Owner cradles the head of an older golden Labrador
Is it worth insuring an older dog?
Unsure whether you should insure your older dog or not? Find out more in our blog.
Read morePet Insurance for Border Collies
Affordable, comprehensive pet insurance designed for Border Collies.
✓ Up to £12,000 vet fee cover
✓ Receive up to 100% back on eligible vet bills
✓ 95% of claims paid within 3 days
✓ Simple, quick claims process with support from our friendly UK team
✓ Proud to be Feefo Platinum Trusted Service rated
Trusted by owners that love their dogs as much as you do
Border Collie – Costs, Cover & Common Health Issues
The Border Collie is widely regarded as one of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world. Originally developed along the Anglo-Scottish border for herding sheep, this highly driven and responsive breed thrives on having a job to do.
Recognised by the The Kennel Club within the Pastoral Group, Border Collies are known for their intense focus, boundless energy, and exceptional trainability. Their iconic black-and-white coat is most common, though they come in a variety of colours.
While they make incredibly loyal companions, Border Collies are not typically suited to sedentary lifestyles. They need both physical exercise and significant mental stimulation to stay happy and balanced.
🐾 Average lifespan: 12–15 years
🐾 Average adult weight: 14–20 kg
🐾 Frequently ranked as one of the most intelligent dog breeds
🐾 Recognised by The Kennel Club in 1977 (separate breed recognition)
🐾 The average claim for a Border Collie is £992
Boarder Collie on a Sunny Day
Common Border Collie Health Issues
Border Collies are generally healthy but, as an active working breed, can be prone to hereditary and activity-related conditions.
Common Health Issues:
-
Hip Dysplasia – £3,000–£7,000 surgery
-
Collie Eye Anomaly – £300–£600 testing
-
Epilepsy – £500–£1,000 per year medication
-
Shoulder Joint Condition – £2,000–£4,000 surgery
-
Cruciate Injuries – £2,500–£5,000 surgery
High activity levels mean orthopaedic and injury-related claims can be common.
🐶 Brilliant, Driven, Tireless — Protect Your Border Collie Properly
Your Guide To Owning a Border Collie
Wondering if a Border Collie is the right dog for you? Here’s a few things you should know before you bring a ‘pocket rocket’ home…
Border collie chewing on a stick
Diet & Nutrition
Border Collies require a balanced diet that supports their high energy output.
Key dietary considerations:
- High-quality protein to maintain lean muscle
- Appropriate calorie intake based on activity level
- Joint-support supplements for highly active dogs
- Monitor weight to avoid excess strain on joints
Working Border Collies may require more calories than companion dogs, but portion control remains important.
Border collie catching a frisbee
Exercise Requirements
Border Collies are one of the most demanding breeds in terms of activity.
Daily exercise needs:
- 1.5–2+ hours per day
- Off-lead running in secure areas
- Advanced training sessions
- Agility, herding, scent work, or interactive games
Without sufficient stimulation, Border Collies can develop behavioural issues such as excessive barking, destructiveness, or obsessive behaviours.
They excel in canine sports and advanced obedience training.
Border collie playing fetch with owner
Who Is the Border Collie Perfect For?
Border Collies are ideal for:
- Highly active individuals or families
- Experienced dog owners
- Rural or countryside living
- Owners interested in agility, flyball, or working roles
- Households with time for daily training
They are less suited to apartment living or homes where they will be left alone for extended periods.
Why Insurance Matters for Border Collies
From hereditary eye conditions to injury-related surgery, veterinary costs for Border Collies can accumulate quickly — especially for highly active or working dogs.
Comprehensive insurance helps ensure that if your Border Collie develops a chronic condition or suffers an injury, you can focus on their recovery rather than the cost of treatment.
Choose The Best Policy For Your Border Collie
Superior – the most comprehensive insurance cover we offer, with the lowest excess, giving you confidence that your dog will be looked after if illness or injury strikes.
Benefits
-
Claimable period
Lifetime cover
for illnesses and injuries, year after year. -
Veterinary fees
£12,000
-
Percentage of veterinary fees covered
100%
-
Third party liability
£1,000,000 per claim
-
Day to day care
–
-
Age restrictions
8 weeks – under 8 years.
Benefits
-
Claimable period
Lifetime cover
for illnesses and injuries, year after year. -
Veterinary fees
£9,000
-
Percentage of veterinary fees covered
100%
-
Third party liability
£1,000,000 per claim
-
Day to day care
–
-
Age restrictions
8 weeks – under 8 years.
Benefits
-
Claimable period
Lifetime cover
for illnesses and injuries, year after year. -
Veterinary fees
£6,000
-
Percentage of veterinary fees covered
100%
-
Third party liability
£1,000,000 per claim
-
Day to day care
–
-
Age restrictions
8 weeks – under 8 years.
Benefits
Superior
Mid-point
Entry
Claimable period
Lifetime cover
for illnesses and injuries, year after year.
Lifetime cover
for illnesses and injuries, year after year.
Lifetime cover
for illnesses and injuries, year after year.
Veterinary fees
£12,000
£9,000
£6,000
Percentage of veterinary fees covered
100%
100%
100%
Third party liability
£1,000,000 per claim
£1,000,000 per claim
£1,000,000 per claim
Day to day care
–
–
–
Age restrictions
8 weeks – under 8 years.
8 weeks – under 8 years.
8 weeks – under 8 years.
Mid-range – our most flexible plan, offering a choice of co-payment and excess levels and packed with a range of optional extras to suit your dog’s needs.
Benefits
-
Claimable period
Lifetime cover
for illnesses and injuries, year after year. -
Veterinary fees
£12,000
-
Percentage of veterinary fees covered
90%, 80% or 70%
-
Third party liability
£1,000,000 per claim
-
Day to day care
Optional Extra: Get up to £50 annually for key pet care needs like de-sexing, microchipping, worming, teeth cleaning, and more. Additional cover includes vaccinations, health checks, flea/tick control, and diagnostic tests, with no excess.
-
Age restrictions
8 weeks – under 8 years.
Benefits
-
Claimable period
Lifetime cover
for illnesses and injuries, year after year. -
Veterinary fees
£9,000
-
Percentage of veterinary fees covered
90%, 80% or 70%
-
Third party liability
£1,000,000 per claim
-
Day to day care
Optional Extra: Get up to £50 annually for key pet care needs like de-sexing, microchipping, worming, teeth cleaning, and more. Additional cover includes vaccinations, health checks, flea/tick control, and diagnostic tests, with no excess.
-
Age restrictions
8 weeks – under 8 years.
Benefits
-
Claimable period
Lifetime cover
for illnesses and injuries, year after year. -
Veterinary fees
£6,000
-
Percentage of veterinary fees covered
90%, 80% or 70%
-
Third party liability
£1,000,000 per claim
-
Day to day care
Optional Extra: Get up to £50 annually for key pet care needs like de-sexing, microchipping, worming, teeth cleaning, and more. Additional cover includes vaccinations, health checks, flea/tick control, and diagnostic tests, with no excess.
-
Age restrictions
8 weeks – under 8 years.
Benefits
Key
Vital
Core
Claimable period
Lifetime cover
for illnesses and injuries, year after year.
Lifetime cover
for illnesses and injuries, year after year.
Lifetime cover
for illnesses and injuries, year after year.
Veterinary fees
£12,000
£9,000
£6,000
Percentage of veterinary fees covered
90%, 80% or 70%
90%, 80% or 70%
90%, 80% or 70%
Third party liability
£1,000,000 per claim
£1,000,000 per claim
£1,000,000 per claim
Day to day care
Optional Extra: Get up to £50 annually for key pet care needs like de-sexing, microchipping, worming, teeth cleaning, and more. Additional cover includes vaccinations, health checks, flea/tick control, and diagnostic tests, with no excess.
Optional Extra: Get up to £50 annually for key pet care needs like de-sexing, microchipping, worming, teeth cleaning, and more. Additional cover includes vaccinations, health checks, flea/tick control, and diagnostic tests, with no excess.
Optional Extra: Get up to £50 annually for key pet care needs like de-sexing, microchipping, worming, teeth cleaning, and more. Additional cover includes vaccinations, health checks, flea/tick control, and diagnostic tests, with no excess.
Age restrictions
8 weeks – under 8 years.
8 weeks – under 8 years.
8 weeks – under 8 years.
Safety-net – accidents or illness can happen at any time, and our Catastrophe and Economy policies provide cover for your dog when emergency treatment is needed.
Benefits
-
Claimable period
Cover for each injury or illness for 12 months from the date of the incident or when symptoms first appeared.
-
Veterinary fees
£4,000
for each injury and illness for 12 months -
Percentage of veterinary fees covered
100%
-
Third party liability
£1,000,000 per claim
-
Day to day care
–
-
Age restrictions
8 weeks – under 8 years.
Benefits
-
Claimable period
Lifetime cover
for illnesses and injuries, year after year. -
Veterinary fees
£6,000
-
Percentage of veterinary fees covered
100%
-
Third party liability
Optional extra: £1,000,000 per claim
-
Day to day care
–
-
Age restrictions
8 weeks – under 8 years.
Benefits
-
Claimable period
Lifetime cover
for illnesses and injuries, year after year. -
Veterinary fees
£3,000
-
Percentage of veterinary fees covered
100%
-
Third party liability
Optional extra: £1,000,000 per claim
-
Day to day care
–
-
Age restrictions
8 weeks – under 8 years.
Benefits
Economy
Catastrophe 2
Catastrophe 1
Claimable period
Cover for each injury or illness for 12 months from the date of the incident or when symptoms first appeared.
Lifetime cover
for illnesses and injuries, year after year.
Lifetime cover
for illnesses and injuries, year after year.
Veterinary fees
£4,000
for each injury and illness for 12 months
£6,000
£3,000
Percentage of veterinary fees covered
100%
100%
100%
Third party liability
£1,000,000 per claim
Optional extra: £1,000,000 per claim
Optional extra: £1,000,000 per claim
Day to day care
–
–
–
Age restrictions
8 weeks – under 8 years.
8 weeks – under 8 years.
8 weeks – under 8 years.
Terms, conditions, and excesses apply. Cover depends on acceptance criteria, and there may be policy limits and exclusions. Make sure to check the policy details on the dog insurance page before taking out a policy.