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Best Elkhound Pet Insurance of 2024

Lisa Scott

If you have an Elkhound, 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.

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 an Elkhound?

Elkhounds are medium-sized dogs with thick fur, which makes them great for cold temperatures. They have an amiable temperament and get along well with children, other pets, and strangers. They are known for being energetic and playful, so they need plenty of exercise every day to stay happy and healthy.

Medical treatment for your Elkhound can become very expensive, especially if they encounter a more severe issue that requires invasive treatment. Medical bills for treating a sick Elkhound 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 an Elkhound

Typically, an Elkhound has a longer lifespan than the average dog, and you can expect your dog to live somewhere between 12 to 15 years. However, like all dog breeds, there are certain medical conditions that your dog could develop, such as:

  • Hip dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a common disease in canines. This condition occurs when the hip socket is shallow, and the joint is loose, causing the ball to slip over the edge of the socket. This can cause pain, lameness, or arthritis. Hip dysplasia can be tested for by X-raying a dog’s hips.
  • Elbow dysplasia: Elkhounds are prone to elbow dysplasia, a degenerative joint disease that affects many large breed dogs. It may be mild or severe and can lead to lameness and arthritis in later years if not treated properly. Elbow dysplasia can be tested for by X-raying a dog’s joints.
  • Cataracts: Cataracts are another common eye problem in dogs; they occur when the lens becomes opaque and blocks some light from entering the eye. Cataracts are usually hereditary but can also be caused by injury or disease in later years of life.
  • Allergies: Elkhounds are susceptible to skin allergies and ear infections because they have long wiry fur that quickly gets matted and dirty, trapping moisture against their skin and promoting infection growths like yeast or bacterial infections. If left untreated, this can lead to ear infections that make it painful for your pet to sleep comfortably at night.
  • Epilepsy: Seizure disorder caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain that causes unpredictable episodes of altered consciousness or behavior ranging from milder signs such as staring into space or unusual barking episodes to more severe symptoms like convulsions or loss of consciousness.

What does pet insurance cover for an Elkhound?

Pet insurance covers a range of diagnostics, treatments, and procedures for your dog. Depending on the pet insurance plan, you may be substituted for injury-only, illness-only, or combination. Based on your plan, you are eligible for the following coverage:

  • Diagnostic and blood tests: Pet insurance covers diagnostic tests that help determine the cause of illness. It may also cover blood tests to monitor your dog’s health, and it won’t cover blood testing for routine care.
  • Hereditary and genetic conditions: Pet insurance may pay for preventive treatment or surgery if your dog has a congenital disease, such as hip dysplasia. Some plans also cover therapy if your dog develops symptoms later in life (known as “pre-existing conditions”).
  • X-rays and surgeries: Pet insurance covers diagnostic imaging such as X-rays or ultrasounds to detect problems in your dog’s joints or organs. It also covers surgery to remove tumors or fix broken bones, although coverage limits may apply based on the age and breed of the dog.
  • Medication and hospital stay: Pet insurance covers prescription medications to treat all conditions, from allergies to cancer, as long as a licensed veterinarian prescribes them. It also covers hospital stays if your dog needs emergency care or has an overnight stay related to a covered condition.

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 an Elkhound?

Elkhounds are medium-sized dogs first bred in Scandinavia to hunt moose, bear, and other large game. Elkhounds can be very loyal and protective, but they also have an independent streak. The average cost of pet insurance for an Elkhound is $23.33 per month or $274.50 per year.  

How are pet insurance premiums determined for an Elkhound?

Many factors will determine the monthly premium rate for your Elkhound (included but not limited to):

  • Age: Older pets are more likely to develop medical problems. The older your dog is when you purchase coverage; the higher your premiums will be. Older pets are more expensive than younger pets.
  • Location: Most insurance companies charge more in areas with higher rates or high veterinary costs. The farther away from these areas you live, the less expensive your premiums will be.
  • Gender: Males tend to be more aggressive, so they’re more likely to injure someone or another animal than females are. This can also make them less desirable as pets, which means that females may receive lower premiums than males.
  • Medical history: If your dog has any pre-existing conditions or diseases that have been treated in the past year, you’ll pay higher premiums since those conditions increase their risk for developing other issues later on in life.
  • Deductible: The deductible is the amount of money you must pay before the insurance company starts to pay for your pet’s medical care. The higher the deductible, the lower your premium, but more of your own money is at risk if your pet needs treatment.
  • Reimbursement rate: This is what percentage of covered expenses you’ll receive from the insurance company. For example, a reimbursement rate of 80 percent means that your insurer will reimburse 80 cents on every dollar spent on veterinary care.
  • Coverage amount: Most policies have an annual limit on how much they’ll reimburse you for a single incident. This is known as the coverage amount and varies according to the policy you choose.

How to choose the best pet insurance plan for an Elkhound

Many pet insurance options are available for an Elkhound, 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 plans can be pretty expensive. Make sure that your budget allows for it. Also, check if there are other ways to save money on vet bills, such as using coupons from your vet or buying generic brands instead of branded ones.
  • Customer feedback: Read reviews and comments from previous customers who have used your chosen insurance provider’s services before. This will help you understand how well equipped they are in handling cases and answering queries. Ask other pet owners about policies to choose the best.
  • Conditions covered: The condition coverage should be as comprehensive as possible so that in case of emergencies like accidents or emergencies, there is no hassle involved with claiming back the money spent on treatment expenses. If your dog has pre-existing conditions, make sure the plan covers the disease.
  • Reimbursement rate: Most pet insurance plans will reimburse 60-80% of the total amount spent on treatment expenses per year. However, some plans reimburse up to 100%, depending upon their policy conditions.
  • Coverage Amount: The first step in choosing a pet insurance plan is determining how much coverage you need. If your pet needs expensive treatment every year or two, a set amount plan may not provide enough coverage; if you’re fortunate enough that your pet never gets sick or injured and only needs essential vaccines, annual checkups, and flea treatments, then a percentage-based plan may be too much for your budget.
  • Deductible: Plans with higher coverage amounts and lower deductibles tend to be more expensive, offering more peace of mind. If you don’t have that kind of cash on hand but still want a plan that will provide a decent level of protection, consider one with a lower coverage amount and a higher deductible.

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