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Best Basenji Pet Insurance of April 2024

Lisa Scott

If you are a Basenji owner, getting a good pet insurance plan can prove to be critical because it can help with covering your pet’s medical cost in case of an emergency. We’ve looked at the top choices for coverage, discounts, reimbursements, and overall quality.

Super-extensive accident & illness coverage

$20,000

Coverage Up To

90%

Reimbursement

Overview

Pumpkin offers high-quality pet insurance plans for cats and dogs as well as an optional non-insurance preventive care plan for vaccinations, key tests and wellness exams, which will help to keep your pet happy and healthy through their life. You can travel with your pet in Canada or the US and can get access from any licensed vet in these countries. The platform is entirely digitized and serves as a one-stop-shop for all your pet's healthcare needs.

Pumpkin will cover up to $20,000 for dogs and $15,000 for cats annually.

What we like

  • Extensive coverage on multiple health issues
  • Optional preventive care plan that reimburses in full for annual wellness exams and vaccines
  • No exclusion on breeds or older pets
  • Offers a Fur Family Discount on multiple pets
  • Healthcare coverage in Canada and the US

What we don't

  • Pre-existing health conditions not covered
  • Pumpkin only covers dogs and cats

Pumpkin Advertiser Disclosure: Pumpkin Pet Insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions. Waiting periods, annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit limits and exclusions may apply. For full terms, visit pumpkin.care/insurancepolicy. Products, discounts, and rates may vary and are subject to change. Pumpkin Insurance Services Inc. (“Pumpkin”) (NPN #19084749) is a licensed insurance agency, not an insurer. Insurance is underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company, a Crum & Forster Company (NAIC #21113, Morristown, NJ) and produced by Pumpkin. Pumpkin Preventive Essentials is not an insurance policy. It is offered as an optional add-on non-insurance benefit. Pumpkin is responsible for the product and administration. Pumpkin Preventive Essentials is not available in all states. For full terms, visit pumpkin.care/customeragreement. Paid Endorsement.

Multiple options for wellness plans

$100,000

Coverage Up To

90% - 100%

Reimbursement Rates

Overview

Wagmo began by providing stand-alone pet wellness coverages. Today, it has expanded its portfolio to include customizable pet insurance coverage.

What we like

  • Customizable policies
  • Variety of wellness plans
  • Fast reimbursements
  • High incident limits
  • Visit a vet of your choice

What we don't

  • 15 day waiting period on accident policy

Affordable prices with a fast reimbursement process

$100,000

Coverage Up To

70% - 90%

Reimbursement

Overview

Lemonade has earned a stellar reputation in the pet insurance industry with its affordable monthly premiums and fast reimbursement of claims with its AI technology. This technology has attracted thousands with its customizable policies and provides comprehensive coverage on illness and accidents to dogs and cats.

What we like

  • Customizable plans so you only pay for coverage that your pet needs
  • Claims are reimbursed in minutes
  • Affordable monthly premiums starting at $10/month
  • Comprehensive wellness plans to keep your pet in good health
  • Pay deductible once per year and not per incident

What we don't

  • Lemonade is only available in 33 states
  • Certain hybrid breeds may be denied

Short waiting periods on accidental coverage

$25,000

Coverage Up To

50% - 100%

Reimbursement

Overview

MetLife Insurance offers pet insurance for cats and dogs and is known for the shortest waiting periods in the industry.

What we like

  • No restriction on breeds and pet age
  • Customizable annual benefit limits
  • Short waiting periods accidental coverage
  • Flexible deductibles from $50 to $2,000
  • No incident limits

What we don't

  • Wellness treatment not included (optional add-on)
  • Pay first out of pocket and reimbursed later

Quick claims process

$10,000

Coverage Up To

70% - 90%

Reimbursement

Overview

Spot will insure older animals and provides a multi-pet discount when you insure two or more pets

What we like

  • Multi-pet discount
  • No upper age limit
  • Quick claims process
  • Fast and simple filing of claims
  • Optional no lifetime limits or caps on payouts

What we don't

  • Customer service limited to weekdays
  • 14 day waiting period

Pre-existing conditions and 6 pets covered for $24/m

$3,000

Coverage Up To

100%

Reimbursement

Overview

Pawp offers pet owners an emergency fund up to but not exceeding $3,000 annually. The platform is different from other traditional pet insurance agencies as it does not require you to provide a medical examination report before enrolling your pet. Whether your pet is healthy or has been diagnosed with a pre-existing condition, you can still enroll it and access the emergency fund when the need arises.

With no deductibles and low monthly premiums as low as $24, the digital platform will protect your furry friend during an incident and save money from large vet expenses. Although the agency does not provide any limitations on age, it is best to insure your pet while still young and be prepared in advance when an emergency occurs.

What we like

  • Monthly premiums as low as $24
  • Allows coverage on 6 pets for $24 a month
  • Allows enrollment of pets with pre-existing conditions
  • 24/7 unlimited access to Pawp’s virtual vet doctors

What we don't

  • Coverage is restricted to healthcare emergencies only
  • Does not offer wellness coverage
  • Emergency funds can be accessed only once per year

Provides holistic therapy coverage

$15,000

Coverage Up To

70% - 90%

Reimbursement

Overview

Fetch covers various conditions and offers holistic therapy coverage.

What we like

  • Covers examination fee during vet visits
  • Holistic therapy coverage
  • Comprehensive dental coverage
  • No penalty for multiple claims
  • No upper age limit for the pets

What we don't

  • Offers a single plan
  • No preventive care plans
  • No multi-pet discount

No age limit on pets - older dogs and cats are covered

Unlimited

Coverage Up To

70% - 90%

Reimbursement Rates

Overview

Prudent pet has excellent coverage for your pet regardless of their age. The insurer can customize your plan from illnesses, medications, accidents to preventive care that will fit your pet's needs and financial situation. This plan will give you peace of mind that you won't break the bank with unlimited coverage if an emergency occurs since treatments tend to be more expensive for older pets.

What we like

  • Older cats and dogs are covered
  • Customize your plan to fit your pet's needs and financial situation
  • Customers from US can get covered in Canada as well
  • Unlimited live vet chat if an issue occurs with your pet
  • 10% multiple pets discount

What we don't

  • Pre-existing health conditions not covered
  • Wellness add-ons can get expensive

Is pet insurance worth it for a Basenji?

A survey conducted by the Kennel Club in 2004 showed that Basenjis can be susceptible to certain health complications like bladder infections, dermatitis, etc. Treatment for such issues can cost pet owners a fortune and keeping up with such costs can prove to be difficult for most.

Saving up cash to be able to pay for these medical bills may sound like a good idea but if you have an insurance plan it can help you lower these costs significantly. Most insurance policies will get you 70% to 90% reimbursements on these expenses.

Common health conditions for a Basenji

Basenjis are typically a healthy dog breed but they can be susceptible to genetic health problems. Some of the most commonly occurring health issues in Basenjis are:

  • Hypothyroidism: This is a common condition in Basenjis which affects the thyroid gland and can result in slowed bodily functions. Some of the common signs of hyperthyroidism are weight gain, lethargy, skin problems, etc.
  • Fanconi syndrome: This is a kidney disease that affects the processing of certain substances. This results in some sugars that should be absorbed into the bloodstream, but are instead being released into the urine.
  • Coloboma: This is a genetic disorder in which some areas in or around the eye fails to develop normal tissue. It can affect the iris, the lens, the optic nerve or even eyelids.

What does pet insurance cover for a Basenji?

There are a few different types of insurance plans you can choose from, depending on the coverage you are looking for.

  • Accident only: These plans will cover your expenses only if the medical costs are a result of an accident.
  • Accident and illness: This is the most commonly purchased pet insurance. It provides good all-around care as it covers medical costs for accidents and illnesses. 
  • Wellness add on: Certain insurers allow their clients to buy additional coverage on top of their insurance policies to cover expenses like routine vet visits, burial or cremation, dental care, etc.

Pre-existing conditions are excluded from coverage by most insurers. Typically, pregnancy, death, or theft are also not covered. It is a good idea to inquire about these exclusions before you make a decision.

How are pet insurance premiums determined for a Basenji?

The insurance premiums for your Basenji can vary greatly depending on a few factors. Some of the factors that play a role in deciding your insurance costs are: 

  • Insurance plan: The insurance type you choose will affect the insurance premium since the more coverage you opt for, the more expensive it will be.
  • Pet’s information: Your dog’s breed, age and gender are taken into account when determining your insurance premium. Dog breeds that are more prone to health complications have higher premiums. Male and older dogs have higher premiums as well.
  • Your location: Where you are located will affect the insurance premium you pay. Typically, medical care for pets are more expensive in bigger cities which results in higher premiums.

How to choose the best pet Insurance plan for a Basenji

Searching for the best insurance plan for your Basenji can be a difficult task. Picking a plan that will meet your and your pet’s needs will require you to do some homework but can be a life-saver in the long run. Some factors you should consider before you buy an insurance plan for your pet are:

  • Comparing insurance providers: A side-by-side comparison of different insurance providers can be very beneficial. This will give you the relevant information you need to find a plan and provider that will give you the coverage you need for the best price.
  • Your dog’s needs: Different dog breeds are known to be susceptible to different health issues and learning about your pet’s potential health problems will help you make a more educated decision. 
  • The coverage: You should talk to your insurance provider and clarify what is covered and what is excluded from coverage. You do not want to end up in a situation where you make a claim only to get denied because that condition is not covered.

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