Border Collies are intelligent, energetic, and focused companions who bring endless joy to families, but as a medium breed, they’re prone to certain health conditions that can lead to expensive vet bills. Hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and eye conditions are just a few common concerns that could cost thousands to treat.
Pet insurance helps you focus on what matters most: your Border Collie’s health and happiness. Here’s everything you need to know about coverage options, costs, and why insurance makes sense for this beloved breed.
What does Border Collie pet insurance cover?
A base Lemonade pet health insurance policy helps cover the costs of medication, tests, and treatments if your Border Collie has an unexpected accident or illness (provided it’s not related to a pre-existing condition, and occurs after your policy’s waiting periods have ended).
Whether it’s an unexpected accident during play time or a breed-specific illness like Hip dysplasia, Border Collies benefit from comprehensive coverage that protects against life’s surprises.
Wellness care
Want to get money back for your Border Collie’s routine care? Our preventive packages reimburse you for the stuff you’re already doing, like annual checkups, vaccines, blood work, and other routine care that keep your pup healthy and happy.
Keep in mind, preventative care offerings might differ based on where you live. The easiest way to see what’s available? Get a free quote.
Extra coverage
You can also customize your Lemonade policy with optional add-ons like:
- Physical therapy: important for this extremely active breed that can develop joint stress from intense herding activities
- Visit fees
- Dental coverage
- Behavioral conditions
- End-of-life and remembrance
These coverages help take a bite out of pricey treatments, services, and vet visits that Border Collies often need.
Is pet insurance worth it for Border Collies?
Taking care of any medium breed gets expensive, and Border Collies can face costly breed-specific health issues throughout their 12 to 15-year lifespan. The good news? Lemonade pet parents are already saving serious money on vet bills.
Border Collies are particularly prone to joint problems, seizure disorders, and eye issues, which makes insurance even more valuable.
Common Border Collie health conditions
Border Collies are amazing dogs, but they’re predisposed to certain health conditions that can get expensive to treat. Here are some of the most common claims we see for them, along with typical treatment costs:
| Condition | What is it? | Average treatment cost |
| Hip Dysplasia | Malformed hip joint; pain and arthritis in back legs | 1,500–6,000 |
| Epilepsy | Recurring seizures | 500–2,500 |
| Skin Allergies (Environmental/Food) | Persistent itching from food, fleas, or environment | 400–1,500 |
| Ear Infections | Chronic or severe ear infections | 300–800 |
| Cataracts | Clouding of the eye lens; vision loss | 2,000–4,000 |
| Torn Knee Ligament (Cruciate Ligament Tear) | Torn ligament in the knee | 1,200–8,500 |
| Obesity | Extra weight, leads to other health issues | 250–800 |
| Pancreatitis | Inflammation of pancreas; vomiting, pain | 500–2,500 |
| Dental Disease (Tooth & Gum Problems) | Gum & tooth disease, possible extractions | 400–1,500 |
| Blindness from Retinal Disease (PRA) | Inherited gradual vision loss | 300–700 |
As a herding breed, Border Collies face extremely high intelligence and energy that can lead to behavioral issues if not properly stimulated, plus joint stress from intense activity, which is why early coverage is important to protect their health and your wallet.
How much does pet insurance for Border Collies cost?
Your Border Collie’s premium depends on a few key factors: Their age, your location, and the coverages you choose. Medium breeds like Border Collies typically cost mid-range to insure due to their medium size and generally good health, though some conditions like epilepsy and eye problems can be expensive to manage.
Here’s what other Border Collie parents typically pay for Lemonade coverage:
| Age | Average monthly premium |
| 1 year old | 35-40 |
| 2 years old | 40-45 |
| 3 years old | 40-45 |
| 4 years old | 40-45 |
| 5 years old | 50-55 |
| 6 years old | 55-60 |
| 7 years old | 65-70 |
How can I find the best pet insurance for my Border Collie?
While we might be biased, Lemonade was really designed with pet parents in mind, especially those with breeds like Border Collies that need comprehensive coverage for joint health, seizure monitoring if needed, and intense mental stimulation support.
Our customizable add-ons are perfect for Border Collies since you can tailor coverage for their specific risks like hip dysplasia and epilepsy.
Before we go…
Border Collies make incredible companions, but their extremely high intelligence and energy requiring constant mental and physical stimulation can get expensive fast. Pet insurance helps you say “yes” to the best care without worrying about the vet bill, whether that’s treating emergency seizure treatment, managing joint conditions, or handling an emergency.
Ready to protect your Border Collie? Get a personalized quote in as little as 90 seconds and see how affordable coverage can be for your Border Collie.
Get my Border Collie’s quote
Get to know your Border Collie
Are Border Collies good with families and children?
Great with families and children, especially active ones. Border Collies are gentle and protective but their intense herding instincts might lead to nipping heels during play. Early training helps manage these natural behaviors.
What does a Border Collie’s grooming schedule look like?
Brush 2-3 times weekly, daily during shedding seasons. Their double coat requires regular maintenance to prevent matting, especially around the legs and rear. Professional grooming every 8-10 weeks helps keep them comfortable.
Are Border Collies suitable for first-time dog owners?
Not recommended for first-time owners unless extremely committed. Border Collies are incredibly intelligent but need constant mental stimulation and exercise. Without proper outlets, they become destructive or develop behavioral issues.
Are Border Collies easy to train?
Very easy to train. Border Collies are arguably the most intelligent breed and live to work. They excel at complex commands and tasks but need experienced handlers who can keep up with their mental needs.
