Best Pet Insurance Plans For Havaneses For 2024

Alarmingly, 80% of pet owners can’t manage an unexpected $500 veterinary expense. That’s where pet insurance steps in, providing financial support.

In this guide, we’ll review the top pet insurance options for Havanese, helping you find the plan that fits your needs. Like personal health insurance, pet coverage opens up better treatment possibilities while capping expenses.

Average Cost Of Pet Insurance For Havaneses

Common Health Issues For Havaneses

Havanese, as a purebred dog breed, are particularly susceptible to health issues related to their genetics. Sometimes, breeders haven’t taken these genetic concerns into account, leading to more widespread problems within the Havanese breed. Havanese are more prone to genetic disorders compared to other dog breeds. Below, we highlight some of the most common health issues they face:

• Cancer (Oral Melanoma, Mast Cell Tumors)
• Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)
• Patellar Luxation
• Hip Dysplasia, Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease
• Corneal Ulcers, Entropion, Dry Eye
• Skin Fold Dermatitis, Infections

How To Find The Best Pet Insurance Company For You

The costs and options available with pet insurance can vary significantly between providers, which makes choosing the right one a challenge. To ensure you select the best plan for your pet, consider these guidelines before making your decision:

Check Whether Your Pet Is Eligible

Insurance for young puppies and kittens generally requires them to be at least 6 to 10 weeks old, depending on the provider. Some companies may not allow first-time enrollment for senior pets or might restrict them to accident-only policies. Nevertheless, once enrolled, most plans provide lifelong coverage if premium payments are maintained.

Research What’s Covered

Most pet insurance plans typically handle expenses like surgery, hospitalization, and medications when your pet gets sick or injured. However, there are specific things that some companies might charge extra for or not cover at all. Here are a few examples:

• Exam fees: For instance, if your dog breaks a leg, some plans may cover necessary X-rays, surgery, and pain medications, but they might not pay for the veterinarian’s examination fee.
• Alternative treatments and rehab: Some plans include coverage for alternative treatments like acupuncture and physical therapy, while others might ask for an extra charge.
• Behavioral therapies: Many plans do not cover vet treatment for behavioral problems like aggression.
• Prescription food: Certain plans might exclude food or supplements, even if the vet prescribes them for a covered issue.
• Dental care: Pet insurance plans differ on dental health coverage. Some might not cover problems like gum disease or tooth issues. Additionally, coverage might depend on recent teeth cleaning. Some wellness add-ons may pay for cleanings. Keep in mind, pet insurance usually doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions, cosmetic procedures, or breeding costs.

Decide How Much Coverage You Want

Most pet insurance policies set an annual payout limit, but there are a few without such restrictions. It’s your job to choose an amount that makes you feel secure in handling potential vet bills. If your dog or cat is in good health, you may not need to spend beyond regular checkups for years. However, unanticipated surgeries or significant health problems can lead to bills that can quickly soar into the thousands.

Understand Reimbursements And Deductibles

In the pet insurance arena, most policies will reimburse you for part of your vet bills. When enrolling, you can typically choose a reimbursement percentage, like 70%, 80%, or 90%. Conversely, some plans stick to fixed fees for certain treatments, which might not cover the full costs incurred at your vet, meaning you’ll have to pay the difference yourself.

Almost every plan comes with a deductible, which is the initial amount you pay before the insurance covers any expenses. You usually have various deductible options, such as $100 or $250. Some plans may require a separate deductible for each health issue, while most only require one deductible payment per year.

Generally, if you select a lower deductible and higher reimbursement, your premiums will be higher, whereas a higher deductible and lower reimbursement will lead to lower premiums.

Check Waiting Periods

After purchasing an insurance plan, there’s typically a short waiting period, usually around 14 days, before full coverage for accidents and illnesses becomes active. During this initial period, treatments are not covered. Longer waiting periods may apply to certain conditions such as cruciate ligament injuries, which affect a dog’s knee stability and movement.

Examine Extra Costs

Certain pet insurance providers offer coverage for routine services such as check-ups and vaccinations. While this may seem attractive, it’s important to consider if the added cost is really worth it. Compare the yearly cost of the wellness insurance plan to what you typically spend for those services each year. Make sure to carefully review the specifics, as definitions of “wellness” may vary among pet insurance providers.

Compare Quotes

The price of pet insurance varies depending on the provider and the extent of coverage. Some pet insurance companies offer discounts for insuring multiple pets, potentially reducing costs. However, discounts alone don’t ensure the best choice. To find the most suitable pet insurance, it’s important to research and compare quotes from different plans. Make sure to conduct an unbiased comparison, considering coverage levels, deductibles, and reimbursement limits.

Average Cost Of Typical Vet Procedures

Average Cost Of Emergency Vet Procedures

Is Pet Insurance Worth It For Havaneses?

Pet insurance acts as a safety net for unexpected veterinary expenses. While many pet owners can manage their pet’s medical bills, a significant number of Americans find it challenging to pay a $1,500 emergency vet fee. The right insurance provides a financial cushion, enabling you to prioritize your pet’s well-being without worrying about costs.

The perceived value of pet insurance varies depending on your expectations. If your pet is receiving treatment for a chronic condition and you’re seeking help with those costs, you may feel let down since none of the companies in our review cover pre-existing conditions. However, understanding your policy, its coverage details, and ensuring it fits within your budget can lead you to see it as a worthwhile investment.

Factors That Impact Cost Of Your Pet Insurance Policy

Just like human health insurance, the cost of your pet insurance can be affected by several factors, including:

• Location: Pet insurance providers take into account the local costs of veterinary care when determining the price of your policy.
• Pet’s Age: Older pets often have a higher risk of health issues, leading to increased premiums.
• Pet’s Breed: Some breeds are more susceptible to certain health problems. For instance, bulldogs and Boston terriers commonly experience breathing difficulties, while Pugs are more likely to develop hip dysplasia. These potential health concerns can impact your insurance pricing.
• Deductibles, Coinsurance, and Coverage Limits: If you want to minimize out-of-pocket expenses for your pet’s care, your premiums will likely be higher. For example, a $100 deductible instead of a $500 one can result in faster reimbursements but will come with increased premiums.