Looking for a pet insurance provider that will cover your Goldendoodle? Read our reviews of the top pet insurance providers to determine which one is right for you. In this review, we’re going to give you our top picks. But first, let’s take a look at what you should be considering when choosing a pet insurance provider for your Doodle.
Goldendoodle Health Issues Insurances Can Cover
The Goldendoodle is prone to several different genetic and non-genetic health conditions and has a few common ailments such as ear infections, hotspots, and anal gland issues. Some of the most common health concerns for this breed include:
Hip Dysplasia
This is a condition that the Goldendoodle can develop as it gets older. Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint doesn’t fit together correctly, which causes bone and cartilage damage. As your puppy ages, you may notice limping or other signs of pain. You should contact your vet if this is something you are concerned about.
Elbow Dysplasia
This is similar to hip dysplasia that can affect the Goldendoodle’s elbows. It is caused when the bones in the elbow joint don’t fit together correctly and can cause pain and lameness.
Patellar Luxation
Also known as ‘slipped stifles,’ patellar luxation is joint in small dogs and can lead to arthritis. The condition occurs when the knee cap slides out of place, causing the dog pain and discomfort.
Cataracts
This eye condition can appear later in life, causing vision loss. Cataracts develop due to changes within the eye’s lens, which leads to cloudy vision. It is estimated that 15% of Goldendoodles will develop cataracts at some point in their lives.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis refers to a condition where there is inflammation of the joints, often caused by damage within the joints themselves. This can cause pain and discomfort for your dog, making him reluctant to move.
Heart Disease
Heart disease is unfortunately common among Goldendoodles. This condition can lead to several symptoms such as swelling of the extremities, breathing difficulties, and coughing. If you notice any of these signs in your pet, you should contact your vet immediately.
How Does Pet Insurance work For a Goldendoodle?
When choosing the best pet insurance provider, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. First, pet insurance is a type of insurance that helps cover the costs associated with veterinary care for your pet.
This can include routine maintenance, such as vaccinations and checkups, as well as unexpected illnesses or injuries. Most pet insurance policies have a deductible, which is the amount you must pay out of pocket before the insurance policy kicks in. For example, you could have a $200 deductible, and the policy would only cover the costs associated with your pet’s illnesses or injuries after you’ve paid $200.
How to Choose Pet Insurance?
With so many pet insurance providers on the market, it can be challenging to decide which policy is right for you and your pet. When choosing a pet insurance policy, you’ll need to consider the following factors:
The deductible: This is the amount you must pay out of pocket before the insurance policy begins to cover costs.
The co-pay: This is the amount you must pay when visiting the vet or hospital before the insurance policy covers costs.
Cover limits: This is the maximum amount of money that your insurance provider will spend on your pet’s care during their lifetime and each year. The higher this limit is, the more expensive it will be to take out a policy.
Your Goldendoodle’s age: Generally, the younger your pet is, the cheaper it will be to take out a policy. However, as your Goldendoodle begins to get older and his health changes due to age, you may find that your policy covers more conditions.
Your pet’s breed/weight – Some dog breeds are more prone to developing certain illnesses or conditions than others. The same is true for dogs of different weights – a large dog is more likely to incur vet bills than a small dog.
The length of the policy: Most pet insurance policies last for one year, but you can also find policies that last for two or three years.
When choosing a pet insurance policy, it’s essential to consider all of these factors to find the best possible policy for your pet.
In a rush? Here are the top 2 picks!
- Pros
- The most affordable pricing on our list
- Claims are easy to file and paid quickly
- Covers the cost of treatments for accidents and illnesses
- A portion of your payment goes to charity through the Lemonade Giveback program
- 10% discount if you bundle multiple policies
- Cons
- It’s only available in 36 states but expanding
- Coverage for older pets may be more expensive
Lemonade is the best pet insurance for Goldendoodles on our list. They offer one of the most comprehensive and customizable insurances on our list at affordable rates. The base policy covers accidents and illnesses so you won’t have any unexpected large vet bills. The base plan also covers diagnostics, medications, and procedures related to accidents as well as covers prescription medications.
We choose Lemonade as the #1 on our list because they have one of the most affordable pet insurance plans for Goldendoodles on the market today. If you want a lower deductible or extended coverage, you can also pay more for an insurance plan. Their policies are extremely easy to understand and the claims are paid out in minutes.
All you have to do to file a claim on the Lemonade app. The process is easy and Lemonade will pay the amount of money minus any deductible that wasn’t met (annually). You won’t have to go through a lengthy review process or the typical hassle of filing a claim for your Goldendoodle.
- Pros
- Least expensive rates compared to other plans
- No age restrictions with coverage available from 7 weeks onwards
- Wellness coverage is known as an add-on
- 5- day claim processing for fast reimbursement
- Annual deductible (not per incident)
- Features a 5% multi-pet discount
- Easy & affordable customizable plans
- 70%- 90% reimbursement for all treatments covered
- Pet is covered in the US, Puerto Rico & Canada
- No breed restriction or age limit
- Plans, on average, are 15%-30% less expensive than other pet insurance companies.
- Choose your vet
- 24/7 self-service portal
- Third generation specialty insurance company
- Cons
- Bilateral conditions excluded
- No BBB ratings yet since this is a new company
- $2 transaction fee
- No coverage for intervertebral disc conditions due to injury or degeneration.
- No coverage for Alaskan residents
Odie addresses a significant problem of pet insurance. They provide customers with easy-to-understand coverage and transparent policies. Pet parents can fully customize their plan according to their budget and pet’s specific needs.
The platform vertically integrates marketing & distribution, underwriting, program management, and its carrier. Customers also have access to a 24/7 self-service portal to manage claims, view account information, and add additional pets.
Odie’s mission is to democratize pet insurance by bringing new pet owners into the market. Their product and strategy are geared toward Millennials, and Gen Z’s, the fastest-growing demographic of pet parents in the U.S.
Odie set out to solve the shortcomings of legacy pet insurance providers by offering its members greater coverage flexibility, stable and predictable annual premiums. Their shared values are centered around pet wellness.
Odie pet insurance differs from other popular providers by offering additional benefits like take-home prescription pet meds, rehab, acupuncture, and chiropractic care. Odie features standard accident and illness coverage that is highly competitive with other, more established providers.
Odie has crafted pet insurance plans with affordable pricing. Their plans, on average, are 15%-30% less expensive than equivalent products and offerings.
Deductibles range from $50 to $1000 with a 70-90% reimbursement rate. The annual limit is $5k-$40k. Odie offers several pros for those who opt to use this excellent provider.
Their waiting periods are three days for accidents, and 14 for illnesses, and an average of six months for cruciate ligament and related conditions. There is no wait for Routine care plans, and claims can be submitted up to 180 days after a vet visit.
Features
- Mobile Application: Yes
- 24/7 Veterinary Support: Yes 24/7 Televet chat with Ask Vet
- Cancellation Period: Yes30-day money-back guarantee
- Pros
- Pricing is variable (can be high or low)
- BBB rating an A+
- Reputable company
- Offers up to $1000 annually for dental illness
- Alternative holistic therapies covered
- Plans include hydrotherapy
- 24/7 pet health line
- Diminishing deductible
- Distinguishes between curable & incurable diseases
- Reasonable Wellness rewards reimbursements for grooming, spay/neuter, dental, nails, supplements, and flea and tick preventatives
- Multiple pet discount of 10% plus the military member discount
- 5% discount if paid annually
- No maximum lifetime payout under its plans
- You can customize plans.
- Cons
- No pre-existing coverage
- Bilateral conditions not covered
- Plans include annual limits
- Plan coverage only for pets 14 years and under
- Wellness plans don't feature refunds for unused funds in the same year.
Embrace pet insurance features a straightforward policy that allows pet parents to be secure, knowing that their fur babies are protected 24/7. This company has been around for over 15 years and feature affordable premiums.
Their website says that “We calculate your claims reimbursement by first subtracting your deductible and then taking off the co-pay, which means you get 7%–10% more back on every claim.”
We like this pet insurance because it also includes dental coverage, which all pets need, and there’s coverage for complementary treatments included. This “nose-to-tail” coverage is comprehensive and covers pets throughout the US.
They also offer multiple discounts for military, multiple pet homes, and those who pay yearly. Embrace covers veterinary exam fees, specialty fees, and crafts coverage for most types of veterinary care via additional coverage or included coverage.
We like this policy because it also features Wellness Rewards Plus, a flexible wellness plan for routine maintenance. The Wellness Rewards Plan consists of the following:
- Vaccinations
- Spay/neuter procedures
- Dental cleanings
- Plenty of other preventative care treatments
Embrace pet insurance based on their policy costs on the area you live in, your dog’s age, and breed. The average monthly rate for cats is $15 to $25, with the average cost for dogs ranging from around $25-$50.
All Embrace’s accident and illness plans allow pet parents to personalize their schedules to accommodate their budget and adjust their annual deductible, annual maximum, and reimbursement percentage.
Embrace covers accidents, illnesses, conditions, diagnostic exam fees, treatments, and ongoing care. The only thing they don’t cover is pre-existing conditions. So here’s the takeaway with Embrace Pet Insurance.
Embrace Pet Insurance’s plans are not as costly for pets compared to some competitors. Embrace also discounts multi-pet households, current and former military members, and pet parents who sign up for a workplace benefit. It also doesn’t place a lifetime limit (the maximum amount an insurance company would pay throughout a pet’s lifetime) on its plans.
However, it does have an annual limit (a maximum amount that Embrace will pay over a policy year) and a deductible that varies based on the details of coverage you choose. For example, the deductible lessens each year that your pet is healthy, and you don’t file a claim.
There is also a 14-day wait period for illnesses and two days for accidents. The takeaway here is that the wait for orthopedic is long and stands at six months. Therefore, if you have an orthopedic report card from your vet, the waiting period is 14 days.
Features
- Two types of insurance plans (accident-only plan and accident & illness plan)
- Offers less expensive plans
- If your pet has been symptom and treatment free for a condition for over a year, Embrace may cover the condition
- It offers a diminishing deductible
- Covers veterinary exam fees
- No Wellness insurance policies or riders
- Features a Wellness rewards plan that covers grooming and training
If you opt for Embrace Pet Insurance, keep in mind that it does not cover pregnancy. If you’re a pet parent of a pet over the age of 15 that’s not on the plan, you can enroll in the accident-only program. This does not cover the majority of illnesses.
The takeaway with Embrace is that the Wellness Rewards for Routine Care is beneficial in covering unexpected veterinary bills.
On the other hand, the Wellness Rewards + plan covers routine veterinary treatments, training, and grooming costs. The Embrace Pet Insurance App makes submitting claims much more accessible.
With this app, you can add pets, update billing information, and manage your insurance policy. You should also remember that the premiums will go up each year as your pets get older because of the increasing risk of illness.
- Pros
- Multiple discounts offered
- Numerous plans available
- Features Smartphone app to submit claims in real-time
- BBB Rating A+
- Optional Wellness plan
- Exotic pet or bird insurance available (best pick)
- No time limit to submit a claim
- Age restriction for pets ten years and older
- Longstanding financial company
- Cons
- 12-month wait period for CCL(ACL) surgery
- Premiums may be pricier
- Optional Wellness plan needs to be purchased with pet insurance
- Additional $2 transactional charge for monthly payment
- Up to 30-day wait for reimbursement
Nationwide offers several pet health plans and includes different methods for birds of all ages. This policy features insurance for 21 kinds of exotic pets. Rabbits are covered under the exotic plan, which covers gastrointestinal issues, arthritis, overgrown teeth, and all the common health issues common to rabbits.
Small mammals and reptiles are also protected. Nationwide has a track record in the pet industry, and you can obtain this plan either individually or through your company. For example, you can opt for Pet Wellness Basic or Pet Wellness Plus plans that feature coverage for routine vaccinations, nail trimming, and fecal tests.
Nationwide features pet insurance either through employers or individually. We like Nationwide’s exotic and bird insurance plans. Nationwide features a benefit schedule to outline the maximum coverage allowed per pet each year.
Many plans are available, but the takeaway is that other pet insurance plans reimburse the amount based on your veterinary receipt. In addition, nationwide pet insurance uses a benefit schedule.
Nationwide offers a Major Medical plan that gives you insurance coverage for illnesses and injuries. The takeaway with Nationwide is that you can purchase a stand-alone wellness plan without a pet insurance policy. This plan can be used almost immediately with as little as a 24-hour waiting period. Spaying and neutering are not covered through their accident or illness plans.
While Nationwide is one of the top US pet insurance companies, they also have mixed reviews from consumers. As a result, nationwide charges a bit more for premiums and features no plan customizations like other pet insurance companies.
The benefit schedule is also complicated to understand. Nationwide also does not cover pre-existing conditions and has age restrictions for pets 10-years and older. There is also an annual rate increase of 12% applied to aging pets.
Features
- Mobile App: Yes
- 24/7 Veterinary support: Yes
- Cancellation Period: Within ten days after purchasing policy
- Routine Care Add-ons: Yes
Types of Insurance Coverages for Goldendoodles
When you’re choosing a pet insurance for your Goldendoodle, please consider the different types of coverages that carriers will offer.
1. Accident/injury Coverage
Make sure the provider offers comprehensive coverage for both accidents and illnesses. This is especially important if your furbaby is a breed known to be susceptible to specific health problems.
These can mean hefty medical bills for pet parents. Accident pet health coverage, together with injury coverage, can help you cover costs associated with mishaps like broken bones, snake bites, and even poisonous substance ingestion.
Pet insurance won’t stop your puppy from getting into trouble, but it will help defray the veterinary costs.
2. Illness Coverage
It’s essential to associate health checks with pet insurance. From mild infections to more serious conditions like cancer, your pup may contract several illnesses throughout his lifetime.
Together with accident coverage, a medical reimbursement plan can help you cover costs associated with several serious conditions, from hip dysplasia to cancer. A good pet insurance policy will have you covered.
3. Preventative Coverage
Preventative services, such as vaccinations and routine checkups, are an essential part of keeping your Doodle healthy. Unfortunately, these services can be costly, especially if your dog requires multiple treatments.
That’s why it’s necessary to find a pet insurance provider that offers preventive care coverage. This will help you cover the costs of routine care, checkups, and vaccinations.
All in all, providing for your puppy’s health and well-being is a preventative effort. Vaccinating cats and dogs against rabies, using flea and tick medication, and paying for bi-annual dental cleanings can help avoid additional costs later.
4. Congenital & Hereditary Disease Coverage
For most pet parents, arthritis or hip and elbow dysplasia come as a surprise. Though many pet insurance policies don’t cover pre-existing conditions like hip dysplasia, you can still purchase pet health insurance coverage or a veterinary pet discount plan to help you.
Some breeders choose to make their Goldendoodle puppies available only with a thorough medical exam and proof of good health. This can be beneficial if you’re looking for a purebred dog with all the appropriate documentation.
But it’s also important to consider if your pup has any genetic predispositions that may lead to illness or disease later in life.
5. Flexibility
A good Goldendoodle insurance provider should offer flexible plans, multiple deductible options, and customizable plans to fit any budget.
6. Ease of Use
The provider’s website and customer service should be easy to navigate, with clear explanations of coverages and policies. You should also be able to make changes to your policy online easily.
7. Customer Service
A Doodle insurance provider should be easy to reach if you ever need help or have any questions about your plan. The website should list the company’s phone number, email address, and instructions for submitting a claim.
8. Selection of Plans
Your pick of Goldendoodle insurance will come down to the type of coverage you’re looking for and how much you’re willing to spend. Make sure the provider you choose offers a plan that meets your needs.
Benefits of pet health insurance
Here are some of the benefits of taking out a pet insurance policy:
Coverage for vet bills
Pets can get sick or injured at any time, and pet insurance will help cover the cost of veterinary care.
Choice of policies
There is a range of pet insurance policies available, so you can find one that fits your needs and budget.
Variety of providers
There are several pet insurance providers in the US basic or routine care coverage included with their plan, meaning you can comparison shop when it comes time to buy a policy.
Flexible policies
Most pet insurance plans allow you to choose your deductible and reimbursement limits, giving you more control over your expenses.
Coverage for routine care
Most insurance providers offer this, so you can choose one that’s reliable and trustworthy.
High-risks breeds
Breed is not a factor when it comes to eligibility for pet insurance, meaning that Goldendoodle owners don’t need to worry about being rejected based on their dog’s breed.
What are the disadvantages of pet insurance?
While there are several advantages of having pet insurance, there are also some disadvantages which you should be aware of:
Annual policy limits
Some policies have annual claim limits, meaning that if your Goldendoodle has an accident or becomes ill outside of their coverage period, they will not receive any reimbursement.
Cumbersome claims process
If your Goldendoodle needs to see the vet, you may need to submit a claim form and wait for reimbursement. This process can be time-consuming and frustrating if you’re trying to care for an ill or injured pet.
Pre-existing conditions
If your Goldendoodle has a pre-existing condition, likely, their insurance policy will not cover any costs related to that condition.
Age restrictions
Most pet insurance policies have age restrictions, meaning that your Goldendoodle may no longer be eligible for coverage when they reach a certain age.
Is pet insurance worth it?
This is a question that only you can answer, as it depends on several factors, including your budget, the age and health of your pet, and how likely your pet is to develop illnesses or injuries.
The short answer is yes. Pet insurance can be an excellent investment for your Goldendoodle, giving you peace of mind and helping to save money on unexpected veterinary bills.
Make sure that you choose the right policy by considering all the different factors involved, including the length of coverage, co-pay, and deductible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is pet insurance?
Pet insurance is a type of insurance that helps cover the costs associated with veterinary care for your pet. This can include routine maintenance, such as vaccinations and checkups, as well as unexpected illnesses or injuries.
Most pet insurance policies have a deductible, which is the amount you must pay out of pocket before the insurance policy kicks in. There are also co-pays, small fees that you must pay per visit or treatment.
How does pet insurance work?
When signing up for a pet insurance policy, you’ll need to choose a deductible and a co-pay amount. These will determine how much you have to pay before the insurance policy begins to cover any costs and how much you must pay each time your pet requires veterinary care.
How much does pet insurance cost?
The exact price of a pet insurance policy will depend on many factors, including your Goldendoodle’s age and breed, the length of coverage, and the amount of the deductible and co-pay. However, on average, pet insurance costs between $20 and $50 per month.
Is pet insurance worth it?
This is a question that only you can answer, as it depends on several factors, including your budget, the age and health of your pet, and how likely your pet is to develop illnesses or injuries. The short answer is yes.
Claudia Bensimoun is a writer who specializes in dog content and veterinary topics! Aside from writing for We Love Doodles, Claudia also writes for other major dog blogs like Fido Friendly, Animal Wellness Magazine, and the United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA). She has a ghostwritten over 50 different dog e-books. Her passions include animal welfare, veterinary research, and wildlife conservation.
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