Is pet insurance worth it for a Bernese Mountain Dog?
Keeping our dogs healthy is a crucial part of helping them live a long, happy life. No matter how well we take care of our Bernese Mountain dog, there will come a time when your pet needs to visit a veterinarian in order to maintain its health.
Bernese Mountain dogs are susceptible to certain illnesses and injuries that contribute to their relatively short lifespan, ranging from 7 to 10 years. These health issues often require repeated medical treatments and procedures to make sure they recover effectively. However, frequent trips to the veterinarian will often result in high veterinary bills for your dog’s various needs.
By purchasing pet insurance for your Bernese Mountain dog, healthcare can be more affordable and come in use in times of need. It helps to alleviate the costs associated with these expensive treatments and also reduces the chances of financial burden. You also want to take your dog for regular check-ups at the veterinarian clinic to maintain your pet’s health from a young age.
Common health conditions for a Bernese Mountain Dog
Like most other large breeds of dogs, Bernese Mountain dogs are prone to certain medical issues throughout their life. Some of the most common medical issues Bernese Mountain dogs may experience include:
- Von Willebrand’s disease: this disease is the most common cause of blood clots in dogs that can lead to excessive bleeding even from minor cuts. This can eventually result in significant external and internal bleeding in your dog, and requires surgery and medication for treatment.
- Histiocytosis: this is a type of cancer that causes white blood cells to reproduce rapidly, leading to skin issues, lethargy and other health problems. In some cases, the severity of this cancer can also lead to death.
- Bloat: this occurs when a dog’s stomach fills with gas, leading to the stomach filling too much and twisting, cutting off circulation. This serious condition leads to stomach tissue death in rapid time, and requires immediate medical attention.
Additionally, Bernese Mountain dogs are susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, which occurs when these joints are subject to repeated friction that wears them down. This can lead to difficulty walking and moving and often requires surgery to fix.
What does pet insurance cover for a Bernese Mountain Dog?
Pet insurance covers a range of medical treatments and procedures depending on the insurance provider. Plans are often distinguished by injury-only, illness-only, and injury and illness combination plans. Some of the most common things covered under pet insurance plans include:
- Emergency medical treatments: this may include surgery, hospitalization, and more. These emergency treatments are typically covered by pet insurance.
- Medication: medication for your dog can get expensive, especially if it is something they need to manage a long-term illness. Costs associated with medication are usually covered under a pet insurance plan.
- Vaccinations: when your dog is young, they will need vaccinations to keep them healthy throughout their life. You can expect their vaccinations to be covered under the pet insurance plan.
While pet insurance for Bernese Mountain dogs covers a range of medical treatments, you will still need to pay out of pocket for other types of treatments. If your dog has a pre-existing condition, treatments associated with this condition will not be covered under the pet insurance plan. You will want to get your dog coverage at an early age so they are covered under the insurance plan for as much as possible.
How are pet insurance premiums determined for a Bernese Mountain Dog?
Insurance premiums vary depending on the provider, the type of plan you choose, and your dog’s unique characteristics. Some of the most common factors that determine your insurance premium include:
- Age: your Bernese Mountain dog’s age will factor into the cost of your insurance coverage. Typically, the older the dog is, the higher the overall monthly premium will be.
- Plan details: the type of insurance plan you choose will help you determine your overall monthly premium. If you opt for injury-only or illness-only coverage, you can expect to pay less as compared to a combination of illness and injury coverage.
- Medical history: your dog’s medical history will factor into their overall insurance coverage costs. If your dog has a history of serious illnesses, they may have a higher monthly premium as compared to a dog that does not.
Additionally, pet insurance premiums may also be affected by your location. If you live in an area that has fewer veterinary services available, you can expect to pay more overall for coverage.
How to choose the best pet insurance plan for a Bernese Mountain dog
There are a ton of pet insurance plans to choose from for your Bernese Mountain dog. To help you make the right choice, be sure to follow these steps:
- Budget: various providers offer pet insurance plans that widely differ in cost. To help you narrow down your options, determine a budget for your monthly insurance premium you are comfortable with.
- Compare and contrast plans: be sure to compare available plans to determine which plan offers the best options for your dog’s unique needs.
- Customer reviews: read what customers have said about your potential pet insurance plan before moving forward. This will give you a good idea of what to expect from your insurance provider and their claims process.