Pit bulls might be much-talked-about, but in reality, there’s no single “pit bull” dog breed. In fact, there’s actually no recognized pit bull breed at all according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). The term is more of an informal phrase used to describe dogs used in bull fighting in 1800s England.
In today’s world, “pit bull” has become synonymous with any large, stocky, and broad-shouldered dog—usually English bull terriers, American bulldogs, or American Staffordshire terriers. Dog breeds that fall into this category are often thought to be more aggressive animals, though this isn’t wholly accurate. For generations, dogs of this sort were used as caretakers for little ones—dubbed “nanny dogs” for short.
Still, the bad reputation—correct or not—has stuck in recent years, and it’s made many fearful of the breed. Pit bull owners don’t need to worry about finding an insurer for their pet, though. If you’re looking for pit bull insurance, here are some of the best options.
On this page:
- Why pet insurance for a Pit Bull is a smart decision
- Best pet insurance companies for Pit Bulls
- How much does Pit Bull insurance typically cost?
- How to make sure you find the right coverage for your Pit Bull
Why pet insurance for a Pit Bull is a smart decision
Pit bulls—or the breeds commonly identified as them—tend to be pure-bred animals, which puts them at higher risk for hereditary problems, like hip dysplasia, cataracts, and other health issues. If you own a pit bull breed, having pet insurance can help you prepare for these health risks, as well as the costs that may come with an injury or illness.
Here’s a look at some common pit bull health issues, as well as their typical costs to treat:
| Injury/Illness | Estimated Cost |
| Hip dysplasia | $1,200 to $14,000 |
| Thyroid disease | $50 to $150 to diagnose, plus monthly medications (around $50 per month) |
| Cataracts | $2,700 to $4,000 |
| Congenital heart defects | $15,000 to $20,000 |
| Allergies | $50 to $150 to diagnose, plus monthly medications ($20 to $100 per month) |
| Bloating | $1,500 to $7,500 |
| Deafness | $100 to $300 |
| Elbow dysplasia | $1,500 to $4,000 |
| Luxating patella | $1,500 to $3,000 |
| Cancer | $5,000 to $20,000 |
Pet insurance can help offset these costs, covering a large portion of vet bills and exam fees after you meet your deductible. This protection is critical if you want to avoid making hard decisions—like paying your rent for the month or covering your furry friend’s seizure treatment (about $1,600). According to our survey of pet owners, only around two-thirds of dog owners would pay for this type of treatment.
Best pet insurance companies for Pit Bulls
Getting pet insurance can be vital for your bully’s health and your bank account now that you know the common health problems pit bulls are prone to, as well as the high costs they often come with.
Here are some of the best pet insurance options that provide coverage for Pit Bulls.
Spot: Best selection of annual limits
- Benefit limit: $2,500, $4,000, $5,000, $7,000, $10,000, or unlimited
- Reimbursement rate: 70%, 80%, or 90%
- Deductible: $100, $250, $500, $750, or $1,000
Spot offers pet insurance through the United States Fire Insurance Company, which has been around since the early 1800s. All claims, billing, and customer service are handled by Crum & Forster Pet Insurance Group.
Spot, which started offering pet insurance policies in 2006, has an A rating from AM Best, 4.3 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot, and an A- with the Better Business Bureau, as of March 16, 2022.
One of the main perks of Spot is that its claims process is extremely flexible. You can use any licensed veterinarian, emergency clinic, or specialist. Claims can be submitted any way you choose—via mobile app, through the mail, or over fax. Once reimbursement is processed, you can even get paid via direct deposit.
ASPCA: Best for an experienced company
- Benefit limit: $3,000, $5,000, $7,000, $10,000, $15,000, $20,000, or unlimited
- Reimbursement rate: 70%, 80%, or 90%
- Deductible: $100, $250, or $500
The ASPCA—or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals—also offers pet and pit bull insurance. Like SPOT, the policies are underwritten through the United States Fire Insurance Company. Customer service and claims are handled through Crum & Forster Pet Insurance Group.
ASPCA stands out for its deep experience. Since its inception, the organization has processed more than 1.6 million claims and insured over 400,000 cats and dogs. The company has an A+ with the Better Business Bureau and a 4.3 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot, as of March 16, 2022.
ASPCA’s draws are its wide-ranging coverage, which spans both accidents and illnesses, as well as its preventative care, vaccinations, and dental cleaning add-ons. The insurer also offers a plethora of information on common health problems for specific breeds.
ManyPets: Best value
- Benefit limit: Unlimited
- Reimbursement rate: 70%, 80%, 90%, or 100%
- Deductible: $0, $100, $250, $500, or $750
Note: ManyPets isn’t available in Alaska, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma, or Vermont.
ManyPets has been offering pet insurance in the UK and Sweden for the last couple of years and just started offering its highly-rated coverage in the United States last year. As of March 16, 2022, ManyPets has a 4.6 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot from customers.
ManyPets allows interested pet owners to customize their policy by choosing their deductible and reimbursement rate from a list of options. Certain policies offer the option of a $0 deductible and 100% reimbursement rate. This means that you won’t pay a dollar in veterinary expenses for all covered conditions.
Some other benefits include no hidden fees, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and a quick and efficient claims process.
How much does Pit Bull insurance typically cost?
The exact cost of any pet insurance policy depends on the type of coverage you select, your location, your pet’s age, and their breed.
Generally speaking, you can expect to pay between $37 to $50 per month for basic health insurance for your pit bull based on information collected from two pet insurance providers. Adding extras like wellness plans or preventative care can also add to your pit bull insurance cost.
How to make sure you find the right pet insurance coverage for your Pit Bull
Choosing pit bull dog insurance is about more than the cost. You’ll also want to consider the different coverages offered to be sure your pet is adequately protected.
Some standard coverage options include:
- Accidents: This covers the costs to treat unexpected injuries—things like broken bones, bites from other animals, etc.
- Hereditary conditions: This covers issues common to your dog’s breed. In this case, that’d be things like hip dysplasia, heart disease, cataracts, and more.
- Chronic conditions: If your pup develops diabetes, arthritis, or other conditions, this can help offset the costs to treat it.
- Illness: This coverage can help if your pit bull gets sick with a stomach issue, urinary tract infection, or even cancer.
- Behavioral issues: If your bully experiences behavioral problems like anxiety, fur pulling, or destructive tendencies, this coverage can cover the costs of treatment.
- Alternative therapies: This coverage can be used toward things like acupuncture and chiropractic care.
Some insurance companies also offer wellness plans, which can be used to cover vaccinations, check-ups, microchipping, heartworm medications, and more.
To compare other companies, you can check out our guide to the best pet insurance providers.