Pet Insurance for French Bulldog
Pet Insurance Australia has been helping owners protect their Frenchies for years, with cover for the breed-specific conditions this popular companion breed is prone to, from brachycephalic airway syndrome to skin and spinal problems.
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Meet The French Bulldog
The incredibly popular and loving French Bulldog is certainly a crowd-pleaser. This adorable breed is not easy to come by, but they are well worth the wait! The Frenchie was bred for one purpose only, to be a cuddling cute companion, something they are known to excel.
With their enchanting bat-like ears standing on a face of irresistible wrinkled sweetness, French Bulldogs have a way of captivating hearts with just a glance. Their playful and affectionate nature makes them a joy to be around, always ready to have some fun, or just as content to curl up for a cuddle.
Claim Up To
$35,0002
Per Year
Common Claims For French Bulldogs
The Frenchie is a generally healthy breed, but it is predisposed to a handful of conditions that come with the flat face and the build, from breathing difficulties and heat stroke to skin, eye and spinal problems. Some of these need ongoing management, others surgery, and the costs add up quickly. This table shows what owners are actually claiming for, and how much of it you can get back with the right cover.
| COMMON CLAIMS | MAXIMUM CLAIM |
|---|---|
| Tissue Damage or Fracture | $8,873.38 |
| Ear Conditions | $5,242.32 |
| Eye Conditions | $4,265.21 |
| Gastrointestinal Conditions | $12,581.45 |
| Muscle/Skeletal Conditions | $2,800.40 |
| Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) | $9,619.15 |
| Neoplasia or Mass Lesion | $7,794.50 |
| Neurological Conditions | $6,686.10 |
| Brachycephalic Airway Disease | $11,055.00 |
| Allergies | $4,017.87 |
Common Health Conditions
For French Bulldogs
- Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS): French Bulldogs fall into the brachycephalic breed profile with their adorable flat faces and short noses. However, like many other brachycephalic breeds, this can cause respiratory issues that can result in snoring, snorting and exercise intolerance. In severe cases, surgical intervention is required to improve airflow.
- Heat Stroke: Another issue many brachycephalic breeds, such as the French Bulldog, face is overheating and heat stroke – a life-threatening condition. Owners need to be cautious in warmer weather and avoid strenuous exercise during peak temperatures. French Bulldogs, like all dogs, should also never be left alone in a car as they can overheat very quickly.
- Skin Fold Infections: The squishy faces of the French Bulldog are also prone to infections in their facial skin folds. Regular cleaning and drying of these areas after bathing and water play are essential. Treatment typically involves antifungal or antibiotic medications.
- Allergies: Like many dog breeds French Bulldogs are also prone to allergies, that can cause skin irritation, itching and ear infections. Identification alongside your veterinarian will allow for the best management of the allergy which may include a diet change, medications and medicated shampoos.
- Hip Dysplasia: French Bulldogs are also at risk of hip dysplasia, a genetic condition caused by the malformation of the hip and thigh bone leading to mobility issues and pain. Hip dysplasia can also lead to arthritis. Treatment can involve physiotherapy, weight management and surgery.
- Cherry Eye: Cherry eye is another condition common in French Bulldogs. Cherry eye is caused when the third eyelid gland prolapses and becomes visible as a red or pink lump in the corner of the eye. Surgical correction may be necessary to address this issue.
- Spinal Diseases: Due to their short legs and elongated backs, French Bulldogs are also at risk for spinal disorders, such as intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). This condition can result in back pain, hind limb weakness, or paralysis. Lifestyle changes and surgery may be required to manage spinal issues.
- Eye Conditions: French Bulldogs can develop various eye conditions, including cataracts, corneal ulcers, and congenital eye defects. Regular eye examinations by a veterinarian are essential. Depending on the type of condition, treatment may involve surgery.
- Obesity: Being so little and adorable French Bulldogs also tend to gain weight easily, which can increase their breathing difficulties and other health-related problems. Maintaining a healthy diet and providing regular exercise is crucial to prevent obesity.
- Heart Disease: French Bulldogs may develop heart conditions, such as mitral valve disease, which requires monitoring and treatment.
Get your first 2 months free when you sign up1
Flexible Cover Options
For Your French Bulldog
Finding the right pet insurance for your French Bulldog 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 |
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Flexible Cover Options For Your French Bulldog
Finding the right pet insurance for your French Bulldog 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 French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are eager to please, and they respond best to fun, positive reinforcement rather than heavy-handed correction. Starting obedience training early pays off, and many owners find professional obedience school worthwhile. Early socialisation matters just as much, so expose your Frenchie to plenty of different situations while they are young. Toilet training usually goes smoothly with the crate method, though accidents are more likely in a larger home simply because of their size.
A weekly brush keeps shedding under control, and those facial folds need regular cleaning and drying to stop bacteria building up, especially after a bath or water play. Keep nails clipped, and use grooming time as both a bonding session and a chance to check for skin concerns. French Bulldogs only need low to moderate exercise, with short walks and play sessions enough to keep them at a healthy weight. As a brachycephalic breed they are prone to snoring, snorting and exercise intolerance, and they struggle badly in heat and humidity, so avoid strenuous activity during peak temperatures and never leave them alone in a car.
Because they cannot handle heat well, French Bulldogs are best suited to indoor living and should not be kept outside for long periods. They make excellent family companions and thrive in a busy household where they are part of everything, but they do not cope with being left alone for long stretches and can develop behavioural problems without enough attention. With small children, supervise closely and discourage picking the dog up, as sitting cuddles are safer for everyone. When choosing a puppy, only buy from a reputable breeder who health tests and genetically screens their dogs, ask directly about hereditary problems, request to see both parents where possible, and check with local breed clubs.
French Bulldog: Fast Facts
Average Height
Between 28 to 31 cm
Average Weight
7 to 13 kg
Temperament
Affectionate, playful, and sociable
Lifespan
10 to 12 years
Known Genetic Issues
French Bulldogs are prone to several genetic health issues, including brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and skin fold dermatitis. They can also suffer from various respiratory and digestive problems due to their unique body structure.
Country of Origin
France
Exercise Requirements
Moderate
Coat
French Bulldogs have a short, smooth coat that is easy to maintain
Coat Colours
Fawn, White, Cream, Brindle.
Specific Care Requirements
Regular cleaning of their skin folds to prevent infections, monitoring their weight to avoid obesity, and ensuring they do not overheat.
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 French Bulldogs in Australia – made to support your dog’s health every step of the way.
