Best Pet Insurance For Bernese Mountain Dogs

The Bernese Mountain Dog, or Berner, is known for its big, fluffy, fun personality. The best insurance policy for a Berner may not match that of a smaller dog breed. This is why we’ve dedicated this insurance guide to Bernese Mountain Dogs.

Berners are among the most popular dogs and are built for hard work due to their power. Each dog is unique, and your budget isn’t the same as your neighbor’s. So we’ve compiled a list of health insurance considerations to help you find the best fit for your individual needs.

At 23 to 27 inches tall and weighing 80-115 pounds, this breed is just as easily susceptible to accidents and illnesses as any other canine. And like all other purebreds, they are prone to more health concerns than most mixed breeds, making pet insurance an excellent investment consideration.

At A Glance

Is Pet Insurance Worth It?

The short answer is yes. A survey by Liberty Mutual Insurance states that 63% of pet owners couldn’t afford unexpected medical care for their pets. Not only does pet insurance allow you to choose the best medical treatment for your pet, but it also provides stability to your finances.

The key thing to remember is that you need to sign up for pet insurance before an emergency arises. You cannot count on coverage for your Bernese Mountain Dog’s pre-diagnosed health issues. So it’s crucial to get your dog covered as soon as possible.

Common Health Issues In Bernese Mountain Dogs

Bernese Mountain Dogs generally live 7-10 years. However, the health issues below can give you an idea of what to look for regarding symptoms and insurance coverage.

Hip & Elbow Dysplasia

Elbow and hip dysplasia are among the most common health issues in large breed dogs, including the Bernese Mountain Dog. The American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) states that genetics plays the most significant factor in joint dysplasia and other joint problems. Be sure to work with a breeder who provides you with healthy hip and elbow scores.

Surgery is often needed to improve the quality of your dog’s life. And this procedure ranges from $1,700 to $4,500+, depending on the type of surgery required.

Bloat

Canine bloat is also known as gastric dilation-volvulus or gastric torsion. This life-threatening illness occurs when a dog eats too much or too fast. A buildup of gasses in the stomach causes it to blow up like a balloon and twist, causing the blood flow to the stomach to be cut off. If left untreated, it can result in death within hours.

Because bloat requires immediate medical treatment, your vet bill can quickly reach $3,000 or more. Your dog’s medical care may include an emergency vet visit, shock treatment, sedation, surgery, overnight stay, follow-up exams, and more.

Portosystemic Shunt

Portosystemic shunt, sometimes referred to as liver shunt, is a congenital condition that affects the liver. An abnormal blood vessel (known as a shunt) prevents the liver from removing the toxins by completely bypassing it, which can be fatal. In many cases, surgery is required to immediately treat the disease rather than addressing the condition with regular medication.

The cost of surgery to clamp a single and straightforward shunt (there can be multiple and more complicated shunts) can cost between $2,000 and $3,000. Depending on how complex your Berner’s condition is, surgery can cost well above $10,000. Diagnosis for portosystemic shunt can happen as early as six months of age. Therefore it’s advised to get your policy in place before your dog shows any symptoms. Once diagnosed, it becomes a pre-existing condition that will not be covered by most companies.

Cancer

Berners are predisposed to cancer, which can lead to premature death. Symptoms include lumps, sores that don’t heal, bleeding from body orifices, difficulty breathing, weight loss, mobility issues, lack of interest in activities previously enjoyed, and more.

Treatment may consist of tumor removal, chemotherapy, radiation, and other supportive therapies. The average diagnosis and treatment plan for cancer in dogs can become very costly:

• Diagnosis: $200-$1,500
• Surgery for tumor removal: starts at $1,500
• Chemotherapy: $200 to $5,000
• Radiation: $2,000 to $6,000
• Medication (e.g., pain relievers, antibiotics, etc.): $30-$50 per month

Considerations When Choosing An Insurer

Age Restrictions & Waiting Periods

Most pet insurance companies have a minimum age requirement (typically between six and eight weeks old) before allowing you to enroll your pet. And some companies cap the age at which you can sign up an older dog (14 years old is the most common, although it’s only a few companies). Additionally, some companies may exclude specific conditions from coverage if your pup is above a certain age (e.g., hip dysplasia, cruciate ligament surgery, and orthopedic disorders).

All providers have waiting periods, which are short periods at the beginning of a new policy until your pet’s condition becomes eligible for reimbursement. Keep in mind that any pre-existing conditions, accidents, or illnesses diagnosed or showing symptoms during the waiting period are excluded from coverage. The average waiting period for illnesses is 14 days, and for accidents is less than five days.

Coverage Type

There are two types of insurance coverage to choose from:

1. Accident-Only – These policies offer coverage for accidents (e.g., torn ligaments, broken bones, etc.), so basically any sudden physical injury. Accident-only plans are typically more affordable than accident and illness policies. This can be a reasonable option for a pet with many pre-existing conditions.
2. Accident and Illness – These policies are the most popular because they cover both accidents and illnesses (i.e., cancer, arthritis, allergies, etc.), including most unexpected medical expenses. Because no provider covers pre-existing conditions, it’s crucial to sign your pet up for coverage as early as possible.

Some companies also offer a wellness plan (aka preventative care plan) during the enrollment process. This commonly covers routine vet expenses (i.e., annual exams, spay/neuter procedures, vaccinations, etc.) but varies by provider. It’s typically available as an add-on to an accident-only or accident and illness policy, but some companies allow you to purchase it without an insurance policy. This add-on coverage isn’t technically an insurance product.

To find the best option for your Bernese Mountain Dog, you need to consider what type of coverage you need and your budget.

Premium: Deductible, Reimbursement & Payout Options

The fee you pay for your Berner’s pet insurance coverage is the premium usually paid monthly or annually. Monthly payments often add transaction fees, so if you can pay annually, it can save you a little money.

According to NAPHIA (North American Pet Health Insurance Association), the average monthly premium for an accident and illness dog insurance policy in the U.S. is $56.30 ($31.94 for cats).

Of course, this varies for every dog and situation, including yours, so be sure to get multiple quotes from top-rated companies.

The premium is based on several factors: breed (or mix), location, age, gender, pre-existing conditions, deductible, reimbursement percentage, and payout. The beginning of the list is self-explanatory. You have a Bernese Mountain Dog, and you know your zip code, your dog’s age (or best guess), gender, and medical history. But what is a deductible, reimbursement, and payout?

• Deductible – The money you have to pay before your policy begins to reimburse you. This is typically reset each policy period (annually). However, some companies have per-incident deductibles, so you must pay this amount each time your dog suffers a new condition. Each company may have its own spin on this, so be sure to understand your policy because annual vs. per-incident deductibles can impact the amount of money you’re expected to pay.
• Reimbursement – The percentage of a claim that you’re eligible for repayment by the company after you’ve paid your coinsurance. The most popular reimbursement options are 70%, 80%, and 90%, but some companies offer other options or restricted options based on the dog’s age or location.
• Payout – The maximum amount a provider will reimburse during the policy period. Lower payout limits mean you may be responsible for more costs if your pet has expensive vet treatment.

Many companies allow you to customize your plan to fit your budget. For example, a higher deductible and reimbursement percentage paired with a lower payout will lower your premium. However, it’s crucial to find a balance between what your budget allows and the worst-case scenario if your Berner’s health takes a turn for the worst and you have several expensive vet bills to pay.

Exclusions

Exclusions refer to the conditions not covered by your policy. This can include pre-existing conditions, hereditary disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, specific dental treatment, and more.

Possibly the most significant concern regarding Berners is that a few companies require additional waiting periods for orthopedic conditions, such as hip dysplasia. Because Bernese Mountain Dogs are at an increased risk for hip dysplasia, you’ll want to ensure you understand any additional restrictions for it. For these reasons, it’s crucial that you thoroughly read and understand your policy.

Who Offers The Best Policy?

Below are our top pet insurance picks for Bernese Mountain Dogs based on their breed-specific needs. And once you are ready, we’ve made a free quote form that provides customized policy quotes from top pet insurance companies when you fill in your pet’s details. By entering your pet’s specific characteristics, you can get a better understanding of the coverage needed.

Best Overall Pet Insurance

Pets Best is the best pet insurance for most Berners because of its shorter waiting period for hip dysplasia (only 14 days for this common breed health concern), lower prices on average, and it has no maximum age limits for enrollment. Pets Best also has few exclusions compared to other providers, including coverage for behavioral therapies and optional wellness care.

Best Pet Insurance For Older Dogs

Best Insurance For Bilateral Conditions

Additional Options We Recommend

How To Save Money

Some Berner parents can save money on insurance policies if the following circumstances are met.

Pay Annually

Most insurance companies offer two ways of paying your premiums, either monthly or annually. In many cases, transaction fees are added to your bill if you choose the monthly payment option. Therefore, you can minimize or avoid these altogether if you pay your premium annually.

Multi-Pet Discount

Many pet insurers offer multi-pet discounts for pet owners who take out several policies for their household’s dogs and cats. You could get up to a 10% discount on each pet’s insurance, amounting to significant savings.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, investing in pet insurance for your Bernese Mountain Dog is frequently worthwhile. The premium often deters pet parents. But when you consider the costs associated with common non-routine vet bills for the breed, you realize it can be a more budget-friendly option. Not to mention the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’ll never be faced with choosing between your wallet and your best friend’s health or life.

Remember to read the fine print to understand the coverage and limitations before you sign up, no matter which policy you are considering. If you’re unsure about something or have questions, give the pet insurance company a call or speak with your vet.