The Goldendoodle, a canine offspring of the Golden Retriever and the Poodle, is an intelligent and affectionate bundle of joy! And while many opt for this breed as it’s family-friendly and low-maintenance, you cannot always predict an urgent vet visit.
Besides, your Goldendoodle requires more beyond your love to remain healthy – including annual vet visits.
We understand that veterinary care can take a toll on your budget. However, pet insurance is a must for those who want peace of mind and financial protection in an emergency.
There is no shortage of options regarding pet insurance policies, but finding one that provides the level of protection you require can be difficult. We’ve done the legwork for you and compared some of the best pet insurance for Goldendoodles in 2022 – read on to learn all about them.
Top 5 Best Pet Insurance Policies for Goldendoodles: A Comparison
With so many options, it’s only reasonable to compare providers thoroughly in terms of cost, quality of service, and special deals to choose the best pet insurance policy.
The results are as follows:
| Provider | Rating | Pet Age | Claims | Reimbursement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lemonade | 4.6 | Minimum to enroll 8 weeks | 2-day wait time | 70%, 80%, or 90% |
| Healthy Paws | 4.8 | Minimum to enroll 8 weeks | 2 to 10-day wait time | 50%,60% 70%, 80%, or 90% |
| Prudent Pet | 4.8 | Minimum to enroll 8 weeks | 5-day wait time | 70%, 80%, 90% |
| Embrace | 5.0 | Minimum to enroll 6 weeks | 48 hours or 14-day wait time | 70%, 80%, or 90% |
| ManyPets | 4.7 | Minimum to enroll 8 weeks | 48-hour wait time | 70%, 80%, 90%, or 100% |
Below, we scrutinize each provider and bring you their top upsides and downsides:
Lemonade
The insurance rates offered by Lemonade are among the lowest in the market. In addition, if you enroll numerous pets with the provider or bundle your pet insurance with other Lemonade insurance services, you will receive a discount.
You won’t have to worry about hefty vet expenses popping up out of the blue because the basic policy covers unexpected accidents and illnesses. Lemonade provides affordable coverage for standard veterinarian procedures like dental injuries, hospitalization, surgery, and diagnostic testing.
In addition to these benefits, Lemonade insurance also covers emergency veterinary care, unexpected injuries and illnesses, and prescription medications. However, Lemonade does not cover accidents and illnesses from pre-existing conditions, dental diseases, breeding fees, or elective surgeries.
Pros:
- Affordable rates
- Supplemental pricing for medical testing and rehabilitation
- Easy-to-navigate mobile app and web interface.
Cons:
- No yearly dividend cap
- Inadequate dental health insurance.
Lemonade’s cutting-edge mobile app features a straightforward claims-filing interface. Comparatively, other suppliers entail accident waiting periods of 14-30 days, but Lemonade requires 2.
In addition, when dog owner bundles their renter’s or homeowner’s policy with their dog’s policy, they save money. If your Goldendoodle is a senior or has a history of health issues, you may be required to submit veterinary evidence before your dog’s policy goes into effect.
Healthy Paws
Animal-loving pet owners should seriously consider Healthy Paws pet insurance. Every Healthy Paws plan includes unlimited annual and lifetime payout for covered items. This guarantees that no matter how many claims you file, you will always have the budget to pay them.
All of your Goldendoodle’s needs are covered by Healthy Paws’ accident and health insurance, including:
- hospitalization
- surgery
- testing for diagnosis
- treatment for cancer
- ultrasounds and X-rays.
The Healthy Paws insurance plan also covers hospitalization costs in an emergency, prescription drugs for an unexpected illness or injury, long-term care costs, and complementary and alternative medicine treatments.
It’s important to remember that your pet’s age at enrollment affects the level of coverage and personalization available through Healthy Paws.
Pros:
- Prompt payment of claims
- Extensive protection against disease and injury
- Commitment to animal well-being
- All payouts are unlimited in duration.
Cons:
- Customization options are age-restricted
- No additional wellness programs available.
There is a brief two-week waiting period with Healthy Paws before accident and illness coverage takes effect. Typically, claims take up to 10 days to process, but you won’t have to fill out any paperwork.
You can submit your pet’s veterinary bill by taking a picture of it and uploading it through the Healthy Paws app or the company’s website after a visit to the vet.
Prudent Pet
With its extensive protection, varied preventative care extras, and accessible online veterinarian – Prudent Pet is among the best pet insurance providers. The policies by Prudent Pet are up for sale to customers via the company’s website or by phone.
Like other pet insurance providers, Prudent Pet has waiting periods before it begins covering your pet’s treatments. However, the time you have to wait while dealing with an illness before getting treatment varies. Accident coverage, for instance, has a 5-day waiting period, while illness coverage has a 14-day waiting period.
Prudent Pet, like most pet insurers, operates on a reimbursement basis. All veterinary care is paid for when rendered, and claims are filed with Prudent Pet later. If Prudent Pet agrees that your claim is valid, you will be paid back through your preferred payment method.
Pros:
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- 24/7 access to a vet chat for individualized assistance
- No stipulations about age or breed
- Many available extensions.
Cons:
- Physical and dental checkups must be performed annually
- No mobile app for policy maintenance or claim submission
- Parasites treatment is not included.
The policies from Prudent Pet are all-inclusive and even cover your senior pet. You should consider that Prudent Pet’s high premiums may be unaffordable to some pet owners, even though they may find the company’s extras appealing.
Embrace
Embrace is another top pet insurance provider to aid Goldendoodle owners in emergency veterinary care for their pets in an accident or illness. Although preventative care is not included in Embrace’s insurance coverage, the company does offer a Wellness Rewards plan that does not rely on insurance.
Please be aware that there are multiple plans in Embrace. In addition, there is usually a specific waiting period between when the coverage begins and when claims can be filed.
Among the companies we analyzed, Embrace has one of the shortest accident waiting periods at just two days. The waiting period for illnesses is 14 days, which is on par with the other companies in the ranking, and the waiting period for orthopedic issues is 6 months.
Pros:
- Quick resolution of accidents within 2 days
- Families who have insurance are free to visit any qualified vet they like
- Claims made via mobile app, without the need for paperwork.
Cons:
- Orthopedic coverage is subject to a six-month waiting period
- No protection for preventative care or routine checkups.
Embrace pet insurance has a simple but all-comprising policy, so pet owners can rest easy knowing their pets are covered at all times. This firm has served the market for over a decade, and they offer low monthly payments.
Embrace is excellent because it covers the vet bills, the cost of necessary dental care, and any additional treatments your pet may need.
ManyPets
ManyPets is an innovative pet insurance company that provides excellent coverage at an affordable price. Insurance policies for older pets often offer full coverage with no out-of-pocket expenses beyond the regular premium. In addition, ManyPets policies cover emergencies like illness or accidents.
ManyPets is unique among pet insurance providers in that it does not place caps on the total amount it will pay out in covered claims, either annually or throughout the pet’s lifetime. So, depending on factors like age, breed preference, and geographical proximity, you may have varying degrees of freedom in deciding what to do next.
Pros:
- Rapid processing of claims
- It’s possible to receive full payment with no out-of-pocket costs
- Premiums with a minimal monthly fee
- If you can provide proof of having had pet insurance in the past, any applicable waiting periods will be canceled.
Cons:
- Needs medical records dating back 18 months for filing claims
- It’s not available in all states
- Insured pets with hip dysplasia who are six years or older will not be covered.
There is a 15-day waiting period for accidents and illnesses with ManyPets, longer than some other insurers but on par with the average waiting period for illnesses among pet insurance providers.
Wellness plans are not sold separately by ManyPets. Still, the provider can add them to your pet’s insurance policy in case of an accident or illness.
Common Health Issues in Goldendoodles
Goldendoodles and other mixed-breed dogs are popular because they are less likely to develop deadly diseases than purebred dogs. Nonetheless, they are vulnerable to everyday accidents and illnesses and stand a chance of inheriting conditions from either parent.
Inherited Golden Retriever Health Problems in Goldendoodles
Since they’re part Golden Retriever, Goldendoodles may develop diseases related to this breed, which we’ll observe below:
Goldendoodles Are Prone to Ear Infections
Ear infections in Goldendoodles can be caused by numerous actors, including yeast, hormonal imbalance, bacteria, inner-ear hair growth, injury or foreign bodies, and mites.
However, Goldendoodles are particularly prone to chronic ear infections due to their unique ear anatomy. The fact that both parents have floppy ears further increases the likelihood of the offspring developing an ear infection.
Goldendoodles Often Suffer From Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
Subvalvular aortic stenosis is a heart condition resulting from the narrowing of the space beneath the aortic valve. The result is a stoppage or slowing of blood flow through the heart. Therefore, subvalvular aortic stenosis in dogs may only necessitate close monitoring in mild cases to detect any signs of worsening.
Goldendoodles Can Develop Cataracts
Cataracts form when a cloudy, opacifying film covers the eye. It is usually inherited or occurs with age.
If left untreated, cataracts can cause severe vision loss or even blindness. If your Goldendoodle’s eyes turn white, it probably suffers from a mature cataract.
Inherited Poodle Health Problems in Goldendoodles
Goldendoodles can also develop health problems usually attributed to Poodles, which we’ll go over below:
Goldendoodles and von Willebrand’s Disease
As a blood clotting disorder, von Willebrand’s disease is a bothersome medical condition. The lack of protein (in this case, the Willebrand factor) can cause moderate to severe bleeding.
It is unknown how common the underlying mutation is amongst Goldendoodles in general. It is a relatively minor ailment that is easily managed with adequate treatment. However, dogs with severe cases of Von Willebrand’s disease will need multiple blood transfusions.
Goldendoodles Often Suffer From Epilepsy
Idiopathic epilepsy is a common diagnosis for recurrent seizure episodes in dogs between 1 and 5 years old. Goldendoodles are prone to developing epilepsy more than any other neurological disorder.
Regular, unexpected convulsions are a hallmark of this condition. Medication prescribed by a veterinarian is the primary method of treatment.
Symptoms of Patellar Luxation in Goldendoodles
Because it is inherited from both parents, patellar luxation is one of the more widespread health problems in Goldendoodles. Your dog may be more predisposed to developing the condition if it has suffered traumatic injuries.
Goldendoodles Can Develop Compartment Syndrome
Compartment syndrome is not very frequent, yet it can manifest after a traumatic injury or as a chronic ailment. It can be harrowing for the dog if you don’t intervene on time and it can even lead to muscle damage. If your Goldendoodle has chronic compartment syndrome, make it rest more frequently to reduce the pain and discomfort.
Canine Hip Dysplasia in Goldendoodles
Hip dysplasia occurs when the dog’s hip joint doesn’t form properly. Large dog breeds, including standard Goldendoodles, are prone to hip dysplasia.
You’ll be able to point out this condition in your pet if they have discomfort in the hind legs. They may also have a wobbly walk or limp.
Goldendoodles Are Susceptible to Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Poodles and miniature breeds are prone to developing PRA (progressive retinal atrophy). This condition is degenerative, meaning it causes loss of function in the targeted body part. This health problem in Goldendoodles usually manifests as blindness and is incurable, unfortunately.
How Much Is Pet Insurance for a Goldendoodle?
A pet health insurance policy works in a way that’s remarkably similar to a human health insurance policy. Therefore, you may expect a wide range of monthly premiums to be quoted for your dog depending on its breed, age, and location.
Goldendoodle insurance typically costs between $28 and $60 per month.
Pet insurance is primarily about relief from financial stress in the event of an unexpected illness or injury. If you enroll your dog when they are still young and healthy, you will have plenty of coverage if they ever require pricey medical care.
Most policies will pay for the associated medical costs when an accident or illness occurs. As a result, accident and health insurance policies are sometimes treated as two different products.
| Location | Average Premium for a 6-month-old Puppy | Average Premium for an 18-month-old Dog | CAverage Premium for a 5.5-year-old Dog |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $56.47 | $56.47 | $70.22 |
| Arizona | $49.25 | $49.25 | $61.17 |
| California | $56.56 | $56.56 | $70.76 |
| Michigan | $33.98 | $33.98 | $42.41 |
| Washington | $43.31 | $39.37 | $48.22 |
How to Select the Best Pet Insurance for Goldendoodle
Having trouble identifying a suitable pet insurance provider for your furry friend? Below are some top tips and tricks for discovering and settling for the best one:
Look Into the Service Provider’s Reliability
You probably wouldn’t go with the first plan you saw for yourself. Hence, there’s no reason to do so for your pet.
Your first call of action is to investigate each pet insurance company that might be an option. Determine how long the company has been operational and check for reviews written by previous clients.
Finally, find a company with a solid track record of helping pets and a commitment to honest business methods.
Seek the Opinion of Your Vet
Your veterinarian might be a valuable source when deciding on a pet insurance policy. Your vet will be aware of the variations in pet insurance policies that apply to various breeds. Inquire which plans are ideal for your pet’s unique medical requirements.
Find a Provider With Affordable Rates for Senior Dogs
The most significant upside of pet insurance is the assurance of future financial support for your pet’s nursing care needs. It functions in the same way as medical coverage for people. As our pets age, the cost of their care increases, so budgeting for this now could save your pet’s life and give you peace of mind in the future.
Read the Fine Print
Be well-informed on the specifics of any insurance plan you’re considering before enrolling. The insurance company may try to hide coverage gaps in the fine print of a pet health insurance policy. Therefore, it’s in your best interest to look at a sample policy package to see whether any such exclusions exist.
If there is anything in the policy that is unclear to you, contact your insurance provider for an explanation.
Enroll Your Pet Early
If you want to apply for a low-cost insurance plan, you should do it as soon as you get your puppy. This is a great option to reduce the cost of pet health insurance.
It’s best to enroll your pet in a health insurance plan when they’re still young, as this reduces the likelihood that they’ll develop a condition that isn’t covered. If your Goldendoodle is healthy, as the majority are, you will have an easier time getting insurance.
Stay Away From Low-Profile Providers of Pet Insurance
There are currently many pet insurance providers, and that number continues to rise yearly.
Choosing a business that has been operational for some time is usually a safer bet. This is because newer providers may make more dramatic changes to their premiums as they develop their business metrics.
In addition to providing reliable service to their customers, long-standing businesses provide security because of their established reputations and because they are less likely to disappear suddenly.
Consider the Level of Protection You Want
We can’t assume that the same approach will work for everyone. Some policies may only pay for unexpected medical procedures like surgery. At the same time, others might also cover routine checkups and wellness visits.
Some pets may require extra money for more comprehensive insurance. Supplemental coverage may be worthwhile if your pet has a preexisting condition or a history of consuming things it shouldn’t.
Wrapping Things Up
Do you care deeply about the well-being of your furry companion but are concerned about the cost of veterinary care? The high price point is sometimes worth it, especially when discussing your Goldendoodle’s health.
However, before committing to any policy, it is essential to read the fine print and familiarize yourself with the coverage and limitations. Then, call your veterinarian to hook you up with the best of the best.
And if you don’t have time to look, consider one of the options we reviewed – Lemonade, Healthy Paws, Prudent Pet, Embrace, or ManyPets. Each offers unique benefits you can tailor to your pet’s specific needs, and the prices are as customizable as they come!
FAQ’s
Goldendoodles’ coats have a bad reputation for requiring constant care, which is why some prefer other breeds with less-demanding grooming habits. However, although Goldendoodle coats need time and attention, they are easily managed and maintained with regular grooming.
Insurance policies for older dogs cost more than those that have been maintained continuously since the dog was a puppy. This is because older dogs typically experience a more significant number of general health difficulties.
If you aren’t careful while choosing a breeder, your Goldendoodle could get sick with an illness that affects both Golden Retrievers and Poodles. Eye ailments include progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, and glaucoma.
Your puppy may also develop skin diseases like sebaceous adenitis, and heart conditions like subvalvular aortic stenosis, Addison’s disease, etc.
