Best Pet Insurance For Bernese Mountain Dogs In 2024

Check Whether Your Pet Is Eligible

Insurance companies typically require puppies and kittens to be at least 6 to 10 weeks old for coverage. Older pets may not qualify for initial enrollment or might only be covered for accidents. Once enrolled, most plans provide lifelong coverage as long as premiums are maintained.

Research What’s Covered

Pet insurance plans usually cover treatments like surgery, hospitalization, and medications when your pet gets sick or injured. However, some companies exclude certain things or charge more for them. Here are a few examples:

• Exam fees: If your dog injures her leg, your policy may cover surgery and medication, but not the vet’s examination fee.
• Alternative therapies: While some plans cover acupuncture and physical therapy, others require additional fees.
• Behavioral treatments: Not all policies cover therapies for aggression or behavioral issues.
• Prescription food: Some plans don’t cover prescription diets, even if your vet orders them.
• Dental care: Coverage for dental issues varies widely. Some policies only cover problems like gingivitis if your pet had a recent cleaning, while wellness plans may include cleanings.

Most pet insurance plans don’t cover pre-existing conditions, cosmetic work, or breeding expenses.

Decide How Much Coverage You Want

Pet insurance policies often restrict annual payouts, though some do not impose such limits. It’s your call on how much coverage gives you peace of mind for vet expenses. A healthy pet may mean years of only routine care costs. Yet, unforeseen surgeries or illnesses can lead to hefty bills.

Understand Reimbursements And Deductibles

Pet insurance plans typically reimburse a percentage of your vet bill, usually with options for 70%, 80%, or 90% reimbursement.

Some plans use a fixed standard fee for each treatment, which may be less than what your vet charges, leaving you to pay the difference.

Most policies come with a deductible, the amount you must pay before the insurance starts covering costs. Deductibles may range from $100 to $250 or more. In some plans, the deductible applies per condition, while others have an annual deductible.

Lower deductibles and higher reimbursement rates generally lead to higher premiums, whereas higher deductibles and lower reimbursement options often result in lower premiums.

Check Waiting Periods

After purchasing a policy, most plans require a short waiting period, often around 14 days, before covering general accident and illness treatments. During this time, no reimbursements are provided for medical expenses. Certain conditions, such as cruciate ligament injuries—a common orthopedic issue in dogs—may have longer waiting periods specified. Cruciate ligaments are essential for knee stability, and injury can impair a dog’s ability to walk.

Examine Extra Costs

Some pet insurance companies include routine care such as check-ups and vaccinations in their policies. It’s wise to crunch the numbers to see if the extra cost is worthwhile. Compare the annual premium of the wellness plan with what you’d typically spend annually on covered services. Make sure to review the specifics, as coverage for “wellness” can vary between providers.

Compare Quotes

The price of pet insurance varies with each provider and the level of coverage chosen. Some insurers offer discounts, such as savings for insuring multiple pets. However, discounts don’t automatically mean it’s the best choice. To find the optimal pet insurance, compare quotes from different plans with similar coverage levels, deductibles, and reimbursement caps.