Rhodesian Ridgeback Pet Insurance

Give your Ridgeback nose-to-tail coverage for all of life's surprises!

Team LemonadeTeam Lemonade
CHECK OUR PRICES
Rhodesian Ridgeback pet insurance

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are dignified, even-tempered, and loyal companions who bring endless joy to families, but as a large breed, they’re prone to certain health conditions that can lead to expensive vet bills. Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and dermoid sinus are just a few common concerns that could cost thousands to treat.

Pet insurance helps you focus on what matters most: your Ridgeback’s health and happiness. Here’s everything you need to know about coverage options, costs, and why insurance makes sense for this beloved breed.

What does Rhodesian Ridgeback pet insurance cover?

A base Lemonade pet health insurance policy helps cover the costs of medication, tests, and treatments if your Rhodesian Ridgeback has an unexpected accident or illness (provided it’s not related to a pre-existing condition, and occurs after your policy’s waiting periods have ended).

Whether it’s an unexpected accident during play time or a breed-specific illness like Hip dysplasia, Rhodesian Ridgebacks benefit from comprehensive coverage that protects against life’s surprises.

Wellness care

Want to get money back for your Ridgeback’s routine care? Our preventive packages reimburse you for the stuff you’re already doing, like annual checkups, vaccines, blood work, and other routine care that keep your pup healthy and happy.

Keep in mind, preventative care offerings might differ based on where you live. The easiest way to see what’s available? Get a free quote.

Extra coverage

You can also customize your Lemonade policy with optional add-ons like:

  • Physical therapy: important for this athletic breed that can develop joint stress from their hunting and running background
  • Visit fees
  • Dental coverage 
  • Behavioral conditions
  • End-of-life and remembrance

These coverages help take a bite out of pricey treatments, services, and vet visits that Rhodesian Ridgebacks often need.

Is pet insurance worth it for Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

Taking care of any large breed gets expensive, and Rhodesian Ridgebacks can face costly breed-specific health issues throughout their 10 to 12-year lifespan. The good news? Lemonade pet parents are already saving serious money on vet bills.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are particularly prone to joint problems and congenital skin defects along the ridge, which makes insurance even more valuable.

Check out how much other Rhodesian Ridgeback parents have saved with pet insurance below. Your savings could be even higher.

Common Rhodesian Ridgeback health conditions

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are amazing dogs, but they’re predisposed to certain health conditions that can get expensive to treat. Here are some of the most common claims we see for them, along with typical treatment costs:

ConditionWhat is it?Average treatment cost
Hip DysplasiaMalformed hip joint; pain and arthritis in back legs$1,500–$6,000
Elbow DysplasiaPoorly formed elbow joint; causes limping/arthritis$1,200–$3,500
Ear InfectionsChronic or severe ear infections$300–$800
Skin Allergies (Environmental/Food)Persistent itching from food, fleas, or environment$400–$1,500
ObesityExtra weight, leads to other health issues$250–$800
Torn Knee Ligament (Cruciate Ligament Tear)Torn ligament in the knee$1,200–$8,500
CataractsClouding of the eye lens; vision loss$2,000–$4,000
Lymph Node Cancer (Lymphoma)Cancer of the lymph system$2,000–$7,000
Dental Disease (Tooth & Gum Problems)Gum & tooth disease, possible extractions$400–$1,500
PancreatitisInflammation of pancreas; vomiting, pain$500–$2,500

As a hound breed, Rhodesian Ridgebacks face having a large size and high energy hunting background that can create joint stress and unique ridge-related issues, which is why early coverage is important to protect their health and your wallet.

How much does pet insurance for Rhodesian Ridgebacks cost?

Your Rhodesian Ridgeback’s premium depends on a few key factors: Their age, your location, and the coverages you choose. Large breeds like Rhodesian Ridgebacks typically cost more to insure due to their large size and predisposition to joint problems and unique breed-specific conditions.

Here’s what other Rhodesian Ridgeback parents typically pay for Lemonade coverage:

AgeAverage monthly premium
1 year old$40-$45
2 years old$40-$45
3 years old$40-$45
4 years old$45-$50
5 years old$55-$60
6 years old$65-$70
7 years old$85-$90

How can I find the best pet insurance for my Rhodesian Ridgeback?

While we might be biased, Lemonade was really designed with pet parents in mind, especially those with breeds like Rhodesian Ridgebacks that need comprehensive coverage for joint health, ridge monitoring, and athletic injury prevention.

Our customizable add-ons are perfect for Rhodesian Ridgebacks since you can tailor coverage for their specific risks like hip dysplasia and dermoid sinus.

Don’t believe us? Take a look at how we stack up against the competition.

Before we go…

Rhodesian Ridgebacks make incredible companions, but their large athletic build requiring intense exercise and ridge area monitoring can get expensive fast. Pet insurance helps you say “yes” to the best care without worrying about the vet bill, whether that’s treating joint surgery or dermoid sinus removal, managing joint conditions , or handling an emergency.

Ready to protect your Ridgeback? Get a personalized quote in as little as 90 seconds and see how affordable coverage can be for your Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Get my Rhodesian Ridgeback’s quote

Get to know your Rhodesian Ridgeback

Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks good with families and children?

Good with families when properly socialized, but better with older children. Ridgebacks are loyal and protective but independent with strong hunting instincts. They need early socialization to be well-rounded family members.

What does a Rhodesian Ridgeback's grooming schedule look like?

Weekly brushing and occasional baths. Their short coat is relatively low-maintenance but they do shed. Regular nail trims, ear cleaning, and dental care keep these athletic dogs healthy and comfortable.

Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks suitable for first-time dog owners?

Not recommended for first-time owners. Ridgebacks are independent, strong-willed hunting dogs that need experienced handlers who can provide consistent training, exercise, and confident leadership throughout their lives.

Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks easy to train?

Moderately challenging to train, intelligent but independent thinkers who can be stubborn. Ridgebacks need confident, consistent leadership and training that respects their hunting nature while establishing clear boundaries.

What activities do Rhodesian Ridgebacks usually enjoy?

Long hikes, running, and tracking activities. They love high-energy adventures, exploring, and activities that let them use their natural athleticism and hunting instincts with active families.


*Lemonade Insurance analyzed policy rates of accident and illness policies to calculate average pet insurance premiums as of October, 2025. This analysis is based on Lemonade’s internal data and is meant for illustrative purposes only; quotes may vary depending on individual circumstances and additional coverages selected.

Please note: Lemonade articles and other editorial content are meant for educational purposes only, and should not be relied upon instead of professional legal, insurance or financial advice. The content of these educational articles does not alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of policies issued by Lemonade, which differ according to your state of residence. While we regularly review previously published content to ensure it is accurate and up-to-date, there may be instances in which legal conditions or policy details have changed since publication. Any hypothetical examples used in Lemonade editorial content are purely expositional. Hypothetical examples do not alter or bind Lemonade to any application of your insurance policy to the particular facts and circumstances of any actual claim.