German Shepherd Pet Insurance: Do I Need it?

Thinking about getting German Shepherd pet insurance for your new pooch? It might be difficult to think about anything happening to your furry friend, but there’s no way to predict the future. German Shepherds are purebred dogs that have a high risk for some health and genetic conditions like cataracts and hip dysplasia.

They’re also considered fairly high energy and can hurt themselves unexpectedly. Not even strong dogs are immune to accidents, and it’s likely your dog will one day have a huge medical expense for one reason or another.

German Shepherd Pet Insurance vs Vet Bills:

Pet insurance can help offset the costs of caring for your German Shepherd, allowing you to spend less on vet visits and take better care of your GSD. Let’s face it– vets are expensive, and even minor treatments and checkups can cost hundreds of dollars.

Emergency vet bills can cost thousands, and surgeries cost even more, so having pet insurance can drastically reduce your financial stress to ensure your dog gets the care they need when they need it most.

Of course, it is another monthly expense, so you might wonder if you need it at all. Of course, you can do everything in your power to take care of your German Shepherd, but large vet bills can’t always be paid.

In this article, we’ll discuss several different important topics to help you decide if you need it. 

Cost of German Shepherd Pet Insurance

There are many different providers, and the cost of your dog’s insurance will depend on many factors, including:

• Age
• Breed
• Pre-existing medical conditions
• Where you live
• Policy customizations

The only true way to know how much pet insurance will cost you is to get quotes and give different insurance providers the same information about your GSD. However, you can expect to pay around $30-$50 per month per dog, depending on your unique needs. Some policies can cost as little as $10 per month, while others cost upwards of $100 per month. 

What Does German Shepherd Pet Insurance Cover?

Every pet insurance policy is different, but they can all help you save money on expected vet bills associated with accidents, injuries, and illnesses. Most plans cover:

• Accidental injuries like ingesting a foreign object, broken bones, insect bites, and more.
• Unexpected illnesses including skin allergies, worms, and GI issues
• Chronic diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, and more.
• Dental diseases like periodontal disease.
• Hereditary conditions like hyperthyroidism.
• Surgery for bloat, broken bones, foreign object removal, etc.
• Cancer diagnosis and treatment.
• Some medications for the treatment of illnesses and pain.
• Diagnostic testing to determine the source of the issue.
• Emergency exams for when your dog gets sick unexpectedly and requires immediate care. 

Most pet insurance companies do not cover behavioral treatment and medications. For example, if your German Shepherd takes anti-anxiety medications, those will not be covered by most providers. That being said, many providers offer additional benefits and allow you to pick and choose different features of your policy, including pregnancy expenses and end-of-life care for senior dogs. 

Pet insurance doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions. However, it may cover curable conditions after a waiting period, so it all depends on your GSD and its needs. That said, dogs with pre-existing conditions can still get pet insurance to keep them covered in case of other emergencies. However, it doesn’t normally cover pet supplies, elective surgeries, or spaying and neutering. 

Types of Policies

There are several different types of policies that vary depending on the insurance provider. Some policies may only include accidents, while others include accidents and illnesses. Depending on your provider, you may also be able to add on other coverage, including wellness exams and pregnancy. The more comprehensive the coverage, the more expensive it will be, but it will pay for more vet visits.

Accident-only coverage will keep you prepared if your German Shepherd ever accidentally gets hurt, breaks a bone, or swallows something it shouldn’t have. Accident-only plans are the most affordable option because they only cover accidents. If you want to take it a step further and protect your dog from illnesses, consider accident and illness coverage that’s more comprehensive and can help you plan for illnesses like arthritis, cancer, UTIs, allergies, and more. 

Getting insurance while your German Shepherd is still young and healthy is key because it will ensure they’re covered as they age and become more prone to health problems. The most comprehensive option is wellness coverage that will cover preventative treatment, including wellness exams and diagnostics, to help you save money on your pet’s care year-round. Of course, this option is the most expensive, and not all insurance providers offer it.

Why You Need German Shepherd Pet Insurance

Ultimately, pet insurance allows you to take better care of your German Shepherd no matter what happens. Emergency vet bills can cost thousands of dollars, and if you don’t have that money, your dog could suffer or risk being put down. Insurance makes it easier for your GSD to get the care they need when they need it without breaking the bank, helping you to avoid hard choices. Here are other reasons why you should invest in insurance for your German Shepherd. 

Accidents are Unavoidable

Everyone gets hurt from time to time, and dogs can get hurt from doing anything from running around the yard to sleeping funny. German Shepherds are energetic and can hurt themselves at any point. Even minor accidents can lead to extreme pain for them. An accident can cost you thousands of dollars, but having pet insurance can help you save money on your dog’s treatment. 

Predictable Costs

Pet insurance monthly premiums stay the same, so you know just how much you’re spending on pet care. Since your policy will tell you how much of your dog’s vet visits are covered, you can manage your annual vet budget easily and take better care of your finances and your German Shepherd. Insurance can be tailored based on your needs to provide your GSD with coverage without hurting your finances. 

Telehealth is Covered

Many providers cover pet telemedicine visits to help your German Shepherd get the care they need without having to make a trip to the vet. Telemedicine is already cheaper than regular vet visits, but you can cut costs even more with insurance to get the advice you need to be a better pet parent from the comfort of your own home. 

Peace of Mind

Insurance can’t prevent accidents or illness, but it can provide pet parents peace of mind knowing they’ll always be able to get their beloved animal companions the care they need when they need it most. 

Do You Need German Shepherd Pet Insurance?

Insurance can save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars on annual pet care and ensure you can afford to get your GSD the care they need when they need it. Investing in it provides you with peace of mind knowing you won’t have to worry about finances when your dog has an accident or becomes ill. 

Technically, you don’t need it to be a great pet parent and take care of your German Shepherd. If you have the funds to cover accidents when they occur, you don’t technically need it, but it can help you feel more comfortable spending money on pet care knowing you’ll be reimbursed for some of the costs. 

About the Author:

Julia Olivas graduated from San Francisco State University with her B.A. in Communication Studies. She is a freelance writer where she loves sharing her passion for digital marketing and content creation. Outside of writing, she loves cooking, reading, painting, and her pup Ruby.