Havanese Pet Insurance: Compare 2025's Top Plans
Havanese: Health & Insurance
The Havanese is a charming and popular small companion breed, known for its affectionate temperament. However, its small stature and genetic background contribute to a specific set of health vulnerabilities.This breed is particularly prone to costly orthopedic conditions like patellar luxation and Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease. Havanese can also suffer from hereditary cataracts, mitral valve disease, and chronic skin allergies.Due to the high prevalence of these hereditary issues, the Havanese has a breed vulnerability score of 7 out of 10. While generally healthy, the potential for expensive, lifelong conditions elevates their risk profile.Routine annual vet care can average $500-$800, but treating a breed-specific condition is far more expensive. Patellar luxation surgery can cost $1,500-$5,000, Legg-Calvé-Perthes surgery runs $2,000-$4,000, and managing chronic heart disease can accumulate thousands over a lifetime.Many standard insurance policies are ill-suited for the Havanese, often imposing long waiting periods of 6 to 12 months for orthopedic conditions, which are the breed's primary risk. Others may have low reimbursement caps or exclude hereditary conditions altogether.Selecting an insurer that specifically accommodates these risks is crucial.➡️ Spot is an excellent choice for its standard 14-day waiting period for orthopedic conditions like patellar luxation.➡️ Trupanion is ideal for managing chronic issues like heart disease or allergies, thanks to its per-condition deductible and no payout limits.➡️ Fetch offers comprehensive coverage that includes vet exam fees and dental illness, though a vet exam may be needed to shorten the knee waiting period.➡️ ASPCA also provides a strong plan with a short 14-day waiting period for all conditions, including knee and ligament issues.Below, you will find a complete health sheet, a detailed comparison table of the best plans, and essential cost-saving tips for your Havanese.
- ✅Top-rated plans cover key hereditary conditions like patellar luxation, Legg-Calvé-Perthes, and mitral valve disease.
- ✅Insurers like Spot and ASPCA offer short 14-day waiting periods for orthopedic issues, a critical benefit for this breed.
- ✅Plans with per-condition deductibles or no payout limits are well-suited for managing chronic allergies or heart conditions.
- ❌Many standard insurance plans are a poor fit due to long 6 to 12-month waiting periods for orthopedic conditions.
- ❌Premiums may be higher to reflect the breed's predisposition to costly hereditary surgery and chronic care.
- ❌Some plans may require a vet examination and waiver to get a shorter waiting period for knee-related issues.
- ✅Top-rated plans cover key hereditary conditions like patellar luxation, Legg-Calvé-Perthes, and mitral valve disease.
- ✅Insurers like Spot and ASPCA offer short 14-day waiting periods for orthopedic issues, a critical benefit for this breed.
- ✅Plans with per-condition deductibles or no payout limits are well-suited for managing chronic allergies or heart conditions.
Havanese: Health & Insurance
- ✅Top-rated plans cover key hereditary conditions like patellar luxation, Legg-Calvé-Perthes, and mitral valve disease.
- ✅Insurers like Spot and ASPCA offer short 14-day waiting periods for orthopedic issues, a critical benefit for this breed.
- ✅Plans with per-condition deductibles or no payout limits are well-suited for managing chronic allergies or heart conditions.
- ❌Many standard insurance plans are a poor fit due to long 6 to 12-month waiting periods for orthopedic conditions.
- ❌Premiums may be higher to reflect the breed's predisposition to costly hereditary surgery and chronic care.
- ❌Some plans may require a vet examination and waiver to get a shorter waiting period for knee-related issues.
- ✅Top-rated plans cover key hereditary conditions like patellar luxation, Legg-Calvé-Perthes, and mitral valve disease.
- ✅Insurers like Spot and ASPCA offer short 14-day waiting periods for orthopedic issues, a critical benefit for this breed.
- ✅Plans with per-condition deductibles or no payout limits are well-suited for managing chronic allergies or heart conditions.
- Havanese at a glance
- Veterinary Issues & Cost
- Best Insurance Plans
- Insurance Criteria
- Savings Tips
- FAQ
Why trust HelloSafe?
To create this guide, our HelloSafe pet insurance expert combined insights from veterinary professionals, real feedback from Havanese owners, and an in-depth review of 34 active insurance policies. The result: a clear, expert-driven comparison of the best options tailored to the unique needs of this breed. Read on for practical advice and trusted recommendations to help you find the right coverage at every stage of your Havanese's life.
Havanese: At a Glance
| ? Havanese Characteristics | Details |
|---|---|
| ?️ Average lifespan | 14–16 years |
| ? Temperament | Playful, affectionate, intelligent, and highly social |
| ? Lifestyle needs | Thrives as a companion dog; needs daily walks, interactive play, and prefers not to be left alone |
| ?? Physical traits | Small breed, sturdy build, expressive eyes, tail carried over the back |
| ? Animal type/category | Companion/toy dog |
| ? Trainability | Highly trainable due to intelligence and willingness to please |
| ?? Child-friendly? | Yes, very good with children |
| ?♀️ Stairs compatibility | Yes, generally has no difficulty with stairs |
| ? Size (puppy/adult) | Puppy: 3–6 lbs (8–12 in); Adult: 8.5–11.5 in (21–29 cm) at shoulder |
| ⚖️ Weight (puppy/adult) | Puppy: 3–6 lbs; Adult: 7–13 lbs (3–6 kg) |
| ? Coat & grooming | Long, silky, double coat; hypoallergenic; needs regular brushing (2–3 times/week) and professional grooming |
| ? Purchase price | $1,000–$2,500 (from reputable breeders in the US) |
| ❤️ Popularity (US) | Very popular; regularly ranked in AKC’s Top 25 toy breeds |
| ? Food & health budget | $50–$100/month (food, insurance, basic veterinary care) |
| ? Health risks | Robust (overall); but predisposed to orthopedic, eye, heart, and allergy issues |
Legend: Key facts about Havanese in US.
Is Pet Insurance Relevant for Havanese?
Breed Risk Index for Havanese: 6/10
The Havanese, though generally long-lived and robust compared to many toy breeds, has a moderate veterinary risk profile. Major factors contributing to this score include a high prevalence of orthopedic diseases (especially patellar luxation and Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease), which frequently require costly surgical correction as documented by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. Cardiac disorders, particularly mitral valve disease, also require ongoing monitoring and long-term medication—a significant driver of veterinary cost according to veterinary cardiology reports. The breed is genetically prone to chronic skin allergies (atopy) and recurrent otitis, leading to frequent, sometimes lifelong, management with prescription diets, medicated shampoos, or immunomodulatory drugs. Havanese are susceptible to inherited eye diseases (cataracts, cherry eye), often necessitating specialty care. While most health issues are not immediately life-threatening, their chronic, recurring nature and the need for specialized or surgical intervention justify a moderate risk score. According to claims data from providers such as Trupanion and Spot, insurance for Havanese must feature low waiting periods and strong hereditary/chronic disease coverage to protect owners from substantial out-of-pocket expenses.
? Health Conditions & Veterinary Costs for Havanese
| Type of Condition | Example Condition | ? Occurrence frequency | Treatment / Care | Average Cost & Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common illnesses | Chronic otitis externa | Frequent: up to several times/year | Ear cleaning, topical meds, antibiotics | $200–$600/year – ✔️ Covered by most plans |
| Hereditary diseases | Patellar luxation, Legg-Calvé-Perthes | High: affects up to 10–15% | Orthopedic surgery, rehabilitation | $2,000–$4,500/procedure – ✔️ Needs high annual limits |
| Chronic conditions | Atopic dermatitis (skin allergies) | Frequent: lifelong episodes | Diet, immunotherapy, specialty meds | $600–$1,200/year – ✔️ Look for chronic care coverage |
| Age/species-related risks | Mitral valve disease | Occasional: rises with age | Cardiac drugs, regular scans | $500–$1,000/year – ✔️ Cardiology coverage essential |
| Behavioral risks | Separation anxiety | Moderate in indoor pets | Behavioral therapy, training | $200–$800/year – ⚠️ Limited behavioral coverage |
| Emergency or accident risks | Bloat (rare), traumatic fracture | Occasional emergency | ER visit, surgery, hospitalization | $1,500–$3,000 – ✔️ Emergency/accident coverage needed |
| Preventive care needed | Dental cleaning | Annual (very frequent) | Professional scaling, home dental care | $300–$600/year – ✔️ Include dental in plan |
The Best Insurance Plans for Havanese in the United States
After thoroughly reviewing and comparing all available GTC (General Terms & Conditions) and IPID (Insurance Product Information Documents), I focused on guarantees, exclusions (especially hereditary and breed-specific), and policy flexibility. My goal was to identify which insurance providers in the US offer the most suitable and comprehensive coverage for a Havanese. The table below ranks the best options based on their coverage of common Havanese health risks, limitations, and practical policy details.
| Insurer | ? Verdict | ?️ Key Coverage Strengths | ❌ Exclusions / Weak Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spot | ✅ High breed adaptation | Covers hereditary & congenital conditions Short 14-day waiting period for knees & ligaments (patellar luxation) High/unlimited annual limits | Prescription food only covered for treatment, not prevention |
| Trupanion | ✅ High breed adaptation | No payout limits (annual or lifetime) Per-condition deductible suits chronic issues Covers hereditary conditions Offers direct vet pay | Does not cover vet exam fees 30-day waiting period for illnesses |
| Fetch | ✅ High breed adaptation | Covers hereditary, breed-specific & dental illnesses Sick visit exam fees included Covers behavioral & alternative therapies | Deductible is per-condition/per-year, costlier for multiple conditions Knee waiting period may apply |
| ASPCA | ✅ High breed adaptation | 14-day waiting period for all conditions Hereditary & behavioral issues covered Curable pre-existing conditions included | Lower Trustpilot score than similar providers Website inaccessibility at times |
| Embrace | ⚠️ Moderate breed adaptation | Hereditary conditions & exam fees covered Dental illness up to $1,000/year Curable pre-existing eligible after 12 months | 6-month (180-day) waiting period for orthopedic conditions |
| Prudent Pet | ⚠️ Moderate breed adaptation | Unlimited annual benefit option Hereditary/congenital coverage 24/7 vet chat Excellent customer reviews | 6-month waiting for knee conditions unless vet waiver |
| Pets Best | ⚠️ Moderate breed adaptation | Customizable plans 3-day accident waiting period Strong customer reviews | 6-month waiting for cruciate ligament issues Exam/prescription add-ons required |
| Figo | ⚠️ Moderate breed adaptation | Diminishing deductible 1-day accident waiting period Curable pre-existing covered after 12 months | 6-month waiting for orthopedic, exam fees require add-on |
| AKC | ⚠️ Moderate breed adaptation | Pre-existing covered after 365 days Wellness/breeder options available | Hereditary conditions require paid add-on |
| Lemonade | ❌ Low breed adaptation | Fast, digital-first claims process 2-day accident waiting period Multi-pet discount | 6-month cruciate waiting period Excludes dental illness/behavioral conditions/exam fees |
| Nationwide | ❌ Low breed adaptation | Reputable, stable company Wellness care add-ons available | 1-year waiting for orthopedic (including hip dysplasia): critical flaw |
| MetLife | ❌ Low breed adaptation | "Healthy Pet Incentive" Appears to cover exams/preventive in base | Ambiguous orthopedic waiting period Customer rating 2.6/5 Trustpilot |
| Many Pets | ❌ Low breed adaptation | No annual/lifetime payout limits | Company exiting US; policies being transferred; covers less in long-term |
You can explore and compare these insurance options directly on our comparison tool to find the plan that fits your Havanese's needs and your budget.
? Compare the best pet insurance online.I compareHow to choose the best insurance for your Havanese?
When insuring your Havanese, look for a plan with a high annual limit—ideally at least $1,500–$2,000, since orthopedic surgeries (like for patellar luxation or Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease) and treatment of hereditary eye or heart conditions can quickly exceed basic coverage caps.
A reimbursement rate of 80–100% will help offset significant recurring expenses tied to chronic conditions such as atopy (skin allergies) or mitral valve disease.
Choose an annual deductible under $100 to reduce your out-of-pocket cost—most comprehensive providers like Spot and Trupanion offer this flexibility.
Carefully review policy exclusions, especially those for chronic, hereditary, or breed-specific conditions common to the Havanese.
Enrolling your dog as early as possible is strongly advised: insurance companies typically exclude any conditions that develop before coverage starts (“pre-existing conditions”).
A robust policy with these features is essential for managing the breed’s lifelong health risks and veterinary expenses.
How to Save on Pet Insurance for Your Havanese
| Savings Tip | How It Works | Impact on Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Compare genetic exclusions | Target providers that cover Havanese-prone conditions (e.g. patellar luxation, cataracts): avoid those with breed-specific exclusions to access lower, less “risk-loaded” rates. | High |
| Select annual deductible, not per-condition | Choose plans with a single annual deductible versus per-condition; this reduces total cost if your Havanese develops multiple chronic issues typical of the breed. | Medium |
| Lock-in multi-year pricing | Opt for a plan offering premium “lock-in” for several years—helpful with Havanese whose chronic diseases may cause premium hikes if renewing late. | High |
| Complete annual wellness visits | Keeping up-to-date with preventive exams often qualifies for “healthy pet” discounts or reduced co-pays, directly driving down renewal rates. | Medium |
| Purchase at <1 year old | Insuring a Havanese under 12 months old locks in lower premiums and ensures coverage before common hereditary problems are diagnosed. | High |
FAQ
What health conditions should I prioritize when choosing insurance for my Havanese?
Havanese are prone to hereditary issues like patellar luxation, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, cataracts, cherry eye, and mitral valve disease. It’s important to select a plan that covers chronic orthopedic, cardiac, and eye conditions, as these can result in ongoing treatment or surgical costs throughout your dog's life.
Are hereditary and congenital conditions covered by most pet insurance plans?
Not all plans automatically include hereditary or congenital conditions. For Havanese owners, it is essential to verify this coverage, as many common issues in the breed are genetic. Some providers require an add-on or offer it only in premium plans, so always read the policy details carefully.
What waiting periods should I expect for orthopedic conditions like knee surgery?
Many insurers have longer waiting periods—often 6 months—for orthopedic problems such as patellar luxation or hip dysplasia. However, a few plans shorten this to 14 days or may waive it with a recent vet exam. Make sure you understand these terms to avoid uncovered gaps early on.
How does pet insurance handle pre-existing conditions for my Havanese?
Pre-existing conditions, meaning any illness or injury noted before the start of your policy, are typically excluded by all US pet insurers. If your Havanese is already diagnosed with a chronic condition, future claims for that specific issue are not eligible for reimbursement, making early enrollment important.
Is dental illness or preventative care for Havanese included with insurance?
Some insurers offer dental illness coverage, such as for periodontal disease or tooth extractions, but this is not universal. Preventative care like dental cleanings, vaccines, and check-ups is usually available as an optional rider. Review your plan’s benefits to ensure these needs are met if important for your Havanese.
Do pet insurance plans cover the lifelong medication Havanese might need for heart disease or allergies?
Most accident and illness plans do include coverage for prescription medications needed for chronic conditions such as mitral valve disease or atopic allergies. However, refills and long-term medication management are sometimes subject to annual limits or exclusions, so it’s important to check these specifics before enrollment.
Will I be able to use any veterinarian with US pet insurance for my Havanese?
Nearly all US pet health insurance policies allow you to visit any licensed veterinarian, specialist, or emergency clinic in the country. Reimbursement is then processed after you submit your paid invoice, giving you the flexibility to choose the best care for your Havanese.
How can I lower my premium without compromising quality for my Havanese’s insurance?
You can often lower your monthly premium by selecting a higher deductible or a lower annual limit, but make sure these adjustments won’t leave you exposed to the costly surgeries and chronic care Havanese may need. Review plans with breed-specific coverage and compare if multi-pet or annual payment discounts are available.
What health conditions should I prioritize when choosing insurance for my Havanese?
Havanese are prone to hereditary issues like patellar luxation, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, cataracts, cherry eye, and mitral valve disease. It’s important to select a plan that covers chronic orthopedic, cardiac, and eye conditions, as these can result in ongoing treatment or surgical costs throughout your dog's life.
Are hereditary and congenital conditions covered by most pet insurance plans?
Not all plans automatically include hereditary or congenital conditions. For Havanese owners, it is essential to verify this coverage, as many common issues in the breed are genetic. Some providers require an add-on or offer it only in premium plans, so always read the policy details carefully.
What waiting periods should I expect for orthopedic conditions like knee surgery?
Many insurers have longer waiting periods—often 6 months—for orthopedic problems such as patellar luxation or hip dysplasia. However, a few plans shorten this to 14 days or may waive it with a recent vet exam. Make sure you understand these terms to avoid uncovered gaps early on.
How does pet insurance handle pre-existing conditions for my Havanese?
Pre-existing conditions, meaning any illness or injury noted before the start of your policy, are typically excluded by all US pet insurers. If your Havanese is already diagnosed with a chronic condition, future claims for that specific issue are not eligible for reimbursement, making early enrollment important.
Is dental illness or preventative care for Havanese included with insurance?
Some insurers offer dental illness coverage, such as for periodontal disease or tooth extractions, but this is not universal. Preventative care like dental cleanings, vaccines, and check-ups is usually available as an optional rider. Review your plan’s benefits to ensure these needs are met if important for your Havanese.
Do pet insurance plans cover the lifelong medication Havanese might need for heart disease or allergies?
Most accident and illness plans do include coverage for prescription medications needed for chronic conditions such as mitral valve disease or atopic allergies. However, refills and long-term medication management are sometimes subject to annual limits or exclusions, so it’s important to check these specifics before enrollment.
Will I be able to use any veterinarian with US pet insurance for my Havanese?
Nearly all US pet health insurance policies allow you to visit any licensed veterinarian, specialist, or emergency clinic in the country. Reimbursement is then processed after you submit your paid invoice, giving you the flexibility to choose the best care for your Havanese.
How can I lower my premium without compromising quality for my Havanese’s insurance?
You can often lower your monthly premium by selecting a higher deductible or a lower annual limit, but make sure these adjustments won’t leave you exposed to the costly surgeries and chronic care Havanese may need. Review plans with breed-specific coverage and compare if multi-pet or annual payment discounts are available.
