Updated
Jun 01, 2023 German shepherds are more than just animals—they’re companions and members of our families. We love our pets, but caring for them can be expensive.
A pet insurance policy can help ensure protection for your German shepherd in case of injury or illness. It can also help protect your wallet by covering unexpected vet bills.
Best pet insurance companies for German shepherds
Several providers offer pet insurance for German shepherds. Below are three of our top picks.
ManyPets: Best value
- Deductible: $0 – $750
- Reimbursement: 70% – 100%
- Benefit limit: Unlimited
Note: ManyPets isn’t available in Alaska, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma, or Vermont.
If your German shepherd has a curable condition and is symptom- and treatment-free for 18 months, ManyPets will provide coverage for that condition. Also, with flexible coverage options, you can customize your plan to better meet your German shepherd’s needs.
- Age limit: 8 weeks – 14 years (only for enrollment)
- Medical exam: Not required
- Discounts: None
- Waiting period: 14 days for illness and accidents
- Policy options: Accident and illness
- Benefits: Will cover curable preexisting conditions; 30-day money-back guarantee; 24/7 virtual vet consultations
Spot: Best selection of annual limits
- Deductible: $100 – $1,000
- Reimbursement: 70% – 90%
- Benefit limit: $2,500 – Unlimited
Spot is working to provide insurance to pets across the country and educate owners on why it’s important. Your German shepherd will be in good hands, with accidents, medications, exams, treatment, and more covered.
- Age limit: At least 8 weeks old
- Medical exam: Not required to enroll
- Discounts: 10% for each additional pet
- Waiting period: 14 days for accidents and illnesses
- Policy options: Accident and illness, accident-only, and optional wellness coverage
- Benefits: Microchip implementation is covered; 30-day money-back guarantee; Exam fees for covered conditions are reimbursed; Distinguishes between incurable and curable preexisting conditions
ASPCA: Best for an experienced company
- Deductible: $100 – $500
- Reimbursement: 70% – 90%
- Benefit limit: $3,000 – unlimited
ASPCA Pet Insurance offers customizable plans you can adjust to provide the best coverage for your German shepherd. Complete coverage includes exam fees, costs of diagnostics, and treatment for accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions, and behavioral issues.
- Age limit: At least 8 weeks old
- Medical exam: Not required to enroll
- Discounts: 10% for each additional pet
- Waiting period: 14 days for accidents and illnesses
- Policy options: Accident and illness, accident-only, and optional wellness coverage
- Benefits: 30-day money-back guarantee; Distinguishes between incurable and curable preexisting conditions
German shepherd pet insurance costs
The cost of pet insurance for German shepherds depends on several factors, including the dog’s age, gender, and where you live. Online quote tools, such as the one Spot offers, can help you determine the best coverage for your German shepherd.
Let’s look at sample monthly premium quotes for male German shepherds of different ages with Spot.
| Age | Minimum price | Maximum price |
| 8 weeks | $38.48 | $135.66 |
| 4 years | $43.98 | $155.04 |
| 8 years | $76.96 | $271.31 |
Aside from your dog’s age, prices change based on the deductible, reimbursement level, and annual benefits limit you choose.
What illnesses are common in German shepherds?
(Note: Common illnesses are from Trupanion.)
Dogs are prone to various medical issues, but certain breeds are susceptible to particular health problems. This includes German shepherds, one of the world’s most popular dog breeds.
Common health issues for German shepherds and the average vet bills are:
- Vomiting and diarrhea – $600
- Lameness and limping – $900
- Ear infections – $200
- Allergies – $600
- Removing mass – $1,000
What pet insurance does and doesn’t cover
Your coverage with a pet insurance policy will depend on your choice. Some policies only cover injuries caused by accidents, such as car collisions, while others cover accidents and illnesses. Others offer wellness coverage for routine care, such as annual exams and vaccinations.
So it depends on the policy you purchase. Most pet owners buy accident and illness policies covering catastrophic injuries and more routine ailments, such as masses in German shepherds.
However, most pet insurance policies have standard exclusions. This includes denials for preexisting conditions—any health condition that occurred before the policy’s start date. If your German shepherd has a preexisting condition, such as allergies, it may be excluded if diagnosed before you purchase the insurance policy. Exceptions exist, but most policies exclude routine care, wellness visits, and examination fees.
Finding the right German shepherd insurance
Finding the best pet insurance is a matter of comparison shopping for pet owners. Many pet health insurance companies offer varying levels of coverage and premiums. Online quote tools can help you gather information from several companies before deciding.
Be sure to look at policy terms and conditions—not just prices—before deciding.
When searching for pet health 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 hereditary conditions such as hip dysplasia. Be sure to consider the cost of treating these conditions when choosing pet insurance for your German shepherd.
Pet insurance can help you provide the best care for your German shepherd—and give you peace of mind. With pet insurance, you don’t need to worry that a medical emergency will derail your savings. You can rest easy knowing your pet’s health is covered.
>> Read More: Pet insurance rates by breed