Pet Insurance for Bernese Mountain Dog
Pet Insurance Australia has been helping owners protect their Bernese Mountain Dogs for years, with cover for the breed-specific conditions this Swiss working breed is prone to, from hip and elbow dysplasia to bloat and cancer.
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Meet The Bernese Mountain Dog
This giant, friendly breed is certainly a head-turner and an invite for a snuggly cuddle. A sturdy working breed that is a delight in many homes, the Bernese Mountain Dog makes a wonderfully loyal companion to those who share his home.
As a friendly and calm breed, the Bernese Mountain Dog forms strong bonds with its owners, making it an ideal, loyal, and loving family pet. Prone to specific genetic conditions, pet insurance for your Bernese Mountain Dog will help keep your furry family member as happy and healthy as possible.
Claim Up To
$35,0002
Per Year
Common Claims For Bernese Mountain Dogs
Known for their striking tri-coloured coat, imposing size, and patient, affectionate nature, the Bernese Mountain Dog, like all dog breeds, can be prone to specific health issues. This table shows just how expensive common conditions can be. With our pet insurance, you can claim back a portion of these costs and avoid large out-of-pocket expenses.
| COMMON CLAIMS | MAXIMUM CLAIM |
|---|---|
| Tissue Damage or Fracture | $5,800.19 |
| Ear Conditions | $1,121.50 |
| Gastrointestinal Tract Conditions | $458.19 |
| Foreign Body or Toxin Ingestion | $8,296.10 |
| Liver/Gallbladder/Biliary Tract Condition | $3,709.95 |
| Cruciate Disease | $5,307.25 |
| Neoplasia | $6,900.00 |
| Mass Lesion | $3,640.20 |
| Skin Conditions Allergy | $999.44 |
| Skin Conditions Lumps | $750.00 |
Common Health Conditions
For Bernese Mountain Dogs
- Hip Dysplasia: A typically genetic condition caused by a malformation of the hip joint that leads to arthritis, lameness and pain. It is commonly addressed with surgery, weight loss and medication.
- Elbow Dysplasia: Much like hip dysplasia, this affects the elbow joint and causes lameness and pain. Treatment involves weight management, surgery and medication.
- Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat): As a deep-chested breed, the Bernese Mountain Dog is more susceptible to bloat, a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself. It requires emergency veterinary attention and possibly surgery.
- Cancer: Bernese Mountain Dogs have a relatively high rate of cancer compared with other breeds, including mast cell tumours, lymphoma and histiocytic sarcoma. Early detection is crucial, and treatment usually involves surgery and medication.
- Heart Problems: Heart disease such as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) can affect the breed. Regular veterinary check-ups help monitor heart health and ensure the right treatment and medication are in place.
- Histiocytosis: A rare cancer that primarily affects Bernese Mountain Dogs, presenting as skin tumours or internal organ problems. There is no cure, though many owners choose chemotherapy to prolong life.
- Degenerative Myelopathy: A progressive neurodegenerative disease that tends to appear around eight years of age, affecting the spinal cord and potentially leading to hind leg paralysis. It is more common in certain breeds, Bernese Mountain Dogs among them.
- Orthopaedic Problems: Their impressive size leaves the breed prone to cruciate ligament injuries and arthritis. Careful exercise during puppyhood and a quality, appropriate diet both matter, and treatment can include diet, weight management, surgery and medication depending on the issue.
- Autoimmune Conditions: The breed is more susceptible to conditions such as autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, lupus and degenerative spinal myelopathy, where the immune system attacks the body's own tissue. Treatment involves ongoing veterinary monitoring and specialised medication.
- Allergies: Skin and food allergies can cause irritation and stomach upsets. Treatment typically means reducing the allergen in your pet's environment, along with a diet change, medicated shampoos or medication depending on the allergy.
Get your first 2 months free when you sign up1
Flexible Cover Options
For Your Bernese Mountain Dog
Finding the right pet insurance for your Bernese Mountain Dog doesn’t need to be confusing. It should be as straightforward as giving them a belly rub! With Pet Insurance Australia, one plan does it all, and you decide how it works.
| Option | What It Means | Your Choices | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual benefit limit2 | This is the maximum amount you can claim for per policy period, subject to any applicable excess, for eligible accidental injuries and illnesses, as well as emergency boarding. Booster Care and Routine Care (non insurance benefit) are subject to their own limits. | $15,000; $25,000 and $35,000 | Lower for budget-conscious premiums; higher if you want more protection. |
| Benefit Percentage14 (Reimbursement) | The percentage of the eligible vet bill we will cover before the applicable annual excess is applied. Where applicable, it is also subject to the annual benefit limit or Booster Care limit. | 70%, 80%, 90% | Higher % can allow you to claim more back on your eligible vet bills. |
| Annual Excess4 | The amount you may contribute to your claim. The annual excess applies to each eligible claim in the policy period until fully paid. | $0, $100, $300, $600* *$600 annual excess not available with 70% benefit percentage | Choose a higher annual excess to help lower your premium. Just remember you may pay more out of pocket at claim time. |
| Routine care add-on7 | Optional non-insurance benefit to cover for everyday care such as vaccinations, microchipping, flea/tick | An optional benefit which you can add to your policy | Add for additional vet-cost cover. |
| Specified dental conditions add-on (Booster Care13) | Optional cover for specified dental conditions, subject to the Booster Care limit of $2500 | An optional benefit which you can add to your policy | Add for extra vet-cost protection; Great for breeds prone to dental issues. |
| Specialised therapies add-on (Booster Care13) | Optional cover for specialised therapies, subject to the Booster Care limit of $2500 | Add to your policy or skip | Add to boost vet-cost protection; skip to lower premium |
| Waiting periods8 | The time from your policy start date when your pet isn’t covered for certain conditions or benefits in the first year you first obtained cover for them. If a condition exists or occurs during the waiting period, it will be considered a pre-existing condition and may be excluded from cover. | Accidental injury – 2days Illness – 30days Cruciate Ligament Conditions – 6 months Specified dental conditions (Booster Care) – 6 months Behavioural conditions (Booster Care)– 30days | Starting early helps ensure your pet is covered sooner rather than later |
| Multi-pet discount12 | A percentage saving when you insure more than one pet. | Get 5% off for each additional pet you insure after the first, up to 15% max.* Example: 2nd pet: 5% | Helpful for multi-pet households. |
| Choice of vet | Use any licensed vet in Australia, other than yourself. | Included on all policies | Continue care with your preferred vet |
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Flexible Cover Options For Your Bernese Mountain Dog
Finding the right pet insurance for your Bernese Mountain Dog doesn’t need to be confusing. It should feel as straightforward as giving them a belly rub! With Pet Insurance Australia, one plan does it all, and you decide how it works.
Annual Benefit Limit2
What It Means
This is the maximum amount you can claim for per policy period, subject to any applicable excess, for eligible accidental injuries and illnesses, as well as emergency boarding.
Booster Care and Routine Care (non insurance benefit) are subject to their own limits.
Your Choices
$15,000; $25,000 and $35,000
Why
Lower for budget-conscious premiums; higher if you want more protection.
Benefit Percentage14 (Reimbursement)
What It Means
The percentage of the eligible vet bill we will cover before the applicable annual excess is applied.
Where applicable, it is also subject to the annual benefit limit or Booster Care limit.
Your Choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Why
Higher % can allow you to claim more back on your eligible vet bills.
Annual Excess4
What It Means
The amount you may contribute to your claim. The annual excess applies to each eligible claim in the policy period until fully paid.
Your Choices
$0, $100, $300, $600*
*$600 annual excess not available with 70% benefit percentage
Why
Choose a higher annual excess to help lower your premium. Just remember you may pay more out of pocket at claim time.
Routine Care Add-On7
What It Means
Optional non-insurance benefit to cover for everyday care such as vaccinations, microchipping, flea/tick
Your Choices
An optional benefit which you can add to your policy
Why
Add for additional vet-cost cover.
Specified Dental Conditions Add-On (Booster Care13)
What It Means
Optional cover for specified dental conditions, subject to the Booster Care limit of $2500
Your Choices
An optional benefit which you can add to your policy
Why
Add for extra vet-cost protection; Great for breeds prone to dental issues.
Specialised Therapies Add-On Add-On (Booster Care13)
What It Means
Optional cover for specialised therapies, subject to the Booster Care limit of $2500
Your Choices
Add to your policy or skip
Why
Add to boost vet-cost protection; skip to lower premium
Waiting Periods
What It Means
The time from your policy start date when your pet isn’t covered for certain conditions or benefits in the first year you first obtained cover for them.
If a condition exists or occurs during the waiting period, it will be considered a pre-existing condition and may be excluded from cover.
Your Choices
Accidental injury – 2days
Illness – 30days
Cruciate Ligament Conditions – 6 months
Specified dental conditions (Booster Care) – 6 months
Behavioural conditions (Booster Care)– 30days
Why
Starting early helps ensure your pet is covered sooner rather than later
Multi-Pet Discount12
What It Means
A percentage saving when you insure more than one pet.
Your Choices
Get 5% off for each additional pet you insure after the first, up to 15% max.*
Example:
2nd pet: 5%
Why
Helpful for multi-pet households.
Choice Of Vet
What It Means
Use any licensed vet in Australia, other than yourself.
Your Choices
Continue care with your preferred vet
Why
Helpful for multi-pet households.
Caring For A Bernese Mountain Dog
Berners love learning and excel at dog sports and advanced training, but early training from puppyhood is essential given how big they get — habits formed at 10kg are much harder to undo at 50. They respond best to positive reinforcement and a sense of working as a team, and being sensitive dogs, they do not take well to harsh methods. Socialise them widely with different sights, sounds and people, with puppy preschool a good place to start.
That thick tri-coloured double coat sheds year-round and heavily at the seasonal change, so daily grooming is needed to prevent tangles and keep the hair off your floors. Bathing is only necessary every few months unless they get filthy, and it’s worth getting puppies used to having their feet, ears and teeth handled early, along with regular nail trims. Exercise-wise they need at least 30 minutes of vigorous activity a day, ideally two brisk walks plus play, always in the cooler parts of the day and never straight after a meal because of the bloat risk.
Bred for the Swiss Alps, the Berner is happiest in a cooler climate and loves the snow, but copes poorly with heat and is prone to heatstroke, so shade, water and a cool place to rest are non-negotiable in an Australian summer. They need proper space and a sturdy fence, which rules out apartments and small yards, and they should not be left alone for long stretches. They are one of the best family dogs going, though their sheer size means supervision around small children who can be knocked over by accident. When choosing a puppy, work with a responsible breeder who health screens and tests for genetic disease, ask for proof of testing and sound temperaments, meet Mum and Dad, and check with local breed clubs.
Fast Facts
Average Height
Female: 58-66cm
Male: 64-70cm
Average Weight
Female: 31 – 45kg
Male: 40 – 54kg
Temperament
Gentle, affectionate, loyal, calm, playful and energetic
Lifespan
7-10 years
Known Genetic Issues
Hip or elbow dysplasia, bloat & cancer
Country of Origin
Berne, Switzerland
Exercise Requirements
30 minutes of daily exercise like park walks or hikes, along with toys for mental stimulation, will keep your Bernese Mountain Dog happy and healthy
Coat
A thick, medium-length, straight or wavy coat requiring weekly brushing or daily brushing during their shedding seasons
Coat Colours
Tricolour of black, tan and white
Specific Care Requirements
As a highly social dog, Bernese Mountain Dogs love human interaction, preferring to be inside and part of the family
Get Started with Pet Insurance Australia
Pet Insurance Australia is here to back your best mate with flexible options and fast claims. Get a quote today and explore pet insurance for Bernese Mountain Dogs in Australia—made to support your dog’s health every step (or gallop) of the way.
