Best Pet Insurance For German Shepherds
An in-depth look at the top pet insurance plans for German Shepherds; to protect your pet and your personal finances.
Written by
Lauren Rey
With 15 years of experience in the veterinary industry, Lauren is well-versed in the world of pet insurance. She’s a content writer for several online pet publications and loves to help pet parents stay informed. When not researching the latest pet news, you’ll probably find her off on an adventure with her rescue dog Pickles.
Last Update on Dec 11, 2023
Table of Contents
Why German Shepherds Need Pet Insurance
From fearless protector to faithful companion, the German Shepherd is one of the most popular dog breeds in the country. Unfortunately, like all purebred dogs, German Shepherds can be prone to a host of genetic health conditions. They also face additional injury risks due to their size and energetic lifestyle.
Some German Shepherd health conditions can be quite serious, requiring surgeries and lengthy hospital stays with medical bills in the thousands. Pet insurance can be one of the best ways to help cover these costs. Some plans cover up to 100% of your pet’s medical bills, making them a very worthwhile investment!
Top Pet Insurance Plans For German Shepherds (2023)
While there’s no special pet insurance plan just for German Shepherds, there are some with more favorable coverage on conditions that commonly affect this breed.
Trupanion
Maximum Annual Coverage
Unlimited
Reimbursement Choices
90%
Wellness Plan Benefits
$0 to $1,000
App Available
Yes
Types of Pet Covered
Cats and Dogs
Waiting Periods
5 days for accidents and 30 days for illnesses
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Known as the #1 Pet Insurance in America, Trupanion offers some of the most comprehensive coverage on the market, plus a fast, direct-vet-pay option to reduce upfront costs. Covered costs include diagnostics, treatments, hospitalizations, surgeries, prescription medications, and more. Options to add on complementary coverage are also available.
Pros:
- Covers a wide range of conditions, including dental illness or injury
- No annual deductibles (per-condition deductible)
- Unlimited lifetime coverage
- Fast claims and reduced upfront costs with direct-vet-pay option
- Reimburses 90% of all covered costs
Cons:
- Exam fees are not covered
- No wellness plans
- Extended waiting periods: 5-day for accident, 30-day for illness
Additional Details
Why we picked them for German Shepherds:
- No limits on hereditary or genetic illness coverage for German Shepherds
- Covers many common German Shepherd conditions with no caps
- Emergency GDV treatment is covered
- Hip and elbow dysplasia are covered
- Covers wheelchairs and carts for German Shepherds with mobility issues
Embrace
Maximum Annual Coverage
$5,000, $10,000, Unlimited
Reimbursement Choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible Choices
$100, $250, $500
App Available
Yes
Type of Pets Covered
Cats and Dogs
Waiting Periods
2 days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses, 6 months for orthopedic conditions for dogs
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A trusted name in pet insurance, Embrace offers complete coverage for accidents and illnesses, plus an add-on option for wellness coverage. Covered costs include exams, diagnostics, treatments, hospitalizations, surgeries, prescription medications, and more.
Pros:
- Covers a wide range of conditions, including dental illness or injury
- Complementary treatments like rehabilitation are covered
- Offers a short, 2-day waiting period for accident coverage
- Provides pet owners access to a 24/7 Pet Telehealth
- Diminishing deductible perks for every year a pet goes without a claim
Cons:
- Limited options for annual coverage, reimbursement rate, and deductible
- 6-month waiting period for orthopedic conditions (unless waived by orthopedic exam)
- Age limits on pets over 14
- No direct-vet-pay option
Additional Details
Why we picked them for German Shepherds:
- No limits on hereditary or genetic illness coverage for German Shepherds
- Emergency GDV treatment is covered
- Hip and elbow dysplasia are covered (after a 6-month waiting period)
- Alternative therapies like laser and acupuncture are covered for German Shepherds with arthritis and orthopedic injuries
- The wellness plan add-on covers gastropexy procedures (GDV prevention)
Figo
Maximum Annual Coverage
$5,000, $10,000, Unlimited
Reimbursement Choices
70%, 80%, 90%, 100%
Deductible Choices
$100, $250, $500, $750
App Available
Yes
Type of Pets Covered
Cats and Dogs
Waiting Periods
1 day for accidents, 14 days for illnesses, 6 months for orthopedic injuries
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Founded by pet owners, Figo Pet Insurance offers broad coverage for accidents and illness, plus optional “power-ups” to customize coverage for your pet. Covered costs include diagnostics, lab work, treatments, hospitalizations, surgeries, and more.
Pros:
- Covers a wide range of conditions, including dental illness or injury
- Offers a short, 1-day waiting period for accident coverage
- Access to Figo Cloud with 24/7 Pet Telehealth and other perks
- Customizable coverage with up to 100% reimbursement option
- Lightning-fast claims service (most processed within 3 days)
Cons:
- Exam fees are not included in the base plan (only through “power-ups”)
- 6-month waiting period for orthopedic conditions
- No direct-vet-pay option
Additional Details
Why we picked them for German Shepherds:
- No limits on hereditary or genetic illness coverage for German Shepherds
- Emergency GDV treatment is covered
- Hip and elbow dysplasia are covered (after a 6-month waiting period)
- Covers some alternative therapies that may be beneficial to German Shepherds with arthritis and orthopedic injuries
- The shortest accident coverage waiting period on the market
Paw Protect
Maximum Annual Coverage
$2,500 to Unlimited
Reimbursement Choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible Choices
$100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000
App Available
Yes
Type of Pets Covered
Cats and Dogs
Waiting Periods
14 days
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One of the newest and fastest-growing pet insurance companies on the market, Paw Protect offers comprehensive coverage and a direct-vet-pay option to help relieve pet owners of upfront costs. Covered costs include exams, diagnostics, treatments, hospitalizations, surgeries, prescription medications, and more. An optional wellness plan is also offered as an add-on.
Pros:
- Covers a wide range of conditions, including dental illness or injury
- Complementary treatments like rehabilitation are covered
- Direct-vet-pay option (up to $2,000 on a virtual Visa)
- Offers a short, 2-day waiting period for accident coverage
- Provides pet owners access to a 24/7 Pet Telehealth
Cons:
- Limited options for annual coverage, reimbursement rate, and deductible
- 6-month waiting period for orthopedic conditions (unless waived by orthopedic exam)
- Age limits on pets over 14
Additional Details
Why we picked them for German Shepherds:
- No limits on hereditary or genetic illness coverage for German Shepherds
- Emergency GDV treatment is covered
- Hip and elbow dysplasia are covered (after a 6-month waiting period)
- Alternative therapies like laser and acupuncture are covered for German Shepherds with arthritis and orthopedic injuries
- The wellness plan add-on covers gastropexy procedures (GDV prevention)
Spot
Maximum Annual Coverage
$2,500 to Unlimited
Reimbursement Choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible Choices
$100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000
App Available
Yes
Type of Pets Covered
Cats and Dogs
Waiting Periods
14 days
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A top-rated, budget-friendly option, Spot Pet Insurance offers excellent coverage at a highly customizable price. Covered costs include exams, diagnostics, treatments, hospitalizations, surgeries, prescription medications, and more. Optional wellness packages are also available.
Pros:
- Covers a wide range of conditions, including dental illness or injury
- Highly customizable annual coverage, deductibles, and reimbursement rates
- Affordable plans for all budgets
- Provides pet owners access to a 24/7 Pet Telehealth
- Offers a 10% multi-pet discount
Cons:
- 15-day accident coverage waiting period
- No direct-vet-pay option
Additional Details
Why we picked them for German Shepherds:
- No limits on hereditary or genetic illness coverage for German Shepherds
- Covers many common conditions German Shepherds can be prone to
- Emergency GDV treatment is covered
- Covers behavioral therapy
- Alternative therapies like acupuncture and chiropractic care for German Shepherds with orthopedic injuries or mobility issues are covered
Pets Best
Maximum Annual Coverage
$5,000, Unlimited
Reimbursement Choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible Choices
$50, $100, $200, $250, $500, $1,000
App Available
Yes
Type of Pets Covered
Cats and Dogs
Waiting Periods
3 days for accidents, 6 months for coverage of cruciate ligament issues
Show More Details
Founded by a veterinarian, Pets Best offers excellent coverage, a highly customizable plan, and an emergency direct-vet-pay option to relieve owners of large, upfront costs during an emergency. Covered costs include exams, diagnostics, treatments, hospitalizations, surgeries, prescription medications, and more. Options to add on wellness plans are also available.
Pros:
- Covers a wide range of conditions, including dental illness
- Highly customizable annual coverage, deductibles, and reimbursement rates
- Offers a short, 3-day waiting period for accident coverage
- Provides pet owners access to a 24/7 Pet Telehealth
- Direct-vet-pay option for emergencies
Cons:
- 6-month waiting period for cruciate ligament injury coverage
- Bilateral conditions are not covered
Additional Details
Why we picked them for German Shepherds:
- No limits on hereditary or genetic illness coverage for German Shepherds
- Covers many common German Shepherd conditions
- Emergency GDV treatment is covered
- Covers behavioral therapy
- Covers rehabilitation therapy and wheelchairs or carts for German Shepherds with mobility issues
Disclaimer: As with all insurance, pre-existing conditions are excluded, changes in coverage or eligibility can occur, and waiting periods typically apply. Check individual policies for more details.
Common Health Issues in German Shepherds
- Allergies – German Shepherds can be prone to multiple types of allergies including skin allergies such as dermatitis, food allergies to certain ingredients, and environmental allergies to things like grass and pollen.
- Hip and Elbow Dysplasia – Like many large breed dogs, German Shepherds can be predisposed to developing hip and elbow dysplasia. These conditions are caused by joint deformities that can cause pain, lameness, and arthritis in the affected hip or elbow. Studies by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals have shown as high as 20% of screened German Shepherds with hip dysplasia, and 18% with elbow dysplasia.
- Osteoarthritis – A degenerative joint disease that causes pain and inflammation. Large dogs such as German Shepherds often have the highest risk of developing osteoarthritis, especially as they reach their senior years.
- Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus – Also known as GDV or bloat, this condition occurs when a dog’s stomach becomes overextended with gas leading to a gastric torsion or twisted stomach, requiring emergency surgery. It typically affects large, deep-chested breeds so the German Shepherd is at an increased risk.
- Epilepsy – A seizure-inducing neurological condition, German Shepherds can be prone to inheriting this disease due to genetic factors.
- Cancer – German Shepherds can be predisposed to developing hemangiosarcoma, an aggressive form of cancer that typically affects the spleen, heart, or liver. While it can occur at any age, it most often occurs at middle age or older.
- Degenerative Myelopathy – A progressive, degenerative disease that affects the spinal cord and leads to paralysis. German Shepherds are considered one of the top breeds to be inflicted due to a possible genetic mutation.
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy – A heart condition with degeneration of the cardiac muscle that can lead to heart failure. This condition is commonly seen in large breeds such as the German Shepherd.
- Megaesophagus – A disorder in which the esophagus over-dilates, limiting motility and causing problems swallowing. It is believed there is a genetic factor that predisposes German Shepherds to develop this condition.
- Perianal Fistula – An abnormal inflammation of tissues leading to tunnel-like formations in and around the perianal area and secondary infections. German Shepherds can be prone to developing this condition most often when they reach middle age or older.
Understanding the Costs of Treating Health Issues in German Shepherds
Many of the health conditions that German Shepherds can be prone to can require frequent veterinary visits, surgical procedures, specialty treatments, and ongoing medications.
A common case of hip dysplasia, which German Shepherds are highly prone to, can typically cost $3,000 to $6,000 for a corrective procedure, plus additional costs for rehabilitation therapy.
A case of GDV, or bloat, which is also unfortunately common in the German Shepherd breed, can involve emergency surgery, intensive care hospitalization, and in some cases even blood transfusions. These costs can range from $4,000 to $10,000 depending on the severity of the case.
While not every German Shepherd will develop a serious condition, owners should be aware of the potential health risks of the breed and be prepared for the potential costs. Pet insurance is one of the best ways to be prepared!
Choosing the Right Pet Insurance for Your German Shepherd
When shopping around for pet insurance for your German Shepherd, it’s important to get customized quotes, as costs can vary widely based on individual factors. In addition to your dog’s breed, their age, sex, medical history, and location will all play a role in how much you’ll pay for coverage.
Once you’ve narrowed down your top choices, be sure to carefully examine each policy for any additional exclusions, per-condition caps, or extended waiting periods. For German Shepherds, you’ll want to ensure things like hip dysplasia, arthritis, GDV, and other common conditions are covered.
Most importantly, you’ll want to read the fine print for any breed exclusions. Some insurance policies offer great coverage at first glance, only to have breed exclusions buried in the fine print.
How Much Does Pet Insurance For A German Shepherd Cost?
While pet insurance premiums can vary based on several factors, most German Shepherd owners will pay somewhere between $45 and $75 a month for a standard accident and illness plan.
Pet insurance plans with optional add-ons like wellness visits, alternative therapies, and other advanced treatments will often add another $10 to $30 to your monthly premium.
Accident-only plans, which as the name implies, only cover accidents (no illness coverage) typically range from $20 to $50 for a German Shepherd.
How Does Pet Insurance Work For German Shepherds?
Pet insurance works similarly to human health insurance, pet owners enroll their German Shepherd in a plan, pay a monthly premium, and have their pet’s veterinary bills covered. The type and amount of coverage will vary based on the chosen plan.
Also, similar to human health insurance, most pet insurance plans have deductibles, annual limits, and co-pays. They also do not cover any pre-existing conditions.
The main difference between human health insurance and pet insurance is the upfront cost. Not all pet insurance plans pay the vet directly, instead, the owner pays their pet’s medical bill and submits a claim for reimbursement. Only a handful of pet insurance companies offer direct vet payment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is There A Specific Pet Insurance Provider That Specializes In German Shepherds?
There are currently no breed-specific pet insurance plans on the market for German Shepherds. However, there are some plans that offer more favorable coverage for common health conditions that German Shepherds may face, those plans are outlined above.
Can I Customize My Pet Insurance Plan For My German Shepherd’s Specific Needs?
Some pet insurance plans offer customizable coverage but not as specific as catering to a certain breed. Most customizations include your choice of annual limits, deductibles, and reimbursement percentages. Some plans also offer add-ons to include coverage for things like rehabilitation therapy, which, in the case of a German Shepherd with orthopedic problems, could be a worthwhile investment.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Preventive Care For German Shepherds?
Standard pet insurance does not cover preventive care, only accidents and illnesses, but some plans offer add-ons that include preventative care. Typically known as wellness plans, these add-ons are offered by some companies at an additional cost (to your monthly premium). Wellness plans vary by company but tend to offer coverage for things like annual exams, vaccines, routine lab tests, and more.
Are There Any Age Restrictions For German Shepherds When Getting Pet Insurance?
Age restrictions on pet insurance vary based on individual plans. Some insurers have age limits (cutting coverage once a pet reaches a certain age) and some do not. Among the companies that have age limits, most range around 14 years.
Can Pet Insurance Cover The Cost Of Treating Epilepsy In German Shepherds?
Many pet insurance plans cover epilepsy as long as it was not diagnosed prior to obtaining coverage (pre-existing condition). The costs associated with diagnosing and treating epilepsy in a German Shepherd will likely be covered. The amount of coverage will depend on your specific plan, most plans offer a 70% to 90% reimbursement rate.
Find out more
- Does Pet Insurance Cover Surgery? – Be prepared for any procedures your German Shepherd may need.
- Pet Insurance with No Waiting Period – Get your German Shepherd covered without delay.
- Pet Insurance for Pre-existing Conditions – Ensure your German Shepherd is covered, despite their health history.
- Senior Pet Insurance – Find the best options for your older German Shepherd.
- Pet Insurance Worth It? – Evaluate the value of insurance for your German Shepherd’s health.
- What Does Pet Insurance Cover? – Discover the extent of coverage for your German Shepherd.
- How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost? – Plan financially for your German Shepherd’s insurance.
- List of Pet Insurance Companies – Compare providers for the best German Shepherd insurance plan.
Lauren Rey
Author
With 15 years of experience in the veterinary industry, Lauren is well-versed in the world of pet insurance. She’s a content writer for several online pet publications and loves to help pet parents stay informed. When not researching the latest pet news, you’ll probably find her off on an adventure with her rescue dog Pickles.
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