Best Pet Insurance For Siberian Huskies

Siberian Huskies have a striking look with their distinct coat and wolf-like appearance. They’re known to be a friendly and fun-loving breed, but these dogs are predisposed to particular health concerns. The best insurance policy for a Siberian Husky may not match that of a smaller dog breed. This is why we’ve dedicated this insurance guide to Huskies.

This breed ranks at number 14 among the most popular breeds. Each dog is unique, and your budget isn’t the same as your neighbor’s. So we’ve compiled a list of health insurance considerations to help you find the best fit for your individual needs.

At around two feet tall and weighing 35-60 pounds, this sled dog is just as easily susceptible to accidents and illnesses like any other canine. And like all other purebreds, they are prone to more health concerns than most mixed breeds, making pet insurance an excellent investment consideration.

At A Glance

Note: Clicking the above links take you to each company’s website to learn more and get a quote. If you make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Is Pet Insurance Worth It?

The short answer is yes. A survey by Liberty Mutual Insurance states that 63% of pet owners couldn’t afford unexpected medical care for their pets. Not only does pet insurance allow you to choose the best medical treatment for your pet, but it also provides stability to your finances.

The key thing to remember is to sign up for pet insurance before an emergency arises. You cannot count on coverage for your Husky’s pre-diagnosed health issues. So it’s crucial to get your dog covered as soon as possible.

Common Health Issues In Siberian Huskies

Siberian Huskies generally live 12-14 years. The health issues below can give you an idea of what to look for regarding symptoms and insurance coverage.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is among the most common health issues in large breed dogs, including the Siberian Husky. The American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) states that genetics plays the most significant factor in joint dysplasia and other joint problems. Be sure to work with a breeder who provides proof of healthy hip and elbow scores for your pup.

Surgery is often needed to improve the quality of your dog’s life. And this procedure ranges from $1,700 to $4,500+, depending on the type of surgery required.

Eye Conditions

The Siberian Husky is at risk of several eye concerns. These include progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), juvenile cataracts, and corneal dystrophy. Unfortunately, surgery and other medical intervention cannot correct PRA. Diagnosis for PRA can be costly, and adjusting your dog’s environment may be necessary, but ultimately there is no cure.

Surgery is commonly required to fix cataracts. Depending on what diagnostic testing is required, you could be facing $3,800 or more for cataract evaluation and surgery.

Corneal dystrophy can progress to blindness or corneal ulceration, which can be painful. Unfortunately, there is no treatment to cure this disease. The cost to assess your dog’s condition varies from $100-$300. In some instances, surgery may be needed to remove or save the eye (depending on your dog’s prognosis). This can range from $500-$3,000.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is caused by reduced production and release of hormones from the thyroid gland. Symptoms include mental dullness, lethargy, weight gain, hair loss, and repeated skin infections. Vets use tests to diagnose it, including bloodwork and regular monitoring of hormone levels. Thankfully, hypothyroidism is manageable with daily medication.

However, the long-term costs and the diagnostic work beforehand can build up. Some insurance policies cover diagnostic work and prescriptions, but not all. The average cost of managing hypothyroidism ranges from $300 to $700 annually, with an additional $50 to $150 for initial diagnostic work. Your pup is likely to command a higher average price thanks to its larger body mass.

Considerations When Choosing An Insurer

Age Restrictions & Waiting Periods

Most pet insurance companies have a minimum age requirement (typically between six and eight weeks old) before allowing you to enroll your pet. And some companies cap the age at which you can sign up an older dog (14 years old is the most common, although it’s only a few companies). Additionally, some companies may exclude specific conditions from coverage if your pup is above a certain age (e.g., hip dysplasia, cruciate ligament surgery, and orthopedic disorders).

All providers have waiting periods, which are short periods at the beginning of a new policy until your pet’s condition becomes eligible for reimbursement. Keep in mind that any pre-existing conditions, accidents, or illnesses diagnosed or showing symptoms during the waiting period are excluded from coverage. The average waiting period for illnesses is 14 days and for accidents is less than five days.

Coverage Type

There are two types of insurance coverage to choose from:

1. Accident-Only – These policies offer coverage for accidents (e.g., torn ligaments, broken bones, etc.), so basically any sudden physical injury. Accident-only plans are typically more affordable than accident and illness policies. This can be a reasonable option for a pet with many pre-existing conditions.
2. Accident and Illness – These policies are the most popular because they cover both accidents and illnesses (i.e., cancer, arthritis, allergies, etc.), including most unexpected medical expenses. Because no provider covers pre-existing conditions, it’s crucial to sign your pet up for coverage as early as possible.

Some companies also offer a wellness plan (aka preventative care plan) during the enrollment process. This commonly covers routine vet expenses (i.e., annual exams, spay/neuter procedures, vaccinations, etc.) but varies by provider. It’s typically available as an add-on to an accident-only or accident and illness policy, but some companies allow you to purchase it without an insurance policy. This add-on coverage isn’t technically an insurance product.

To find the best option for your Husky, you need to consider what type of coverage you need and your budget.

Premium: Deductible, Reimbursement & Payout Options

The fee you pay for your Siberian Husky’s pet insurance coverage is the premium usually paid monthly or annually. Monthly payments often add transaction fees, so if you can pay annually, it can save you a little money.

According to NAPHIA (North American Pet Health Insurance Association), the average monthly premium for an accident and illness insurance policy in the U.S. in 2022 was $53.34 for dogs. Of course, this varies for every dog and situation, including yours, so be sure to get multiple quotes from top-rated companies.

The premium is based on several factors: breed (or mix), location, age, gender, pre-existing conditions, deductible, reimbursement percentage, and payout. The beginning of the list is self-explanatory, you have a Siberian Husky, and you know your zip code, your dog’s age (or best guess), gender, and medical history. But what is a deductible, reimbursement, and payout?

• Deductible – The money you have to pay before your policy begins to reimburse you. This is typically reset each policy period (annually). However, some companies have per-incident deductibles, so you must pay this amount each time your dog suffers a new condition. Each company may have its own spin on this, so be sure to understand your policy because annual vs. per-incident deductibles can impact the amount of money you’re expected to pay.
• Reimbursement – The percentage of a claim that you’re eligible for repayment by the company after you’ve paid your coinsurance. The most popular reimbursement options are 70%, 80%, and 90%, but some companies offer other options or restricted options based on the dog’s age or location.
• Payout – The maximum amount a provider will reimburse during the policy period. Lower payout limits mean you may be responsible for more costs if your pet has expensive vet treatment.

Many companies allow you to customize your plan to fit your budget. For example, a higher deductible and reimbursement percentage paired with a lower payout will lower your premium. However, it’s crucial to find a balance between what your budget allows and the worst-case scenario if your Husky’s health takes a turn for the worst and you have several expensive vet bills to pay.

Exclusions

Exclusions refer to the conditions not covered by your policy. This can include pre-existing conditions, hereditary disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, specific dental treatment, and more.

Possibly the most significant concern regarding Huskies is that a few companies require additional waiting periods for orthopedic conditions, such as hip dysplasia. Because Siberian Huskies are at an increased risk for hip dysplasia, you’ll want to ensure you understand any additional restrictions for it. For these reasons, it’s crucial that you thoroughly read and understand your policy.

Who Offers The Best Policy?

Below are our top pet insurance picks for Siberian Huskies based on their breed-specific needs. And, once you are ready, we’ve made a free quote form that provides customized policy quotes from top pet insurance companies when you fill in your pet’s details. By entering your pet’s specific characteristics, you can get a better understanding of the coverage needed.

Best Overall Pet Insurance

Pets Best may be the best pet insurance for your Siberian Husky because of its shorter waiting period for hip dysplasia (only 14 days for this common breed health concern), lower pricing on average, and it has no maximum age limits for enrollment. Pets Best also has few exclusions compared to other providers, including coverage for behavioral therapies and optional wellness care.

Best Pet Insurance For Older Dogs

Best Insurance For Bilateral Conditions

Additional Options We Recommend

How To Save Money

Some Husky parents can save money on insurance policies if the following circumstances are met.

Pay Annually

Most insurance companies offer two ways of paying your premiums, either monthly or annually. In many cases, transaction fees are added to your bill if you choose the monthly payment option. Therefore, you can minimize or avoid these altogether if you pay your premium annually.

Multi-Pet Discount

Many pet insurers offer multi-pet discounts for pet owners who take out several policies for their household’s dogs and cats. You could get up to a 10% discount on each pet’s insurance, amounting to significant savings. Some companies only offer multi-pet discounts on additional pets (not the first), so be sure to clarify this point before enrolling in a new policy.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, investing in insurance for your Husky is frequently worthwhile. The premium often deters pet parents. But when you consider the costs associated with common non-routine vet bills for the breed, you realize it can be a more budget-friendly option. Not to mention the peace of mind knowing that you’ll never face having to choose between your wallet and your best friend’s health or life. Remember to read the fine print to understand the coverage and limitations before signing up, no matter which policy you are considering. If you’re unsure about something or have questions, call the pet insurance company or speak with your vet.