Is pet insurance worth it for a German Shepherd?
Smart and fearless, German Shepherds are great pets for families. They are easy to train and learn fast and are fiercely loyal. Overall, German Shepherds are a great breed for anyone looking for a loving, well-behaved pet.
To take proper care of your German Shepherd, you want to make sure your pet is getting plenty of exercise. You will also want to take them for regular check-ups to the veterinarian to keep their health up to date. German Shepherds are pure breeds, which means they are predisposed to more genetic conditions than mixed breeds regardless of their age. Additionally, there are other common medical conditions German Shepherds may experience, which can require more medical attention and treatments in comparison to other dogs.
Pet insurance is a great way to ensure you can continuously afford your pet’s medical treatments and/or procedures that they may need throughout their life. With a proper pet insurance plan, you will be able to prioritize your dog’s medical health to help them live a longer, happier life.
Common health conditions for a German Shepherd
German Shepherds are susceptible to a number of health conditions due to their size, as well as genetic makeup. These are the more common health issues German Shepherds may experience:
- Hip dysplasia: particularly common in large dogs, hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint fails to align properly, causing uneven wear to the joint. This can lead to a significant amount of pain and discomfort for a dog. More mild cases can be alleviated with medication, but typically most hip dysplasia situations require surgery to correct.
- Gastric dilatation volvulus: commonly known as “bloat”, gastric dilatation volvulus is a sudden accumulation of stomach gas that causes blood vessels to twist, cutting off blood supply to the stomach. This is an emergency medical situation that requires an immediate trip to the hospital, and can be fatal when left untreated.
- Cardiomyopathy: affecting the heart muscles, cardiomyopathy occurs when they are unable to contract properly. This leads to less blood pumped by the heart, resulting in poor circulation and could potentially cause a heart attack if left untreated. However, cardiomyopathy can be easily treated with different procedures and medications.
How are pet insurance premiums determined for a German Shepherd?
German Shepherds are strong and outgoing dog breeds, but even they get sick from time to time. Because of this, you will want to look into insurance plans as soon as possible to ensure your dog is covered.
When looking into insurance plans, you will notice the premiums differ in cost depending on the provider. Here are some of the main factors that providers consider when determining insurance premium costs:
- Age: your German Shepherd’s age will contribute to their insurance premium cost. Typically, the older your dog is, the higher the insurance premium will be to cover them.
- Gender: most insurance providers will set a higher premium for male German Shepherds in comparison to female German Shepherds. This is due to the fact that female dogs are considered to be “lower risk” overall.
- Location: where you and your dog are located will factor largely into your insurance premium cost. If you live in an area that has more expensive veterinary costs, your insurance premium will be more expensive as a result.
German Shepherds like to spend time outside and run around, sometimes leading to injuries that may damage their bones and joints long-term. Given these injuries, your German Shepherd’s medical history will also contribute to your overall premium cost as well.
What does pet insurance cover for a German Shepherd?
What is covered under your specific pet insurance plan is dependent on the type of plan you have and your provider. Most providers offer plans that cover either injury-only, illness-only, or both injury and illness treatments. Here are some of the most common treatments and procedures pet insurance covers:
- Broken bones and torn ligaments: large dog breeds like German Shepherds that often run around a lot are more likely to experience a broken bone or torn ligament. Most pet insurance plans cover treatments related to these injuries.
- Heart issues: most pet insurance plans cover procedures to fix heart issues, including cardiomyopathy, heart murmurs, enlarged hearts and more. Insurance plans typically cover surgery and medication.
- Diagnostic tests and x-rays: diagnostic tests, including blood and urine tests, as well as X-rays and other scans are usually covered by pet insurance.
Though they cover a range of treatments, most basic pet insurance plans do not cover routine and preventative care treatments, nor wellness care. Generally, coverage for preventative and wellness care can be added on to your overall pet insurance plan or bought separately depending on your provider.
Regardless of whether your German Shepherd is a puppy or full-grown, you will want to consider pet insurance at an early age. By getting coverage early on, your pet will be insured for potential health issues in the future. German Shepherds can experience a range of health issues before they’re even a year old, and treatments for these problems can get expensive quickly.
How to choose the best pet insurance plan for your German Shepherd
There are lots of plans available for German Shepherds. Here are some things to do to help you decide on the best plan for your dog:
- Consider your dog’s age and medical history: your dog’s unique medical history and age will factor into their eligibility for coverage. They will also be key factors in determining the monthly premium. Some providers have a cap on the age they cover for dogs, and some exclude certain dogs from coverage depending on their medical history.
- Compare plans: review the available plans and what they offer so you can be certain your German Sheperd has the appropriate coverage it needs. Also factor in the deductible, insurance premium, and overall coverage capacity details to decide which is the best deal for you and your financial situation.
- Customer reviews: read customer reviews for your potential insurance provider. This can help you determine how your provider handles their claims process and customer inquiries. It might also be useful to check if your provider is accredited by any trusted organizations, such as the Better Business Bureau.