Bulldog insurance: 70% or 90% reimbursement — what changes?
In our model, a Bulldog on the 70% reimbursement plan has a modeled premium of about $70/month and $584 expected out-of-pocket in year one, vs $90/month and $421 with 90% reimbursement; the chance of a year with out-of-pocket above $2,000 is 27% vs 3%.
Two scenarios
| 70% reimbursement | 90% reimbursement | |
|---|---|---|
| Modeled monthly premium (benchmark, not a quote) | $70 | $90 |
| Expected out-of-pocket vet costs, first year | $584 | $421 |
| Chance of a year with out-of-pocket above $2,000 (lifetime) | 27% | 3% |
| Vet bills, first year (avg · bad year 1-in-10) | $1,173 · $3,220 | $1,173 · $3,220 |
What drives it
- BOAS (breathing problems) — $920 expected over lifetime
- Elbow dysplasia — $720 expected over lifetime
- Hip dysplasia — $550 expected over lifetime
Assumptions
- Age 1 year at the start of the simulation
- U.S.-average vet prices (no ZIP code)
- $2,000 emergency savings
- 2026 U.S. dollars, no inflation
- Plans: $500 deductible / 70% / $10,000 annual limit vs $500 deductible / 90% / $10,000 annual limit, out of the engine's 27 plan structures
- Out-of-pocket = vet bills not reimbursed (deductible, co-pay, costs above the limit); premiums not included
Evidence
- BOAS (breathing problems) (literature): Evaluation of BOAS breeding test results in Finland 2017–2022 (Acta Vet Scand 66:35), Lilja-Maula et al. (2024)
- Elbow dysplasia (registry): Elbow Disease Statistics Report (stats as of 10/09/2026), Orthopedic Foundation for Animals / CHIC (2026)
- Hip dysplasia (registry): Hips Disease Statistics Report (stats as of 10/09/2026), Orthopedic Foundation for Animals / CHIC (2026)
Breed data coverage: High · Model engine-v1.3-2026-10 · Built 2026-10-13
Bulldog breed profile · Vet Cost Index · Methodology
Modeled statistical estimate, not a quote, veterinary, insurance or financial advice.