Is pet insurance worth it for a Bernese Hound?
Although a Bernese Hound is generally healthy, they are susceptible to certain diseases, such as bloat, which could be life-threatening.
Medical treatment for your Bernese Hound can become very expensive, especially if they encounter a more severe issue that requires invasive treatment. Medical bills for treating a sick Bernese Hound 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 Bernese Hound
Typically, a Bernese Hound has a shorter lifespan than the average dog. You can expect your dog to live somewhere between 7 – 9 years. However, like all dog breeds, there are certain medical conditions that your dog could develop, such as:
- Elbow dysplasia: This is an inherited condition where the joint doesn’t form correctly, causing stiffness and pain. It’s widespread in larger breeds, like the Bernese Hound. Your vet can do X-rays to determine whether your dog has elbow dysplasia, and recommend ways to manage the symptoms.
- Bloat: It is a life-threatening condition that causes the stomach to fill with gas and twist around, cutting off circulation to the vital organs. The most common sign is restlessness and anxiety. Dogs will pace around and won’t lie down comfortably. If you think your dog may have bloat, take them to an emergency vet immediately.
- Cancer: Whether it’s bone cancer, tumors, or other types of cancer, this is one of the biggest causes of death for dogs. It’s also one of the most common for a Bernese Hound. Unfortunately, not all cancers are preventable, but there are ways to lower your Bernese Hound’s risk.
- Hip dysplasia: This is a genetic condition that parents can pass down. The hip joint doesn’t form properly and leads to arthritis, lameness, or pain.
- Dental problems: Dental problems are widespread among all dog breeds, not just the Bernese Hound. Dogs need to have their teeth brushed and checked regularly. If the dog has a problem with bad breath, it could indicate dental issues. Other signs of dental problems in dogs include discoloring and even loss of teeth.
What does pet insurance cover for a Bernese Hound?
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: This covers basic diagnostic and blood tests, such as x-rays, MRI scans, ECGs, CT scans, ultrasounds, and urinalysis. This usually covers up to 80% – 90% of your vet bill, depending on what company you have your policy with.
- Hereditary and genetic conditions: If your dog suffers from a congenital or genetic condition that was not apparent when taking out your policy, it will more likely be covered. This applies to most diseases and illnesses.
- X-rays and surgeries: If your dog needs an X-ray or surgery, it will be covered by most pet insurance policies. Although each company varies in what and how much they will cover.
- Medication and hospital stay: This covers any medication your Bernese Hound needs due to an illness or accident. This also includes any medical treatment received in a hospital. You’ll be reimbursed for bills based on your chosen policy, whether it’s a maximum annual limit or payout per condition.
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 Bernese Hound?
The Bernese Hound is a large breed, so the annual premium will typically average around $0.70 per pound of body weight. That’s about $84 per month for a 120-pound Bernese Hound. However, it varies on several factors and can range anywhere from $50 – $100 a month.
How are pet insurance premiums determined for a Bernese Hound?
Many factors will determine the monthly premium rate for your Bernese Hound (included but not limited to):
- Age: The older your dog, the higher the premium. This is because older dogs have a greater chance of being diagnosed with an illness or injury.
- Location: Insurance costs are slightly higher in areas where veterinary care is more expensive. If you stay in areas with high veterinary prices, then expect to pay higher premiums.
- Gender: Females generally have lower premiums than males because they’re not prone to accidents and injuries compared to males. Also, male dogs are more aggressive, so they get into fights more.
- Medical history: A Bernese Hound with a health condition will cost more to cover than a healthy one.
- Deductible: Your annual deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance company starts paying. The higher your deductible, the lower your premium will be.
- Reimbursement rate: This is the percentage of covered costs that you’ll get back from your insurer after paying your deductible. Higher reimbursement rates result in higher premiums.
- Coverage amount: The more coverage you want, the higher your monthly premium will be.
How to choose the best pet insurance plan for Bernese Hound
Bernese Hound has many pet insurance options, 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: Pet insurance premiums vary from $50 to $100 per month. Think about how much of a premium you can afford and choose a plan that fits within that budget
- Customer feedback: Consider getting referrals from other furry fiend owners. If a company has been around for several years and has a high customer satisfaction rating, this is a good sign that it’s likely to be fair and reliable.
- Conditions covered: See if your plan includes pre-existing conditions and any other conditions that are common in your breed of pet. The more needs covered, the better.
- Reimbursement rate: Most pet insurance plans reimburse you for 70% – 90% of your vet bill, meaning you’ll still have to pay out of pocket for part of the cost. Look for an insurer that offers higher reimbursement rates as it could save you more in the longer run.
- Coverage amount: Higher coverage amounts will typically cost more, but they’ll also provide more coverage. You should choose your coverage amount based on your pet’s health, and how much you’re willing to spend on monthly premiums.
- Deductible: This is the amount you must pay out of pocket before your policy kicks in. Higher deductibles mean lower premiums and vice versa, so this is another decision based on how much you’re willing to spend each month.