Norwegian Buhunds’ are known to be healthy and long-lived dogs, but they do sometimes develop health issues that can lead to high veterinary expenses. Pet insurance can help you cover those unexpected costs. 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
Pet insurance is a type of coverage that helps pet owners pay for veterinary treatment. If a dog gets sick or has an accident, the owner can claim on their policy and get financial help for treatment.
The main benefit of having pet insurance cover for a Norwegian Buhund dog is that it helps you plan financially for any unexpected costs if your dog falls ill or has an accident. Without pet insurance, you would have to cover all veterinarian fees out of pocket. This can be difficult if your dog has serious medical issues and needs expensive treatment.
Pet insurance plans are generally very affordable and are taken out monthly. However, some policies may not cover certain types of illnesses or accidents. For example, many pet insurance policies did not cover pre-existing conditions before the policy was taken out.
Common health conditions for a Norwegian Buhund
Like all other breeds, the Norwegian Buhund has a few more common health conditions. It’s essential to be aware of them so you can seek proper veterinary treatment should your dog need it. This list isn’t exhaustive, but it does cover the most common health issues seen in this breed:
Hip dysplasia: A Norwegian Buhund is at risk for hip dysplasia when the thighbone doesn’t fit snugly into the hip joint. This causes pain and lameness on one or both rear legs because of the poor fit. It can eventually lead to arthritis, and if left untreated, it can be debilitating to the dog. Treatment includes medication and surgery.
Patellar luxation: This is when the kneecap slips out of place and causes lameness in the leg. Treatment includes surgery where scar tissue or loose ligaments need to be tightened so that the patella will remain in its proper place.
Elbow Dysplasia: It occurs when the cartilage does not develop properly. This causes the dog to have painful lameness in one or both forelimbs. The condition generally worsens as the dog grows older and can lead to arthritis later. There is no treatment for elbow dysplasia in dogs, but resting your dog may help reduce pain and inflammation.
Seizures: Epilepsy can be caused by many things, including trauma, brain tumors, and food allergies. They can also be genetic, known as idiopathic epilepsy. This is the case for Norwegian Buhunds, where epilepsy is linked to a mutation of the canine SLC2A1 gene. The condition usually presents itself when dogs are between one and five years old.
Cataracts: This Eye problem cause the lenses of the eyes to cloud over, leading to blindness. They’re common in dogs and are usually inherited. In Norwegian Buhunds, cataracts have been linked to a mutation of the canine HSF4 gene.
Autoimmune thyroiditis: In this disease, the dog’s immune system attacks its thyroid gland, which makes hormones that regulate metabolism. The dog’s metabolism slows down, and it becomes lethargic, loses weight, and develops cold intolerance. It may also develop anemia and heart problems.
What does pet insurance cover for a Norwegian Buhund?
If you’re a first-time pet owner, you may be wondering what pet insurance covers. Most plans cover accidents and illnesses, but coverage can vary depending on the type of plan you purchase and your provider. Here’s what to expect from pet insurance coverage for your Norwegian Buhund:
Accidents: These include incidents like broken bones, lacerations, and poisoning. But many pet insurance companies exclude some types of accidents, so it’s essential to read the fine print before purchasing a policy or signing up for a new plan.
Illness: Pet insurance companies also typically offer coverage for illnesses, excluding those congenital or hereditary. Pet insurance companies cover examples of common illnesses, including cancer, infections, diabetes, and allergies.
Routine care: Most basic plans include regular care services like annual exams, vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and treatments for fleas and ticks.
How are pet insurance premiums determined for a Norwegian Buhund?
The cost of pet insurance for a Norwegian Buhund depends on several factors:
Location: In some states, pets are more prone to certain diseases or injuries than others. For instance, if you live in a state with a high incidence of Lyme disease, your rates may be higher than those of someone who lives in a state that doesn’t have many cases. Also, if you live in an area where there is a lot of dog theft, you may need to pay more for coverage for your pup.
Age: Generally, the older the pet, the more it will cost to insure. This is because older pets are typically more prone to illnesses and injuries. You might also be able to find lower rates for senior dogs if they’ve been insured with the same company their whole lives; ask your provider about any loyalty discounts they offer.
Deductible: The amount of money you pay out-of-pocket before the insurance company begins to pay the cost of your pet’s care: the higher your deductible, the lower your premium. Most pet insurers will reimburse anywhere from 70% to 90% of eligible charges after the deductible is met. If you’re on a budget, consider an 80% reimbursement rate, which tends to have lower premiums than 90% reimbursement plans.
Gender: Male dogs often have higher insurance costs than females because they’re more prone to certain conditions like prostate problems. Moreover, an intact male or female pet will always cost more to insure than a neutered or spayed pet. This is because animals can breed twice a year, and it’s more likely that they’ll have an accident while in heat.
How to choose the best pet insurance plan for a Norwegian Buhund
Here are some essential things to consider when comparing pet insurance plans:
Check out the company’s reputation: You may be tempted to choose a pet insurance provider based on cost, but it’s also essential to look into their policies and handle claims. Choose the wrong insurer, and you could find yourself paying out-of-pocket for costly veterinary care when you need it most. Before choosing a provider, check out their customer reviews.
Consider your budget: How much of a premium can you afford each month? Some companies offer discounts for multiple pets or if they insure all animals in a household. Shop around before making a decision and make sure you understand precisely what the policy does (and does not) cover.
Consider pre-existing conditions: If your dog has pre-existing conditions, such as a chronic illness or recurring allergies, an accident-only plan is likely the best option since most insurance companies won’t cover pre-existing medical issues.
Define your needs: It’s important to consider how much money you want to pay for veterinary costs in later years. A long-term illness or condition might require regular veterinary treatment or medication.
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