Devon Rex vs Birman: Pet Insurance Comparison

Side-by-side comparison of Devon Rex and Birman insurance costs, health risks, and coverage needs.

Both the Devon Rex and the Birman are beloved breeds, but they differ significantly in terms of health risks, insurance costs, and long-term care requirements. The Devon Rex is a small breed while the Birman is medium, which directly impacts both veterinary costs and insurance premiums. The Devon Rex has a typical lifespan of 10-15 years compared to 14-15 years for the Birman. When it comes to insurance, the Birman is the more costly breed to cover at approximately $30/month compared to $25/month for the Devon Rex — a difference of $5/month or about $60/year. This premium gap reflects higher average annual veterinary costs ($1,050 vs $850) and breed-specific health predispositions. Health-wise, the Devon Rex is predisposed to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, luxating patella, skin conditions. The Birman, on the other hand, is prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, kidney disease, obesity. Both breeds share susceptibility to dental disease and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, so insurance coverage for these conditions is important regardless of which breed you choose. For prospective owners, budget-conscious owners may find the Devon Rex more affordable to insure. Regardless of which breed you choose, enrolling in pet insurance while your pet is young and healthy ensures you'll have coverage when you need it most — and avoids the pre-existing condition exclusion that makes later enrollment less valuable.
AttributeDevon RexBirman
Sizesmallmedium
Weight5–10 lbs6–15 lbs
Lifespan10–15 yrs14–15 yrs
Avg Vet Cost$850/yr$1,050/yr
Insurance Premium$29–$36/mo$34–$44/mo
Common Conditions44
Popularity Rank#6#14

Devon Rex Health Risks

  • Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) — $1,500–$6,000
  • Luxating Patella — $1,500–$5,000
  • Skin Conditions (General) — $200–$2,000
  • Dental Disease (Periodontal Disease) — $500–$3,000

Birman Health Risks

  • Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) — $1,500–$6,000
  • Kidney Disease (Chronic Kidney Disease / CKD) — $1,500–$8,000
  • Obesity — $500–$3,000
  • Dental Disease (Periodontal Disease) — $500–$3,000

Compare Plans for Both Breeds

Get side-by-side insurance quotes. Free in 2 minutes.

Get Quotes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Devon Rex or Birman more expensive to insure?
Devon Rex insurance starts at $29/mo while Birman starts at $34/mo. Birman is more expensive due to higher vet costs ($1050/yr).
Which breed has more health problems, Devon Rex or Birman?
Devon Rex is prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (hcm), luxating patella, skin conditions (general), dental disease (periodontal disease). Birman is prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (hcm), kidney disease (chronic kidney disease / ckd), obesity, dental disease (periodontal disease).