Is Accident-Only Insurance a Smart Move for Your Frenchie?
If you own a French Bulldog, Pug, English Bulldog, or any other “brachy” (flat-faced) breed, you’ve probably seen the pet insurance quotes. The premiums for comprehensive (accident + illness) plans can be high.
This might have you wondering: what about an accident-only plan? They’re much cheaper, but are they a total waste of money for a breed known for illnesses?
It’s a valid question. You’re trying to be a responsible owner while also managing a budget. So let’s have a real conversation about what an accident-only plan does, what it doesn’t do, and which one might be the best accident-only plan for brachycephalic breeds if you decide it’s the right fit for you.
The Elephant in the Room: What an Accident-Only Plan Won’t Cover
This is the most important part of this article. You need to know this upfront.
An “accident” is defined as a sudden, unforeseen event that causes an injury. An “illness” is a sickness, disease, or medical condition, including hereditary or congenital issues.
For a brachycephalic breed, their most common and expensive problems are all considered illnesses.
An accident-only plan will NOT cover:
- BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome): Surgery to widen nostrils or shorten a soft palate.
- IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease): Any spinal issues, back pain, or paralysis.
- Allergies: Skin infections, ear infections, or allergy testing.
- Cherry Eye: This is considered a congenital condition.
- Hip Dysplasia: This is a developmental condition.
If you are buying this plan hoping it will cover a \$5,000 BOAS surgery, you will be in for a terrible shock.
So, Who Should Get an Accident-Only Plan?
After reading that list, you might be thinking, “So what’s the point?”
An accident-only plan can still be a lifesaver in specific situations. It’s a low-cost safety net against the unexpected, and let’s be real, Frenchies are clumsy and Pugs have no spatial awareness.
This plan might be for you if:
- You Have an Older Dog with Pre-Existing Conditions: If your 6-year-old Bulldog already has diagnosed BOAS and allergies, no new insurance policy (even a comprehensive one) will cover those things. In this case, paying a high premium for illness coverage you can’t use is pointless. An accident-only plan gives you protection against new injuries.
- You Have a “Swallower”: Frenchies are notorious for eating socks, toys, rocks, and anything else they find. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), surgeries for foreign object ingestion are common and can cost thousands. This is a classic “accident.”
- Your Budget is Extremely Tight: A \$20/month accident-only plan that covers a \$3,000 broken leg is infinitely better than having no coverage at all.
A Review: Top Accident-Only Plans for Flat-Faced Dogs
When you’re looking for the best accident-only plan for brachycephalic breeds, you want two things: a short waiting period and a clear, broad definition of “accident.”
Here are a couple of standout options in the US market:
1. Lemonade
Lemonade is famous for its tech-forward, low-cost approach. Their accident-only plan is a popular choice.
- Why it’s good for Brachys: The waiting period for accidents is typically very short (often just 2 days). Their coverage is clear and great for common “oops” moments like foreign object ingestion (eating a sock), toxin ingestion (eating poison), cuts, and broken bones.
- The Downside: It’s not available in all 50 states, so you’ll have to check your zip code.
2. Embrace
Embrace offers a highly-respected accident-only plan that is a bit more traditional.
- Why it’s good for Brachys: Embrace has a 5-day accident waiting period and a very clear list of what’s covered. This includes trauma, broken bones (from jumping off the couch wrong), and even torn cruciate ligaments (ACL) if they are caused by a sudden injury, which can be a common and expensive accident. As highlighted by PetMD, Pugs and other brachy breeds are also prone to traumatic eye injuries (like a corneal ulcer from running into a bush), and this plan is designed to help with that.
- The Downside: It may be slightly more expensive than a digital-first option like Lemonade.
The Final Verdict: A Good Safety Net, Not a Full Solution
An accident-only plan is a perfectly valid and smart choice for some owners. It provides an affordable safety net that protects you from a sudden, multi-thousand-dollar bill when your Frenchie decides to eat a battery or your Pug takes a tumble down the stairs.
But it is not, and never will be, a solution for their breed-specific health problems.
If you have a young, healthy puppy, a comprehensive (Accident + Illness) plan is always the better investment. If you have an older dog with exclusions or are on a strict budget, an accident-only plan is a smart way to protect your wallet from the unexpected.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Does accident-only insurance cover BOAS breathing surgery?
No. BOAS is considered a hereditary condition or illness, not an accident. It will never be covered by an accident-only plan.
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Does accident-only insurance cover IVDD or a slipped disc?
No. IVDD is considered a disease or hereditary condition, even if the “event” (like paralysis) seems sudden. It is excluded from accident-only plans.
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Is “cherry eye” covered by an accident-only plan?
No, cherry eye is a congenital condition (an illness). However, an eye injury (like a scratch from a cat or running into a branch) is typically covered as an accident.
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What is the waiting period for an accident-only plan?
It’s usually very short, ranging from 1 to 5 days, whereas illness coverage often has a 14-day waiting period.
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My Frenchie eats everything. What plan covers that?
This is the perfect reason to get an accident-only plan. Ingesting a foreign object and needing surgery to remove it is a classic “accident” covered by providers like Lemonade and Embrace.