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Bulldog insurance: health risks, costs and what to check

By Venkata NagrediUpdated October 20269 sources cited

English bulldogs are among the most expensive dogs to insure, because their flat face, skin folds and heavy build lead to frequent vet visits. MoneyGeek ranks them the 10th most expensive breed, at an average of $204 a month for a 6-year-old dog. Buying while your bulldog is young and healthy matters most, since breathing and eye problems often show up early and would then count as pre-existing.

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Common health problems in bulldogs

These are the conditions vets and breed clubs flag most for bulldogs, and whether a typical accident-and-illness policy pays for treatment once waiting periods are over and the condition isn't pre-existing.

  • Depends on policyBrachycephalic airway syndrome (BOAS)Narrow nostrils, a long soft palate and a small windpipe that make breathing hard; VCA lists English and French bulldogs among affected breeds. Surgery is the treatment of choice when breathing is affected, and MoneyGeek puts costs at $2,500 to $15,000.
  • Usually coveredSkin fold dermatitisBacterial infection in warm, moist facial, lip, neck and tail folds. The MSD Veterinary Manual says these areas carry higher bacterial counts and a higher infection risk; treatment is mostly topical antimicrobials.
  • Depends on policyCherry eyeThe tear gland of the third eyelid pops out; VCA names the English bulldog as a commonly affected breed. Surgery puts the gland back, but 5% to 20% of dogs need a repeat operation and many get it in the other eye.
  • Usually coveredHip dysplasiaThe hip joint grows unevenly and becomes loose, then arthritic; VCA lists bulldogs among breeds at higher risk. Treatment ranges from pain medication and physical therapy to hip replacement surgery.
  • Usually coveredHeat strokeBulldogs cool themselves poorly because of their short airways, so overheating is a real emergency. Lemonade estimates treatment at $1,500 to $4,500.
  • Usually coveredBack disc disease (IVDD)A spinal disc bulges or ruptures and presses on the spinal cord, causing pain or weakness. Lemonade estimates treatment at $2,500 to $8,000.

How much is pet insurance for a bulldog?

Lemonade's own estimates for an English bulldog (as of October 2025) run about $55–$60 a month at ages 1–2, $70–$75 at age 4 and $125–$130 at age 7. Lemonade says quotes vary with individual circumstances. MoneyGeek's 2026 study puts the average across insurers much higher, at $204 a month for a 6-year-old dog with a $5,000 annual limit, $500 deductible and 80% reimbursement; by state it ranged from $138 to $264. The price more than doubles between ages 2 and 7 in Lemonade's figures, so the age you enroll matters. French bulldogs and American bulldogs are separate breeds with their own pricing, though French bulldogs share many of the same airway problems.

Source: Lemonade, English Bulldog Pet Insurance

What to check in a policy for a bulldog

  • Check whether hereditary and congenital conditions are covered. Lemonade's base plan names hereditary conditions such as hip dysplasia. Some insurers exclude or cap breathing surgery for flat-faced breeds, so read the exclusions list for words like "brachycephalic".
  • Ask how the policy treats conditions that affect both sides, such as cherry eye or both hips. If one side showed signs before you enrolled, some insurers exclude the other side too. See pre-existing conditions.
  • Look at the waiting periods. Lemonade uses 14 days for illnesses and 30 days for orthopedic conditions like hip dysplasia. See waiting periods.
  • Check whether exam fees are included. Bulldogs tend to see the vet often for skin and eye flare-ups. Lemonade sells vet visit fees as an optional add-on, not in the base plan.
  • Check the annual limit against surgery costs. One airway surgery can cost $2,500 to $15,000, according to MoneyGeek, so a low limit can run out fast. See accident-and-illness coverage.

Tips for bulldog owners

  1. Enroll as a puppy if you can. Noisy breathing or a cherry eye noted at an early vet visit can be treated as pre-existing later.
  2. Keep copies of every vet record from the breeder and first checkups. Insurers review these when deciding whether a condition was pre-existing.
  3. Clean and dry skin folds regularly, and keep your bulldog cool and lean. Lower weight eases both breathing and joint strain.
  4. Compare quotes at your dog's current age before a birthday. Lemonade's estimates rise sharply each year after age 4.

Bulldog insurance FAQ

How much is pet insurance for a bulldog?

Lemonade estimates about $55–$60 a month for an English bulldog aged 1–2, rising to $125–$130 at age 7 (October 2025 figures). MoneyGeek's 2026 average across insurers is $204 a month for a 6-year-old dog. Your quote depends on age, location, deductible and reimbursement level.

Is pet insurance worth it for a bulldog?

For many owners, yes. Bulldogs are prone to airway, eye, skin and joint problems, and airway surgery alone can cost $2,500 to $15,000. Insurance is most useful if you buy it before any of these problems appear, since pre-existing conditions are excluded.

Does pet insurance cover bulldog breathing surgery?

It depends on the insurer and on timing. Lemonade's base plan covers hereditary conditions, but some insurers exclude or limit airway surgery for flat-faced breeds. If breathing trouble was noted before you enrolled, it will usually count as pre-existing.

Is cherry eye covered by pet insurance?

Usually, if it first appears after you enroll and after the waiting period. Because cherry eye often affects both eyes, ask whether the second eye would be excluded if the first was already treated.

Why is bulldog insurance so expensive?

Insurers price by expected claims. Bulldogs have high rates of airway, skin, eye and joint problems, and many need surgery. MoneyGeek ranks the English bulldog as the 10th most expensive breed to insure.

Is French bulldog or American bulldog insurance the same?

No. They are separate breeds and are priced separately. French bulldogs share the bulldog's airway problems, while American bulldogs are larger and less flat-faced. This page covers the English bulldog, which the AKC calls simply the Bulldog.

Other breeds

Sources

  1. Lemonade, English Bulldog Pet Insurance (accessed 2026-10-04)
  2. MoneyGeek, Best Cheap English Bulldog Insurance (2026 Guide) (accessed 2026-10-04)
  3. VCA Animal Hospitals, Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome in Dogs (accessed 2026-10-04)
  4. VCA Animal Hospitals, Cherry Eye in Dogs (accessed 2026-10-04)
  5. VCA Animal Hospitals, Hip Dysplasia in Dogs (accessed 2026-10-04)
  6. MSD Veterinary Manual, Pyoderma in Dogs and Cats (accessed 2026-10-04)
  7. American Kennel Club, Bulldog breed page (accessed 2026-10-04)
  8. Lemonade, Pet Insurance for Dogs & Cats (accessed 2026-10-04)
  9. Lemonade, The Ultimate Lemonade Pet FAQ (accessed 2026-10-04)
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