- Pumpkin Team
- a few seconds ago
- 7 min read
Key Points
Pugs are Brachycephalic breeds and are prone to breathing problems and infections.
Pet insurance plans like Pumpkin that help cover veterinary care for hereditary and congenital conditions can be beneficial for this breed.
Pug insurance can be affordable. Costs generally depend on the age of your Pug, your zip code and the kind of coverage you need.
Pug parents already know that their unique flat faces and wrinkly folds are part of what makes them absolutely adorable. But as lovable as pugs are, those features can sometimes lead to health issues like breathing problems and skin infections.
That’s where Pug pet insurance comes in. Pet insurance can help you manage the costs of unexpected illnesses and injuries, so your pup can get the care they need to stay happy and healthy for years to come.
In this guide, you’ll find out how pet insurance can support your Pug’s health, what kind of coverage to look for, and how much it typically costs. You’ll also find out the answer to the big question: Is Pug insurance worth it? (Spoiler: for most Pug parents, it absolutely is).
The benefits of pet insurance for Pugs
As your Pug ages, veterinary visits may become more frequent, but that doesn’t mean they have to be stressful. Pet insurance helps make care more affordable by covering a portion of the veterinary bill, so you can focus on your pup’s health, not the cost.
This matters even more for Pugs, since they’re a brachycephalic breed. Their flat faces and shortened airways make them prone to common Pug health issues, such as breathing difficulties and overheating. One of the most serious conditions is Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), which can require corrective surgery that often costs between $3,000 and $5,000. Beyond breathing problems, Pugs are also more likely to deal with skin, ear, eye, and dental issues.
Fortunately, a Pumpkin Pet Insurance plan can help cover eligible expenses for hereditary and congenital issues like BOAS, as well as dental illnesses, which some other insurers won’t.
What does Pug pet insurance cover?
Pet insurance typically helps cover eligible expenses in two areas:
Accidents: This includes situations where your Pug gets hurt, like if they accidentally eat something they shouldn’t or tear a ligament while playing.
Illnesses: This includes instances when your Pug gets sick, like if they develop a respiratory condition, joint issues, diabetes, or even cancer.
Pet insurance plans can help reimburse eligible veterinary bills for accidents and illnesses that happen after coverage starts and waiting periods end (e.g., sick visits, diagnostics, surgeries, hospitalization). Coverage varies by plan; always review a provider’s sample policy before enrolling so you’re aware of what’s included and excluded.
If you’re shopping for Pug insurance, Pumpkin Pet Insurance plans offer many coverage benefits that traditional insurers leave out, or charge extra monthly fees to include. These can help you with veterinary bills related to:
Dental illnesses
Hereditary and congenital conditions
Behavioral issues
Alternative therapies (like hydrotherapy and acupuncture)
Rehabilitation
And even prescription food or supplements1
Unlike most insurers, Pumpkin plans may help cover curable pre-existing conditions that come back after a pet has been cured and curable, symptom- and treatment-free for 180 days. Otherwise, they — like most pet insurance plans — are applicable to future accidents and illnesses only.
What isn’t covered by pet insurance for Pugs?
While pet insurance can bring a lot of value to Pug owners, it won’t cover everything. Here are common exclusions in most insurance plans:
Pre-existing conditions: If a condition develops before your plan starts or during the waiting period, it likely won’t qualify for coverage. Some plans — including Pumpkin plans — could cover eligible expenses for curable conditions after a pet has been cured and symptom- and treatment-free for a specified time.
Routine care: Pet insurance plans usually don’t cover routine services and procedures that prevent diseases and injuries, like vaccinations, spaying/neutering, flea and tick medication, and routine wellness visits. You’ll need to purchase a wellness plan for that.
Cosmetic treatments: Pet insurance plans don’t cover elective or cosmetic procedures, such as tail docking and ear cropping.
How much is pet insurance for a Pug?
The actual Pug pet insurance cost varies, and not everyone will pay the same amount for pet insurance. Here are the main factors that may affect your costs:
Age: Puppy insurance costs less than insurance for senior dogs since older dogs are more prone to health issues and typically need more veterinary care.
Location: If you live in a zip code with high veterinary costs, you’ll probably pay more for pet insurance than someone living in a lower-cost area.
Coverage choices: With Pumpkin, you can choose your reimbursement rate and annual coverage limit. Higher reimbursement rates and higher annual limits offer more coverage for eligible expenses, though they typically come with higher monthly premiums.
Annual deductibles: A higher deductible usually means a lower monthly premium, since you’re agreeing to pay more out-of-pocket before coverage kicks in. Choosing a lower deductible raises your monthly premium, but you’ll pay less toward eligible expenses when you file a claim.
How to choose the best pet insurance for Pugs
Shopping for pet insurance isn’t quite as straightforward as shopping for auto or home insurance. That’s because switching providers isn’t always easy. Your new insurer might consider any past diagnoses as pre-existing conditions, which typically aren’t covered.
Below are a few important factors to keep in mind when choosing a plan.
Balancing coverage with cost
When choosing a pet insurance plan for your Pug, consider your financial situation. If you have a strong emergency fund or high net worth, you might choose less coverage for lower monthly premiums. But if you don’t have much saved, insurance can be a lifesaver, helping you cover the cost of unexpected vet visits or expensive treatments.
Peace of mind is another important factor. Higher coverage limits (like $10,000, $20,000, or even unlimited) do cost more, but they reduce the risk of being underinsured. That means you're less likely to go into debt, or worse, be forced to delay or skip care your Pug truly needs.
Pay attention to exclusions and limitations
Read the fine print of a provider’s sample policy before choosing a pet insurance plan. The last thing you want is to pay for coverage that doesn’t come through when you need it most. Look out for:
Age limits: Many insurers won’t cover pets past a certain age, or they’ll reduce coverage as your pet gets older.
Breed-specific exclusions: Some plans exclude coverage for hereditary and congenital (present at birth) conditions, which are common in brachycephalic Pugs.
Waiting periods: No plan covers issues that arise during the waiting period. Some providers make you wait 180 to 365 days for certain orthopedic conditions to be eligible for coverage. That’s a long time to go without help. Review your state’s specific waiting period information.
Pumpkin is different from traditional insurers because it doesn’t have breed restrictions or upper age limits, and it doesn’t reduce coverage as your pet ages. It also has shorter waiting periods for common problems like knee injuries and hip dysplasia (which means your Pug can get the care they need sooner).
Is pet insurance worth it for Pugs?
Pet insurance is worth it for many dogs, especially Pugs. Yes, it’s an upfront investment, but it can save you thousands of dollars on veterinarian care in the future. You’ll also have peace of mind knowing you can give your furry friend the best care possible whenever they need it.
Still not convinced? Here’s an example of why it pays to have pet insurance:
Pugs often require surgery to correct breathing issues caused by their flat faces. Let’s say this procedure costs around $4,000. If your Pug needs BOAS surgery after coverage begins and waiting periods end, and your plan offers 80% reimbursement with a $250 annual deductible, you’d end up paying the deductible plus 20% of the remaining eligible costs. That means your total out-of-pocket would come to about $1,000, and your plan would cover $3,000.
If your Pug needs multiple treatments (which is common as they age), pet insurance could save you thousands more over their lifetime.
Want to find out what a pet insurance plan for your Pug could look like? Enroll in Pumpkin pet insurance today.
Should you get pet insurance for your Pug?
If you’re wondering, should I get pet insurance for my Pug? The answer is usually yes, especially if covering unexpected veterinary bills out-of-pocket would be tough. Pugs are prone to hereditary health issues, including respiratory problems and infections, and treating these conditions can be costly.
Pet insurance can help you manage those costs while ensuring your pup gets the care they need when it matters most. It's always a good idea to get quotes and compare coverage options to find the plan that best fits your needs and budget.
FAQs
What is the best Pug pet insurance?
Pumpkin Pet Insurance, as Google’s #1 rated provider in 2024, is a strong option for many Pug parents. It offers extensive coverage for common breed-specific health issues, such as Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) and skin, ear, and eye infections. You can also choose from flexible deductibles and reimbursement rates to fit your needs and budget.
How much does it cost to own a Pug?
The initial cost to buy a Pug typically ranges from $800 to over $2,000, and ongoing care for these small dogs can cost upwards of $100 to $200 per month, depending on factors such as food, grooming, and veterinary visits. Veterinary care is one of the biggest expenses, and pet insurance can help manage those costs over time.
What is the lifespan of a Pug?
The average lifespan of a Pug can range from 12 to 15 years. Pet insurance can help you get the quality care they need to support a longer, healthier lifespan.
Are Pugs high maintenance?
Pugs are generally low- to moderate-maintenance dogs. They need:
Basic monthly grooming
Moderate daily exercise
Mental stimulation
Consistent training
Due to their brachycephalic build, they may need extra vet care for breathing and other health concerns. A good insurance and wellness plan can help cover those needs.
1. A Pumpkin Pet Insurance plan covers prescription food & supplements to treat an eligible accident or illness. It does not cover prescription food & supplements used for weight management or general health maintenance.
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