Pet Insurance for Border Collie
Pet Insurance Australia has been helping owners protect their Border Collies for years, with cover for the breed-specific conditions this working breed is prone to, from hip dysplasia and joint problems to inherited eye conditions and epilepsy.
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Meet The Border Collie
Brilliant, active and endlessly willing, the Border Collie is widely rated the most intelligent breed in the world. They learn fast, but without consistent training and a daily mental challenge they will find their own job to do, and you probably won’t like it.
They suit a very active family with space to match, needing daily exercise and stimulation as a baseline. That weatherproof double coat, at least, only asks for a weekly brush.
Typically robust across a 12 to 15 year lifespan, Border Collies can still suffer certain health problems. A reputable breeder who genetic tests lowers the odds, and the right cover takes care of the rest.
Claim Up To
$35,0002
Per Year
Common Claims For Border Collies
Known for their brilliant minds, boundless energy, and eagerness to work, the Border Collie, like all dog breeds, can be prone to specific health issues. This table shows just how expensive common conditions can be. With our pet insurance, you can claim back a portion of these costs and avoid large out-of-pocket expenses.
| COMMON CLAIMS | MAXIMUM CLAIM |
|---|---|
| Arthritis | $973.20 |
| Gastrointestinal Condition | $4,529.15 |
| Skin Conditions Allergy | $1,772.02 |
| Tissue Damage/Fracture | $4,710.80 |
| Skeletal Condition | $3,608.49 |
| Neurological Condition | $4,140.01 |
| Ingestion Foreign Body or Toxin | $7,212.22 |
| Ear Conditions | $730.15 |
| Mass Lesion | $7,001.65 |
| Eye Conditions | $1,579.60 |
Common Health Conditions
For Border Collies
- Hip Dysplasia: A genetic condition caused by malformation of the hip joint, leading to pain, lameness and arthritis. Surgery is typically required to correct it, alongside weight management and pain relief.
- Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA): An inherited condition affecting the eyes, ranging from mild cases with no impact on vision to severe cases that lead to blindness. As with all eye conditions, speak to your vet if you are concerned, as treatment can involve surgery and ongoing monitoring.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A group of genetic diseases that degenerate the retina over time, with night blindness usually the earliest sign. It can eventually lead to blindness, though the condition is not painful and most dogs adapt well.
- Epilepsy: Some Border Collies are prone to seizures, which can be caused by a range of factors including hereditary traits. Medication is usually required, depending on the severity.
- Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD): A joint disorder affecting young, rapidly growing dogs, caused by abnormal cartilage development at the end of the bones and usually seen in the shoulder. It leads to joint pain, lameness and arthritis, and surgery to remove the cartilage is often the treatment of choice.
- Allergies: Allergies show up as skin irritation and itching, and can cause digestive upsets when food-related. Treatment means removing the allergen alongside diet changes, medication or medicated shampoos, and early veterinary intervention is important to prevent secondary infections.
- Deafness: Some Border Collies are born deaf or develop early-onset adult deafness (EOAD) over time. There is no cure, but with understanding and veterinary monitoring most dogs live full, happy lives.
- Dental Issues: Like many breeds, Border Collies are prone to dental problems, so regular care is essential to prevent gum disease and tooth loss. A yearly professional clean plus regular check-ups keeps their teeth and gums healthy.
- Hypothyroidism: A condition affecting the thyroid gland, typically treated with medication to correct the hormone imbalance.
- Obesity: As a highly active breed, Border Collies need ample exercise to stay at a healthy weight. Without it they gain weight easily, which brings a range of other health problems, and treatment involves a diet change, more exercise and veterinary monitoring.
Get your first 2 months free when you sign up1
Flexible Cover Options
For Your Border Collie
Finding the right pet insurance for your Border Collie doesn’t need to be confusing. It should be as straightforward as giving them a belly rub! With Pet Insurance Australia, one plan does it all, and you decide how it works.
| Option | What It Means | Your Choices | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual benefit limit2 | This is the maximum amount you can claim for per policy period, subject to any applicable excess, for eligible accidental injuries and illnesses, as well as emergency boarding. Booster Care and Routine Care (non insurance benefit) are subject to their own limits. | $15,000; $25,000 and $35,000 | Lower for budget-conscious premiums; higher if you want more protection. |
| Benefit Percentage14 (Reimbursement) | The percentage of the eligible vet bill we will cover before the applicable annual excess is applied. Where applicable, it is also subject to the annual benefit limit or Booster Care limit. | 70%, 80%, 90% | Higher % can allow you to claim more back on your eligible vet bills. |
| Annual Excess4 | The amount you may contribute to your claim. The annual excess applies to each eligible claim in the policy period until fully paid. | $0, $100, $300, $600* *$600 annual excess not available with 70% benefit percentage | Choose a higher annual excess to help lower your premium. Just remember you may pay more out of pocket at claim time. |
| Routine care add-on7 | Optional non-insurance benefit to cover for everyday care such as vaccinations, microchipping, flea/tick | An optional benefit which you can add to your policy | Add for additional vet-cost cover. |
| Specified dental conditions add-on (Booster Care13) | Optional cover for specified dental conditions, subject to the Booster Care limit of $2500 | An optional benefit which you can add to your policy | Add for extra vet-cost protection; Great for breeds prone to dental issues. |
| Specialised therapies add-on (Booster Care13) | Optional cover for specialised therapies, subject to the Booster Care limit of $2500 | Add to your policy or skip | Add to boost vet-cost protection; skip to lower premium |
| Waiting periods8 | The time from your policy start date when your pet isn’t covered for certain conditions or benefits in the first year you first obtained cover for them. If a condition exists or occurs during the waiting period, it will be considered a pre-existing condition and may be excluded from cover. | Accidental injury – 2days Illness – 30days Cruciate Ligament Conditions – 6 months Specified dental conditions (Booster Care) – 6 months Behavioural conditions (Booster Care)– 30days | Starting early helps ensure your pet is covered sooner rather than later |
| Multi-pet discount12 | A percentage saving when you insure more than one pet. | Get 5% off for each additional pet you insure after the first, up to 15% max. Example: 2nd pet: 5% | Helpful for multi-pet households. |
| Choice of vet | Use any licensed vet in Australia, other than yourself. | Included on all policies | Continue care with your preferred vet |
Want To Learn More? See Everything Our Dog Insurance Covers
Flexible Cover Options For Your Border Collie
Finding the right pet insurance for your Border Collie doesn’t need to be confusing. It should feel as straightforward as giving them a belly rub! With Pet Insurance Australia, one plan does it all, and you decide how it works.
Annual Benefit Limit2
What It Means
This is the maximum amount you can claim for per policy period, subject to any applicable excess, for eligible accidental injuries and illnesses, as well as emergency boarding.
Booster Care and Routine Care (non insurance benefit) are subject to their own limits.
Your Choices
$15,000; $25,000 and $35,000
Why
Lower for budget-conscious premiums; higher if you want more protection.
Benefit Percentage14 (Reimbursement)
What It Means
The percentage of the eligible vet bill we will cover before the applicable annual excess is applied.
Where applicable, it is also subject to the annual benefit limit or Booster Care limit.
Your Choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Why
Higher % can allow you to claim more back on your eligible vet bills.
Annual Excess4
What It Means
The amount you may contribute to your claim. The annual excess applies to each eligible claim in the policy period until fully paid.
Your Choices
$0, $100, $300, $600*
*$600 annual excess not available with 70% benefit percentage
Why
Choose a higher annual excess to help lower your premium. Just remember you may pay more out of pocket at claim time.
Routine Care Add-On7
What It Means
Optional non-insurance benefit to cover for everyday care such as vaccinations, microchipping, flea/tick
Your Choices
An optional benefit which you can add to your policy
Why
Add for additional vet-cost cover.
Specified Dental Conditions Add-On (Booster Care13)
What It Means
Optional cover for specified dental conditions, subject to the Booster Care limit of $2500
Your Choices
An optional benefit which you can add to your policy
Why
Add for extra vet-cost protection; Great for breeds prone to dental issues.
Specialised Therapies Add-On Add-On (Booster Care13)
What It Means
Optional cover for specialised therapies, subject to the Booster Care limit of $2500
Your Choices
Add to your policy or skip
Why
Add to boost vet-cost protection; skip to lower premium
Waiting Periods
What It Means
The time from your policy start date when your pet isn’t covered for certain conditions or benefits in the first year you first obtained cover for them.
If a condition exists or occurs during the waiting period, it will be considered a pre-existing condition and may be excluded from cover.
Your Choices
Accidental injury – 2days
Illness – 30days
Cruciate Ligament Conditions – 6 months
Specified dental conditions (Booster Care) – 6 months
Behavioural conditions (Booster Care)– 30days
Why
Starting early helps ensure your pet is covered sooner rather than later
Multi-Pet Discount12
What It Means
A percentage saving when you insure more than one pet.
Your Choices
Get 5% off for each additional pet you insure after the first, up to 15% max.*
Example:
2nd pet: 5%
Why
Helpful for multi-pet households.
Choice Of Vet
What It Means
Use any licensed vet in Australia, other than yourself.
Your Choices
Continue care with your preferred vet
Why
Helpful for multi-pet households.
Caring For A Border Collie
Rated the world’s most intelligent dog, the Border Collie learns quickly and thrives on training, but that mind needs a challenging job every day or boredom turns into destruction and escape attempts. Early, consistent training is essential, and they excel in dog sports and group training sessions. Socialising them young is imperative, particularly given the herding instinct that has them chasing moving things, from cars and cats to children mid-scream.
Despite those long, flowing coats, Border Collies are low maintenance. The hardy, weatherproof double coat needs a weekly brush to prevent matting, more often during shedding season, and a bath only when they’ve rolled in something they shouldn’t. Exercise is the real commitment: this is a high-energy breed needing substantial daily physical exercise, ideally including a run off-leash, plus mental work alongside it. Without both, expect destructive behaviour or unwanted herding of whatever is to hand.
Border Collies make great family pets in the right hands, meaning very active households with the experience to give them the training and exercise they need. They want a decent yard or rural space, and their weatherproof coats suit outdoor living, though they need shade in the heat and enjoy being indoors with the family when it cools down. Secure fencing is essential, as a curious Border Collie is a smart Houdini. When choosing a puppy, use a reputable breeder who genetic tests and breeds for health and temperament, ask about hereditary problems in the bloodline, view the parents where possible, and check with local breed clubs.
Fast Facts
Average Height
Female: 46-53 cm
Male: 48-56 cm
Average Weight
Female: 12-19 kg
Male: 14-20 kg
Temperament
Intelligent, alert, tenacious, responsive and energetic
Lifespan
13-16 years
Known Genetic Issues
Fairly healthy compared to other pure breeds, but known problems are hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, epilepsy and the Collie eye anomaly – potential blindness.
Country of Origin
UK (England-Scotland border)
Exercise Requirements
There’s no getting around this breed’s need for lots of space, activity and exercise.
Coat
Smooth or rough double coat
Coat Colours
Mostly black with a white streak on the face, neck, legs, tail tip and feet (with or without tan); but also bicolour, tricolour, solid colour (except white) or merle.
Specific Care Requirements
A strong drive to ‘work’ means this breed needs mentally stimulating activities such as hide-and-seek, agility training or playing with dog toys that provide mental stimulation.
Get Started with Pet Insurance Australia
Pet Insurance Australia is here to back your best mate with flexible options and fast claims. Get a quote today and explore pet insurance for Border Collies in Australia—made to support your dog’s health every step (or gallop) of the way.
