This site is supported by our readers. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through links.
Your Bernese Mountain Dog’s gentle nature masks serious health risks that make pet insurance essential.
These beloved giants face cancer, hip dysplasia, and bloat—conditions that can cost $1,500 to $6,000 to treat.
Most owners pay $83-$130 monthly for bernese mountain dog pet insurance in 2025, but with their 7-10 year lifespan and breed-specific vulnerabilities, coverage becomes a financial lifeline.
You’ll find providers like Pumpkin offering 90% reimbursement rates, while others provide direct vet payments to eliminate upfront costs.
The math is simple: when 4 in 5 pet owners can’t handle a $500 emergency, insurance transforms impossible choices into manageable monthly payments that protect both your Berner’s health and your family’s budget.
Table Of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Bernese Mountain Dog Insurance
- Pet Insurance Benefits
- Choosing Pet Insurance
- Factors Affecting Insurance Cost
- Best Pet Insurance Plans
- What Pet Insurance Covers
- Cost of Pet Insurance
- Pet Insurance Providers
- Selecting The Best Insurance
- Is Pet Insurance Worth It
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How many Bernese Mountain Dogs are in the US?
- Why should you consider Bernese Mountain Dog Puppy insurance?
- How much does a Bernese Mountain insurance cost?
- How much does a Bernese Mountain Dog deductible cost?
- How much does it cost for a Bernese Mountain dog?
- What is the most expensive breed of dog to insure?
- What is the average CoI for a Bernese mountain dog?
- Can I get coverage for my mixed Bernese breed?
- Does insurance cover alternative treatments like acupuncture?
- What happens if I move to different states?
- Conclusion
Key Takeaways
- You’ll face expensive health risks – Bernese Mountain Dogs have a 50% cancer rate and are prone to hip dysplasia, heart disease, and bloat, with treatment costs ranging from $1,500 to $6,000.
- You’ll pay $83-$130 monthly for coverage – Most Bernese owners invest in pet insurance premiums within this range, which becomes essential given their short 7-10 year lifespan and breed-specific vulnerabilities.
- You’ll get 70-90% reimbursement – Quality providers like Pumpkin and Trupanion offer high reimbursement rates, with some providing direct vet payments to eliminate upfront costs.
- You’ll transform impossible choices into manageable payments – Since 4 in 5 pet owners can’t handle a $500 emergency, insurance protects both your Berner’s health and your family’s budget through predictable monthly costs.
Bernese Mountain Dog Insurance
You’ll want pet insurance for your Bernese Mountain Dog because this beloved breed faces serious health challenges that can cost thousands in veterinary bills.
These gentle giants are prone to hip dysplasia, heart disease, and cancer, with nearly 50% developing some form of malignancy during their relatively short 6-8 year lifespan.
Breed Specific Health Issues
Your Bernese Mountain Dog’s genetics stack the deck against them, making pet insurance a smart move.
These gentle giants face significant health challenges that can drain your wallet fast.
Here are the top breed-specific health risks:
- Cancer prevalence reaches 50% of all Bernese, with histiocytic sarcoma being 15 times more common than other breeds
- Hip dysplasia affects 11-36% of the breed, while elbow dysplasia impacts 31-40% requiring costly surgical intervention
- Heart conditions and aseptic meningitis create additional genetic disorders that demand immediate, expensive veterinary care
These breed-specific conditions aren’t just possibilities—they’re probabilities that responsible owners prepare for through thorough insurance coverage.
Common Health Problems
Several serious health conditions plague your Bernese Mountain Dog throughout their lifetime.
Hip dysplasia affects over 30% of the breed, while elbow dysplasia causes painful joint problems requiring expensive surgery.
Cancer prevalence is staggering—nearly 50% develop malignancies, with histiocytic sarcoma being particularly aggressive, contributing to their short lifespan and substantial treatment costs.
Average Lifespan and Costs
Despite being beloved family companions, Bernese Mountain Dogs face significant cost considerations due to their shortened lifespan averages and breed predispositions.
Your financial planning should account for these realities:
- Bernese lifespan: 6-8 years (notably shorter than similar breeds)
- Average cost: $3,000-$8,000 lifetime veterinary costs
- Insurance cost: $70-$100 monthly premiums reflecting breed risks
Cost comparison shows treatment expenses escalate with age-related conditions and cancer affecting 50% of Berners.
A key factor is their tendency for genetic health issues.
Pet Insurance Benefits
Pet insurance transforms your Bernese Mountain Dog’s healthcare from financial worry into manageable monthly payments, covering 70-90% of unexpected veterinary bills.
Transform your Bernese’s healthcare from financial stress into predictable monthly payments with 70-90% coverage of unexpected vet bills.
You’ll gain peace of mind knowing that costly breed-specific conditions like hip dysplasia or cancer won’t force impossible choices between your dog’s health and your budget, with breed-specific conditions being a key consideration.
Financial Security and Reimbursement
Pet insurance transforms unexpected veterinary expenses from financial nightmares into manageable monthly payments.
You’ll receive 70-90% claim reimbursement after meeting your deductible, creating predictable budgeting security for your Berner’s healthcare needs.
These policy benefits provide essential financial protection when facing costly treatments like hip dysplasia surgery or cancer care, ensuring insurance coverage doesn’t derail your financial planning.
Schnauzers, for example, benefit from policies covering breed-specific health concerns, which offer financial protection and predictable budgeting.
Access to Necessary Medical Care
With dog insurance, you’ll open the door to extensive veterinary care without financial barriers holding you back.
Your Bernese mountain dog deserves the best treatment available, and pet health insurance makes that possible.
Here’s what access to necessary medical care includes:
- Emergency Treatment – 24/7 coverage for accidents, injuries, and sudden illnesses requiring immediate attention
- Specialist Referrals – Access to orthopedic surgeons, oncologists, and cardiologists for breed-specific conditions
- Diagnostic Coverage – X-rays, MRIs, blood work, and advanced testing to identify health issues early
- Preventative Care – Routine check-ups, vaccinations, and screenings to maintain peak health
- End-of-Life Options – Compassionate care choices when quality of life becomes a concern
Managing Unexpected Costs
When your Bernese mountain dog faces unexpected accidents or sudden health issues, you’ll need solid emergency funds and budgeting strategies.
Pet insurance transforms unpredictable veterinary bills into manageable monthly premiums.
Compare discount options and preventative care packages to find the best value, as smart cost comparison helps you avoid financial surprises when your dog needs immediate treatment.
Choosing Pet Insurance
When you’re shopping for Bernese Mountain Dog insurance, you’ll need to balance thorough coverage with your budget since these gentle giants face expensive health challenges.
The key is finding a plan that covers breed-specific conditions like hip dysplasia and cancer while offering flexibility in deductibles and reimbursement rates.
Comprehensive Coverage Options
Three extensive coverage types protect your Bernese from expensive veterinary bills.
Each plan addresses different financial scenarios and Bernese health issues through customizable features.
- Policy Limits: Choose annual caps from $5,000 to unlimited coverage for hereditary conditions like hip dysplasia
- Deductible Options: Select $100-$1,000 deductibles to balance monthly premiums with out-of-pocket costs
- Reimbursement Levels: Pick 70-90% coverage rates for breed-specific conditions including histiocytosis
- Exclusions Explained: Review what’s not covered, typically cosmetic procedures and pre-existing conditions
- Waiting Periods: Understand 2-14 day accident coverage and 14-day illness coverage start dates
Flexibility in Plans and Providers
Modern insurance providers offer remarkable customization options that let you tailor coverage to your Berner’s specific needs.
You’ll find deductible choices ranging from $100 to $1,000, flexible plans with various reimbursement percentages, and add-on benefits like wellness coverage.
Many providers offer bundling discounts and regional plans optimized for your area’s veterinary costs, making policy comparison straightforward.
Cost Considerations and Factors
When shopping for coverage, you’ll find dog insurance premiums vary dramatically based on several premium factors.
Your pup’s age, location, and breed predispositions heavily influence insurance cost variation.
Deductible options range from $100-$1,000, while coverage limits affect your lifetime costs.
Factors impacting insurance costs include your Berner’s health history and chosen plan features.
Factors Affecting Insurance Cost
Several factors determine your Bernese Mountain Dog’s insurance costs, with age being the biggest variable since puppies start with lower premiums that increase annually.
Your location matters too, as urban areas with higher vet costs typically mean pricier coverage than rural regions, which can significantly affect your insurance costs.
Age and Location Factors
When shopping for coverage, you’ll find that age and location dramatically impact your dog insurance premiums.
Senior Premiums can spike 60% higher than Puppy Discounts, while Regional Costs vary substantially across states.
Key factors affecting insurance rates:
- Age thresholds – Most insurers raise rates when dogs reach 7-8 years
- Geographic pricing – Urban areas cost $10-20 more monthly than rural locations
- Breed Prevalence – Areas with higher vet costs increase premiums accordingly
Location Benefits matter since California averages exceed $60 monthly while Midwest regions stay below $45.
Provider and Plan Options
You’ll find dog insurance providers offer different coverage levels, from basic accident-only to thorough accident-illness plans.
Deductible options typically range from $0-$1,000, while waiting periods vary between providers.
Policy exclusions differ substantially, so compare what each covers for bernese health issues.
Many pet insurance providers offer bundling discounts when you insure multiple pets, making the best dog insurance more affordable for multi-pet households.
Customization and Add-ons
You’ll find extensive customization options that let you tailor coverage to your Berner’s needs.
Most insurers offer flexible deductible options ranging from $100 to $1,000, affecting your premiums substantially.
Coverage limits vary from $2,500 to unlimited annual payouts.
Consider these popular add-ons:
- Wellness add-ons covering preventative care like vaccinations and dental cleanings
- Alternative therapies including acupuncture and physical therapy for joint issues
- Insurance additional perks like telehealth consultations and behavioral training coverage
Customizable plans often include insurance discounts for multiple pets or annual payments.
Review insurance policy details carefully—some wellness coverage requires separate premiums while others bundle preventative care into thorough plans.
**Cancer treatments can be costly, so consider thorough coverage for your Bernese.
Best Pet Insurance Plans
You’ll find three main types of pet insurance plans for your Bernese Mountain Dog, each designed to match different budgets and coverage needs.
Understanding these options helps you pick the right financial protection for your gentle giant’s specific health risks, which is crucial for their well-being, and choosing the correct plan can be a complex decision.
Accident-Only Plans and Benefits
Accident-only pet insurance offers basic protection when your Berner faces unexpected injuries.
These plans provide affordable premiums while covering emergency situations like broken bones, cuts, or poisoning incidents.
Though limited in scope, accident coverage guarantees you won’t face massive vet bills during crisis moments.
| Coverage Type | What’s Included | Emotional Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Coverage | Broken bones, cuts, burns | Peace of mind during accidents |
| Injury Coverage | Sprains, fractures, wounds | Relief from unexpected costs |
| Poisoning/Toxicity | Emergency treatment costs | Security for curious pups |
| Hit by Vehicle | Surgery and recovery care | Protection during worst fears |
| Foreign Object Ingestion | Surgical removal procedures | Confidence with playful dogs |
Basic accidents happen when you least expect them.
Your Bernese Mountain Dog’s curiosity might lead to swallowed toys or outdoor mishaps.
Accident-only coverage won’t help with breed-specific conditions like hip dysplasia, but it’ll handle those "oh no" moments every dog owner dreads.
Accident and Illness Plans and Benefits
Expanding beyond basic accident coverage, accident and illness coverage protects your Bernese against both unexpected injuries and hereditary conditions.
These extensive plan tiers include coverage details for breed-specific conditions like hip dysplasia and histiocytosis. The claim process remains straightforward, though policy exclusions apply to pre-existing conditions.
Benefit limits vary by provider, making dog health insurance essential for bernese health management and genetic conditions coverage. Comparing quotes from different providers can help you find affordable pet coverage for bernese health and manage genetic conditions.
Wellness Plans and Preventive Care
Beyond accident and illness coverage, wellness plans help you budget for your Berner’s routine healthcare needs.
These add-on options reimburse preventive services that keep your gentle giant healthy year-round.
- Vaccination Costs – Annual shots can cost $200-300, but wellness coverage makes budgeting predictable
- Dental Cleanings – Professional cleanings ($500-800) prevent painful tooth problems down the road
- Parasite Prevention – Monthly flea, tick, and heartworm protection adds up to $300+ annually
Routine checkups and early detection through preventive care help catch issues before they become expensive emergencies.
Consider exploring options for Bernese wellness products for your pet.
What Pet Insurance Covers
Understanding what your pet insurance covers helps you make informed decisions about your Bernese Mountain Dog’s healthcare.
Most policies cover accidents, illnesses, and breed-specific conditions like hip dysplasia and cancer, but they typically exclude pre-existing conditions and have waiting periods before coverage begins.
This knowledge is crucial for planning your dog’s healthcare and ensuring you can provide the best possible care for them.
Covered Health Issues and Conditions
Most pet insurance plans thoroughly cover breed-specific health issues affecting Bernese Mountain Dogs.
You’ll find coverage for genetic predispositions like hip dysplasia, heart disease, and congenital conditions.
Cancer coverage typically includes the aggressive histiocytosis common in Berners, while chronic ailments such as arthritis and hypothyroidism receive ongoing support.
Emergency treatment for gastric torsion gets immediate financial backing when crisis strikes, and many owners seek solutions for dog hip dysplasia.
Exclusions and Limitations
Even thorough pet insurance policies have fine print that’ll trip you up.
Most insurance exclusions target four key areas that could leave your Bernese Mountain Dog uncovered:
- Pre-existing conditions – Any health issues present before enrollment
- Breed-specific exclusions – Hereditary conditions like hip dysplasia or histiocytosis
- Age restrictions – Coverage limitations for senior dogs over 8-10 years
- Policy limitations – Annual caps, waiting periods, and specific treatment exclusions
Understanding these insurance policy basics prevents nasty surprises when filing claims.
Pre-existing Conditions and Waiting Periods
Most policies won’t cover preexisting conditions—health issues your Berner had before coverage begins.
Waiting periods typically range from 14 days for accidents to 12 months for orthopedic conditions, meaning you can’t file claims immediately after enrollment.
| Coverage Type | Typical Waiting Period |
|---|---|
| Accidents | 0-14 days |
| Illnesses | 14-30 days |
| Orthopedic conditions | 6-12 months |
| Cancer coverage | 30-90 days |
Understanding these policy terms prevents claim denials and manages expectations.
Insurance exclusions for preexisting conditions protect providers from adverse selection, while insurance waiting periods guarantee coverage legitimacy.
Review condition definitions carefully during policy renewals to avoid surprises.
Cost of Pet Insurance
You’ll pay anywhere from $30 to $120 monthly for Bernese Mountain Dog insurance, depending on your pup’s age and your chosen coverage level.
Since Berners face expensive health issues like hip dysplasia and cancer, understanding these costs upfront helps you budget for both premiums and potential out-of-pocket expenses.
Average Monthly and Annual Costs
Understanding how much you’ll spend on dog insurance costs helps you budget for your furry friend’s care.
For a Bernese mountain dog price considerations, monthly premiums typically range from $45 to $70, with annual totals reaching $540 to $840.
- Policy deductibles affect your premium – higher deductibles mean lower monthly costs
- Premium factors include your dog’s age, location, and coverage levels you choose
- Breed specifics drive up costs since Berners face higher health risks than smaller dogs
- Lifetime costs can exceed $6,000 over your dog’s lifespan when including dog insurance quotes with wellness add-ons
Lowest and Highest Insurance Costs
You’ll find dog insurance costs spanning a wide range.
Basic accident-only coverage starts around $10 monthly, while extensive plans for Bernese Mountain Dogs can reach $150+ monthly.
Premium factors like age, location, and breed-specific risks create significant regional variance.
Coverage limits and deductible impact determine your final costs, with breed exclusions potentially affecting bernese mountain dog price considerations.
Factors Affecting Premiums and Deductibles
Your dog’s age dramatically impacts premiums, with puppies costing less than senior Berners.
Coverage level and deductible options create the biggest price swings—higher coverage means steeper premiums, while larger deductibles lower monthly costs.
Breed predisposition to breed-specific conditions like hip dysplasia increases rates.
Policy customization for large breed insurance and dog health conditions affects your final bill, with options for higher coverage and larger deductibles.
Pet Insurance Providers
You’ll find several top-rated pet insurance providers offer specialized coverage for Bernese Mountain Dogs’ unique health challenges.
Each company brings different strengths to the table, from unlimited lifetime benefits to direct veterinary payments.
Top Rated Providers and Features
When choosing between pet insurance providers, you’ll find that Trupanion offers Direct Payments to veterinarians, while Lemonade provides the fastest claim processing for Bernese Mountain Dogs.
These top-rated companies deliver extensive coverage with Customization Options including Flexible Wellness add-ons.
Compare pet insurance providers like Nationwide and ASPCA, which specialize in breed-specific conditions, ensuring you get affordable pet insurance with Unlimited Benefits adapted to your dog’s needs.
Healthy Paws and Unlimited Benefits
Healthy Paws stands out with unlimited coverage that eliminates claim caps and lifetime benefits restrictions.
You’ll get thorough coverage for high-risk breeds like Bernese Mountain Dogs without worrying about hitting financial limits.
This unlimited benefits structure provides peace of mind when facing expensive treatments like cancer care or chronic conditions that plague this breed throughout their lives.
The company, known for its fast claims processing, aims to reimburse claims within two days, providing peace of mind and fast service.
Trupanion and Direct Payments
Trupanion stands out with its Direct Payment Process, covering 90% of eligible costs at over 20,000 partnered veterinary clinics nationwide.
You won’t need upfront payments when using Trupanion Express software, which processes claims within minutes.
This extensive coverage includes breed-specific conditions like hip dysplasia, making it ideal for Bernese Mountain Dog owners seeking financial peace of mind.
Selecting The Best Insurance
Choosing the right pet insurance for your Bernese Mountain Dog requires comparing coverage for their specific health risks like hip dysplasia, cancer, and heart conditions.
You’ll want to evaluate deductibles, reimbursement rates, and whether hereditary conditions are covered before your pup develops any symptoms, considering factors like reimbursement rates.
Coverage for Common Health Issues
When selecting pet insurance for your Bernese Mountain Dog, you’ll want coverage that addresses their genetic predispositions and breed-specific health issues.
Look for plans covering hip and elbow dysplasia costs, cancer coverage for histiocytosis, and emergency coverage for gastric torsion.
Thorough dog health coverage should include chronic conditions like degenerative myelopathy, ensuring your pet insurance coverage protects against expensive breed-specific conditions throughout their lifetime, with a focus on breed-specific health issues.
Financial Protection and Peace of Mind
Pet insurance transforms the financial burden of unexpected diagnosis into manageable monthly premiums, letting you focus on your Berner’s emotional wellbeing rather than treatment costs.
This insurance for peace of mind means you’ll make treatment decisions based on your dog’s needs, not your wallet, supporting long-term planning for your pet’s health coverage.
Personalized Quotes and Comparison Tools
Through online tools, you’ll access personalized quotes customized to your Bernese Mountain Dog’s specific needs and location.
These insurance comparison platforms analyze over 20 providers, factoring in breed-specific risks like hip dysplasia and cancer predisposition.
You can also compare pet plans to find the best fit.
- Quote Customization – Input your dog’s age, location, and coverage preferences for accurate premium estimates
- Comparison Factors – Side-by-side analysis of coverage limits, deductibles, and reimbursement rates across multiple providers
- Tool Accuracy – Real-time pricing with regional variations and available discount options clearly displayed
Is Pet Insurance Worth It
Pet insurance becomes essential when you consider that Bernese Mountain Dogs face a nearly 50% cancer risk and average veterinary bills ranging from $1,500 to over $10,000 for breed-specific conditions.
You’ll find peace of mind knowing that thorough coverage reimburses 70-90% of qualifying expenses at any U.S. veterinary clinic, protecting your finances while ensuring your Berner receives necessary medical care throughout their 6-8 year lifespan.
This coverage is crucial as it ensures your Berner receives the necessary medical care, with thorough coverage reimbursing a significant portion of the expenses, thus protecting your finances.
Benefits and Advantages of Insurance
When unexpected health issues strike your Bernese Mountain Dog, thorough coverage becomes your safety net.
Pet insurance benefits include financial security through 70-90% reimbursement, ensuring medical access without budget constraints, and effective cost management for breed-specific needs like hip dysplasia and cancer.
| Insurance Benefit | Your Advantage |
|---|---|
| Financial Security | Peace of mind with predictable monthly costs |
| Medical Access | Treatment decisions based on health, not wallet |
| Cost Management | Breed coverage for expensive genetic conditions |
| Comprehensive Coverage | Protection against unexpected veterinary bills |
| Pet Health Coverage | Lifelong support for chronic conditions |
The benefits of pet insurance for your Bernese Mountain Dog include medical access and comprehensive coverage, providing peace of mind with predictable monthly costs and protection against unexpected veterinary bills.
All US Veterinary Clinics and Acceptance
Your dog insurance works at every veterinary clinic across America, giving you complete freedom to choose your preferred vet.
Unlike human health insurance with restrictive networks, pet insurance plans offer universal acceptance without clinic accessibility limitations.
Here’s what makes this coverage so valuable:
- Emergency Acceptance – Rush to any emergency clinic without worrying about policy variations or network restrictions
- Specialist Access – Visit any veterinary specialist for complex conditions like hip dysplasia or heart disease
- Claim Submissions – Submit bills from any clinic for reimbursement, making treatment decisions based on care quality, not insurance networks
Long-term Financial Security and Savings
Over the course of your Bernese’s life, pet insurance plans transform into powerful savings strategies through lifetime coverage that shields you from mounting veterinary bills.
Smart budgeting tools and financial planning create genuine peace of mind, especially when breed-specific conditions like histiocytosis strike—making dog health insurance options essential protection against thousands in potential costs.
This approach to pet care emphasizes the importance of being prepared for unexpected veterinary bills, making dog health insurance a vital component of responsible pet ownership.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many Bernese Mountain Dogs are in the US?
Like tracking stars in a vast sky, counting Bernese Mountain Dogs across America reveals scattered populations nationwide.
You’ll find approximately 10,000-15,000 registered Berners in the US, though exact numbers remain elusive since many owners don’t register their gentle giants with kennel clubs.
Why should you consider Bernese Mountain Dog Puppy insurance?
You’ll want puppy insurance because Berners face expensive health problems like hip dysplasia, heart disease, and cancer. Early enrollment locks in lower premiums before conditions develop, potentially saving thousands.
How much does a Bernese Mountain insurance cost?
Pet insurance premiums for your Bernese typically range from $30-$80 monthly, depending on coverage level, deductible, location, and your dog’s age when you enroll.
How much does a Bernese Mountain Dog deductible cost?
Here’s your answer, but brace yourself for the numbers.
Deductible amounts typically range from $100 to $1,000 annually, with most owners choosing $250-$500 options that balance affordable premiums with manageable out-of-pocket costs when claims arise.
How much does it cost for a Bernese Mountain dog?
You’ll spend $1,200-$3,000 for a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy from reputable breeders. Prices vary based on bloodline, location, and breeder reputation, with champion lines costing more.
What is the most expensive breed of dog to insure?
Hold your horses – there’s a real cost to keep in mind here.
The Cane Corso takes the top spot as the most expensive breed to insure, followed by Newfoundlands and Dogue De Bordeaux carrying the highest premiums .
You’ll pay more for large, health-prone breeds.
What is the average CoI for a Bernese mountain dog?
Coefficient of Inbreeding (CoI) for Bernese Mountain Dogs typically ranges from 6% to 12%, though some lines may exceed 15%.
You’ll find responsible breeders aim for lower percentages to reduce genetic health risks in this already vulnerable breed.
Can I get coverage for my mixed Bernese breed?
Yes, you can get pet insurance coverage for your mixed Bernese breed. Most insurers cover mixed breeds, though premiums may reflect the health risks associated with Bernese genetics.
Does insurance cover alternative treatments like acupuncture?
Nearly 60% of pet insurance policies now include alternative therapy coverage.
Most extensive plans cover acupuncture for your dog when it’s medically necessary and prescribed by a licensed veterinarian, though you’ll need pre-approval for acupuncture.
What happens if I move to different states?
When you move between states, your pet insurance typically transfers with you since most major providers operate nationwide. You’ll need to update your address and verify coverage continues seamlessly.
Conclusion
Apparently, your gentle giant can’t read insurance fine print, but you can.
With Berners facing cancer risks and 7-10 year lifespans, waiting isn’t wise.
Quality bernese mountain dog pet insurance costs $83-$130 monthly but saves thousands when health issues strike.
Compare providers like Pumpkin and Trupanion for coverage that fits your budget and protects your furry family member’s future health needs.
