Exceptions for certain dog breeds
In principle, you can insure dogs of any breed. However, you have fewer options for some breeds, as certain insurers have included exclusions in their policy terms and conditions.
In the past, it was difficult to find insurance for breeds known to have behavioural problems. Breeds such as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the Cane Corso were included on exclusion lists.
Nowadays, there are only a few exclusions based on breed or weight. These mainly concern breeds that are particularly prone to health problems.
- Univé does not insure dogs with short muzzles. If you own a Bordeaux Dogue, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Bulldog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Pug, Pekingese or Shih Tzu, you will need to choose a different insurer.
- InShared also excludes certain breeds. These include French and English Bulldogs, as well as some large breeds such as the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Mastino Napoletano, which cannot be insured with InShared.
- With a.s.r., you can take out insurance for any breed, but exceptions apply to certain breeds. For example, costs relating to skin problems in Shar-Peis are not reimbursed, while for Pugs, respiratory and eye conditions, amongst other things, are excluded from cover.
- Figo’s policy terms and conditions include an exclusion for animals of a breed that is subject to both a keeping ban and a breeding ban. The latter applies, amongst other things, to dogs with muzzles that are too short, but there currently is no ban on keeping such dogs.
Differences in premiums by dog breed
You pay a higher premium for some breeds than for others. Weight plays a role in determining the premium, due to the costs of anaesthesia and medication, as does the average health of a breed.
For example, with OHRA and Figo, you pay a considerably higher premium for a Pug than for a Jack Russell terrier, even though the weight and life expectancy of both breeds are fairly similar. However, because Pugs have a higher risk of health problems, insurance for a Pug is more expensive.
You may also find that you pay a slightly higher premium for a female dog than for a male. This is the case with PetSecur, amongst others, where the difference may be larger for one breed than for another.
