Basset Hound Pet Insurance | Compare Prices and Policies | Savvy  

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Find out all about Basset Hounds and their common health conditions, and then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

Written by , updated on September 15th, 2023

Price range

$500–$1,500

Height

41cm - 43cm

Weight

22kg - 29kg

Personality

Easy-going, sweet-tempered, gentle

Coat length

Short

Exercise needs

Low

Kid-friendly?

Yes

Life expectancy

11 -13 years

Overview

The Basset Hound is a charming breed known for its long ears, droopy eyes, and a keen sense of smell. Originating from France, they were originally bred to hunt small game like rabbits with their excellent noses. Their short legs allowed them to squeeze through undergrowth and thick foliage, and they ran slowly enough for hunters to easily keep up with them. After the 1863 Paris Dog Show, they were taken to America and became very fashionable pets. Basset Hounds have a short, dense coat that requires minimal grooming. They are gentle, affectionate, and have a laid-back personality. The comic strip character Fred Basset has ensured the breed's popularity remained high for many decades.

While they are intelligent, they can be very stubborn and difficult to train. They tend to please themselves in a very laid-back way. They require consistent and patient training which may take a long time to produce results. Basset Hounds are great loyal companions for families and individuals who enjoy their amiable and low-energy nature. Daily short walks are important to prevent obesity, which this breed is prone to due to their lethargic nature, especially as they grow older.

Common diseases and conditions of Basset Hounds

Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is common in Basset Hounds, potentially leading to discomfort and mobility issues.
Back issues: Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a common condition in dogs with long backs and short legs, which includes Basset Hounds.
Ear infections: Basset Hounds' long floppy ears can make them prone to ear infections, so their ears need regular cleaning to ensure they don’t get infected.
Eye issues: Glaucoma and cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older Bassets.
Bloat: Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus, also known as GDV or Bloat, usually occurs in dogs with deep, narrow chests. This means your Basset Hound is more at risk of this condition than other breeds.

Breed-specific issues:

Their strong nose can lead them to relentlessly follow scents, so they should always be walked on a leash or within a secure area. Additionally, their droopy eye folds also require regular eye cleaning.

How much does pet insurance cost for a Basset Hound?

Most Australians can expect to pay between $20 and $60 a month for pet insurance. There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your Basset Hound, including the following:

Age: The older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because senior dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.   
Type of insurance you choose:  There are three basic types of pet insurance available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type of insurance available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most. 
The policy annual limit: Each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.  
Sub-limits: In addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub-limits that apply to the policy, for example, a $300 sub limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.  
Benefit percentage: Pet insurance does not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies, up to 90% for the best policies available.  
Excess amount: This is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, whilst others do. 
Any add-ons you choose: It’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.
Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company.

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Accident-only

This is the most basic type of pet insurance, covering costs for accidental injuries such as car accidents, poisoning, burns, fractures, snake and spider bites, but not illnesses and other conditions.

Accident and illness

This type of insurance provides cover for accidental injuries as well as illnesses like cancer, gastrointestinal problems and eye, ear and skin conditions, but not routine care for your pet.

Comprehensive

This offers the highest level of protection, covering accident and illness and potentially routine care such as vaccinations, dental care, worm and flea treatments and microchipping.

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Common questions about Basset Hounds

Are Basset Hounds good family pets?

Basset Hounds are known for their gentle and easy-going nature, making them excellent family pets. They are affectionate, good with children, and typically get along well with other animals in the household including cats.

Do Basset Hounds require a lot of exercise?

No, they don't. While Basset Hounds enjoy short walks and playtime, they are a low-energy breed and don't require strenuous exercise. Regular walks and some indoor play suffice to keep them happy and healthy and to avoid obesity.

Are Basset Hounds known for their vocalisation?

Yes, Basset Hounds can be quite vocal. They have a distinctive howling and baying sound, which they traditionally used for communication while hunting. While this trait is charming for some, it's important to consider the noise level if you live in close quarters with neighbours.

Do Basset Hounds drool excessively?

Basset Hounds are known for their loose, pendulous lips, which can lead to some drooling, especially when they eat or drink. While they may not be the drooliest dogs, they do still produce some slobber.

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Disclaimer and important things you should know

Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd (ABN 78 660 493 194) trades as Savvy and operates as an Authorised Credit Representative 541339 of Australian Credit Licence 414426 (AFAS Group Pty Ltd, ABN 12 134 138 686). We are one of Australia’s leading financial comparison sites and have been helping Australians make savvy decisions when it comes to their money for over a decade.

We’re partnered with lenders, insurers and other financial institutions who compensate us for business initiated through our website. We earn a commission each time a customer chooses or buys a product advertised on our site, which you can find out more about here, as well as in our credit guide for asset finance. It’s also crucial to read the terms and conditions, Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or credit guide of our partners before signing up for your chosen product. However, the compensation we receive doesn’t impact the content written and published on our website, as our writing team exercises full editorial independence.

For more information about us and how we conduct our business, you can read our privacy policy and terms of use.