Top 9 pet insurance plans for Bernese mountain dogs (2022)

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There’s much more to the Bernese Mountain Dog than its looks, though you can’t help but swoon at the breed’s smooth coat and regal stature. These big stuffed dogs are gentle lovers who definitely insist on being pet dogs despite their size. Bernies are also great hiking companions and siblings with older kids.

Unfortunately, the Bernese Mountain Dog predisposition to certain medical conditions, especially due to their size. While these health problems can be expensive to treat, you can cover the high costs by investing early in pet insurance for your dog.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when it comes to choosing the right pet insurance plan for your beloved Bernie. This guide will help you choose a plan that includes everything you want, so you can be there for your dog when they need you most.

Compare the top 9 pet insurance plans for your Bernese mountain dog using our Free Optional Quote Tool below

The easiest way to compare pet insurance prices is to use our tool below. The comparison tool will show you quotes from the top 9 pet insurers, including Trupanion, Pets Best, Lemonade, ManyPets, FIGO, HealthyPaws, Prudent Pet, Spot and Embrace pet.

How much does pet insurance for dogs in the Bernese mountains cost?

Here are some sample pet insurance plans for 1-year-old male Bernese Mountain Dogs using zip code 75001 (Texas) as an example.

Ultimately, your plan’s premium will depend on a number of factors, including your dog’s age, size, and breed, as well as where you live. You also want to know what kind of coverage your plan has and if it helps with Bernese Mountain Dog specific health problems. Let’s learn more about those medical conditions and how much you might pay to treat them.

General health problems associated with Bernese mountain dogs

Bernese Mountain Dog Stem Cell Sarcoma

Also known as malignant leukocytosis, this is The most common cancer in Bernese Mountain Dogs. Sadly, it is a very dangerous form of cancer. Symptoms that indicate the cancer has spread (called “spread”) include:

• Anorexia and weight loss
• Weakness and coma
• Unusual breathing or coughing

Dog parents should be prepared The prognosis of this type of cancer is relatively poorbecause not all affected dogs respond to treatment, and diffuse histiocytosis can spread very quickly.

Von Willebrand disease (vWD) in Bernese mountain dogs

Von Willebrand disease (vWD) is an inherited bleeding disorder where there are no important proteins involved in blood clotting. In Bernese mountain dogs, vWD is an autosomal recessive trait.

Some dogs carry this trait without experiencing symptoms. Others may experience spontaneous bleeding from the nose, mouth, digestive tract, or urinary tract. Teething or an infection can also cause bleeding.

Dogs with this condition should not take medications that affect normal blood clotting. There is no cure, but the condition can be managed to reduce the chance of serious complications.

Hip dysplasia in Bernese mountain dogs

Hip dysplasia is one of the The most common problems in larger breed dogsonend Bernies are quite large: these dogs can weigh between 85 and 110 pounds. The hip is a ball and socket joint, and hip dysplasia causes a two-component deformity. That makes it difficult for dogs to walk, and prolonged looseness can cause abnormal wear and tear that leads to osteoarthritis.

The sooner you are diagnosed with the Bernese Mountain Dog, the better their outcome. Pet insurance usually covers annual exams. If the condition worsens, it may require surgery.

Gastric torsion (aka “Bloat”) in Bernese Mountain Dog

Gastric volvulus (also known as “bloating”) occurs when a dog’s stomach fills up too quickly with gas, food, or liquid. Bloating is a sudden, life-threatening condition where the stomach can twist, blocking the organ’s way in and out. It can even impede blood flow, that is a medical emergency.

Larger dogs like the Bernese Mountain Dog are more likely to suffer from this condition. Early diagnosis and treatment is essential for gastric torsion. Preventive measures, such as exercising regularly, eating right, and not eating or drinking too quickly can also help.

If you notice any of these warning signs, you should take Bernie to the vet right away:

• Swollen abdomen
• Arrhythmic heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Fall

Typical costs of treating health problems in Bernese mountain dogs and how pet insurance can help

If left untreated, many of the health conditions listed above can lead to long-term consequences and even surgery, which makes it more expensive to manage. Choosing a pet insurance plan that fits Bernie’s specific needs can save you a lot of money on medical expenses.

Here are just some sample veterinary costs for Bernese Mountain Dogs:

• Cost of Stem Cell Sarcoma: The cost of treating this cancer will depend on whether it is localized or if it has spread and whether it can be successfully treated. Diagnosis will likely include blood tests, urinalysis, X-rays, and ultrasounds to check organs for tumors, which can cost hundreds of dollars. Chemotherapy treatments cost between $200 and $400 per treatment, and continuous radiation therapy can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000. Surgery will also hit you with one bill in the low thousands.
• Von Willebrand’s Sickness Expenses: While sadly there is no cure for the disease, dogs with vWD can lead completely normal lives with management and avoidance of risky activities. If your dog is bleeding heavily from an injury, he may need a blood transfusion. This usually costs $100 to $300 per unit.
• Cost of hip dysplasia: The Cost of surgery for hip dysplasia can range from $4,000 to $6,000 per hip. Surgical options include Triple Pelvis, Femoral Head Osteotomy, and Juvenile Pubic Sympathetic Examination, all of which cost thousands of dollars. Without surgery, your dog will experience discomfort and eventually severe pain.
• Stomach tear (“Bloat”) Cost: If your dog’s stomach is twisted, it may need emergency surgery to remove the torsion. Average cost of treatment a case of hypertrophy with surgery costs between $2,000 and $5,000. If there are complications, the cost may be higher. Pet insurance with emergency coverage can literally save lives in this case.

Knowing the signs and symptoms of these conditions that are common in Bernese Mountain Dogs can help you spot them early, saving your dog and money. When in doubt, take your puppy to the vet for a diagnosis.

What is pet health insurance and why do I need it for my Bernese mountain dog?

Pet health insurance works very similarly to human health insurance. Your policy quote will fluctuate on a monthly basis, depending on your dog’s breed, age, and where you live. Typically, you’ll spend around $15-$161 per month as a pet parent.

Pet insurance is primarily for peace of mind, knowing you won’t be completely overwhelmed in the event of an emergency. Enrolling even if your dog is young and healthy will ensure you have plenty of coverage when they need expensive medical care later on. If you choose a plan that’s better suited to your particular breed, you’ll be better prepared when something happens later in their life.

Some plans cover accident and illness, while others only cover accidents. Some plans cover breed-specific diseases, and others do not. It all depends on the type of insurance you choose. With our free pet insurance comparison tool, you can get quotes from multiple insurance companies with no obligation to commit..

Whichever option you choose, you’ll feel better knowing you can take care of your dog when he needs you most. Plus, you won’t suddenly have to shell out thousands of dollars. Learn more about How does pet insurance work here?.

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