Dog Breeds / Border Collie
Best Pet Insurance for Border Collies (2026)
Border Collies are incredibly intelligent, high-energy herding dogs. While generally healthy, they're prone to hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and hereditary eye conditions. Their active lifestyle also means more injury risk. Insurance helps cover both genetic conditions and accidents.
See Top Picks →🏆 Our Top Picks for Border Collies
Embrace
Best for chronic conditions
Healthy Paws
Best unlimited coverage
Pets Best
Best value option
Why Border Collies Need Insurance
Border Collies face hip dysplasia, epilepsy (lifelong medication), and multiple eye conditions including Collie Eye Anomaly. Their intense activity level leads to sports injuries. Insurance protects against both hereditary conditions and accidents.
Common Health Issues & Costs
| Condition | What It Is | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Hip Dysplasia | Joint malformation | $3,500 - $7,000 |
| Epilepsy | Seizure disorder | $200 - $500/year ongoing |
| Collie Eye Anomaly | Hereditary eye defect | $500 - $2,000 |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy | Degenerative blindness | $500 - $2,000 |
| Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome | Immune system disorder | $1,000 - $3,000 |
| Osteochondritis Dissecans | Cartilage/bone disorder | $2,000 - $4,000 |
What to Look For in Border Collie Insurance
✓ Must-Have Coverage
- Epilepsy/chronic condition coverage — Seizures need lifelong management
- Eye condition coverage — Multiple hereditary eye issues
- Orthopedic coverage — Hip dysplasia and OCD occur
- Accident coverage — Active breed with higher injury risk
✗ Red Flags to Avoid
- Epilepsy exclusions
- Eye condition exclusions
- Long orthopedic waiting periods
- Low prescription coverage
Best Insurance Providers for Border Collies
Embrace
Best for Chronic Conditions
$38-60/mo
estimated monthly
Embrace excels at covering ongoing conditions like epilepsy. Their strong prescription coverage is valuable for Border Collies needing long-term seizure medication.
Pros
- Excellent epilepsy coverage
- Strong prescription coverage
- 6-month orthopedic wait
- Covers hereditary conditions
Cons
- Annual limits apply
- Wellness costs extra
Healthy Paws
Best Unlimited Coverage
$40-62/mo
estimated monthly
No caps mean your Border Collie's hip surgery, ongoing epilepsy treatment, or eye care is fully covered. Great for an active breed.
Pros
- No annual or lifetime limits
- Covers hereditary conditions
- Fast claims processing
- Strong accident coverage
Cons
- No wellness coverage
- 12-month hip dysplasia wait
Pets Best
Best Value Option
$32-52/mo
estimated monthly
Solid coverage at competitive prices for Border Collie owners. Covers hereditary conditions while keeping premiums reasonable.
Pros
- Competitive pricing
- Covers hereditary conditions
- Multiple plan options
- Good accident coverage
Cons
- Some claim delays reported
- Customer service varies
How Much Does Border Collie Insurance Cost?
Border Collies have moderate insurance costs. Here's what to expect:
Puppy (8 weeks - 1 year)
$30 - $48/month
Adult (1-7 years)
$38 - $65/month
Senior (8+ years)
$60 - $100+/month
* Estimates based on average rates. Actual cost depends on your location, chosen deductible, reimbursement level, and coverage limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pet insurance worth it for a Border Collie?
Yes. Border Collies are prone to epilepsy, hip dysplasia, and eye conditions. Their high activity level also increases injury risk. Insurance helps manage both hereditary conditions and accidents.
Do Border Collies have epilepsy?
Epilepsy is more common in Border Collies than many breeds. It typically appears between 1-5 years of age and requires lifelong medication. Insurance helps cover ongoing prescription costs.
What is Collie Eye Anomaly?
CEA is a hereditary eye condition affecting the retina and surrounding structures. Severity varies from mild (no vision impact) to severe (blindness). Genetic testing can identify carriers.
Are Border Collies injury-prone?
Their intense drive and athleticism can lead to injuries—torn ligaments, sprains, and fractures from agility, frisbee, or herding work. Good accident coverage is valuable.
Should I get my Border Collie genetically tested?
Yes. Tests exist for CEA, TNS, and other conditions. Reputable breeders test their dogs. Even if you adopt, testing helps you know what to watch for.
Protect Your Border Collie
Protect your energetic Border Collie from unexpected health costs. Compare quotes and find the right coverage today.
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