Best Pet Insurance For Bernese Mountain Dogs In 2024

Bernese Mountain Dogs, cherished for their gentle nature and intelligence, are beloved working breeds. Originating from the Swiss Alps, they excel as draft and farm dogs due to their strength and reliability. With a thick and tri-colored coat, they showcase a stunning combination of black, rust, and white.

Energetic and sociable, Bernese Mountain Dogs thrive in active families and enjoy outdoor activities, especially in cold climates. Their keen sense of duty and innate herding instincts make them excellent working partners on farms. As loyal companions, Bernese Mountain Dogs form deep connections with their owners, displaying a gentle and affectionate demeanor. Renowned for their calm disposition and versatility, Bernese Mountain Dogs continue to capture hearts as one of the most cherished working breeds worldwide.

If you own a Bernese Mountain Dog, you’re undoubtedly concerned about its health and well-being. As a pure breed, a Bernese Mountain Dog 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 Bernese Mountain Dogs 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 Bernese Mountain Dogs

Purebred dogs, like Bernese Mountain Dogs, often face health concerns. Over time, certain breeders have not given enough attention to genetics when breeding Bernese Mountain Dogs, leading to problems that impact the entire Bernese community. Generally, Bernese Mountain Dogs are more likely to experience genetic health issues compared to other breeds.

Here are some common health problems for Bernese Mountain Dogs:

• Hip Dysplasia
• Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat)
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
• Bernese Mountain Dog Cancer (e.g., histiocytic sarcoma)
• Hypothyroidism
• Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a common orthopedic issue in Bernese Mountain Dogs. This condition involves an abnormal hip joint development, leading to pain and mobility problems. Bernese Mountain Dogs are prone to hip dysplasia due to their large size. Management includes weight control, exercise moderation, physical therapy, and, in severe cases, surgical intervention to improve hip joint function.

Surgery can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $6,000+ per hip, depending on the severity of the condition and the type of surgery.

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat)

Bernese Mountain Dogs are at a higher risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus, commonly known as bloat. This life-threatening condition occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself. It can lead to shock and death if not treated promptly. Preventive measures include feeding smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding vigorous exercise after eating, and discussing gastropexy (stomach tacking) with your veterinarian as a preventive measure.

Surgical treatment for bloat typically ranges from $1,500 to $7,500

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

PRA is a genetic eye disorder that can affect Bernese Mountain Dogs, gradually leading to blindness. It typically begins with night blindness and progresses to daytime vision loss. While there is no cure for PRA, responsible breeding practices and genetic testing can help reduce the incidence of this condition in Bernese Mountain Dogs.

The cost of treatment for PRA in dogs can range from $2,000 to $3,000 per eye when surgery is necessary

Bernese Mountain Dog Cancer (e.g., Histiocytic Sarcoma)

Bernese Mountain Dogs have a higher predisposition to various cancers, with histiocytic sarcoma being one of the most concerning. This aggressive cancer originates from immune cells and can affect various organs. Early detection and intervention are crucial for Bernese Mountain Dogs diagnosed with cancer. Treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, with the goal of extending the dog’s quality of life.

The cost of treatment for cancer in dogs can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars per year

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid gland, can affect Bernese Mountain Dogs, leading to symptoms like weight gain, lethargy, and skin issues. Diagnosis involves a blood test, and treatment typically includes daily thyroid hormone supplementation to manage the condition effectively. Regular monitoring by a veterinarian is essential to ensure the Bernese Mountain Dog receives the correct dosage and maintains optimal thyroid function.

The cost of fixing hypothyroidism without pet insurance can range from $850 in the first year, and $300-$700 for each additional year of your dog’s life. However, the average cost of thyroid hormone deficiency treatment is $1,800

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive neurological disorder that can affect Bernese Mountain Dogs. It leads to hind limb weakness and paralysis over time. While there is no cure for DM, supportive care and physical therapy can help improve the dog’s quality of life and slow the progression of the disease. Early diagnosis and management are crucial for dogs affected by DM to maintain mobility and comfort as long as possible.

The cost of treatment for DM in dogs can range from $500 to $1,000 per year.

Average Cost Of Pet Insurance For Bernese Mountain Dogs

Average Cost Of Typical Vet Procedures

Average Cost Of Emergency Vet Procedures

Is Pet Insurance Worth It For Bernese Mountain Dogs?

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.

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.

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.

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