Pet Insurance for German Shepherds

German shepherds are more than just animals—they’re companions and members of our families. While there is no question that we love our pets, caring for our pets can be expensive. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the cost of caring for a dog can range from $1,300 to $1,800 in the first year alone. After that, caring for a dog can cost between $580 to $875 per year, plus additional costs for unexpected emergencies, like trips to the veterinarian.

One way to reduce these costs is through buying pet insurance for German Shepards, which the ASPCA estimates can cost as little as $225 per year.

German Shepherd Pet Insurance Costs

The cost of pet insurance for German Shepherds will depend on a number of factors, including the dog’s age, gender, and where you live. Online quote tools, such as the one offered by Trupanion, can help you determine the best coverage for your German Shepherd.

For example, for an eight-week-old male German Shepherd, there are three basic options from Trupanion. A $116.03 per month premium gives you coverage with no deductible. A plan with a $69.18 premium comes with a $200 deductible, while a $40.09 monthly premium has a $700 deductible. Trupanion also lets pet owners customize their deductible and premium and enhance their pet’s insurance coverage.

For a four-year-old male German Shepherd, the prices rise as your pet’s needs change. The $0 deductible policy rises to $164.49 per month, while the $200 deductible policy would be $96.82 a month. For a $700 deductible, the premium would be $54.81 a month.

A much older German Shepherd at 10 years old would require more expensive premiums. Using Trupanion’s online tool, you would get a quote of $297.79 per month for a $0 deductible plan, $172.86 per month for a policy with a $200 deductible, and $95.30 for a policy with a $700 deductible.

What Illnesses Are Common in German Shepherds?

(Note: Common illnesses mentioned below were found by Trupanion.)

Dogs are prone to a variety of medical issues, but certain breeds are susceptible to particular health problems. This includes German Shepherds, one of the most popular dog breeds in the world.

German Shepherds are commonly seen by veterinarians for vomiting and diarrhea, which can cost as much as $600 to treat. Lameness and limping are other frequent conditions that need to be treated for this working dog, which run as much as $900. Ear infections are the third most common ailment for German Shepherds, which cost $200 in veterinary bills.

Many German Shepherds suffer from allergies as well. These cost $600 to treat. Finally, the fifth most common illness that veterinarians treat in German Shepherds is masses. The average cost of treating and removing these masses is $1,000.

What Pet Insurance Covers—And What It Doesn’t

The type of coverage that you will get with a pet insurance policy will depend on what policy you choose. Some policies only cover injuries caused by accidents, like collisions with cars, while others will cover both accidents and illnesses. Still others offer wellness coverage for certain types of routine care, such as annual exams and vaccinations.

The answer as to what your pet insurance will cover will therefore depend on the type of policy that you purchase. Most pet owners buy accident and illness policies, which cover both catastrophic injuries as well as the more routine ailments that may arise, such as masses in German Shepherds.

However, most pet insurance policies do have standard exclusions. This includes denials for pre-existing conditions, which means any health condition that occurred before the policy’s start date. If your German Shepherd has a pre-existing condition, like allergies, then it may be excluded if it was diagnosed before you purchased the insurance policy. While there are some exceptions, most policies also exclude routine care and wellness visits, as well as examination fees.

Finding the Right Pet Insurance for Your German Shepherd

For most pet owners, finding the best pet insurance is a matter of comparison shopping. There are a number of pet insurance companies out there, each with varying levels of coverage and premium levels. Using online quote tools, such as the one from Trupanion, can help you gather information from a number of companies before making a decision. Be sure to look at policy terms and conditions—and not just prices—before making a decision about what insurance is best for your dog.

When searching for pet insurance, be aware of how German Shepherds’ unique characteristics may make them more susceptible to certain illnesses. For example, in addition to allergies, German Shepherds may suffer from lameness and limping due to a number of hereditary conditions, such as hip dysplasia. Be sure to consider the cost of treating these conditions when choosing pet insurance for your German Shepherd.

Ultimately, having pet insurance can help you provide the best possible care for your German Shepherd—and give you peace of mind. With pet insurance, you don’t have to worry that a medical emergency will derail your savings. You can rest easy knowing that your pet’s health is covered.