assistance rider also helps with a range of unexpected costs, including property damage liability, advertising, and rewards if your pet goes missing.
Features
- 24/7 customer service
- No more paying veterinary bills out of pocket
- Reimbursement at 90% with no caps or limits
- Lifetime per condition deductible
- 90% payout for a specific condition for the rest of your pet’s life
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a deductible?
A deductible is an amount that you must pay toward your pet’s veterinary care before the insurance company begins covering any other claims. Most pet insurance plans have this amount, ranging from $0 to $1000, depending on the plan.
Do I need to pay my deductible every time I take my pet to the vet?
Sometimes, it takes more than one vet visit to meet a deductible. However, you don’t have to pay a deductible every time you visit your veterinarian. However, once you’ve paid the deductible for a particular illness or injury, the insurance company will start paying claims for that condition.
What is a co-pay?
A co-pay is a fixed amount that you must pay for each visit to the vet, regardless of how long the visit lasts or how much treatment your pet receives. This amount can vary depending on the plan.
How long does it take for a claim to be paid?
In the case of illness or injury, all pet insurance plans have a waiting period before paying any claims related to that condition. This usually starts when you first bring your pet in for treatment, but it can vary depending on which company you choose.
Do I need to have a diagnosis to file a claim?
No, you don’t need a diagnosis to file a claim with pet insurance. However, you will need to provide documentation from the veterinarian detailing all of the treatments and services received.
Can I use any vet I want?
Yes, you can use any licensed veterinarian you want, but your policy may have a network of preferred veterinarians that will save you money.
Can I use my pet insurance policy to cover my pet’s medications?
Yes. Many pet insurance policies will reimburse you for a portion of the prescription costs that your veterinarian does not cover.
What is an annual limit?
An annual limit is a maximum amount that will be paid out during any given year, regardless of the number of claims you file for your pet. Most pet insurance plans have an annual claim limit ranging from $0 to $2000.
Why doesn’t the policy cover my pet’s pre-existing condition?
Many pet insurance policies will not cover conditions that your pet has been treated for in the past. This is known as a pre-existing condition exclusion. Policies also may not cover conditions diagnosed or treated within a specific period before the procedure begins (usually 30 days). Be sure to check your policy carefully for exclusions.
How do I file a claim?
Once you have received treatment for your pet, you can submit a claim online or by mail to receive reimbursement for the eligible charges. Most companies require that you submit all bills relating to your pet’s condition before filing a claim. Be sure to keep any paperwork (such as receipts and invoices) related to your pet’s treatment if you need to file a claim.
How much will pet insurance cost me each month?
The cost of pet insurance varies depending on the policy, the age of your pet, and the amount of coverage you choose. Most procedures range from $10 to $50 per month.
Why buy dog insurance for a French Bulldog?
It’s essential to have pet insurance if your pet becomes ill or injured. Pet insurance can help cover the cost of veterinary care, including unexpected expenses if your pet becomes sick or injured. It can also help cover the cost of routine maintenance, such as vaccinations and wellness exams.
The best time to buy pet insurance?
Many pet insurance companies offer coverage for hereditary conditions if you buy a policy before your pet is one year old. However, once an animal turns seven years old, many procedures no longer cover hereditary conditions, regardless of when the policy was purchased.
Are there any exclusions in my policy?
Yes. Some pet insurance policies do not cover certain conditions, such as pre-existing conditions, hereditary conditions, or injuries that occur while the pet is out of your care. Others may only cover a percentage of the cost of treatment. Be sure to read your policy carefully to understand what is not covered.
Conclusion for Best Pet Insurances for French Bulldogs
If you’re like most pet parents, you consider your French Bulldog to be a member of the family. And just like any other family members, pets need protection. So that’s where pet insurance comes in.
Pet insurance can help you pay for unexpected veterinary expenses if your pet becomes sick or injured. It can also help cover the cost of routine care, such as vaccinations and wellness exams.
The best time to buy pet insurance is when your French Bulldog is young and healthy. This way, you’ll have years of coverage ahead of you and won’t have to worry about pre-existing conditions.
Most pet insurance policies have a waiting period before starting paying claims, so be sure to read the policy carefully. Also, be aware that some pet insurance companies won’t cover certain breeds of pets, such as dogs over a certain age or mixed breeds.
Most policies limit the amount they will pay out in any given year, which may not be enough to cover the total cost of your pet’s treatment. Check your policy carefully to know precisely your expenses for any treatments. Many plans also have annual and lifetime caps on covering veterinary bills.
You can generally get coverage that includes hereditary conditions if you insure before your pet is one-year-old. However, once an animal turns seven years old, many policies no longer cover genetic diseases, regardless of when the policy was purchased.
Other articles you will like:
Claudia Bensimoun is a writer who specializes in dog content and veterinary topics! Aside from writing for We Love Doodles, Claudia also writes for other major dog blogs like Fido Friendly, Animal Wellness Magazine, and the United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA). She has a ghostwritten over 50 different dog e-books. Her passions include animal welfare, veterinary research, and wildlife conservation.
Why Trust We Love Doodles?
At We Love Doodles, we’re a team of writers, veterinarians, and puppy trainers that love dogs. Our team of qualified experts researches and provides reliable information on a wide range of dog topics. Our reviews are based on customer feedback, hands-on testing, and in-depth analysis. We are fully transparent and honest to our community of dog owners and future owners.