The Bernese Mountain dog, more often known as a “Berner,” was bred as a working farm dog in the Swiss Alps. They are a near relative of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and were initially used to herd cattle and pull carts.
In addition to being great as a “working” breed, they are also excellent watchdogs and loyal companions. The Bernese Mountain dog is often regarded as the most attractive canine in the United States.
Compared to mixed-breed canines, purebred Bernese Mountain dogs are more likely to have health problems due to their genes. To ensure that everything is alright with your Pup and that it will be taken care of if something happens, it’s best to invest in pet insurance.
If you’re a proud parent of a Bernese Mountain dog, keep reading to learn about our recommendations for the best pet insurance for Bernese Mountain Dogs. To help you choose the best company to meet your pet’s needs, we’ve compiled a list of the advantages and disadvantages of many different options.
Top 5 Pet Insurance Companies
It’s not hard to find pet insurance providers that promise the moon and back, yet many of them fall short. To ensure you’re only presented with the most acceptable alternatives, we’ve compiled a list of Bernese mountain dog owners’ five most reputable and comprehensive pet insurance providers.
At first glance, Berners look quite the tough mountain climbers, capable of crossing lots of miles on steep and rocky terrains. However, Bernese Mountain dogs are susceptible to a few health issues common for their breeds, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, aseptic meningitis, and osteochondrosis.
With comprehensive pet insurance coverage, you won’t have to worry about paying for your pet’s necessary medical care out of pocket.
Here are our leading candidates:
Company | Rating | Pet Age | Claims | Reimbursement | Deductibles |
4.8 | 8 weeks old minimal enrolment | Within 180 days | 2 days on average | $100, $250, $500 | |
4.6 | 8 weeks old minimal enrolment | Within 90 days | 3.5 days on average | $100 to $1,000, depending on pet’s age | |
4.8 | 8 weeks old minimal enrolment | 90 days after policy ends | 1-7 days on average | $100, $250, $500, $1,000 | |
Wagmo | 4.7 | None | Within 24 hours | Immediately after signing up | $250, $500, $1000 |
4.3 | None | Within 30 minutes of contacting your | Directly pays the veterinarian instead of reimbursing you | No annual deductibles |
Below, we will examine the specific Bernese Mountain dogs insurance coverage these firms provide. We will also discuss the benefits and drawbacks of pet insurance policies offered by various companies.
Top 5 Best Insurance Policies for Bernese Mountain Dogs
You and your Bernese Mountain dog must get out on the right paw by selecting a reliable pet insurance provider. If you don’t do your research, your Bernese Mountain dog might not be insured properly if you don’t choose the right insurance company.
To help you choose the best plan for you and your Bernese Mountain dog, we checked each policy for breed-specific restrictions in the small print. Here are the Top 5 best pet insurance providers for Bernese Mountain dogs.
Bernese Mountain Dog Insurance by Lemonade
We found Lemonade was the fastest-paying pet insurance company. Lemonade uses advanced AI processing to expeditiously handle claims via its dedicated mobile app. Many pet owners may also be interested in the company’s offering to donate a portion of its earnings to a nonprofit of its choosing.
In addition to Lemonade’s all-inclusive accident and illness insurance, they also provide a preventive care rider that pays for routine wellness exams and vaccinations. They also offer tests for common health problems like heartworm and parasites.
You can also get coverage on costs associated with veterinary checkups and complementary therapies like acupuncture by purchasing a separate add-on.
In the event of an overpayment, Lemonade will give the money to a charity chosen by the policyholder from a list of participating organizations
Pros:
- Minute-by-minute, rather than week-by-week, claims to process through a mobile app
- Charities get donations from some of the funds
- Discounts for combining with homeowners insurance, insuring numerous dogs, and paying for the whole year at once, among others
Cons:
- There is no 30-day trial (standard with many carriers)
- Shortage of details available online
- Available only in 36 states
- Medical documents from the preceding 12 months and a physical are required
Bernese Mountain Dog Insurance by Healthy Paws
Since 2009, Healthy Paws has been one of the most reliable pet insurance organizations supplying animal healthcare services.
Many proud Berner parents have chosen it as their provider of choice. Healthy Paws is a solid choice for Berners who follow a specific daily regimen and need regular veterinary care.
Bernese Mountain dogs are eligible for Healthy Paws’ basic pet insurance plan, which covers diseases and accidents and provides unlimited yearly benefits. Healthy Paws’ comprehensive plans cover everything except preventative care for pet owners with Berners.
It provides a unified insurance package for pets, making it simpler for their owners to comprehend their coverage. The policy covers treatment for everything from a broken arm to cancer or a congenital disability, as well as any emergency care you may need.
Since Healthy Paws serves all 50 states, it is the pet insurance provider of choice for many Berners owners. Enrolling your pet in a Healthy Paws insurance coverage also gives you access to the benefits of their mobile app, which is a very convenient option for submitting claims at any time of day or night.
It’s important to know that the insurance won’t cover as much if your Berner is above 6 years old compared to a Berner puppy. One little setback for Bernese Mountain dog owners is that Healthy Paws also does not provide coverage for hip dysplasia for dogs enrolled at 6 or older.
Pros:
- No restrictions on coverage, either yearly or permanently
- Many insurance claims are resolved within 48 hours
- Potentially accessible as direct payments to vets
Cons:
- No wellness coverage options
- Exam costs, prescription diets, and behavioral therapy are not covered by plans
- When you purchase your insurance, you may be charged a $25 processing fee
Bernese Mountain dog Insurance by Prudent Pet
In addition to their two accident and illness insurance (Essential and Unlimited), Prudent Pet offers an accident-only policy and a preventative care rider.
Essential coverage for a one-year-old Bernese Mountain dog is $42 a month, with 70% reimbursement and a $500 deductible, which isn’t a lot compared to other providers’ charges.
Prudent Pet’s wellness add-on is on par compared to similar preventative care plans. Each operation has a maximum reimbursement value, but you may choose from three reimbursement tiers: low, medium, and high.
Prudent Pet’s insurance plan is competitive with the other companies we recommend. The plan’s coverage and exclusions are typical for the industry, the deductible and reimbursement levels are flexible, and preventative care is available in total.
However, Prudent Pet did not make the cut since other providers in a comparable price range, and level of coverage provide shorter waiting periods and cover vet examination bills at no extra cost. The latter is why we didn’t choose them over Prudent Pet.
Pros:
- Allows for a maximum yearly benefit
- There is no maximum age requirement for participants
- Round-the-clock chat access to trained vets
- Discount for multiple pets
- waiting time for accident coverage is 5 days
Cons:
- There is no option for a full refund
- Knee, and joint problems need a 6-month waiting period
- Foodstuffs prescribed by doctors are only partially covered
- Exam cost protection is an optional extra
Bernese Mountain dog Insurance by Wagmo
Wagmo provides a single health and accident coverage for pets. The insurance includes a lifetime maximum of $100,000 and a per-incident maximum of $10,000.
On the other hand, most of the providers we looked at let pet owners choose their yearly coverage limit (often up to “unlimited”). They don’t limit how much is covered for each occurrence.
We like how simple it was to file a claim with Wagmo; all pet owners have to do is take a photo of their invoice or receipt with their phone. The firm will refund them through their choice of direct deposit, Venmo, or PayPal after the claim has been verified.
Wagmo’s pet insurance isn’t as adaptable as we’d like. Still, we did enjoy some of the coverage options, such as the preventative care plan and the insurance policy’s allowance for things like ambulance service, dental treatment, and full-service grooming.
Pros:
- 100% reimbursement available
- Reimbursement by direct deposit, Venmo, or PayPal
- Provides partial coverage (50%) for prescribed medications
- 15-day waiting period
- Ambulance transportation is covered
Cons:
- Lifetime and per incident limits
- Cancer patients must wait 30 days for therapy
- Hip dysplasia treatment is not covered for dogs older than 6 years
Bernese Mountain dog Insurance by Pawp
In place of traditional pet insurance, Pawp provides coverage for one annual emergency vet visit for up to six family pets. It’s a digital health platform available around the clock for one low monthly fee. It features unlimited video calls and text messaging.
With a Pawp subscription, you may ask the virtual vet clinic anything you want about your pet’s well-being, whether it’s their diet, behavior, or anything else. The latter may help you save money on vet expenses and exam fees by preventing unnecessary visits.
Sign in to your Pawp account to start a text or video conversation with a friend or coworker whenever you need to. A virtual waiting area will greet you, and within a minute or two, you’ll be able to start chatting with your allocated veterinarian.
In addition to the standard pet health insurance benefits, Pawp members also have access to a $3,000 emergency fund. Toxic ingestion, choking, a severe blockage, or serious internal or external harm are all examples of situations in which this fund might be used.
To use the fund, however, an authorized Pawp veterinarian must first verify the severity of the condition.
Video calling a Pawp vet in the event of an emergency will enable them to assess the severity of your pet’s condition and determine whether or not to release funds from the pet’s emergency fund. And then you’ve got four hours to go to a veterinarian.
Once your pet’s treatment is complete, the clinic will contact the Pawp helpline, and Pawp will pay the bill instantly.
Pros:
- Instead of reimbursing you, the company pays the veterinarian directly
- Covers preexisting problems in the event of a true medical emergency
- Costs only $24 a month, regardless of the specifics of your pet’s needs
Cons:
- Does not include preventative or wellness services for your pet
- Members must first video chat with a Pawp veterinarian before using their emergency money, which some have said might result in a lengthy delay
Common Health Issues in Bernese Mountain dogs
A Bernese Mountain dog would be a wonderful addition to any household. This breed is devoted, calm, kind, and incredibly kind to young people. They like the company of humans and other animals, particularly dogs, and are good at joining in on family fun.
Their lifespan is just 7-10 years, and they suffer from the following common ailments you should be aware of:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Aseptic meningitis
- Osteochondrosis
Allergies
Bernese Mountain dogs often suffer from both skin allergies and food allergies. Indicators of an allergic reaction include excessive licking of the paws or scratching of the ears. Your dog may exhibit additional symptoms, such as vomiting or diarrhea, due to an upset stomach due to these allergies.
A change in food and allergy medication may be recommended by your veterinarian if your dog exhibits these symptoms, so don’t wait to make an appointment.
Von Willebrand’s Disease
Excessive bleeding, even from slight incisions, is a symptom of Von Willebrand’s disease, the most prevalent inherited blood coagulation problem in dogs.
There is currently no treatment for vWD in dogs. However, a DNA test may be used to diagnose the disease. If your dog needs surgery, this diagnosis is critical.
Gastric Torsion
Dogs may suffer from gastric torsion, commonly known as bloat if their stomachs become distended by gas, fluid, or food buildup.
Excessive abdominal distention prevents blood from reaching the heart and stomach, causing tissue death in the stomach. The larger belly may also strain the respiratory system by compressing the lungs.
Gas may build up in the stomach because it can twist at the top and bottom, blocking the natural passageway for the gas. The dog may get emergency treatment if the problem is identified quickly.
Dogs with bloat may die within hours if nothing is done. Therefore time is of the essence if you suspect your pet has this disease.
Histiocytosis(Cancer)
Histiocytosis is a kind of cancer in which histiocytes, a type of white blood cell, increase excessively and infect many different organs. This genetic condition is exceedingly uncommon in other dog breeds.
Still, it is the most prevalent form of cancer among Bernese Mountain dogs and accounts for 25% of all occurrences.
Depending on the patient’s circumstances, histiocytosis may either be malignant or systemic. The malignant form of the disease is very aggressive and, in most cases, results in death within a few short weeks.
In most cases, systemic histiocytosis is characterized by episodes that come and go, but the disease ultimately results in death.
How much is pet insurance for Bernese Mountain dogs?
It’s pretty acceptable for pet insurance providers to set their costs. However, the price of the same service from different pet insurance companies might vary widely in the United States. The cost of a pet insurance policy is also affected by the animal’s age.
For instance, a senior dog may be more costly to cover due to its age, health issues, and increased care requirements. However, many dog owners enroll their puppies in insurance programs at a young age because of the lower premiums.
We’ve compiled a table comparing the costs of dog insurance across a range of ages and geographies:
State | Average Premium for 6-month Puppy | Average Premium for 18-month Dog | Average Premium for <6-year Dog |
Arizona | $49.25 | $49.25 | $61.17 |
California | $55.38 | $57.54 | $72.40 |
Georgia | $32.45 | $34.00 | $40.38 |
Kansas | $38.03 | $38.03 | $47.35 |
Washington | $43.31 | $39.37 | $48.22 |
The cost of pet insurance varies greatly throughout the United States. Dog owners in Kansas, for instance, may insure their 6-month-old dog for less than what their counterparts in California would spend.
How to select the best pet insurance for Bernese Mountain dogs?
With so many options, it may be challenging to find reliable pet insurance. Many choices are great, but it might be difficult for pet owners to get through all the labels, time limits on filing claims, plan deductibles, and coverage details.
In order to make things simpler, here are some things to think about before signing up your Berner for insurance:
- Availability: Make sure the insurance company covers your state before purchasing a policy for your Berner.
- Age restrictions: Don’t forget to inquire about the minimum age requirement for your Berner to be covered by insurance (generally, the minimum age requirement is set between six and eight-week-old dogs).
- Coverage type: Decide whether you want coverage for accidents alone, accidents plus injuries, or wellness activities. Knowing that your Berner will need to go to the veterinarian often, you may want to invest in a more comprehensive pet insurance policy.
- Waiting periods: A length of time must pass before coverage begins with any pet insurance provider. Illness often causes a 14-day absence, whereas accidents typically cause a shorter lack of 5 days or fewer.
- Deductibles and reimbursements: Since Bernese Mountain dogs insurance deductibles, rates, and reimbursement choices vary by age and pre-existing problems, you must ask your provider for details.
Exclusions: Make sure you know what is and isn’t covered by your Bernese Mountain Dog’s insurance policy. Otherwise, you might be paying a premium on a yearly or monthly basis and yet not getting the treatment your pet needs (hereditary disorders, pre-existing conditions, particular dental issues, and musculoskeletal disorders)
Pet Insurance for Bernese Mountain Dogs - FAQ
A healthy Bernese Mountain dog can expect to live between 7 and 10 years. Some may wonder why such large dogs have such short lifespans, and one possible explanation is that they are simply big pups.
Your pet’s pre-existing ailment shouldn’t prevent you from shopping for pet insurance. Expenses incurred for a certain medical condition may not be covered, but you might collect money for a different kind of injury or disease
Insuring a Bernese Mountain dog costs between $44 and $63 per month. Costs might vary widely from person to person and from location to region.
Insurance companies typically cover minor health problems such as tooth extractions and torn ligaments. Additionally, suppose your Bernese Mountain Dog was diagnosed with hip dysplasia after your policy went into effect. In that case, the insurer will pay for the necessary medical care.
Conclusion
Are you concerned about the financial feasibility of veterinarian treatment for your animal friend’s health? The hefty price tag might be justified when discussing your Berner’s health.
However, it is crucial to study the policy’s terms and conditions, including the exclusions and restrictions, before subscribing to any insurance. So then you should contact your vet to get you set up with the finest of the best.
If you don’t have time to conduct your research, you may always use one of the analyzed services, such as Lemonade, Healthy Paws, Prudent Pet, Wagmo, or Pawp. Each has advantages that may be tailored to your pet’s requirements, and you can adjust costs accordingly.
