Akitas are large, loyal dogs. The best insurance policy for an Akita may not match that of a smaller dog breed. This is why we’ve dedicated this insurance guide to Akitas.
Akitas are one of the most striking dog breeds and are deeply loving with their family. The breed isn’t for everyone — we recommend having some knowledge or experience with Akitas. However, each dog is unique, and your budget isn’t the same as your neighbor’s. So we’ve compiled a list of health insurance considerations to help you find the best fit for your needs.
At 24 to 28 inches tall and weighing 70 to 130 pounds, this breed is as easily susceptible to accidents and illnesses as any other canine. And like all other purebreds, they are prone to more health concerns than most mixed breeds, making pet insurance an excellent investment consideration.
At A Glance
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Is Pet Insurance Worth It?
The short answer is yes. A survey by Liberty Mutual Insurance states that 63% of pet owners couldn’t afford unexpected medical care for their pets. Not only does pet insurance allow you to choose the best medical treatment for your pet, but it also provides stability to your finances.
The key thing to remember is to sign up for pet insurance before an emergency arises. You cannot count on coverage for your Akita’s pre-diagnosed health issues. So it’s crucial to get your dog covered as soon as possible.
Common Health Issues In Akitas
Akitas generally live 10 to 13 years. However, the health issues below can give you an idea of what to look for regarding symptoms and insurance coverage.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a chronic condition where the head of the femur bone doesn’t fit correctly into the hip socket. This is one of the most commonly occurring orthopedic conditions in dogs and is most frequently occurring in large dog breeds.
Surgery is often needed to improve the quality of your dog’s life. And, this procedure ranges from $1,700 to $4,500+, depending on the type of surgery required.
Eye Conditions
Akitas are at risk of several eye concerns, including cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Depending on the necessary diagnostic testing, you could face $3,800 or more for cataract evaluation and surgery.
Unfortunately, surgery and other medical interventions cannot correct PRA. Diagnosis for PRA can be costly, and adjusting your dog’s environment may be necessary, but ultimately there is no cure.
Hypothyroidism
Symptoms include mental dullness, lethargy, weight gain, hair loss, and repeated skin infections. Vets use tests to diagnose it, including bloodwork and regular monitoring of hormone levels. Thankfully, hypothyroidism is manageable with daily medication. But, since this is a chronic condition, you might want to consider a pet insurance policy that has a per-incident deductible rather than an annual one. At this time, Trupanion is the only pet insurance company we review that offers a per-incident deductible option.
However, the long-term costs and the diagnostic work beforehand can build up. Some pet insurance policies cover diagnostic work and prescriptions, but not all. The average cost of managing hypothyroidism annually ranges from $300 to $700, with an additional $50 to $150 for initial diagnostic work. Your pup is likely to command a higher average price thanks to its larger body mass.
Considerations When Choosing An Insurer
There are dozens of pet insurance companies and policies to choose from, but coverage varies immensely.
Age Restrictions & Waiting Periods
Most pet insurance companies have a minimum age requirement (typically between six and eight weeks old) before allowing you to enroll your pet. And some companies cap the age at which you can sign up an older dog (14 years old is the most common, although it’s only a few companies). Additionally, some companies may exclude specific conditions from coverage if your pup is above a certain age (e.g., hip dysplasia, cruciate ligament surgery, and orthopedic disorders).
All providers have waiting periods, which are short periods at the beginning of a new policy until your pet’s condition becomes eligible for reimbursement. Keep in mind that any pre-existing conditions, accidents, or illnesses diagnosed or showing symptoms during the waiting period are excluded from coverage. The average waiting period for illnesses is 14 days, and for accidents is less than five days.
Coverage Type
There are two types of insurance coverage to choose from:
Accident-Only – These policies offer coverage for accidents (e.g., torn ligaments, broken bones, etc.), so basically any sudden physical injury. Accident-only plans are typically more affordable than accident and illness policies. This can be a reasonable option for a pet with many pre-existing conditions.
Accident and Illness – These policies are the most popular because they cover both accidents and illnesses (i.e., cancer, arthritis, allergies, etc.), including most unexpected medical expenses. Because no provider covers pre-existing conditions, it’s crucial to sign your pet up for coverage as early as possible.
Some companies also offer a wellness plan (aka preventative care plan) during the enrollment process. This commonly covers routine vet expenses (i.e., annual exams, spay/neuter procedures, vaccinations, etc.) but varies by provider. It’s typically available as an add-on to an accident-only or accident and illness policy, but some companies allow you to purchase it without an insurance policy. This add-on coverage isn’t technically an insurance product.
To find the best option for your Akita, you need to consider what type of coverage you need and your budget.
Premium: Deductible, Reimbursement & Payout Options
The fee you pay for your Akita’s pet insurance coverage is the premium usually paid monthly or annually. Monthly payments often add transaction fees, so if you can pay annually, it can save you a little money.
According to NAPHIA (North American Pet Health Insurance Association), the average monthly premium for an accident and illness insurance policy in the U.S. in 2022 was $53.34 for dogs. Of course, this varies for every dog and situation, including yours, so be sure to get multiple quotes from top-rated companies.
The premium is based on several factors: breed (or mix), location, age, gender, pre-existing conditions, deductible, reimbursement percentage, and payout. The beginning of the list is self-explanatory; you have an Akita, and you know your zip code, your dog’s age (or best guess), gender, and medical history. But what is a deductible, reimbursement, and payout?
Deductible – The money you have to pay before your policy begins to reimburse you. This is typically reset each policy period (annually). However, some companies have per-incident deductibles, so you must pay this amount each time your dog suffers a new condition. Each company may have its own spin on this, so be sure to understand your policy because annual vs. per-incident deductibles can impact the amount of money you’re expected to pay.
Reimbursement – The percentage of a claim that you’re eligible for repayment by the company after you’ve paid your coinsurance. The most popular reimbursement options are 70%, 80%, and 90%, but some companies offer other options or restricted options based on the dog’s age or location.
Payout – The maximum amount a provider will reimburse during the policy period. Lower payout limits mean you may be responsible for more costs if your pet has expensive vet treatment.
Many companies allow you to customize your plan to fit your budget. For example, a higher deductible and reimbursement percentage paired with a lower payout will lower your premium. However, it’s crucial to find a balance between what your budget allows and the worst-case scenario if your Akita’s health takes a turn for the worst and you have several expensive vet bills to pay.
Exclusions
Exclusions refer to the conditions not covered by your policy. This can include pre-existing conditions, hereditary disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, specific dental treatment, and more.
Possibly the most significant concern regarding Akitas is that a few companies require additional waiting periods for orthopedic conditions, such as hip dysplasia. Because Akitas are at an increased risk for hip dysplasia, you’ll want to ensure you understand any additional related restrictions. For these reasons, it’s crucial that you thoroughly read and understand your policy.
Who Offers The Best Policy?
Below are our top pet insurance picks for Akitas based on their breed-specific needs. When you are ready, we’ve made a free quote form that provides customized policy quotes from top pet insurance companies when you fill in your pet’s details. By entering your pet’s specific characteristics, you can get a better understanding of the coverage needed.
Best Overall Pet Insurance
Pets Best
Thorough coverage
Some of the lowest prices in the industry
Offers an Accident-only plan
Pets Best is the best pet insurance for most Akitas because of its wide-ranging coverage. They include hereditary and congenital conditions that not all insurance companies cover. These include hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and eye health issues. Pets Best also has few exclusions compared to other providers, including coverage for behavioral therapies and optional wellness care.
Best Pet Insurance For Older Dogs
Figo
Offers options for 100% reimbursement and unlimited annual payouts
Diminishing deductible decreases by $50 each year the policyholder is claim-free until it’s $0
Coverage includes age and weight-related concerns and hereditary and chronic conditions
Best Insurance For Bilateral Conditions
Trupanion
Claims can be paid in less than 5 minutes via Trupanion Express
90% reimbursement and unlimited payouts for all plans
Offers enrollment from birth
Additional Options We Recommend
Embrace
Covers curable pre-existing conditions, dependent on evaluation
Exam fees included in all policies
Offers coverage for behavioral therapy and training
Dental treatment included
Healthy Paws
Fastest claim payout, on average, compared to others
Excellent value and competitive price
High customer satisfaction ratings
Lemonade
Not available in every U.S. state
Ability to bundle with homeowners or renters insurance policies
Optional wellness coverage
How To Save Money
Some Akita parents can save money on insurance policies if the following circumstances are met.
Pay Annually
Most insurance companies offer two ways of paying your premiums, either monthly or annually. In many cases, transaction fees are added to your bill if you choose the monthly payment option. Therefore, you can minimize or avoid these altogether if you pay your premium annually.
Multi-Pet Discount
Many pet insurers offer multi-pet discounts for pet owners who take out several policies for their household’s dogs and cats. You could get up to a 10% discount on each pet’s insurance, amounting to significant savings.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, investing in pet insurance for your Akita is frequently worthwhile. The premium often deters pet parents. But when you consider the costs associated with common non-routine vet bills for the breed, you realize it can be a more budget-friendly option. Not to mention the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’ll never be faced with choosing between your wallet and your best friend’s health or life.
Remember to read the fine print to understand the coverage and limitations before you sign up, no matter which policy you are considering. If you’re unsure about something or have questions, give the pet insurance company a call or speak with your vet.
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