The Dog and Cat Breeds With the Highest Vet Bills

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Siberian kitten
Kimberly Boyles / Shutterstock.com

We probably all know somebody who would do anything for a beloved pet. Some of us are that person.

And pet insurance is designed so that we don’t go bankrupt protecting them from health problems. But say you don’t have a pet right now or you’re planning to get another — would you want to know what breeds have the costliest care and possibly more health issues than others?

A recent Forbes Advisor analysis of three years of pet insurance claims data could help with that. By looking at claims data filed with state insurance departments, Forbes figured out the average pet insurance claim for many breeds of dogs and cats. The claim amounts reflect how much an insurer paid, which was typically 70% to 100% of the total bill, not including deductible, according to Forbes.

Based on their findings, the following is a look at which breeds of cats and dogs have the highest and lowest veterinarian bills.

Cat breeds with the highest vet bills

Bengal cat
Helle / Shutterstock.com
  • Siberian Forest Cat: $457 (average pet insurance claim amount)
  • Bengal: $404
  • Mixed-Breed Medium-Haired Cat: $403
  • Mixed Breed Long-Haired Cat: $397
  • Ragdoll: $381

Dog breeds with the highest vet bills

Rottweiler dog
Alkestida / Shutterstock.com
  • Greater Swiss Mountain Dog: $425 (average pet insurance claim amount)
  • Rottweiler: $401
  • Dogue de Bordeaux: $395
  • Cane Corso: $386
  • American Bulldog: $376

Cat breeds with the lowest vet bills

Beautiful Himalayan cat
Cindy Ching / Shutterstock.com
  • Burmese: $216 (average pet insurance claim amount)
  • Himalayan: $287
  • Persian: $317
  • Domestic Short-Haired Cat: $319
  • Sphynx: $326

Dog breeds with the lowest vet bills

Miniature Goldendoodle dog getting a trim from a pet groomer or owner
Kathy images / Shutterstock.com
  • Australian Labradoodle: $226 (average pet insurance claim amount)
  • Miniature Goldendoodle: $230
  • Shichon: $241
  • Collie-Rough: $243
  • Dalmatian: $255
  • Lhasa Apso: $255

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