Dog Breeds / Australian Shepherd
Best Pet Insurance for Australian Shepherds (2026)
Australian Shepherds are intelligent, active herding dogs with moderate health risks. They're prone to hip dysplasia, eye problems, and epilepsy. Their high energy also means more sports injuries. Insurance helps active Aussie owners manage these costs.
See Top Picks →🏆 Our Top Picks for Australian Shepherds
Embrace
Best for chronic conditions (epilepsy)
Healthy Paws
Best unlimited coverage
Pets Best
Best value option
Why Australian Shepherds Need Insurance
Aussies face hip dysplasia ($7,000+ for surgery), hereditary eye conditions, and epilepsy requiring lifelong medication. Their active lifestyle also leads to more accident-related injuries.
Common Health Issues & Costs
| Condition | What It Is | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Hip Dysplasia | Joint malformation | $3,500 - $7,000 |
| Cataracts | Hereditary eye condition | $2,500 - $5,000 |
| Collie Eye Anomaly | Hereditary eye defect | $500 - $2,000 |
| Epilepsy | Seizure disorder | $200 - $500/year ongoing |
| Elbow Dysplasia | Elbow joint issues | $2,000 - $4,000 |
| MDR1 Gene Mutation | Drug sensitivity | Affects treatment |
What to Look For in Australian Shepherd Insurance
✓ Must-Have Coverage
- Orthopedic coverage — Hip and elbow dysplasia are common
- Eye condition coverage — Multiple hereditary issues
- Chronic condition coverage — Epilepsy needs lifelong treatment
- Accident coverage — Active breed gets injured
✗ Red Flags to Avoid
- Long orthopedic waiting periods (12+ months)
- Eye condition exclusions
- Epilepsy/seizure exclusions
- Bilateral exclusions on joints
Best Insurance Providers for Australian Shepherds
Embrace
Best for Chronic Conditions
$42-62/mo
estimated monthly
Embrace excels at covering ongoing conditions like epilepsy. Their 6-month orthopedic wait (vs 12 months) is also valuable for a breed prone to joint issues.
Pros
- Great epilepsy coverage
- Covers hereditary conditions
- 6-month orthopedic wait
- Good prescription coverage
Cons
- Annual limits apply
- Wellness costs extra
Healthy Paws
Best Unlimited Coverage
$40-58/mo
estimated monthly
No caps on claims means your Aussie's hip surgery, eye treatment, and any other issues are fully covered. Great for an active breed.
Pros
- No annual or lifetime limits
- Covers hereditary conditions
- Fast claims processing
- Covers accidents fully
Cons
- No wellness coverage
- 12-month hip dysplasia wait
Pets Best
Best Value Option
$35-55/mo
estimated monthly
For budget-conscious Aussie owners, Pets Best offers solid coverage at competitive prices while still covering the important hereditary conditions.
Pros
- Competitive pricing
- Multiple plan options
- Covers hereditary conditions
- No annual limit options
Cons
- Mixed customer service reviews
- Some claim delays
How Much Does Australian Shepherd Insurance Cost?
Australian Shepherds have moderate insurance costs. Here's what to expect:
Puppy (8 weeks - 1 year)
$30 - $48/month
Adult (1-7 years)
$40 - $65/month
Senior (8+ years)
$60 - $105+/month
* Estimates based on average rates. Actual cost depends on your location, chosen deductible, reimbursement level, and coverage limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MDR1 gene mutation?
Many Australian Shepherds carry a gene mutation making them sensitive to certain medications, including some sedatives and anti-parasitic drugs. Test your Aussie and inform your vet—it affects treatment options but not insurance.
Is pet insurance worth it for an Australian Shepherd?
Yes. Aussies are prone to hip dysplasia ($7,000+ for surgery), eye problems, and epilepsy. Their active lifestyle also means more accident risk. Insurance helps manage these costs.
Do Australian Shepherds have a lot of health problems?
Aussies have moderate health concerns—better than many breeds but not problem-free. Main issues are joint problems, eye conditions, and epilepsy. Responsible breeding helps reduce risks.
Should I get wellness coverage for my Aussie?
Optional. Active Aussies may benefit from wellness plans covering routine care and annual eye exams. However, compare costs—paying out of pocket sometimes saves money.
Are sports injuries covered by insurance?
Yes, most pet insurance covers accidents including sports injuries from agility, frisbee, or herding. Aussies are athletic, making accident coverage particularly valuable.
Protect Your Australian Shepherd
Protect your active Aussie from unexpected health costs. Compare quotes and find the right coverage today.
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