If you have a Briard, they’ve already become a loved member of your family. Keep them healthy and safe by considering quality pet insurance for expensive veterinarian bills. To help you with this process, we’ve looked at the top choices for coverage, discounts, reimbursements, and overall quality.
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
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.
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
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
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
Briards are large dogs with prominent personalities and lots of energy. They need plenty of exercise and consistent training to stay happy. They can become territorial and protective dogs, making them good watchdogs. Pet insurance is a great idea, and Briards are no exception.
Medical treatment for your Briard can become very expensive, especially if they encounter a more severe issue that requires invasive treatment. Medical bills for treating a sick Briard 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 dog’s 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 Briard
Typically, a Briard has a longer lifespan than the average dog, and you can expect your dog to live somewhere between 10 to 12 years. However, like all dog breeds, there are certain medical conditions that your dog could develop, such as:
Parvo: Parvovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes severe vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. It’s spread through contact with feces from infected animals or contaminated objects such as food and water bowls. Signs of parvo include lethargy, loss of appetite, bloody diarrhea, and dehydration. Treatment involves supportive care at home until the dog begins to recover. A series of vaccines can prevent parvovirus infection in puppies before exposure.
Rabies: Briards are susceptible to rabies, so they must be vaccinated against rabies before they are six months old and every three years. Rabies is transmitted through saliva, usually from an infected animal bite or scratch. If your dog hasn’t been vaccinated against rabies, it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately if you think he may have been exposed to rabies.
Distemper: Distemper is another severe disease that can be fatal in puppies. It causes severe neurological symptoms like seizures, paralysis, fever, and vomiting. Common signs of distemper include discharge from the nose and eyes, coughing, sneezing, and diarrhea with blood in it. Contact your veterinarian if your dog has these symptoms because distemper can kill quickly if left untreated!
Canine hip dysplasia (CHD): This condition affects large breed dogs and causes pain in the hip joints and legs. It occurs when the hip socket is too shallow or too tight, which causes friction and damage to the joint as it moves. The condition can lead to lameness, arthritis, and degenerative joint disease.
Gastric torsion occurs when a dog’s stomach twists around its axis, cutting off blood supply to part of the stomach wall. Gastric torsion usually occurs when a dog eats too quickly or eats something complicated or large, such as bones or rawhide chews. It’s important to note that this condition may be life-threatening if left untreated, so any dog suspected of suffering from gastric torsion should be taken immediately to a vet for treatment.
What does pet insurance cover for a Briard?
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: Some plans cover these costs, while others require you to meet a deductible before the plan pays any claims. Many plans also limit the number of diagnostic tests covered in a year or during the life of your policy.
Hereditary and genetic conditions: Most policies cover hereditary conditions diagnosed through DNA testing, but not all do. Some plans have specific conditions they cover, while others have lists of excluded diseases.
X-rays and surgeries: Your policy may cover x-rays and surgeries as long as they fall within the scope of your coverage – this could include anything from routine dental cleanings to major orthopedic surgery like hip replacement. Some companies also offer wellness exams with no deductible or co-pay at participating vets; ask yours if they’re part of this program!
Medication and hospital stay: Most policies cover prescription medications, including vaccinations and flea treatments (although some require you to meet a deductible before reimbursement). Some companies also reimburse for diagnostic testing.
Pet insurance covers a range of treatments, but not 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 an individual wellness plan or see if the provider has any add-ons for wellness visits. Most providers 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 Briard?
The cost of pet insurance can vary widely depending on the type of coverage you need and the deductible you want to pay. The average price of pet insurance is $40 to $50 per month, but some plans will be more expensive, while others are less expensive.
How are pet insurance premiums determined for a Briard?
Many factors will determine the monthly premium rate for your Briard (included but not limited to):
Age: The older your pet is, the more expensive it will be to insure. The older your pet gets, the more likely it will get sick or injured.
Location: Where you live can affect how much it costs to insure your pet. Some areas have higher premiums than others, depending on local vet costs and health issues.
Gender: Males are more expensive than females because they tend to get into more accidents and injure themselves more often. Also, males tend to be more active and playful than females, putting them at risk for injury.
Medical history: Pets with a clean bill of health may not need as much coverage as those with pre-existing conditions or chronic diseases like diabetes or heart disease.
Deductible: The deductible is the amount of money you must pay out-of-pocket before receiving reimbursement from your insurance company for any covered expenses incurred by your pet during a year. Higher deductibles generally mean lower premiums. If something happens with your pet, you will have to pay more out-of-pocket until you reach your deductible amount first.
Reimbursement rate: The reimbursement rate is the percentage of treatment costs your insurance company will reimburse up to your coverage amount. For example, a reimbursement rate of 80% means that they will reimburse 80% of your costs, and you will be responsible for paying the remaining 20%. The higher the reimbursement rate, the more expensive your premiums are likely to be.
The coverage amount is the maximum amount you can claim per year. The more expensive treatments are, the higher your coverage should be. If you have a small dog like a Briard, who’s likely to need fewer expensive treatments than larger dogs, you may want to look for plans with lower coverage amounts than other companies.
How to choose the best pet insurance plan for a Briard
Many pet insurance options are available for a Briard, 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: The first thing to consider is your budget. How much can you afford to spend on pet insurance? Although pet insurance costs vary from company to company, it is good to know that all plans will cover emergency care and routine visits.
Customer feedback: It is always good to check with your friends and family members who have used pet insurance before. They may have suggestions for companies with which they have had a positive experience.
Conditions covered: What are the conditions that are included in the plan? Are there any exclusions or limitations on coverage? Some plans may not cover certain conditions or illnesses like cancer or heart disease. In contrast, others may only cover treatment if diagnosed within a certain time frame (usually two years).
Reimbursement rate: It is essential to know how much money you will receive back if you need to use your plan. This amount will often depend on how much was paid out during the year prior, so it is essential to keep track of this information throughout the year to estimate what will be reimbursed at year-end accurately.
Coverage amount: The amount of coverage determines how much money you’ll pay out of pocket if your dog needs medical care. A higher amount of coverage might be necessary if you have an older Briard or a Briard with pre-existing conditions.
Deductible: This is the amount that the insured must pay before the insurer covers any expenses. For example, if your deductible is $500, you’ll have to pay up to $500 before the insurer pays anything.
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