Best Pet Insurance For Great Danes
A review of the top pet insurance plans for Great Danes; to protect your pet and have a financial safety net.
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
Key Takeaways
- Great Danes are predisposed to several health conditions
- Some Great Dane health issues can be quite serious and costly to treat
- Pet insurance can help cover these costs, some up to 100%
- The best pet insurance plans for Great Danes offer coverage for their most common conditions and do not have breed restrictions
Why Pet Insurance Is Essential For Great Danes
Big dogs with even bigger hearts, Great Danes are among some of the world’s largest and most beloved dog breeds. Unfortunately, their size and genetics can take a toll on their health. Great Danes are predisposed to a host of health conditions, from orthopedic problems to life-threatening cases of GDV (bloat). In the world of Great Danes, pet insurance is often considered a must-have!
Some common Great Dane health conditions can require surgeries, lengthy hospital stays, and ongoing treatments that can quickly add up to thousands in medical bills. Pet insurance can help cover these costs, in some cases even up to 100%.
Finding The Best Pet Insurance Providers For Great Danes
While there’s no specific insurance plan tailored to Great Danes, there are some with more favorable coverage on common conditions that 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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Often regarded as the #1 Pet Insurance in America, Trupanion offers premium coverage and a fast, direct-vet-pay option to reduce upfront costs. Covered costs include diagnostics, treatments, surgeries, hospitalizations, prescription medications, and more. Supplemental coverage add-ons are also available.
Pros:
- Covers a wide variety 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 offered
- Extended waiting periods: 5-day for accident, 30-day for illness
Additional Details
Why we picked them for Great Danes:
- No restrictions on hereditary or genetic illness coverage for Great Danes
- Covers many common Great Dane health conditions with no caps
- Emergency GDV treatment is covered
- Hip and elbow dysplasia are covered
- Covers wheelchairs and carts for Great Danes 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 well-known name in pet insurance, Embrace offers comprehensive coverage for accidents and illnesses, plus a solid wellness plan add-on for those looking to boost their pet’s coverage. Covered costs include exams, diagnostics, treatments, surgeries, hospitalizations, prescription medications, and more.
Pros:
- Covers a wide variety of conditions, including dental illness or injury
- Rehabilitation and other complementary treatments 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 choices for annual coverage, reimbursement rate, and deductible
- Orthopedic conditions have a 6-month waiting period (unless waived by exam)
- No direct-vet-pay option
Additional Details
Why we picked them for Great Danes:
- No restrictions on hereditary or genetic illness coverage for Great Danes
- Hip and elbow dysplasia are covered (after a 6-month waiting period)
- Emergency GDV treatment is covered
- Alternative therapies such as laser and acupuncture are covered for Great Danes with orthopedic issues
- The wellness plan add-on offers coverage for gastropexies (GDV prevention)
Pumpkin
Maximum Annual Coverage
$10,000, $20,000, Unlimited
Reimbursement Choices
90%
Deductible Choices
$100, $250, $500
App Available
No
Type of Pets Covered
Cats and Dogs
Waiting Periods
14 days for accidents and illnesses
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One of the newest and fastest-growing pet insurance providers, Pumpkin offers comprehensive coverage for accidents and illnesses, plus wellness plan add-ons. Covered costs include exams, diagnostics, lab work, treatments, hospitalizations, surgeries, and more.
Pros:
- Covers a wide variety of conditions, including dental illness or injury
- No extended waiting period for orthopedic conditions
- Unlimited option for annual coverage
- Reimburses 90% of all covered costs
- Offers a 10% multi-pet discount
Cons:
- No choice of reimbursement rate to lower monthly premiums
- 14-day waiting period for all coverage
- No direct-vet-pay option
Additional Details
Why we picked them for Great Danes:
- No restrictions on hereditary or genetic illness coverage for Great Danes
- Emergency GDV treatment is covered
- Hip and elbow dysplasia are covered (after a 6-month waiting period)
- Covers some alternative therapies for Great Danes with orthopedic problems
- Wellness plan reimburses 100% of the annual exam, vaccines, and parasite screening
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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Pet insurance founded by pet owners, Figo offers full coverage for accidents and illnesses, plus optional “power-ups” to customize your pet’s coverage for their unique needs. Covered costs include diagnostics, lab work, treatments, hospitalizations, surgeries, and more.
Pros:
- Covers a wide variety of conditions, including dental illness or injury
- A short, 1-day waiting period for accident coverage
- Customizable coverage with up to 100% reimbursement option
- Access to 24/7 Pet Telehealth and other perks with Figo Cloud
- Lightning-fast claims service (most processed within 3 days)
Cons:
- Exam fees are not included in the base plan (must be added as “power-ups”)
- Orthopedic conditions have a 6-month waiting period
- No direct-vet-pay option
Additional Details
Why we picked them for Great Danes:
- No restrictions on hereditary or genetic illness coverage for Great Danes
- Emergency GDV treatment is covered
- Hip and elbow dysplasia are covered (after a 6-month waiting period)
- Covers some alternative therapies for Great Danes with orthopedic problems
- The shortest accident coverage waiting period on the market
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
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Founded by a veterinarian, Pets Best offers customizable coverage and an emergency direct-vet-pay option to relieve pet owners of large, upfront costs in an emergency situation. Covered costs include exams, diagnostics, treatments, surgeries, hospitalizations, prescription medications, and more. Wellness add-ons are also available.
Pros:
- Covers a wide variety of conditions, including dental illness
- Customizable coverage, deductibles, and reimbursement rates
- Offers a short, 3-day waiting period for accident coverage
- Policyholders have access to 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 Great Danes:
- No restrictions on hereditary or genetic illness coverage for Great Danes
- Emergency GDV treatment is covered
- Covers many common Great Dane health conditions
- Behavioral therapy is covered
- Rehabilitation therapy and wheelchairs or carts for Great Danes with mobility issues are covered
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
Show More Details
A highly-rated, budget-friendly option, Spot Pet Insurance offers good coverage at a customizable price to suit all budgets. Covered costs include exams, diagnostics, treatments, hospitalizations, surgeries, prescription medications, and more. Wellness add-ons are also available.
Pros:
- Covers a wide variety of conditions, including dental illness or injury
- Customizable annual coverage, deductibles, and reimbursement rates
- Affordable plans for all budgets
- Policyholders have access to 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 Great Danes:
- No breed exclusions for hereditary or genetic conditions
- Covers many common Great Dane health conditions with no lifetime caps
- Emergency GDV treatment is covered
- Behavioral therapy is covered
- Alternative therapies such as acupuncture for Great Danes with orthopedic issues are covered
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.
Comparing Pet Insurance Quotes For Great Danes
With so many pet insurance companies to choose from, narrowing down the best choice for your dog’s individual needs can take some research. It’s important to get customized quotes, as premiums will vary based on your dog’s breed, age, sex, medical history, and location.
When it comes to pet insurance for Great Danes, the best policies will cover some of their most common health issues such as hip dysplasia and GDV, and won’t have any breed exclusions. If you’re planning to add on wellness coverage, plans that cover gastropexy procedures (GDV prevention) really go the extra mile for Great Danes.
Common Health Problems in Great Danes
- Hip Dysplasia – Like many large breed dogs, Great Danes can be predisposed to developing hip dysplasia. This condition is caused by a deformity in the joint that can cause pain, lameness, and arthritis in the affected hip.
- Osteoarthritis – A degenerative joint disease that causes pain and inflammation. Large dogs such as Great Danes 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 over dilated with gas leading to a gastric torsion or twisted stomach, requiring emergency surgery. It typically affects large, deep-chested breeds. The Great Dane has an estimated 42% chance of developing GDV over its lifetime. Many Great Dane owners opt for a preventative procedure known as a gastropexy at the time of their dog’s spay or neuter.
- Wobbler Syndrome – A neurological condition affecting the spine that leads to a loss of coordination and motor function, thus leading to a “wobbly” gait. Great Danes can be prone to developing this disease due to their size and genetics.
- Cancer – Great Danes can be predisposed to developing osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer that tends to affect large-breed dogs. They can also be prone to developing lymphoma, a type of cancer that spreads via the lymphatic system.
- Degenerative Lumbosacral Stenosis – A degenerative spinal disease that leads to pain, instability, and inability to walk. Giant breeds such as the Great Dane are at increased risk due to their size and the extra pressure on their spines.
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy – A heart condition with degeneration of the cardiac muscle that can lead to heart failure. Larger breeds such as the Great Dane tend to have the most risk for developing this condition due to their size.
- Hypothyroidism – Also known as an overactive thyroid, this condition can cause a host of problems including weakness, weight gain, pain, skin issues, and more. It is believed there is a genetic component that makes Great Danes prone to this condition.
Understanding The Costs Of Treating Health Issues In Great Danes
Many of the health conditions that Great Danes are prone to can require frequent veterinary visits, surgeries, specialty treatments, and lifelong medications.
A case of GDV, or bloat, which is sadly, an extremely common emergency in Great Danes, can require surgery, a lengthy hospital recovery, and in some cases even a blood transfusion. These costs can range from $4,000 to $10,000 depending on the severity of the case.
Other common Great Dane conditions such as hip dysplasia can typically cost $3,000 to $6,000 for a corrective procedure, plus additional costs for rehabilitation therapy. A Great Dane with hypothyroidism can require years of frequent veterinary visits and medications that can add up to thousands over their lifetime.
How Pet Insurance Can Help
While not every Great Dane 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 a great way to prepare!
Depending on the individual plan chosen, pet insurance can help cover 70% to 100% of your Great Dane’s veterinary bills (after the deductible is met). If you have a plan with direct-vet-pay, you’ll also have less upfront costs to worry about.
If you’re opting for a wellness plan, many also offer gastropexy coverage for GDV prevention. This procedure can be lifesaving for Great Danes that unfortunately, have around a 42% chance of developing this life-threatening condition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Pet Insurance Worth It For Great Danes?
Unfortunately, like many large, purebred dogs, Great Danes have a very high risk of developing some serious health conditions. Many of these conditions can require lengthy and costly medical care making pet insurance a very worthy investment for this breed.
Are There Any Pet Insurance Providers That Specialize In Coverage For Great Danes?
There are currently no pet insurance providers that provide special coverage for Great Danes. However, there are plans that offer more favorable coverage for common health conditions that affect this breed, those plans are outlined above.
Can I Customize A Pet Insurance Policy To Meet The Needs Of My Great Dane?
There are some pet insurance policies that offer customizable coverage, but not catered to any specific 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 Great Dane with hip dysplasia or osteoarthritis, could be a worthy investment.
What Should I Consider When Choosing Pet Insurance For My Great Dane?
Since Great Danes can be prone to costly health issues, owners should consider opting for a lower deductible and/or higher reimbursement rate when the option is given. This will make your monthly premium a bit higher but can be lifesaving in the event of an emergency where you may need to come with thousands up front to treat your pet.
How Much Does Pet Insurance Typically Cost For Great Danes?
Pet insurance premiums can vary greatly based on several factors but average coverage for a Great Dane tends to range from $50 and $80 a month. Add-ons such as wellness or alternative therapy coverage can add an additional $10 to $30 to your monthly premium.
Find out more
- Pet Insurance for Pre-existing Conditions – Coverage options for Great Danes with health history.
- Senior Pet Insurance – Tailored insurance plans for your aging Great Dane.
- Does Pet Insurance Cover Surgery? – Surgical care options for your Great Dane.
- Pet Insurance Worth It? – Assessing the value of insurance for your Great Dane’s well-being.
- What Does Pet Insurance Cover? – Understanding coverage specifics for Great Danes.
- How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost? – Financial planning for your Great Dane’s health needs.
- List of Pet Insurance Companies – Explore and compare insurance providers for Great Danes.
- Pet Insurance That Pays the Vet Directly – Convenient payment options for your Great Dane’s care.
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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