Takeaways
- Pugs are unfortunately predisposed to many health conditions which makes pet insurance a must-have
- Some of their health conditions can be very serious, requiring surgery and lengthy hospital stays with medical bills in the thousands
- Pet insurance can help cover these costs, some even up to 100%
- Monthly premiums for a pug can vary widely with puppies averaging $30 to $50 and older pugs averaging $60 and up
- The best insurance plans for pugs cover their most common conditions and do not have breed restrictions
Why You Should Consider Pet Insurance For Your Pug
Once the dogs of ancient Chinese Emperors and Dutch Royals, pugs have been around for thousands of years. Today, the pug is more likely to sit on a couch watching tv than on a throne overlooking a kingdom, but it is still a family favorite for many around the world!
Sadly, the lovable little pug can suffer from a variety of health conditions stemming from their breed. These conditions can be costly to treat and in some cases even require surgery. Getting your pug insured can be one of the best things you can do to help them live a long, healthy, and happy life!
Common Health Problems in Pugs
While the sweet, sociable, and often “snorty” pug is undoubtedly a special breed, their unique traits can also sadly cost them their health in some cases. Like many purebred dogs, pugs have several genetic health problems in their lineage.
Many of the health problems pugs face stem from the very characteristics they were bred for. The pug’s signature smushed nose and bug eyes may be adorable but breathing issues and eye disorders are a very real problem for the pug population. They also face skin issues stemming from their many wrinkles and folds and are more prone to allergies and ear infections.
Here are some of the most common pug health problems, risk factors, and average treatment costs a pug parent may face during their pet’s lifetime.
| Pug Health Issue | Risk Factors (Compared To Other Dogs) | Average Treatment Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome (breathing problems of shorter, flatter faced dogs, can lead to respiratory distress, overheating, and exercise intolerance) | x 54 | $1,500 to $3,000 |
| Nasopharyngeal Stenosis (narrowing of the nasal passages causing respiratory distress) | x 51.3 | $500 to $2,000 |
| Eye Ulceration | x 13 | $200 to $2,500 |
| Skin Infections | x 11 | $100 to $500 |
| Ear Infections | x 9.6 | $100 to $500 |
| Allergies | x 5.9 | $100 to $1,000 |
| Demodectic Mange | x 5.6 | $250 to $500 |
| Obesity (increases risk for heart disease, diabetes, and joint problems) | x 3.4 | $100 to $2,500*(*costs associated with treating obesity-related diseases) |
The Best Pet Insurance For Pugs
While there’s no one-size-fits-all pet insurance for pugs or any dog for that matter, here are some pet insurances with the best coverage for pug-related problems. As with all insurance, pre-existing conditions are usually excluded, changes in coverage or eligibility can occur, and waiting periods typically apply. Check individual policies for more details.
ASPCA
The ASPCA Pet Insurance Complete Coverage Plan offers a wide range of accident and illness coverage. Coverage includes diagnostics, treatments, hospitalizations, surgeries, and more.
Reimbursement rates range from 70% to 90% after the deductible is met. Deductibles range from $100 to $500. Monthly premiums vary based on the individual pet but averages range from $40 to $80.
Why it’s great for pugs!
- No breed exclusions for hereditary conditions
- Covers conditions pugs are known for such as allergies and eye issues
- Covers long-term chronic conditions like diabetes and cancer
- Prescription medications and foods are covered
- Covers alternative therapies such as acupuncture, laser therapy, and hydrotherapy for pugs with obesity, back, or joint issues
Embrace
Embrace Pet Insurance offers comprehensive coverage for accidents and illnesses in their standard plan. Coverage includes diagnostics, treatments, hospitalizations, surgeries, and more.
Reimbursement rates range from 70% to 90% after the deductible is met. Deductibles range from $100 to $1000. Monthly premiums vary based on the individual pet but averages range from $37 to $55 for a pug.
Why it’s great for pugs!
- Covers many breed-specific conditions pugs are known for like eye and skin issues
- Includes specialty dental coverage for treatments like extractions and root canals
- Covers long-term chronic conditions like diabetes and cancer
- Covers pain management, physical therapy, and alternative therapies like acupuncture and laser for pugs with obesity, back, or joint issues
Figo
Figo Pet Insurance offers coverage for accidents, illnesses, chronic conditions, and hereditary conditions in their base plan. They also offer an option to add on wellness and preventative care coverage. Covered costs include diagnostics, treatments, hospitalizations, surgeries, and more.
Figo’s reimbursement rates can go up to 100% after the deductible is met. Deductible options range from $100 to $750. Premiums vary greatly depending on the chosen deductible and annual limit with options from $5,000 to unlimited.
Why it’s great for pugs!
- No breed exclusions for hereditary conditions
- Covers conditions pugs are known for such as allergies, skin infections, and obesity
- Covers long-term chronic conditions like diabetes and cancer
- Dental illness and injury coverage
- Highly customizable plan with options to add on additional coverage for specific things
Pets Best
Pets Best offers extensive coverage under their Accident and Illness Plan. Coverage includes diagnostics, treatments, hospitalizations, surgeries, and more. Reimbursement rates range from 70% to 90% after the deductible is met. Pets Best offers a highly customizable plan for choosing your deductible and monthly premium as well as add-on wellness coverage.
Why it’s great for pugs!
- No breed exclusions for hereditary conditions
- Covers many conditions common in pugs like skin and ear infections, allergies, and eye disorders
- Covers long-term chronic conditions like diabetes and cancer
- Dental illness and injury coverage
- Highly customizable plan with options to add on wellness coverage
- Option for direct-to-vet payment for reducing upfront out-of-pocket costs
Pumpkin
Pumpkin Pet Insurance offers comprehensive coverage for accidents and illnesses in their standard plan. Coverage includes diagnostics, treatments, hospitalizations, surgeries, and more with an option to add on preventative care coverage.
The reimbursement rate is 90% for covered conditions with multiple deductible options ranging from $100 to $1,000. Monthly premiums start at $30 and go up based on your pet and choice of deductible.
Why it’s great for pugs!
- No breed exclusions for hereditary conditions
- Covers many conditions common in pugs like brachycephalic airway syndrome, eye disorders, and skin infections
- Covers long-term chronic conditions like diabetes and cancer
- Dental illness and injury coverage
- Covers alternative therapies like acupuncture for pugs with obesity, back, or joint issues
Trupanion
Trupanion’s Pet Insurance standard plan covers a wide range of accidents and illnesses. Coverage includes diagnostics, treatments, hospitalizations, surgeries, and more. They reimburse 90% of covered costs and have a very customizable plan for choosing your deductible and monthly premium.
Why it’s great for pugs!
- No breed exclusions for hereditary conditions
- Covers many conditions pugs are known for like brachycephalic airway syndrome, allergies, ear infections, eye disorders, and more
- Long-term chronic conditions like diabetes and cancer are covered
- Option for direct-to-vet payment for reduced upfront expenses
Is Pet Insurance Worth It For Pugs?
Yes. Unfortunately, pugs carry a higher risk of developing some serious health conditions so pet insurance is absolutely worth it for them! Having your pug on a pet insurance plan can help dramatically offset their veterinary costs, especially for unexpected illnesses and emergencies.
An estimated one out of every three pets will require some kind of emergency treatment every year and cost is a leading factor in owners declining treatment options. Pet insurance can offer a safety net so you and your pug are ready for the unexpected.
When Should I Get Pet Insurance For My Pug?
The earlier you can get pet insurance for your pug, the better! Unfortunately, no pet insurance covers pre-existing conditions so the earlier in their life they are enrolled, the more coverage they will have.
Since pugs tend to have more health issues than the average dog, it’s a good idea to get coverage while they are still a puppy. Of course, if you adopted an older pug it’s still a good idea to get them covered just be prepared for the possibility of higher premiums.
Factors That Affect Pet Insurance For Pugs
When shopping around for pet insurance for your pug it’s important to get customized quotes. Many factors will affect premiums and coverage including age, breed, medical history, and location. Once you’ve narrowed down your options, be sure to carefully read each policy for any additional breed-specific exclusions, caps on coverage for specific conditions, or additional waiting periods.