German Shepherds are the ideal herding dog and among the best all-around workers in the canine world. They are a popular choice for military and law enforcement operations due to their size, speed, and intelligence. This breed is also known as Alsatians or GSD.
However, just like all dogs, they can be injured or suffer some accident that may require medical interventions. Your German Shepherd, whether it is a young puppy or an elderly dog, deserves to have access to whatever medical care is required to guarantee a long and healthy life.
That is why having quality pet insurance is important. But how can you know which one is the best for your German Shepherd? Stick with us and keep reading to learn the best pet insurance for German Shepherds.
The Top 5 Best Insurance Policies for German Shepherds
Finding the best pet insurance for your German Shepherd can be a little tricky. There are so many choices today, and you have to check whether the provider has everything you need.
Luckily, we did the homework for you!
Below are the top 5 best insurance companies for German Shepherds:
|
Provider |
Rating |
Pet Age |
Claims |
Reimbursement |
|
Lemonade |
4.6 |
Minimum To Enroll 8 Weeks |
2 day wait time |
70%, 80% or 90% |
|
Healthy Paws |
4.8 |
Minimum To Enroll 8 Weeks |
2-8 days wait time |
50%, 60%, 70%, 80% or 90% |
|
Prudent Pet |
4.8 |
Minimum To Enroll 8 Weeks |
5 day wait time |
70%, 80%, or 90% |
|
Embrace |
5.0 |
Minimum To Enroll 6 Weeks |
48 hours or 14 day wait time |
70%, 80%, or 90% |
|
Figo |
4.5 |
Minimum To Enroll 8 Weeks |
30 day wait time |
70%, 80%, 90% or 100% |
Now let’s shortly explain their ups and downsides.
Lemonade Insurance for German Shepherds
Injuries, poisonings, broken bones, sprains, infections, general diseases, cancer, heart disease, hip dysplasia, hernias, skin disorders, and other conditions are all covered under Lemonade’s single standard pet insurance plan. It includes coverage for both accidents and illnesses.
Lemonade pays for vet expenses associated with those occurrences or ailments, including hospitalization, diagnostic testing, lab work, surgery, urgent care, and prescription medicine.
What’s more, the plans also include coverage for dental care on pets older than two years of age, spaying or neutering, avoidable conditions, anal gland expression problems associated with reproduction or pregnancy, and psychological difficulties.
Pros:
- Provides additional preventative care services for pets younger than two years old;
- Has a two-day waiting period for accidents;
- It’s very affordable;
- Has an easy and super-to-use mobile app;
- Has supplements and has a rehabilitation program.
Cons:
- Is only available in a select few states;
- Coverage isn’t available for pets over 14 years old.
Healthy Paws Insurance for German Shepherds
Treatment for fresh injuries and illnesses, as well as hereditary, congenital, and chronic disorders (after a waiting time), are all included in Healthy Paws’ full coverage. Surgery, cancer diagnosis, and treatment also fall under the same plan. However, note that hospitalizations, medications, and emergency and special treatment costs will be partially paid with the Healthy Paws insurance.
One big advantage of this insurance provider is that it offers pet insurance policies for accidents and illnesses with form-free claim submissions through smartphones. The processing of claims can take around 10 days, and the release of the refund can take another 24 hours.
What else does Healthy Paws cover?
- Dental issues like dental malocclusions and stomatitis;
- Thorough treatment for cancer;
- Full diagnosis of your pet;
- Emergency surgery is always available.
To put it simply, the Healthy Paws insurance plan covers everything you need to keep your mind at ease and let your German Shepherd run free. A thing worth noting is your German Shepherd’s age when getting a Healthy Paws plan, as their age can affect the level of care they can receive.
Pros:
- No coverage limits;
- You can use any veterinarian of your choosing;
- No claim forms;
- Committed to fully treating your pet.
Cons:
- Customization of your plans are age-restricted;
- There’s a waiting period of 12 months for pets enrolled before the age of six.
Embrace Insurance for German Shepherds
Embrace provides insurance to pet owners to pay for unforeseen medical costs brought on by illness and accident. You can see any licensed veterinarian with your German Shepherd, as there are no restrictions.
While Embrace does not provide preventative care coverage, the insurer does offer an optional Wellness Rewards plan. Now that it’s not insurance-based and only covers regular checkups, spaying/neutering, teeth cleaning, and other services.
A big plus is that claims can be filed using the Embrace mobile app. Other options include an email, fax, or regular mail. Another benefit is the discounts. Namely, this insurance provider gives discounts for several pets and military personnel (including current and previous service members).
Remember that the costs can change depending on where you live. Plus, older animals will typically cost more. If they aren’t already protected by Embrace but are at least 15 years old, then they can only be insured by accident-only coverage. Finally, know that pre-existing conditions aren’t part of the plan.
Pros:
- Has a mobile app;
- Two-day waiting period for accidents;
- Lowering deductibles for reimbursements for zero claims;
- Free to choose a vet of your own liking.
Cons:
- No cover for routine check-ups;
- Pre-existing conditions aren’t covered;
- Six-month waiting period for orthopedic check-ups.
Prudent Pet Insurance for German Shepherds
Prudent Pet sells its insurance products directly to customers over the phone or via its website.
It exclusively sells accident-only and accident-and-illness policies, and it only covers dogs and cats. Any authorized veterinarian in the United States and Canada may provide services.
Prudent Pet offers coverage for the likes of:
- Accidents such as bite wounds and broken bones;
- Illnesses such as cancer and urinary tract infections;
- Hereditary conditions;
- Congenital disabilities;
- Emergency care and hospitalizations;
- Surgery and specialized care.
Prudent Pet also has multiple plans. The ultimate one, which is the most comprehensive offer, covers all expenses and even provides coverage if your pet goes missing, boarding fees, and losses due to theft.
Pros:
- Wellness coverage and exams;
- Vaccines and dental care;
- No restrictions on age or breed;
- Many available extensions and plans.
Cons:
- Breeding and pregnancy costs are excluded;
- Grooming and bathing costs are also not part of the plan;
- No treatment for parasitic infections;
- No mobile app;
- Annual dental check-up.
Figo Insurance for German Shepherds
Depending on their plan, premium, and choice of reimbursement method, Figo pet insurance customers may be eligible to receive 100% of their pet’s veterinarian expenses covered. You can customize Figo policies in three steps: choose a coverage level, alter the reimbursement and deductible, and choose optional upgrades.
For instance, you can include full coverage for wellness screenings, immunizations and exams, and consulting costs associated with non-preventative care. Surgery, dental disease and injuries, cancer treatments, veterinary experts, and prescription drugs are also covered by Figo pet insurance policies.
However, this doesn’t mean that everything falls under the plan. For instance, unless an illness is deemed curable and your Shepherd hasn’t displayed symptoms in the last 12 months, Figo does not cover pre-existing conditions.
One huge advantage that makes Figo pet insurance stand out is that it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Figo will reimburse your premium if you decide to cancel during this time and have not yet submitted a claim.
Pros:
- Most pet insurance claims are dealt with within 3 days;
- It covers pre-existing conditions deemed curable;
- Offers 24/7 access to licensed vets.
Cons:
- Does not cover conditions deemed incurable;
German Shepherd Common Health Problems
The German Shepherd is deemed as a guard dog, so it definitely needs proper care. But just like every other dog, the German Shepherd is susceptible to various health problems. Below we’ve listed some of the most common ones for this breed.
Bloat or Indigestion
Short- or medium-haired canines are typically affected, while long-haired German Shepherds’ coats might conceal this problem. Basically, this happens when the dog eats a lot of food quickly and then engages in a lot of physical activity, which leads to gas building up in the stomach.
To prevent indigestion and to keep your dog’s energy levels high throughout the day, it’s a good idea to divide the daily food ration for your dog into several smaller meals. If you’re unclear about your dog’s dietary needs, see your veterinarian.
Hip Dysplasia
The most prevalent condition directly affecting German Shepherd health is hip dysplasia.
Although other dogs, particularly larger dogs, can exhibit this issue, it is quite common in German Shepherds, especially in litters kept in kennels where the welfare of dogs is not a top focus.
Elbow Dysplasia
Similar to hip dysplasia, this is a congenital disorder that affects many large breeds, particularly German Shepherds with poor breeding history. This condition, which is most frequently brought on by poor genetics, can be either very severe or very minor.
Over the course of a dog’s life, mild cases frequently get worse, making walking extremely unpleasant. Since elbow dysplasia is one of the most prevalent health conditions in German Shepherds, reputable breeders will ensure that both parents are clear of it before they are mated.
Epilepsy
Despite the fact that epilepsy is inherited and incurable, you can manage the symptoms of your German Shepherd with the use of a variety of medications.
When kept out of stressful settings and given the opportunity to live a happy, comfortable life with a caring family, the vast majority of dogs won’t even be aware that they have this illness. A dog with epilepsy may find it challenging to compete in kennel club events, for instance, as the high levels of stress may cause them to experience seizures.
Hemophilia
This disease makes it difficult for the blood to clot correctly, making even a little cut dangerous or a small bump turn into a bruise. Hemophilia is more prevalent in German Shepherds than in other breeds.
These dogs can have happy, long lives with the correct care, despite the fact that there is no treatment for their illness. If your dog is diagnosed with this illness, you must periodically examine it for any lumps or bumps that might be blood pockets growing beneath the skin. Moreover, don’t forget to exercise the dog with additional caution to ensure that he does not injure himself.
Diabetes
German Shepherds are prone to diabetes due to their huge size and propensity to overeat when given the opportunity. The signs of this illness are the same as with humans – weariness, a dry mouth, excessive drinking, excessive peeing, and foot swelling.
The disease can show at birth or develop later in life despite following the right feeding and exercise regimens. Both hereditary and environmental factors can contribute to the development of this disease.
Cataracts
German Shepherds are particularly susceptible to cataracts in their eyes – another ailment that affects both canines and humans as they age. The majority of dog owners may spot the onset of this problem not only by the dog’s eyes having a slightly foggy appearance but also by the fact that the dog does not appear to be as adept at navigating new surroundings as it previously was.
Degenerative Disc Disease
German Shepherds’ spines are susceptible to major issues, particularly as they age. This problem is more likely to occur in some GSD lines than others, and it usually shows up in young dogs.
Since these dogs frequently pass the problem on to their offspring, just as they did from their parents, most breeders strive to avoid breeding these dogs.
Allergies
Compared to other breeds, German Shepherds are more prone to allergies. These may manifest as food allergies or environmental allergies, such as an allergy to grass or a particular type of pollen. Chicken, corn, rice, and gluten are among the most typical food allergens.
The best method to ensure that your German Shepherd dog receives the nourishment it needs is to feed him natural food specially made for this breed.
Cancer
Unfortunately, German Shepherds can develop cancer, especially as they get older. Among the most prevalent cancers are Osteosarcoma, Lymphoma, Melanoma, and Adenocarcinomas.
Though your German Shepherd would rarely experience all or even some of these difficulties, it is still vital to be aware of them when thinking about getting a puppy or an older dog of this kind. This way, you will know what to look out for now and what you might encounter later.
Bladder Stones
Urinary stones can form quite easily in German Shepherds. Bladder stones are the type that is most typical. At their mildest, they are rather uncomfortable. However, they are frequently extremely unpleasant for your dog and might be challenging to pass.
They can cause major chronic health problems, with bladder and kidney damage being the most frequent outcomes if left untreated over an extended period of time.
Urinary Tract Infections
UTIs, also known as urinary tract infections, are diverse in nature, just like they are in humans.
Your dog may have a variety of symptoms that could lead to a urinary tract infection, but ultimately, all UTIs are brought on by germs that enter the urinary tract through the genital area.
Nose Infections
Infections of the nose can occur in any dog breed, although German Shepherds are a little more prone to them than other breeds. In addition to being annoying and uncomfortable, severe cases of nose infections can also be excruciatingly painful and even worsen existing conditions.
Rhinitis is one of the most typical types of nasal infections. They can develop a runny nose, lose their appetite, or sneeze frequently.
How Much is Pet Insurance for German Shepards?
It really depends on your dog’s age and your location. There are lots of options today with wide ranges of monthly premium insurance plans to be quoted. The majority of German Shepherd pet parents spend between $39 and $86 per month for complete accident and illness coverage.
Here’s an overview of various prices for pet parents across multiple states in the US:
|
Location |
Average Premium for a 6-Month-Old Puppy |
Average Premium for an 18-Month-Old Dog |
Average Premium for a 5-Year-Old Dog |
|---|---|---|---|
|
New York |
$55 to $94 |
$55 to $94 |
$75 to $114 |
|
California |
$52 to $57 |
$52 to $57 |
$69 to $70 |
|
Alabama |
$30 to $50 |
$30 to $50 |
$41 to $61 |
How to Select the Best Pet Insurance For German Shepherds
Because German Shepherds are such a cherished breed, their owners generally want to get them pet insurance so they can keep them as healthy as possible. With more and more owners seeking to give a dog a lifelong home, rescue dogs are becoming increasingly popular today.
Ideally, it’s a good idea to get your insurance plan up the first chance you get once you get your German Shepherd puppy. It’s not a good idea to wait until something tragic happens, or an illness befalls.
Getting the right insurance plan is a smart way to go about your busy life without worrying whether or not you can afford the vet bills when something occurs to your German Shepherd. But how can you select one? Here are some tips:
- Check the payout for the claims – There is no reason for you to pay more than necessary. So check all costs tied to filing a claim with your pet insurance provider. Plans with high deductibles will have lower payments. Make sure you also check the personal costs, meaning those that you will be left to cover.
- Choose the correct quote – For this, you need to first see what your dog needs. Consider if you need dental coverage, an all-inclusive plan, or just basic coverage.
- Check age requirements – There are some pet insurances that won’t insure your dog if it is above a pre-set age limit. So before you choose an insurance company, make sure that you can actually insure your pet.
Look out for other prerequisites – Most pet insurance companies don’t give their services if a pet has previous health problems. Make sure that you talk about this with your pet insurance provider and see if there is an add-on to bypass the problem. Don’t forget to check for other issues, such as waiting periods and sub-limits.
FAQs
Is pet insurance worth it for a German Shepherd?
In one word – yes! One of the nicest things you can do for your German Shepherd, whether you adopted a senior dog, an older rescue dog, or a puppy, is to get pet insurance for them. Additionally, it’s the greatest approach to make sure you can afford to care for them in the event of an emergency illness or disaster.
With the cheapest cost being when they’re puppies – around $20-$40 dollars – you can find your best choice depending on what you can afford.
How much is pet insurance for a German Shepherd?
The price for German Shepherd insurance varies depending on the age of your dog, as well as where you live. Namely, some states have higher average prices than others. For example, New York prices can be twice as higher as those in Alabama.
But in general, the average cost is around $30 to $90 for puppies. Older dogs’ plans go from $40 up to $120.
Conclusion
Having German Shepherd pet insurance in place will ease the burden if and when your German Shepherd is harmed or ill. A well-cared-for German Shepherd can live for ten years or longer, giving its owners countless hours of company.
Pet insurance for your German Shepherd can vary depending on several factors. Depending on what you need, these are the market’s top choices:
- Lemonade is the cheapest and highest rated;
- Healthy Paws is best for owners of younger puppies;
- Prudent Pet is best suited for customizing your insurance;
- Embrace offers insurance for all ages;
- Figo is fast and always available.
Choosing the right pet insurance will give you peace of mind, knowing that your pup is always taken care of. So, don’t dwell on it or wait too long – this energetic dog needs the proper care today!
