The Best Pet Insurance for Saint Bernards in 2025
Saint Bernard: Health & Insurance
The Saint Bernard is a beloved giant breed, cherished for its gentle and patient nature. However, its immense size is a primary factor in its medical fragility, leading to a higher risk of serious health issues and increased costs for any veterinary procedure.This breed is highly susceptible to severe and expensive health problems, most notably hip and elbow dysplasia, Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV or bloat), heart conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy, and bone cancer (osteosarcoma).Due to the high likelihood of developing multiple, costly hereditary conditions, the Saint Bernard has a breed vulnerability score of 9 out of 10.While annual routine care can average $800–$1,500, emergency treatments are far more expensive. Surgery for bloat can cost $3,000–$8,000, and hip dysplasia surgery can run from $4,000–$7,000 per hip.Many standard insurance plans are inadequate for this breed, often featuring low reimbursement ceilings that are quickly met, exclusions for hereditary conditions, or excessively long waiting periods for orthopedic problems like hip dysplasia.To secure proper financial protection, owners should focus on insurers with robust plans tailored for giant breeds.➡️ Spot is an excellent choice due to its single 14-day waiting period for all conditions, including crucial orthopedic coverage.➡️ Fetch provides comprehensive coverage that includes exam fees, physical therapy, and hereditary conditions like bloat.➡️ Trupanion is ideal for chronic illnesses with its per-condition deductible, no payout limits, and direct vet pay feature.➡️ Embrace is a strong contender as its orthopedic waiting period can be waived, and it covers exam fees and behavioral therapy.Below, you will find a complete health sheet, a detailed comparison table of the best plans, and essential cost-saving tips for your Saint Bernard.
- ✅Excellent coverage for breed-specific hereditary conditions like hip dysplasia, bloat (GDV), and heart disease.
- ✅Top-tier plans offer high or unlimited annual payout limits suitable for major surgeries and chronic care in a giant breed.
- ✅The best options feature short or waivable waiting periods for orthopedic conditions, a key risk for Saint Bernards.
- ❌Premiums for Saint Bernards are significantly higher than for most other breeds due to their size and predisposition to costly health issues.
- ❌Owners must carefully review waiting periods for orthopedic conditions, as some top plans require a vet exam to waive a standard 6-month delay.
- ❌Coverage for exam fees is not universal; some otherwise excellent plans exclude them from standard policies.
- ✅Excellent coverage for breed-specific hereditary conditions like hip dysplasia, bloat (GDV), and heart disease.
- ✅Top-tier plans offer high or unlimited annual payout limits suitable for major surgeries and chronic care in a giant breed.
- ✅The best options feature short or waivable waiting periods for orthopedic conditions, a key risk for Saint Bernards.
Saint Bernard: Health & Insurance
- ✅Excellent coverage for breed-specific hereditary conditions like hip dysplasia, bloat (GDV), and heart disease.
- ✅Top-tier plans offer high or unlimited annual payout limits suitable for major surgeries and chronic care in a giant breed.
- ✅The best options feature short or waivable waiting periods for orthopedic conditions, a key risk for Saint Bernards.
- ❌Premiums for Saint Bernards are significantly higher than for most other breeds due to their size and predisposition to costly health issues.
- ❌Owners must carefully review waiting periods for orthopedic conditions, as some top plans require a vet exam to waive a standard 6-month delay.
- ❌Coverage for exam fees is not universal; some otherwise excellent plans exclude them from standard policies.
- ✅Excellent coverage for breed-specific hereditary conditions like hip dysplasia, bloat (GDV), and heart disease.
- ✅Top-tier plans offer high or unlimited annual payout limits suitable for major surgeries and chronic care in a giant breed.
- ✅The best options feature short or waivable waiting periods for orthopedic conditions, a key risk for Saint Bernards.
- Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard's life.
The Saint Bernard at a Glance
| ? Saint Bernard Characteristics | Details |
|---|---|
| ?️ Average lifespan | 8–10 years |
| ? Temperament | Gentle, calm, patient, devoted, protective |
| ? Lifestyle needs | Moderate exercise; needs space, enjoys cool climates, prefers short active sessions |
| ?? Physical traits | Very large, muscular, deep chest, broad head, heavy jowls, thick double coat |
| ? Animal type/category | Working dog (rescue, family companion) |
| ? Trainability | Moderately trainable; can be stubborn but eager to please |
| ?? Child-friendly? | Yes |
| ?♀️ Stairs compatibility | No (not ideal due to joint risk and giant size, especially as they age) |
| ? Size (puppy/adult) | Puppy: 20–30 lbs / Adult: 26–30 inches at shoulder |
| ⚖️ Weight (puppy/adult) | Puppy: 20–40 lbs / Adult: 120–180 lbs |
| ? Coat & grooming | Long or short; heavy shedder; needs regular (weekly+) brushing and drool management |
| ? Purchase price | $1,200–$3,500 (varies by breeder, bloodline, and region) |
| ❤️ Popularity (US) | Moderately popular (AKC top 50; iconic but less common due to size) |
| ? Food & health budget | $1,500–$3,000/year (high for food, preventive and emergency care) |
| ? Health risks | Fragile (prone to hip/elbow dysplasia, bloat, heart conditions, cancer, joint problems) |
Legend: Key facts about Saint Bernard in US.
Is Pet Insurance Relevant for a Saint Bernard?
Breed Risk Index for Saint Bernard: 9/10
Saint Bernieards face extensive high-cost health risks documented throughout veterinary literature. Their status as a giant breed results in a markedly reduced lifespan and dramatically increased occurrence of orthopedic conditions, notably hip and elbow dysplasia (source: OFA prevalence >35%). Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (bloat) is a common life-threatening emergency requiring $2,000–$6,000 for single episodes of surgery and ICU care, while bone cancer (osteosarcoma) and dilated cardiomyopathy become increasingly likely with age. Preventive and supportive care, anesthesia, and medication routinely cost more for giant breeds due to required dosages. Eye disorders (entropion, ectropion) and chronic skin issues also add to cumulative risk. The complexity and cost of Saint Bernard care justify maximal insurance coverage for hereditary, orthopedic, and emergency events; weak policies may quickly reach or exceed their limits.
? Health conditions & veterinary costs for Saint Bernard
| Type of Condition | Example Condition | ? Occurrence frequency | Treatment / Care | Average Cost & Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common illnesses | Otitis externa | Frequent: 2–4 times/year | Cleaning, topical/antibiotic meds | $200–$400/year – ✔️ Basic vet coverage |
| Skin fold dermatitis | Frequent | Medicated shampoos, topical therapy | $150–$400/year – ✔️ Dermatitis coverage | |
| Hereditary diseases | Hip dysplasia | Very common (OFA: ~35%) | Surgery, physical therapy, meds | $2,500–$6,000/procedure – ✔️ Needs high-limit ortho plan |
| Elbow dysplasia | Common | Surgery, long-term management | $2,000–$5,000 – ✔️ Orthopedic or hereditary plan | |
| Entropion/Ectropion | Moderate | Eyelid correction surgery | $800–$1,500/procedure – ✔️ Specialist/surgical coverage | |
| Chronic conditions | Dilated cardiomyopathy | Moderate: adult/older | Cardiac medication, cardiology visits | $1,200–$2,500/year – ✔️ Chronic illness/cardiac plan |
| Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) | Occasional | Amputation, chemo, pain management | $4,000–$10,000/case – ✔️ High-limit oncology plan | |
| Age/species-related risks | Arthritis, joint degeneration | Very frequent: rising with age | NSAIDs, joint supplements, therapy | $400–$900/year – ✔️ Chronic management coverage |
| Behavioral risks | Separation anxiety | Occasional | Behavior modification, medication | $300–$700/year – ⚠️ Not always covered |
| Emergency or accident risks | Gastric dilatation-volvulus | Higher risk: giant breeds | Emergency surgery, hospitalization | $2,000–$6,000/episode – ✔️ Emergency/max coverage needed |
| Preventive care needed | Annual wellness exams | Required: 1–2 times/year | Vet exam, monitoring, health screens | $300–$600/year – ✔️ Wellness add-on recommended |
| Vaccination | Required annually | Routine vaccines | $100–$300/year – ✔️ Included in wellness plans |
The Best Insurance Plans for Saint Bernard in the US
After thoroughly reviewing and comparing all available GTC (General Terms & Conditions) and IPID (Insurance Product Information Documents), I aimed to determine which insurance providers in France offer the most suitable coverage for a Saint Bernard. My comparison focused on guarantees (covered treatments, reimbursement rates, annual limits), policy exclusions (especially hereditary and breed-specific risks), and policy flexibility (waiting periods, age limits, deductible models). Below are the results of this cross-checked, breed-focused comparison.
| Insurer | ? Verdict | ?️ Key Coverage Strengths | ❌ Exclusions / Weak Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spot | ✅ High breed adaptation | • 14-day waiting period for all conditions (including hips & ligaments) • Hereditary/congenital covered • Exam fees included | • Pre-existing curable conditions: 180 symptom-free days before coverage resumes (not for knees) |
| Fetch | ✅ High breed adaptation | • Covers hereditary (hip dysplasia, bloat) • Exam/physical/behavioral therapy covered • Unlimited payouts | • 6-month wait on hips/knees (can be waived with vet doc) |
| Trupanion | ✅ High breed adaptation | • No payout caps • Per-condition deductible • Hereditary conditions incl. hips/knees • Vet direct pay available | • No exam fee coverage • 30-day wait for illness (longer than competitors) |
| Embrace | ✅ High breed adaptation | • Covers hereditary/congenital • Ortho wait can be waived via vet exam • Exam/behavioral fee cover | • Dental illness limited to $1,000/yr |
| Healthy Paws | ⚠️ Moderate breed adaptation | • Unlimited payouts • Covers hereditary/congenital • Fast claims | • 12-month hip dysplasia wait • No coverage for hips if enrolled age 6+ • No exam fee cover |
| Safeco | ❌ Low breed adaptation | • Flexible add-ons • Alt. therapies cover available | • $10,000 annual max (too low for Saint Bernards) • 1-year wait for cruciate ligament injuries |
| Nationwide | ❌ Low breed adaptation | • Wellness add-on available | • $7,500 annual cap (sample plan) • 1-year wait for orthopedic (hips, knees) • Low max limits |
• Hereditary/congenital covered
• Exam fees included
• Exam/physical/behavioral therapy covered
• Unlimited payouts
• Per-condition deductible
• Hereditary conditions incl. hips/knees
• Vet direct pay available
• 30-day wait for illness (longer than competitors)
• Ortho wait can be waived via vet exam
• Exam/behavioral fee cover
• Covers hereditary/congenital
• Fast claims
• No coverage for hips if enrolled age 6+
• No exam fee cover
• Alt. therapies cover available
• 1-year wait for cruciate ligament injuries
• 1-year wait for orthopedic (hips, knees)
• Low max limits
You can explore and compare these insurance options directly on our comparison tool to find the plan that fits your Saint Bernard's needs and your budget.
? Compare the best pet insurance online.I compareHow to Choose the Best Insurance for your Saint Bernard?
When insuring a Saint Bernard, always look for a policy with a high annual coverage limit—at least $1,500–$2,000, if not unlimited. Saint Bernards are prone to musculoskeletal issues like hip and elbow dysplasia, and emergency conditions such as Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (bloat), which often lead to very high veterinary bills; major surgeries frequently exceed $3,000–$5,000. Opt for plans with a high reimbursement rate of 80–100%, as this can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs during emergencies or when managing chronic conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy or osteosarcoma.
Choose an annual deductible under $100, as the large size of the breed increases the cost of medications and treatments over a lifetime.
Be especially vigilant about exclusions—many standard policies limit or exclude reimbursement for hereditary or chronic conditions that frequently affect Saint Bernards. Early enrollment, before any symptoms appear, is strongly recommended to secure full coverage; pre-existing conditions are typically excluded for life.
Recommended Coverage Levels
| Condition Type | Recommended Annual Limit |
|---|---|
| Orthopedic & surgical care | ≥ $2,000 |
| Emergency (GDV/bloat) | ≥ $2,000 |
| Cardiology, chronic disease | ≥ $1,500 |
| Cancer treatment | ≥ $2,000 |
How to Save on Pet Insurance for your Saint Bernard
| Savings Tip | How It Works | Impact on Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Choose unlimited payouts selectively | For a Saint Bernard, only select unlimited payout if you live in a high-cost region or anticipate major surgeries; otherwise, opt for a $10k–$15k cap to balance security and premium. | High |
| Waive orthopedic waiting periods | Some insurers let you waive 6–12 month waits for hip/knee coverage with a timely vet exam—this proactive step unlocks full coverage at signup, avoiding future exclusions and high-risk premiums. | Medium |
| Pick per-condition deductible plans | Saint Bernards often face one or two chronic issues; a per-condition deductible can lower annual costs versus per-incident models for this breed’s risk profile. | Medium |
| Exclude wellness/preventive add-ons | For giant breeds, costly claims are nearly always major medical, not routine; dropping wellness add-ons focuses premium dollars on catastrophic risk where insurance delivers greatest value. | Low |
| Enroll at puppy age | Insuring your Saint Bernard before age 1 guarantees the best rates and ensures hereditary conditions (like hip dysplasia, cardiomyopathy) are not excluded as “pre-existing.” | High |
FAQ
What health problems are most common in Saint Bernards?
Saint Bernards are prone to joint disorders like hip and elbow dysplasia, which can require expensive surgeries. They are also at higher risk for bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), a life-threatening emergency, as well as heart conditions such as dilated cardiomyopathy. Their large size also makes routine care and medications more costly compared to smaller breeds.
Does pet insurance cover hereditary conditions for my Saint Bernard?
Many top insurers cover hereditary and congenital conditions, which is vital for Saint Bernards due to their genetic risks. However, you need to review each policy carefully: some may require add-ons or have waiting periods for orthopedic or heart-related issues, so always check what's included before enrolling.
How does my Saint Bernard’s size affect my insurance premium and claims?
Saint Bernards often have higher insurance premiums because their size leads to pricier treatments, larger medication dosages, and increased risk of costly emergencies. Claims for surgeries, anesthesia, or chronic care usually run higher, making comprehensive coverage with a high annual limit especially important.
What exclusions should I watch for when choosing insurance for my Saint Bernard?
Be alert for exclusions on hereditary conditions, orthopedic issues (like hip dysplasia), and breed-specific problems. Some policies have long waiting periods for orthopedic coverage or lower annual payout limits, which can leave you exposed to significant out-of-pocket expenses.
Why is a high annual payout limit important for Saint Bernard insurance?
Due to the breed’s risk for severe conditions and the high cost of treatment (for example, surgery for bloat or orthopedic repairs), a high or unlimited annual payout ensures coverage is available even in a worst-case scenario. Lower limits could be quickly used up, leaving you responsible for substantial bills.
At what age should I insure my Saint Bernard?
It's best to start insurance when your Saint Bernard is a puppy, before any signs of illness or injury appear. Early enrollment avoids exclusions for pre-existing conditions and often locks in more affordable rates for life, ensuring your dog gets the fullest protection possible.
What is the typical waiting period for orthopedic coverage in Saint Bernard insurance policies?
For Saint Bernards, waiting periods for orthopedic conditions like hip or elbow dysplasia range from 14 days up to 12 months, depending on the insurer. Some providers let you waive this period with a timely vet exam, so check this option if you want immediate coverage.
What health problems are most common in Saint Bernards?
Saint Bernards are prone to joint disorders like hip and elbow dysplasia, which can require expensive surgeries. They are also at higher risk for bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), a life-threatening emergency, as well as heart conditions such as dilated cardiomyopathy. Their large size also makes routine care and medications more costly compared to smaller breeds.
Does pet insurance cover hereditary conditions for my Saint Bernard?
Many top insurers cover hereditary and congenital conditions, which is vital for Saint Bernards due to their genetic risks. However, you need to review each policy carefully: some may require add-ons or have waiting periods for orthopedic or heart-related issues, so always check what's included before enrolling.
How does my Saint Bernard’s size affect my insurance premium and claims?
Saint Bernards often have higher insurance premiums because their size leads to pricier treatments, larger medication dosages, and increased risk of costly emergencies. Claims for surgeries, anesthesia, or chronic care usually run higher, making comprehensive coverage with a high annual limit especially important.
What exclusions should I watch for when choosing insurance for my Saint Bernard?
Be alert for exclusions on hereditary conditions, orthopedic issues (like hip dysplasia), and breed-specific problems. Some policies have long waiting periods for orthopedic coverage or lower annual payout limits, which can leave you exposed to significant out-of-pocket expenses.
Why is a high annual payout limit important for Saint Bernard insurance?
Due to the breed’s risk for severe conditions and the high cost of treatment (for example, surgery for bloat or orthopedic repairs), a high or unlimited annual payout ensures coverage is available even in a worst-case scenario. Lower limits could be quickly used up, leaving you responsible for substantial bills.
At what age should I insure my Saint Bernard?
It's best to start insurance when your Saint Bernard is a puppy, before any signs of illness or injury appear. Early enrollment avoids exclusions for pre-existing conditions and often locks in more affordable rates for life, ensuring your dog gets the fullest protection possible.
What is the typical waiting period for orthopedic coverage in Saint Bernard insurance policies?
For Saint Bernards, waiting periods for orthopedic conditions like hip or elbow dysplasia range from 14 days up to 12 months, depending on the insurer. Some providers let you waive this period with a timely vet exam, so check this option if you want immediate coverage.
