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Updated October 29, 2026
The short answer
Australian shepherd insurance cost $22 to $64 a month in our Idaho test for an accident-and-illness plan with a $5,000 annual limit. A 1-year-old Aussie was quoted $22.16 by Fetch and $37.08 by Embrace. At age 7, the quotes rose to $38.20 and $63.04.
Aussies are athletic, generally healthy dogs, which keeps prices moderate. Their main risks are joint injuries, epilepsy and a gene that makes some common drugs dangerous for them. Use our premium calculator to compare plan settings.
Real quotes for Nampa, Idaho
| Sample dog | Embrace | Fetch |
|---|---|---|
| Australian shepherd, 1 year | $37.08 | $22.16 |
| Australian shepherd, 7 years | $63.04 | $38.20 |
| For comparison: German shepherd, 7 years | $82.89 | $72.14 |
What the quotes show:
- Fetch was about 40% cheaper at both ages.
- An Aussie costs much less to insure than a German shepherd. At age 7, Fetch quoted $38.20 for an Aussie and $72.14 for a German shepherd.
- Both insurers raised the price by about 70% between ages 1 and 7.
Common Australian shepherd health problems
Embrace’s quote page lists these as the breed’s main risks, with typical treatment costs:
| Condition | Risk | Typical cost to treat |
|---|---|---|
| Cranial cruciate ligament (knee) tear | High | $6,545 |
| Hip dysplasia | High | $3,443 |
| Seizures | Medium | $2,815 |
About half of Australian shepherds carry the MDR1 gene mutation, according to Washington State University. Dogs with it can have severe reactions to some common drugs, so ask your vet about testing.
How to choose a plan
- Check accident coverage for active dogs. Aussies run, jump and herd, so injuries are a bigger part of their vet bills than for many breeds.
- Look at the orthopedic waiting period. Many insurers wait 6 months before covering knee and hip problems.
- Make sure seizure care is covered year after year. Epilepsy needs lifelong medication, so confirm the plan treats it as an ongoing, covered condition.
Get real quotes
Prices depend on your dog’s age and your ZIP code. Get quotes from both insurers with the same limit, deductible and reimbursement rate.
Related guides: dog insurance cost, Embrace vs Fetch, is pet insurance worth it? and breed guides for the Labrador, golden retriever, French bulldog, German shepherd, dachshund, goldendoodle, English bulldog, Rottweiler and Australian shepherd.
Sources
- Our own quotes from Embrace and Fetch, October 29, 2026, ZIP 83651. Embrace’s quote page also lists common conditions and treatment costs for each dog breed.
- Washington State University: Breeds commonly affected by MDR1 mutation