The Best Pet Insurance for German Shepherds in 2025
The average German shepherd owner pays around $59 per month for pet insurance, but your rates can vary based on your dog’s age, your location, and the provider you choose.
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Reviewed byJohn Leach
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John LeachLicensed Insurance Agent
John Leach is a licensed insurance agent who reviews and fact-checks articles for Compare.com. John has several years of experience reviewing and editing various insurance topics, and he also holds a valid personal lines producer license from the California Department of Insurance (NPN #20461358).
He’s also an alumnus of the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in linguistics.
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Table of contents
German shepherd owners know why the American Kennel Club calls this breed “dogkind’s finest all-purpose worker.”[1] Intelligent, affectionate, and confident, German shepherds are great family pets.
But they’re also prone to some serious and expensive health issues — like bloat, hip dysplasia, and elbow problems.[2] Protecting your German shepherd with pet insurance could help you manage unexpected vet bills and save you thousands on emergency treatments.
You can expect to pay around $59 per month to insure your German shepherd dog (GSD), Compare.com data shows.
Here’s what you need to know about insurance for your German shepherd.
Key Takeaways
German shepherds are prone to elbow and hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy.
It’s a good idea to insure your GSD as young as possible since many pet insurers won’t cover pre-existing conditions.
A wellness plan can help pay for routine preventive care to keep your shepherd as healthy as possible.
Best Pet Insurance for German Shepherds
It’s important to find a pet insurance company that best meets your German shepherd’s unique needs and fits your budget. To get you started, we analyzed more than a dozen top pet insurers and chose the following companies based on factors like price, availability, coverage flexibility, and more.
Here are our picks for the best pet insurers for German shepherds.
Trupanion: Best overall
Pros
No breed exclusions — will cover GSDs
Directly pays participating vets
No annual or lifetime limits
Cons
No wellness or preventive care coverage
Higher-than-average premiums
Doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions
Trupanion offers comprehensive accident and illness coverage options, but it doesn’t have a wellness plan. Still, its policies have no lifetime or annual limit for payouts. And if you see a participating veterinarian, Trupanion will pay the vet directly.
But the insurer doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions, so it’s important to insure your GSD at an early age.
Spot: Best for mature German Shepherd dogs
Pros
No age restrictions
Optional wellness plans available
Multiple deductible and reimbursement options
Cons
No 100% reimbursement option available
Requires 14-day waiting period
No direct payment to veterinarians
German shepherds can live about 14 years, and some health problems may crop up as your pet grows older. Spot could be a good choice if you’ve waited to insure your GSD. The company allows enrollment of senior pets without age restrictions. It also offers accident and illness coverage, as well as wellness add-ons.
But like many insurers, Spot doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions (with some exceptions).
Pawp: Best budget-friendly option
Pros
Flat $24 monthly cost with no deductibles
No age or breed restrictions
Immediate access to funds after vet consultation
Cons
Emergency fund covers only one pet per year
Must get vet approval before using funds
No reimbursement for routine or preventive care
Pawp isn’t a traditional pet insurance company. Instead, it offers personalized care plans for a flat fee. In return, you’ll get unlimited 24/7 virtual vet visits and a $3,000 emergency fund.
It’s a great option for pet owners who want a safety net without the complexity of a standard pet insurance policy.
ASPCA: Best for GSDs with siblings
Pros
10% discount for each additional pet
Covers alternative therapies
Includes coverage for hereditary and congenital issues
Cons
Doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions
No coverage for prescription food
Must call to get a quote for unlimited coverage
GSDs are highly social, intelligent, and good with other dogs, which means many German shepherd owners have more than one pet to cover. ASPCA insurance provides a 10% discount for each additional pet you insure with the company. Available plans cover accidents, injuries, hereditary and congenital issues, and even some preventive care.
Plus, you can choose your deductible, a reimbursement rate from 70% to 80%, and coverage limits to fit your budget.
How we chose the best GSD insurers
To choose the best pet insurance policies for German shepherds, we researched more than a dozen top pet insurance companies. We considered the type and range of policies each insurer offers, available and standard coverages, policy add-on options, how it handles pre-existing conditions, and whether it covers hereditary and congenital health issues.
Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies for German Shepherds
Comparing quotes from multiple companies is the best way to find affordable pet insurance for your German shepherd. That’s because your actual rate will depend on factors like your dog’s age, location, and coverage level.
The table below highlights average monthly premiums from different pet insurance providers, according to Compare.com data.
Company Name  | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| ASPCA | $44 |
| Figo | $79 |
| Healthy Paws | $61 |
| Lemonade | $36 |
| Pets Best | $30 |
| Prudent | $73 |
| Prudent Pet | $76 |
| Pumpkin | $93 |
| Spot | $39 |
These numbers give you a ballpark idea of what you can expect to pay when insuring your German shepherd. But while price matters, don’t forget to look at coverage details, deductibles, and reimbursement rates to make sure you’re getting the right protection for your pup.
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What Does Pet Insurance for a German Shepherd Cover?
German shepherds are prone to several health issues, including elbow and hip dysplasia, bloat, and more. Pet insurance can help cover the cost of treatment for these conditions and more, as long as it isn’t pre-existing.
The table below outlines common medical concerns for the breed and their typical treatment costs.[3][4][5][6][7]
Health Condition | Type of Treatment | Average Cost of Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Hip dysplasia | Surgery | $1,500–$10,000+ |
| Elbow dysplasia | Surgery | $1,500–$4,000 |
| Gastric dilatation-volvulus (Bloat) | Surgery | $1,500–$7,500+ |
| Degenerative myelopathy | Diagnostics, supportive care | $2,000–$4,000 |
| Epilepsy | Medication | $51–$75 per month |
German shepherds are more likely to develop conditions like hip and elbow dysplasia, so it’s a good idea to have a pet insurance policy that covers hereditary and congenital issues.[2] Most policies cover these conditions as long as symptoms don’t appear before your coverage begins.[8]
How much your insurance pays for covered treatment depends on some key factors, including:
Deductible
Your deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your pet insurance policy begins to pay for covered treatments. When you buy a policy, you’ll get to choose your deductible amount. A higher deductible usually gives you lower monthly premiums, but you’ll have to pay a bit more if you need to file a claim.
Reimbursement rate
Most pet insurance companies offer multiple options for how much they’ll reimburse you. A higher reimbursement rate means you ’ll pay a higher premium but less out of pocket for treatment. A lower reimbursement rate will give you a lower premium but higher out-of-pocket costs.
Typically, reimbursement rates range from 70% to 90%.[9]
Payout limit
Your policy will pay your covered costs up to your payout limit — the maximum amount your policy will reimburse in a year. Some policies have caps, while others offer unlimited coverage.
Understanding these factors can help you choose the right plan to keep your German shepherd healthy.
Additional Pet Insurance Coverages for German Shepherds
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A standard accident and illness pet insurance plan for German shepherds covers unexpected vet bills, including diagnostics, surgeries, medications, and treatments for conditions like hip dysplasia, bloat, and cancer. These plans help protect against expensive emergencies and chronic health issues that may develop over your dog’s lifetime.
Beyond basic coverage, you can add optional features to enhance your policy. One of the most popular is a wellness add-on, which can help pay for routine and preventive care like:
Annual wellness exam
Vaccinations
Preventive dental care
Spaying or neutering
Flea treatment and prevention
Blood and stool tests
Heartworm prevention
Some insurers may offer additional coverages for alternative treatments like:
Acupuncture
Chiropractic care
Hydrotherapy
These options allow you to customize your policy to better fit your German shepherd’s needs.
When considering add-ons, consider your dog’s health history and lifestyle to determine which extras will give you and your pup the most value.
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How to Find the Right Pet Insurance for a German Shepherd
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Finding the best pet insurance for your German shepherd means looking beyond just price. You’ll want a policy that fits your dog’s unique health needs and your budget.
And since German shepherds are prone to conditions like hip dysplasia and bloat, it’s important to choose a plan that covers hereditary and congenital conditions. But that’s just the start.
What to look for
You’ll want to make sure your pet insurance policy protects your German shepherd but also fits your budget. Here are some important factors to consider:
Coverage options: Choose a policy that includes accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions, and chronic diseases. Some plans also cover alternative therapies or behavioral treatments, which can be useful for German shepherds prone to joint issues.
Deductible: Policies may have annual or per-incident deductibles. You’ll pay an annual deductible once per year, while a per-incident deductible applies to each condition or accident separately. A lower deductible means a lower out-of-pocket cost per claim but usually results in higher monthly premiums.
Reimbursement rate: This determines how much of your vet bill your insurance will cover after you meet your deductible. Reimbursement rates are typically between 70% and 90%. A higher reimbursement rate means better coverage but may also come with higher premiums.
Payout limit: This is the maximum amount your insurer will reimburse per year. Limits typically range from $2,500 to unlimited coverage. Usually, the higher your limit, the more you’ll pay for your policy. But considering the potential cost of treating conditions like hip dysplasia and bloat, choosing a higher limit may be a smart move.
How to decide
To strike the right balance between cost and coverage, consider the following:
How much you can afford: Understand your budget and how much you can afford to pay for out-of-pocket expenses during an emergency.
Your dog’s age and health history: Younger dogs may benefit from lower deductibles and higher reimbursement rates.
Your needs: Compare policies based on their coverage for breed-specific conditions and extras like wellness plans or alternative therapies.
By carefully weighing these factors, you can find a pet insurance policy that protects your German shepherd while staying within your budget.
Pet Insurance for German Shepherds FAQs
Pet Insurance for German Shepherds FAQs
An accident and illness pet insurance policy for German shepherds usually covers accidents, illnesses, and breed-specific conditions, like hip dysplasia, bloat, and degenerative myelopathy. Most policies also help pay for diagnostics, surgeries, medications, and emergency care.
Coverage details vary by provider, so it’s important to review the policy carefully to understand what it includes and whether it covers hereditary conditions.
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
No, pet insurance typically doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions. A pre-existing condition is any illness or injury that your dog was diagnosed with, or showed symptoms of, before your policy starts.
But some insurers may cover curable conditions after a waiting period if your pet remains symptom-free for a certain amount of time. Be sure to check with your insurer for specific details.
Does pet insurance cover hereditary and congenital conditions?
Yes, many pet insurance plans cover hereditary and congenital conditions, as long as they aren’t pre-existing. This is especially important for German shepherds, which are prone to genetic issues like elbow dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy.
Check your policy details to ensure it covers these conditions.
Can you add wellness coverage to your policy?
Yes, many pet insurance providers offer wellness add-ons that help cover routine care like vaccinations, annual exams, flea and tick prevention, and dental cleanings. Adding this coverage can be a great way to manage preventive care costs and keep your German shepherd healthy.
How much does pet insurance cost for German shepherds?
Insuring a German shepherd costs an average of $59 per month, but your actual rate depends on factors like your dog’s age, your location, and the coverage level you choose. Shopping around and comparing quotes can help you find the best plan for your budget.
What are common exclusions in pet insurance policies?
Pet insurance policies typically don’t cover pre-existing conditions, routine care (unless you add a wellness plan), grooming, boarding, or breeding-related expenses. Every insurer has different exclusions, so it’s important to read the fine print to know exactly what it doesn’t cover.
This article used AI-assisted insights and analysis of our own proprietary data and content prior to reaching our editorial team. All published content is human-edited and reviewed by a licensed insurance agent.
Sources
- American Kennel Club. "German Shepherd Dog."
- PetMD. "German Shepherd."
- PetMD. "Hip Dysplasia Surgery in Dogs."
- PetMD. "Elbow Dysplasia Surgery in Dogs."
- Preventative Vet. "Pet Emergency Statistics and Veterinary Costs."
- Embrace Pet Insurance. "Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (Bloat)."
- National Library of Medicine. "Evaluation of the Impacts of Epilepsy in Dogs on Their Caregivers."
- PetMD. "Does Pet Insurance Cover Pre-Existing Conditions?."
- ASPCA. "How does pet insurance work?."
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