Is pet insurance worth it for a Bergamasco?
A Bergamasco is generally a healthy breed but like all breeds, there may be some health issues.
Medical treatment for your Bergamasco can become very expensive, especially if they encounter a more severe issue that requires invasive treatment. Medical bills for treating a sick Bergamasco can quickly add up, costing up to a few thousand dollars. In these situations, you don’t want to be in the middle of a crisis and have to choose between your beloved dog and the affordability of their medical treatment.
To prepare for these unexpected circumstances, consider investing in pet insurance. It can help you afford your dog’s medical treatments and procedures while focusing on your recovery.
Pet insurance can also provide peace of mind that your dog can be covered for the necessary treatments when it has an accident, injury, or illness. This includes (but is not limited to) broken bones, cancer treatment, harm caused by another animal, and prescriptions for chronic conditions. Therefore, pet insurance can be essential and beneficial for your pet.
Common health conditions for a Bergamasco
Typically, a Bergamasco has a longer lifespan than the average dog. You can expect your dog to live somewhere between 13 – 15 years. However, like all dog breeds, there are certain medical conditions that your dog could develop, such as:
- Hip dysplasia: This is a common issue in all large dogs, and the Bergamasco is no exception. The condition causes the hip joint to form improperly, leading to pain and lameness. Hip dysplasia can be managed with medication and surgery.
- Epilepsy: Bergamascos are more prone than most breeds to epilepsy, a neurological disorder that causes seizures. Epilepsy is manageable with medication.
- Bloat: This condition can affect large breeds. It occurs when the stomach fills with gas or fluid and twists upon itself. Bloat can be life-threatening if not treated right away. If you suspect your Bergamasco is suffering from bloat, contact your vet immediately.
- Eye problems: Bergamascos may suffer from Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), a disease that causes the deterioration of the retina. This leads to night blindness and eventually complete blindness. Bergamascos can also have eyelid problems, such as Entropion (rolling inwards) and Ectropion (rolling outwards). Both irritate and can lead to damage to the eye. Entropion is usually an inherited condition, whereas Ectropion may result from trauma or injury.
- Ear infections: Because of their heavy coat, Bergamascos are prone to ear infections. They enjoy swimming, so check their ears after each dip in the pool or ocean. If you notice any redness or discharge, contact your veterinarian immediately, as these could be signs of an infection.
- Cancer: The most common cancers in dogs include breast cancer, lymphoma, liver cancer, and hemangiosarcoma. In rare cases, cancers can also affect other body parts, including the gastrointestinal organs, skin, and bones.
What does pet insurance cover for a Bergamasco?
Pet insurance covers a range of diagnostics, treatments, and procedures for your dog. Depending on the pet insurance plan, you may be covered for injury-only, illness-only, or combination. Based on your plan, you are eligible for the following coverage:
- Diagnostic and blood tests: If your dog is sick or injured, these tests are essential for the veterinarian to make an accurate diagnosis, so treatment can begin as soon as possible. Pet insurance plans generally cover these tests, although there may be some exclusions or limits on how much is covered.
- Hereditary and genetic conditions: Some pet insurance plans will reimburse you for treatments your dog may need because of congenital problems passed down from their parents. These conditions include hip dysplasia in large breed dogs, heart disease in certain small breed dogs, and more.
- X-rays and surgeries: Most plans will include these, although some may limit the amount you can claim per year. Check with your insurer before signing up.
- Medication and hospital stay: This type of coverage is often included in pet insurance policies, but some companies may restrict how much you can claim and how many times per year you can make claims.
Pet insurance covers a range of treatments, but it does not cover preventative or wellness care. Regular check-ups with the veterinarian will not be covered under most pet insurance plans. You will need to take advantage of a separate wellness plan for this type of coverage or see if the provider has any add-ons for wellness visits. Most providers usually do have it as an add-on.
Moreover, most insurance providers will not cover pre-existing conditions before registering your pet for coverage. Review everything your potential pet insurance plan covers and what types of pre-existing conditions they exclude to ensure your pet will be eligible for coverage.
How much does pet insurance cost for a Bergamasco?
The cost of pet insurance varies widely by state, with the premiums averaging $39 to $73 a month.
How are pet insurance premiums determined for a Bergamasco?
Many factors will determine the monthly premium rate for your Bergamasco (included but not limited to):
- Age: The younger the dog, the lower the premium because older dogs will more likely have health issues.
- Location: Where you live will affect the overall price of pet insurance. If you live in a state with high veterinary costs, expect to pay more.
- Gender: Dogs of the male gender tend to be more expensive than females because they’re more likely to roam and get into trouble.
- Medical history: If your dog has any pre-existing conditions, it’ll probably be excluded from coverage by most providers. However, you may still be able to purchase a policy with wellness coverage that helps with expenses like routine care and vaccinations.
- Deductible: The deductible is the amount you have to pay out of pocket when filing a claim. Higher deductibles will lower your premium.
- Reimbursement rate: You’ll be reimbursed for the percentage of eligible expenses if you file a claim. A lower reimbursement rate will result in lower premiums and may leave you paying more out-of-pocket costs when filing a claim. These rates are usually from 70% to 90%
- Coverage amount: You can choose how much your policy will cover for each condition treated. Since treatment for illnesses and injuries can be incredibly expensive, it’s best to consider how much coverage amount you can afford.
How to choose the best pet insurance plan for a Bergamasco
Many pet insurance options are available for a Bergamasco, so how do you choose the best one? Here are some key factors to keep in mind as you are deciding on the right plan:
- Budget: What’s your budget? Pet insurance is an added expense, so it’s essential to know how much you can afford to spend each month on a policy. Premiums vary by the animal’s age and breed and the amount of coverage and deductible.
- Customer feedback: Reputable pet insurance companies offer excellent customer service, and the claims process goes smoothly and quickly. You should ask for references from your friends who own pets and read online reviews before deciding which company to go with.
- Conditions covered: Look at the list of states covered by the plan you’re considering. If there are certain conditions you’re particularly concerned about based on your pet’s health history, look for a plan that includes coverage for those conditions. Be keen to check if pre-existing conditions are covered.
- Reimbursement rate: This is the percentage of costs your insurer will pay once you submit a claim. Reimbursement rates can range from 70% to 90% and vary by insurer. Plans with lower premiums will generally have reimbursement rates on the lower end of this spectrum and vice versa.
- Coverage amount: The higher this number, the more expensive your monthly premium will be. However, if you have a dog predisposed to significant health issues or an older dog that may need more care down the road, it can be worth paying extra to increase this number, so you won’t need to upgrade plans later on.
- Deductible: Your deductible is the portion of a veterinary bill you’re responsible for paying before your insurer begins paying its share or reimbursing you. Some companies allow you to choose a deductible when selecting the plan, while others may have a set deductible.