Top 9 Pet Insurance Plans For Jack Russells (2024)

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Not only are Jack Russell Terriers adorable little dogs, but they’re also very smart and extremely curious. Jack Russells don’t let their size determine their fearless, spunky personalities.

Unfortunately, the Jack Russell breed is predisposed to certain medical conditions. While these health issues can be expensive to treat, you may be able to cover the high costs if you invest in pet insurance for your dog early.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when it comes to choosing the right pet insurance plan for your beloved Jack Russell. This guide will help you select a plan that covers everything you want it to, so you can be there for your dog when they need you most.

Compare The Top 9 Pet Insurance Plans for Your Jack Russell Using our Free No-Obligation Quote Tool below

The simplest way to compare pet insurance prices is to use our tool below. The comparison tool will show you quotes from the top 9 pet insurance carriers, including Trupanion, Pets Best, Lemonade, ManyPets, FIGO, HealthyPaws, Prudent Pet, Spot, and Embrace pet insurance.

How Much Does Pet Insurance for a Jack Russell Cost?

Below are some sample pet insurance plans for a 1-year-old male Jack Russell using the zip code 75001 (Texas) as an example.

• Pets Best – $24.90 per month
• Embrace – $25.37 per month
• Healthy Paws – $20.24 per month
• ManyPets – $22.77 per month

Ultimately, your plan’s premium will depend on several factors, including your dog’s age, size, and breed, as well as where you live. You also want to know what type of coverage your plan has and if it will help with Jack Russell-specific health problems. Let’s get more into those medical conditions and how much you can expect to pay to treat them.

Common Health Problems Associated With Jack Russells

Legg Perthes Disease in Jack Russell Terriers

A common genetic condition in small dogs like Jack Russell Terriers, Legg-Perthes Disease affects the dog’s hip joint. This degenerative disease of the femur leads to eventual hip collapse. It may start as a limp, but it could lead to arthritis or even paralysis.

If your dog is prone to this condition, which might require pricey surgery, investing early in pet insurance for your Jack Russell will save you a lot later.

Primary Lens Luxation (PLL) in Jack Russell Terriers

When the fibers that suspend the eye lens degrade, the lens can become partially or fully dislocated. This can lead to inflammation and glaucoma (increased intraocular pressure). Primary luxation is hereditary, and it’s most common in Terriers like the Jack Russell, the Wire Haired Fox Terrier, and the Scottish Terrier.

If not treated quickly, PLL may cause your dog to go blind. Take your dog to the vet for diagnosis if you notice them squinting a lot or the color and appearance of their eye has changed.

Patellar Luxation in Jack Russell Terriers

Another orthopedic condition your Jack Russell is prone to, patellar luxation, occurs when the knee is dislocated. Some affected dogs will have a minor limp, while others may end up immobile. Uncorrected, patellar luxation can lead to arthritis later in your dog’s life.

RELATED: What To Do For Dogs With Luxating Patella

Cushing’s Disease in Jack Russell Terriers

This disease occurs when the body produces too much of a hormone called cortisol. It could potentially be caused by a tumor in the pituitary or adrenal glands (that produce the hormone.)

Cushing’s Disease predominantly affects middle-aged to senior dogs. You may notice your dog is extra thirsty or losing patches of hair. Your Jack Russell may also urinate more frequently and have accidents. Some dogs affected with Cushing’s will develop a visible potbelly.

Typical Costs Of Treating Health Issues In Jack Russells and How Pet Insurance Can Help

If left untreated, many of the health conditions listed above can result in long-term consequences and even require surgery, which ultimately makes them more expensive to manage. Selecting a pet insurance plan suited for your Jack Russell Terrier’s particular needs might save you tons of money on medical costs.

Here are just some sample veterinary expenses for Jack Russells:

• Legg Perthes Disease Costs: Diagnosis will require X-rays which cost hundreds of dollars alone. Surgical treatment may be necessary to remove the femoral head or even replace your dog’s hip. If your dog needs surgery, it will cost $1,000 to $4,000 on average. There are non-surgical treatment options for less severe cases, including strict bed rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and joint supplements.
• Primary Lens Luxation Costs: Your dog will need to see an ophthalmologist (eye specialist) for testing and treatment (typically costing hundreds of dollars.) They may end up needing surgery to remove and/or replace the lens. On average, lens replacement surgery can cost $2,500 – $4,500 per eye. If your dog has glaucoma, which is a very painful condition, the average cost of treatment is $1,500. That cost will climb with follow-up visits and ongoing treatment.
• Patellar Luxation Costs: Treatment for patellar luxation depends on the “grade” of dislocation. If it’s Grade 2 and above, surgery may be needed to correct the issue. That orthopedic surgery could cost thousands of dollars ($1,000-$5,000 on average.)
• Cushing’s Disease Costs: Some of the higher costs involved with Cushing’s are in the diagnostics since it can be challenging for vets to initially determine what’s affecting your Jack Russell. Ongoing treatment (including medications) for the disease can range from $50 to $200 per month. They’ll also need frequent bloodwork to see if the drugs are working. If surgery is required (and even possible) to remove the tumors, you’re looking at bills starting at $2,500. In other words, treating Cushing’s isn’t cheap.

Knowing the signs and symptoms of these conditions common in Jack Russell Terriers can help you catch them early, saving your dog and your money. When in doubt, take your pup to the vet to have them diagnosed.

What Is Pet Health Insurance And Why Do I Need It For My Jack Russell?

Pet health insurance works very similarly to human health insurance. Your policy quote will range in monthly price, depending on your dog’s breed, age, and where you live. Typically, you’ll spend around $15-$54 per month as a pet parent.

Pet insurance is mainly about peace of mind, knowing you won’t be totally overwhelmed in case of an emergency. Enrolling even when your dog is young and healthy will ensure you have plenty of coverage when they need expensive medical care later. If you choose a plan more suited to your dog’s particular breed, you’ll be more prepared when something happens later on in their life.

Some plans cover accidents and illnesses, while others only cover accidents. Certain plans do cover breed-specific illnesses, and others do not. It all depends on what type of coverage you choose. With our free pet insurance comparison tool, you can get quotes from multiple insurance companies with no obligation to commit.

Whatever plan you choose, you’ll feel better knowing you can take care of your dog when they need you most. Plus, you won’t have to suddenly shell out thousands of dollars. Learn more about how pet insurance works here.

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