Best Pet Insurance Plans For Havaneses For May, 2024

Havanese, cherished for their friendly temperament and intelligence, are popular toy breeds. Originating from Cuba, they excel as therapy and companion dogs due to their sociability and trainability. With a luxurious, silky coat, they come in various colors and patterns, including cream, white, and various combinations.

Energetic and sociable, Havanese thrive in active households and enjoy playtime and social interactions. Their keen sense of companionship and adaptability make them excellent family pets. As devoted companions, Havanese form strong bonds with their owners, displaying affectionate and playful behavior. Renowned for their joyful and affectionate nature, Havanese continue to capture the hearts of dog lovers worldwide.

If you own a Havanese, you’re undoubtedly concerned about its health and well-being. As a pure breed, a Havanese is more likely to suffer from genetic health issues than mixed-breed dogs. Unfortunately, 4 out of 5 pet parents can’t pay for an unexpected $500 veterinary bill out-of-pocket. However, pet insurance will help you reduce your financial risk.

In this review, we’ll look at some of the top pet insurers for Havaneses and help you pick the policy that best meets your needs. You’ll find that pet insurance is much like personal health insurance; it provides better treatment options and limits out-of-pocket costs. But unlike private health insurance, it won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

Common Health Issues For Havaneses

Havanese, being a purebred dog, are susceptible to specific health concerns. Over time, some breeders may not have given adequate attention to genetics in Havanese breeding, resulting in the proliferation of certain health issues within the Havanese population. Generally, Havanese are more prone to genetic health problems compared to other breeds.

Here are some of the most common health issues for Havanese:

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
• Cataracts
• Hip Dysplasia
• Heart Murmurs
• Chronic Valvular Heart Disease (CVHD)
• Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a genetic eye disorder that affects Havanese. It gradually deteriorates the retina, leading to vision loss and potentially total blindness. The first signs are often difficulty seeing in low light or at night, known as night blindness. As the disease progresses, daylight vision is also affected. PRA is not painful, but it significantly impacts the quality of life for Havanese. Regular eye exams and early detection are crucial to manage the condition and adapt the environment to accommodate the vision-impaired Havanese.

The cost of treating PRA in dogs can range from $2,000 to $3,000 per eye for cataract surgery.

Cataracts

Cataracts are a common ocular ailment in Havanese, causing clouding of the lens in the eye, leading to impaired vision or blindness if left untreated. This condition obstructs light from entering the eye, making it challenging for the Havanese to perceive their surroundings clearly. Cataracts can develop due to aging, genetic predisposition, or other health issues. Surgery to remove the cataracts is often recommended to restore vision. Regular eye check-ups and prompt intervention are essential in managing cataracts and maintaining the Havanese’s visual comfort and wellbeing.

The cost of cataract surgery for humans can range from $3,230 to $6,690 per eye, depending on the type of lens used and the location of the surgery.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a prevalent orthopedic issue in Havanese, affecting the hip joint’s proper functioning. In this condition, the hip joint doesn’t fit into the socket as it should, causing discomfort, pain, and limited mobility. It can be hereditary or exacerbated by factors like rapid growth or improper nutrition during puppyhood. Hip dysplasia affects the Havanese’s ability to move freely and engage in physical activities. Management involves weight control, regular exercise, and, in severe cases, surgical intervention to alleviate pain and improve mobility for a better quality of life.

The cost of treating hip dysplasia in dogs can range from $1,000 to $7,000, depending on the severity of the condition and the type of treatment required.

Heart Murmurs

Heart murmurs, characterized by abnormal heart sounds, are common in Havanese and can indicate underlying heart conditions. These murmurs result from turbulent blood flow within the heart, often pointing to issues with valves or chambers. Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial to monitor and diagnose any heart murmurs. Depending on the severity and cause, further diagnostic tests and treatments, such as medication or dietary adjustments, may be necessary to manage the Havanese’s cardiac health and ensure a longer, healthier life.

Chronic Valvular Heart Disease (CVHD)

Chronic Valvular Heart Disease (CVHD) is a prevalent heart ailment in older Havanese dogs, particularly those in their senior years. It involves the gradual deterioration of the heart valves, hindering their proper function. This condition can lead to heart failure and related symptoms like coughing, difficulty breathing, and exercise intolerance. Regular cardiac evaluations by a veterinarian are vital to detect and manage CVHD in its early stages. Medications and lifestyle modifications, including a controlled diet and appropriate exercise, play key roles in enhancing the quality and duration of the Havanese’s life.

The cost of treating heart murmurs and CVHD in dogs can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the type of treatment required. In some cases, medication may be sufficient, while in other cases, surgery may be necessary. The cost of surgery can range from $3,000 to $6,000.

Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease

Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease is a musculoskeletal disorder that commonly affects Havanese, particularly young ones. It involves the spontaneous degeneration of the femoral head, the “ball” part of the hip joint, due to inadequate blood supply. This results in pain, lameness, and muscle atrophy in the hind limbs. Early detection through physical examinations and diagnostic imaging is crucial for effective treatment. Treatment often involves surgical intervention to remove the affected femoral head, allowing the Havanese to regain mobility and lead a relatively normal, pain-free life. Physical therapy and restricted activity during recovery are essential components of postoperative care.

The cost of treating Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease in dogs can range from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on the severity of the condition and the type of treatment required.

Average Cost Of Pet Insurance For Havaneses

How To Find The Best Pet Insurance Company For You

The costs and types of pet insurance plans available on the market vary by company, making choosing one over the others challenging. To find the best plan for your pet, consider these tips before applying for coverage:

Check Whether Your Pet Is Eligible

Puppies and kittens often must be a minimum of 6 to 10 weeks old to be insured, depending on the company. Senior pets may not be eligible for first-time enrollment with some companies, or they may qualify for accident coverage only. Once the pet is enrolled, though, most plans will offer coverage for life as long as you continue paying the premiums.

Research What’s Covered

Pet insurance plans typically cover expenses like surgery, hospitalization and medication if your pet gets sick or hurt. However, there are certain things that some companies charge extra for or won’t cover at all. Here are a few examples:

• Exam fees. Say your dog breaks her leg. Some plans will reimburse expenses like X-rays,  surgery and pain medication, but not the vet’s exam fee.
• Alternative treatments and rehabilitation. Some companies include coverage for things like acupuncture and physical therapy in their standard plans. Others charge extra.
• Behavioral therapies. Not all policies cover veterinary treatment for aggression or other behavioral issues.
• Prescription food. Certain plans won’t cover food or supplements at all, even if your vet prescribes them for a covered condition.
• Dental care. Pet insurance plans vary widely when it comes to caring for your pet’s teeth. For example, your policy may not cover dental illnesses such as gingivitis or periodontal disease. Alternatively, it may cover them only if your pet has had a recent tooth cleaning. Some add-on wellness plans pay for cleanings.

Note that pet insurance policies usually won’t cover pre-existing conditions, cosmetic procedures, or breeding expenses.

Decide How Much Coverage You Want

Most pet insurance plans cap the amount they pay out per year, although some have no annual limit. Only you can decide the amount that gives you reasonable peace of mind for paying vet bills.

If your dog or cat is relatively healthy, you might go years without paying for anything but routine care. But an unexpected surgery or serious illness could add up to thousands of dollars in expenses.

Understand Reimbursements And Deductibles

Most pet insurance plans reimburse you for a percentage of your vet bill. You can generally choose a reimbursement level — such as 70%, 80% or 90% — when you buy the plan.

Other plans pay what the insurance company deems a standard fee for a given treatment, which might be less than what your vet charges. You’d be responsible for the remainder.

Most plans also have a deductible — the dollar amount you pay out of pocket before the policy pays. You can usually choose from a range of deductibles, such as $100, $250, or more. Some plans apply deductibles to each injury or illness that’s treated. Most have you pay the deductible every year.

Generally, the lower your out-of-pocket costs are, the more you’ll pay for coverage. Alower deductible and higher reimbursement rate can lead to a higher premium, while a higher deductible and lower reimbursement rate can mean a lower premium.

Check Waiting Periods

Most plans include short waiting periods after you purchase the policy for general accident and illness coverage, such as 14 days. Your plan won’t pay for any treatment during the waiting period.

Some plans include longer waiting periods for coverage of certain conditions, such as cruciate ligament injuries — a common orthopedic problem for dogs. The cruciate ligaments help stabilize the knee; when injured, it can make it difficult for a dog to walk.

Examine Extra Costs

Some pet insurance companies offer coverage for routine services such as well visits and vaccinations. While this may sound tempting, do the math to determine whether it’s worth the extra cost. Compare the annual price of the wellness insurance plan with the amount you’d pay each year on your own for services the plan covers. Read the details because the items covered for “wellness” vary by pet insurance company.

Compare Quotes

The cost of insurance varies by carrier and the amount of coverage. Some pet insurers offer discounts; you might be able to save money by insuring more than one pet, for example. But a discount doesn’t guarantee the plan is the best deal.

The only way to find the best insurance for your pet is to dig into the details and get quotes for several plans. Make sure you’re making a fair comparison with similar coverage amounts, deductibles, and reimbursement limits.

Average Cost Of Typical Vet Procedures

Average Cost Of Emergency Vet Procedures

Is Pet Insurance Worth It For Havaneses?

Pet insurance protects against unexpected veterinary bills. Many pet owners pay out-of-pocket for their pet’s medical expenses, but most Americans can’t afford a $1500 emergency vet bill. The right pet insurance can literally be a lifesaver. Having coverage will give you the freedom to make medical decisions for your furry family member based on the quality of life, not finances.

The value of pet insurance is largely based on your expectations. If your pet is currently undergoing treatment for a chronic condition and you would like help with the cost of the treatment, you will likely be disappointed as no company in our review covers preexisting conditions.

But, if you understand your policy and what it does and doesn’t cover and have a policy that fits your budget and needs, you are far more likely to consider the policy worth it.

Factors That Impact Cost Of Your Pet Insurance Policy

Similar to your health insurance plan, your pet insurance price is going to vary depending on certain factors, such as:

• Where you live. Pet insurance companies take the cost of vet care in your area into account when pricing your policy.
• Your pet’s age. Because older animals are more likely to have health problems, their premiums are generally higher.
• Your pet’s breed. Certain breeds are more prone to health issues. For example, bulldogs and Boston terriers often develop breathing problems, while German Shepherds and other large breeds are more likely than others to get hip dysplasia. These potential problems may be reflected in the cost of your pet insurance plan.
• Your deductibles, coinsurance and coverage limits. The less you’re willing to pay out of pocket for your pet’s care, the higher your pet insurance premium will be. For instance, choosing a $100 deductible instead of a $500 one means your plan will start reimbursing you sooner for your pet’s care — but it’ll cost you more in premiums.