Best Pet Insurance for English Setters in 2025
English Setter : Health & Insurance
The English Setter is a graceful, athletic, and gentle-tempered sporting dog. Their active nature and medium-to-large size make them wonderful companions, but also expose them to specific lifestyle-related health risks.This breed is prone to several costly health conditions, including hip and elbow dysplasia, cruciate ligament tears, and the life-threatening emergency of bloat (GDV). They also frequently suffer from chronic issues like atopic dermatitis (allergies) and hypothyroidism.Due to the combination of high-cost orthopedic risks, the potential for emergency surgery, and common hereditary conditions, the English Setter has a breed vulnerability score of 7 out of 10.In the US, average annual vet care can range from $500 to $800. However, treating a breed-specific ailment can be far more expensive: emergency bloat surgery often costs $3,000–$8,000, cruciate ligament repair can be $4,000–$6,000, and managing chronic allergies can amount to hundreds of dollars annually.Many pet insurance policies are poorly suited for English Setters, often featuring long waiting periods (6-12 months) for orthopedic conditions like hip dysplasia, excluding hereditary issues, or imposing low payout caps that are insufficient for emergency surgeries.To secure proper coverage, owners should prioritize insurers with comprehensive policies for hereditary conditions and favorable terms for orthopedic issues.➡️ Spot is an excellent choice for its short 14-day waiting period for all conditions, including cruciate and hip issues, which is ideal for an active breed.➡️ Fetch offers robust, all-in-one coverage that includes hereditary conditions and has a cruciate ligament waiting period that can be waived with a vet exam.➡️ Trupanion is well-suited for managing chronic conditions like allergies or hypothyroidism thanks to its per-condition deductible and no payout limits.➡️ Prudent Pet provides a high-value unlimited benefit option and a crucial 6-month orthopedic waiting period that can be waived by a vet, mitigating a key risk.Below, you will find a complete health sheet, a detailed comparison table of the best plans, and essential cost-saving tips for your English Setter.
- ✅Excellent coverage is available for breed-specific hereditary conditions like hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism.
- ✅Top-tier plans offer high or unlimited annual payout limits suitable for major emergencies like bloat or cruciate ligament surgery.
- ✅Several recommended insurers provide short or waivable waiting periods for orthopedic conditions, a key benefit for this athletic breed.
- ❌Premiums are typically higher than for less at-risk breeds due to the likelihood of hereditary claims.
- ❌Without careful selection, owners may face plans with long (6-12 month) non-waivable waiting periods for crucial orthopedic coverage.
- ❌Chronic conditions like atopic dermatitis require lifelong management, which can be subject to policy limits or complex deductible structures depending on the provider.
- ✅Excellent coverage is available for breed-specific hereditary conditions like hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism.
- ✅Top-tier plans offer high or unlimited annual payout limits suitable for major emergencies like bloat or cruciate ligament surgery.
- ✅Several recommended insurers provide short or waivable waiting periods for orthopedic conditions, a key benefit for this athletic breed.
English Setter : Health & Insurance
- ✅Excellent coverage is available for breed-specific hereditary conditions like hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism.
- ✅Top-tier plans offer high or unlimited annual payout limits suitable for major emergencies like bloat or cruciate ligament surgery.
- ✅Several recommended insurers provide short or waivable waiting periods for orthopedic conditions, a key benefit for this athletic breed.
- ❌Premiums are typically higher than for less at-risk breeds due to the likelihood of hereditary claims.
- ❌Without careful selection, owners may face plans with long (6-12 month) non-waivable waiting periods for crucial orthopedic coverage.
- ❌Chronic conditions like atopic dermatitis require lifelong management, which can be subject to policy limits or complex deductible structures depending on the provider.
- ✅Excellent coverage is available for breed-specific hereditary conditions like hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism.
- ✅Top-tier plans offer high or unlimited annual payout limits suitable for major emergencies like bloat or cruciate ligament surgery.
- ✅Several recommended insurers provide short or waivable waiting periods for orthopedic conditions, a key benefit for this athletic breed.
- English Setter at a glance
- Veterinary Issues & Cost
- Best Insurance Plans
- Insurance Criteria
- Savings Tips
- FAQ
Why trust HelloSafe?
To create this guide, our HelloSafe pet insurance expert combined insights from veterinary professionals, real feedback from English Setter owners, and an in-depth review of 34 active insurance policies. The result: a clear, expert-driven comparison of the best options tailored to the unique needs of this breed. Read on for practical advice and trusted recommendations to help you find the right coverage at every stage of your English Setter's life.
English Setter: At a Glance
| 🐶 English Setter Characteristics | Details |
|---|---|
| 🕰️ Average lifespan | 11–15 years |
| 🧠 Temperament | Gentle, friendly, intelligent, playful, affectionate |
| 🐕 Lifestyle needs | Needs regular, vigorous exercise, access to outdoors, thrives with active families |
| 🫶🏻 Physical traits | Medium-large, athletic build; feathered ears and tail; spotted “belton” coat patterns |
| 📑 Animal type/category | Sporting group, hunting dog (bird dog/gundog) |
| 🐾 Trainability | High; eager to please, learns quickly with positive reinforcement |
| 👶🏻 Child-friendly? | Yes |
| 🧗♀️ Stairs compatibility | Yes |
| 📏 Size (puppy/adult) | Puppy: 12–20 lbs, 10–18" / Adult: 23–27" tall at shoulder |
| ⚖️ Weight (puppy/adult) | Puppy: 12–20 lbs / Adult: 45–80 lbs |
| 🧥 Coat & grooming | Long, silky, feathered; regular brushing needed; moderate shedding; prone to mats |
| 💰 Purchase price | $1,000–$2,500 (from reputable breeders) |
| ❤️ Popularity (US) | Relatively uncommon; AKC ranking typically 90–100th |
| 🩺 Food & health budget | ~$800–$1,500/year (quality food, regular vet, insurance recommended for hereditary risks) |
| 🏥 Health risks | Robust, but prone to hip dysplasia, bloat, allergies, hypothyroidism, deafness, PRA |
Pet Insurance for an English Setter
Breed Risk Index for English Setter: 6/10
The English Setter receives a moderate risk index of 6/10, supported by data from veterinary sources such as the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals and peer-reviewed publications (e.g., JAVMA, Canine Health Information Center). This breed shows above-average rates of hip and elbow dysplasia (about 10–15% incidence), allergy-related chronic dermatitis requiring medical management, and hypothyroidism, a common lifelong endocrine disorder. English Setters are also predisposed to canine deafness (up to 12% in some lines, per CHIC/OFA) and progressive retinal atrophy. While these conditions can incur significant long-term costs (orthopedic surgery, bloat intervention, annual management for dermatologic or thyroid issues), the overall frequency of severe, high-cost claims is lower than in breeds with universal cancer or severe cardiac risk. Insurance exclusions can occur for orthopedic, hereditary, and age-related conditions, but with careful, timely enrollment, most risks can be covered. The English Setter thus stands at a moderate but manageable risk profile for US pet owners.
🩺 Health Conditions & Veterinary Costs for English Setter
| Type of Condition | Example Condition | 📊 Occurrence frequency | Treatment / Care | Average Cost & Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common illnesses | Otitis externa (ear infections) | Frequent: 2–3 times/year | Cleaning, topical/oral medication | $200–$600/year – ✔️ Included with most plans |
| Hereditary diseases | Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia | Notable: 10–15% of dogs | Surgery (FHO/THR), pain control, rehab | $2,500–$7,000/joint – ✔️ Needs high policy limit |
| Chronic conditions | Atopic dermatitis (allergies) | Chronic, moderate frequency | Cytopoint/Apoquel, diet, dermatologist visits | $800–$1,500/year – ✔️ Requires ongoing care coverage |
| Age/species-related risks | Hypothyroidism | Fairly common past age 5 | Bloodwork, life-long thyroid meds | $500–$900/year – ✔️ Chronic prescription coverage |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) | Breed-associated, adult onset | Ophthalmic monitoring, support therapy | $250–$600/year – ✔️ Specialist/optho coverage useful | |
| Behavioral risks | Noise phobia, separation anxiety | Occasional, esp. in urban dogs | Behavior therapy, medication | $400–$1,200/year – ⚠️ Not standard, check policy |
| Emergency or accident risks | Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (bloat) | Occasional, lifetime risk | Emergency surgery, ICU | $2,000–$5,000 – ✔️ Emergency cover vital |
| Cruciate ligament tear | Occasional, especially active dogs | Surgery (TPLO/extracapsular), rehab | $3,000–$5,500 – ✔️ Orthopedic cover essential | |
| Preventive care needed | Annual bloodwork, vaccine boosters | Annual | Vet visits, labs, preventive meds | $300–$700/year – ✔️ Look for wellness add-ons |
The Best Insurance Plans for an English Setter
In my analysis, I thoroughly reviewed and compared all available General Terms & Conditions (GTC) and Insurance Product Information Documents (IPID) from leading US pet insurers. My objective was to identify which providers offer the most suitable coverage for an English Setter, focusing on the scope of guarantees (including treatments, reimbursement rates, and annual limits), veterinary exclusions (particularly breed-related and hereditary), and policy flexibility (such as waiting periods, age limits, and deductible options). Below, you’ll find a ranked selection of insurers best adapted to the real-life veterinary risks and needs of the English Setter.
| Insurer | 💬 Verdict | 🛡️ Key Coverage Strengths | ❌ Exclusions / Weak Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fetch | ✅ High breed adaptation | • Covers exam fees for sick visits • Includes hereditary & congenital conditions • Full dental illness & injury coverage • Behavioral & alternative therapies included | • Waiting period up to 6 months for knee/cruciate ligament injuries unless vet certified within 30 days |
| Spot | ✅ High breed adaptation | • 14-day waiting period for all conditions, including orthopedic • Hereditary & congenital coverage • Exam, behavioral & alternative therapy covered • Curable pre-existing conditions may be included after 180 days | • Preventive care requires a wellness add-on |
| Trupanion | ✅ High breed adaptation | • No payout limits (annual/lifetime) • Per-condition deductible is cost-effective for chronic illness • Direct pay to veterinarians • Hereditary/congenital included | • Does not cover vet exam fees • Longer 30-day waiting period for illnesses • Behavioral therapy requires rider |
| Prudent Pet | ✅ High breed adaptation | • Waivable 6-month orthopedic waiting period • Unlimited annual benefit available • 24/7 vet chat • Hereditary/congenital covered | • Vet exam fees not standard (add-on) • $1,000 yearly sub-limit for behavioral therapy |
| Figo | ✅ High breed adaptation | • Waivable 6-month orthopedic waiting period • Diminishing deductible for claim-free years • Curable pre-existing coverage after 12 months • 1-day accident waiting period | • Exam fees, alternative & behavioral therapies require separate add-ons |
| Hartville | ✅ High breed adaptation | • 14-day waiting period for all conditions • Comprehensive coverage: exam fees, alternative, hereditary care • Curable pre-existing eligible for coverage | • Poor Trustpilot rating, claims & admin issues cited |
| Embrace | ⚠️ Moderate breed adaptation | • Hereditary & congenital covered • Exam fees included • Behavioral/complementary therapy • Curable pre-existing after 12 months | • 6-month orthopedic waiting period not waivable |
| Healthy Paws | ⚠️ Moderate breed adaptation | • No payout caps • Hereditary & congenital coverage • Fast claims process | • 12-month waiting period for hip dysplasia • Exam fees not included |
| Metlife | ⚠️ Moderate breed adaptation | • Very broad coverage, exams/holistic/preventive • 14-day waiting for illnesses • Annual deductible reduction | • Very low Trustpilot (2.6/5), poor customer feedback, claims service risks |
| AKC/PetPartners | ⚠️ Moderate breed adaptation | • Riders for hereditary, exam, alternative care • Can add breeding issue cover | • Hereditary not included without “HereditaryPlus” • 180-day wait for cruciate ligaments, not waivable |
| Pets Best | ⚠️ Moderate breed adaptation | • Unlimited limit option • Accident-only plan available • 3-day injury waiting period | • 6-month wait for cruciate ligaments not waivable • Multiple add-ons needed for comprehensive coverage |
| Many Pets | ❌ Low breed adaptation | • No coverage limits • No additional orthopedic wait beyond standard 15 days | • Excludes behavioral therapy • Hip dysplasia excluded if enrolled after age 6 • US market exit announced |
| Lemonade | ❌ Low breed adaptation | • Fast digital claims • 2-day accident waiting • Multi-policy discount | • No behavioral, physical therapy, dental illness in base plan • Exam fees not covered • 6-month cruciate ligament wait |
| Nationwide | ❌ Low breed adaptation | • Well-known brand • Exotic coverage options • Separate wellness plan available | • 1-year wait for orthopedic issues (hip/cruciate), not suitable for active or at-risk breeds |
| Safeco | ❌ Low breed adaptation | • Insurance bundling (with auto/home) • Sold via agents for advice | • 1-year cruciate ligament wait • Excludes several common joint conditions |
• Includes hereditary & congenital conditions
• Full dental illness & injury coverage
• Behavioral & alternative therapies included
• Hereditary & congenital coverage
• Exam, behavioral & alternative therapy covered
• Curable pre-existing conditions may be included after 180 days
• Per-condition deductible is cost-effective for chronic illness
• Direct pay to veterinarians
• Hereditary/congenital included
• Longer 30-day waiting period for illnesses
• Behavioral therapy requires rider
• Unlimited annual benefit available
• 24/7 vet chat
• Hereditary/congenital covered
• $1,000 yearly sub-limit for behavioral therapy
• Diminishing deductible for claim-free years
• Curable pre-existing coverage after 12 months
• 1-day accident waiting period
• Comprehensive coverage: exam fees, alternative, hereditary care
• Curable pre-existing eligible for coverage
• Exam fees included
• Behavioral/complementary therapy
• Curable pre-existing after 12 months
• Hereditary & congenital coverage
• Fast claims process
• Exam fees not included
• 14-day waiting for illnesses
• Annual deductible reduction
• Can add breeding issue cover
• 180-day wait for cruciate ligaments, not waivable
• Accident-only plan available
• 3-day injury waiting period
• Multiple add-ons needed for comprehensive coverage
• No additional orthopedic wait beyond standard 15 days
• Hip dysplasia excluded if enrolled after age 6
• US market exit announced
• 2-day accident waiting
• Multi-policy discount
• Exam fees not covered
• 6-month cruciate ligament wait
• Exotic coverage options
• Separate wellness plan available
• Sold via agents for advice
• Excludes several common joint conditions
You can explore and compare these insurance options directly on our comparison tool to find the plan that fits your English Setter's needs and your budget.
👉 Compare the best pet insurance online.I compareHow to choose the best insurance for your English Setter?
For an English Setter, it’s crucial to select an insurance plan with a high annual limit—ideally at least $1,500–$2,000—to account for the real cost of orthopedic surgeries (such as for hip or elbow dysplasia) and the emergency care often required for bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus). Choose a plan offering a reimbursement rate of 80–100%, which is important since managing chronic allergies (atopic dermatitis), hypothyroidism, or ongoing medications for endocrine or hereditary conditions can be expensive over the long term.
Always opt for a policy with a low annual deductible, preferably under $100, as this reduces your out-of-pocket cost if your English Setter needs repeated treatments. Pay close attention to exclusions—select a provider that covers chronic, genetic, and breed-specific conditions like PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) and cruciate ligament tears, which are all documented risks in this breed.
Early subscription is strongly recommended—sign up before any symptoms arise, as claims for common hereditary or chronic conditions will usually be denied if considered pre-existing.
🧾 Recommended Coverage Levels
| Condition Type | Recommended Annual Limit |
|---|---|
| Orthopedic surgery/care (dysplasia, cruciate) | ≥ $2,000 |
| Emergency surgery (bloat) | ≥ $2,000 |
| Chronic dermatology/endocrine | ≥ $1,500 |
| Hereditary/eye disorders | ≥ $1,000 |
How to Save on Pet Insurance for Your English Setter
| Savings Tip | How It Works | Impact on Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Use orthopedic waiver with early exam | For English Setters, submit a vet orthopedic certification at enrollment to waive long waiting periods, lowering risk charges for hip injuries. | High |
| Select cover only for hereditary/major risks | Omit wellness, routine, and minor illness riders; insuring only hereditary, hip, and bloat-related claims delivers the best ratio of coverage to cost. | Medium |
| Choose tailored annual claim cap | Set an annual payout limit based on breed risk data, avoiding over-insuring for rare, high-limit events; most “real” claims fall below $10–15k. | Medium |
| Use breed club partnerships | Some English Setter clubs partner with insurers for group discounts; mention club membership to access lower negotiated rates. | Low |
| Leverage multi-pet or loyalty discounts | If you have more than one dog, insure all at once; companies offer stacked discounts for multi-pet or renewals, reducing net cost. | Medium |
FAQ
What health issues should I make sure are covered by insurance for my English Setter?
Owners should be aware of breed-specific risks such as hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), allergies, hypothyroidism, congenital deafness, and eye diseases like progressive retinal atrophy. Make sure your pet insurance includes hereditary, orthopedic, and chronic conditions, as treatment for these can be costly over a lifetime.
Will pet insurance cover surgery for hip dysplasia or cruciate ligament tears in my English Setter?
Most comprehensive pet insurance plans cover surgeries for orthopedic conditions if you enroll your dog before symptoms appear. Be cautious, as many policies have waiting periods for knee and hip treatments—sometimes these can be waived with a recent vet exam submitted at enrollment, so check each policy closely.
Are chronic conditions, such as hypothyroidism or allergies, typically covered for English Setters?
If diagnosed after your policy starts and not labeled as pre-existing, ongoing prescriptions and treatments for issues like hypothyroidism, skin allergies, or atopic dermatitis are generally covered. Look for policies that include hereditary and chronic condition coverage, as ongoing medication and allergy therapy may be needed.
Does pet insurance for English Setters pay for emergency care, like bloat surgery?
Emergency surgeries, such as for bloat (GDV), are typically included in accident and illness plans, but review coverage limits, exclusions, and waiting periods. Early enrollment is crucial, as pre-existing exclusions will apply if your English Setter has already shown any related symptoms.
Are exam fees and preventive care part of most English Setter insurance plans?
Exam fee coverage is not always standard; some insurers include it automatically, while others require an add-on. Preventive care, such as vaccines or dental cleanings, is usually available only via optional wellness plans, so weigh the cost and need for these extras when selecting your coverage.
What should I know about pre-existing condition exclusions for my English Setter?
Conditions present before enrollment, including undiagnosed symptoms noted in vet records, are almost always excluded. It's best to insure your English Setter when healthy and young to ensure coverage for future issues, especially hereditary and breed-related problems.
How do annual limits and deductibles affect English Setter insurance costs and coverage?
Higher annual limits or unlimited benefits are advisable for English Setters, given surgery and chronic care costs. A higher deductible can lower monthly premiums, but be sure you can comfortably afford your out-of-pocket costs in case of a major claim.
Why is early enrollment important for my English Setter's insurance?
Enrolling your English Setter at a young age guarantees access to comprehensive coverage for future hereditary and chronic conditions. It helps you avoid pre-existing condition exclusions and can help lock in lower premiums for the long term.
What health issues should I make sure are covered by insurance for my English Setter?
Owners should be aware of breed-specific risks such as hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), allergies, hypothyroidism, congenital deafness, and eye diseases like progressive retinal atrophy. Make sure your pet insurance includes hereditary, orthopedic, and chronic conditions, as treatment for these can be costly over a lifetime.
Will pet insurance cover surgery for hip dysplasia or cruciate ligament tears in my English Setter?
Most comprehensive pet insurance plans cover surgeries for orthopedic conditions if you enroll your dog before symptoms appear. Be cautious, as many policies have waiting periods for knee and hip treatments—sometimes these can be waived with a recent vet exam submitted at enrollment, so check each policy closely.
Are chronic conditions, such as hypothyroidism or allergies, typically covered for English Setters?
If diagnosed after your policy starts and not labeled as pre-existing, ongoing prescriptions and treatments for issues like hypothyroidism, skin allergies, or atopic dermatitis are generally covered. Look for policies that include hereditary and chronic condition coverage, as ongoing medication and allergy therapy may be needed.
Does pet insurance for English Setters pay for emergency care, like bloat surgery?
Emergency surgeries, such as for bloat (GDV), are typically included in accident and illness plans, but review coverage limits, exclusions, and waiting periods. Early enrollment is crucial, as pre-existing exclusions will apply if your English Setter has already shown any related symptoms.
Are exam fees and preventive care part of most English Setter insurance plans?
Exam fee coverage is not always standard; some insurers include it automatically, while others require an add-on. Preventive care, such as vaccines or dental cleanings, is usually available only via optional wellness plans, so weigh the cost and need for these extras when selecting your coverage.
What should I know about pre-existing condition exclusions for my English Setter?
Conditions present before enrollment, including undiagnosed symptoms noted in vet records, are almost always excluded. It's best to insure your English Setter when healthy and young to ensure coverage for future issues, especially hereditary and breed-related problems.
How do annual limits and deductibles affect English Setter insurance costs and coverage?
Higher annual limits or unlimited benefits are advisable for English Setters, given surgery and chronic care costs. A higher deductible can lower monthly premiums, but be sure you can comfortably afford your out-of-pocket costs in case of a major claim.
Why is early enrollment important for my English Setter's insurance?
Enrolling your English Setter at a young age guarantees access to comprehensive coverage for future hereditary and chronic conditions. It helps you avoid pre-existing condition exclusions and can help lock in lower premiums for the long term.
