Best Pet Insurance For German Shepherds

Average Pet Insurance Cost For A German Shepherd

To provide you with an average figure of how much it could cost you to insure your German Shepherd, we ran numerous quotes from a variety of reliable pet insurance companies. Our results found that, on average, you could insure your German Shepherd with a lifetime insurance policy for £20.45 a month or an annual payment of £229.67. Alternatively, you could insure your German Shepherd for an average cost of £18.37 a month, or an annual payment of £198.18. To run these quotes we used the following pet information:

What Are Bilateral Conditions

A bilateral condition refers to an injury or illness that affects both sides of the body, such as a cruciate ligament tear, cataracts or hip dysplasia. As there is an increased risk that a pet will develop the same condition on one side of its body after experiencing it on the other, many pet insurance providers exclude bilateral conditions from their coverage.

How does this relate to preexisting conditions? For example, if your German shepherd were treated for hip dysplasia on the left side of its body before you enrolled in pet insurance, hip dysplasia on its right side would not be covered in the future.

Common Health Problems And Illnesses Of German Shepherds

German Shepherds do have their share of health issues, which is why its a good idea to take out dog insurance for your German Shepherd while theyre still a puppy.

A variety of different treatments are available, for example immunosuppressive medicines or surgery. This condition can require on-going attention, but most dogs are able to continue life as normal.

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Is Pet Insurance Worth It

The short answer is yes. A survey by Liberty Mutual Insurance states that 63% of pet owners couldnt afford unexpected medical care for their pets. Not only does pet insurance allow you to choose the best medical treatment for your pet, but it also provides stability to your finances.

The key thing to remember is that you need to sign up for pet insurance before an emergency arises. You cannot count on coverage for your German Shepherds pre-diagnosed health issues. So its crucial to get your dog covered as soon as possible.

All Us Veterinary Clinics & Animal Hospitals Accept Pet Insurance

Because pet insurance reimburses you, instead of paying the vet directly, you can use your plan at any veterinary practice in the USA. Whether you take yourGerman Shepherd to a animal hospital, emergency vet, or mobile clinic – pet insurance plans can help German Shepherd pet owners reduce out-of-pocket costs for unexpected accidents or illnesses.

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Top 10 Claims For German Shepherds

Like all dogs, German Shepherds can get sick or injured unexpectedly. The top 10 accident and illness claims received by ASPCA Pet Health Insurance^ for this breed are:

• Allergies*
• Lamenesswhich could indicate hip or elbow dysplasia

*Pre-existing conditions are not covered. Waiting periods, annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit limits and exclusions may apply. For all terms and conditions visit www.aspcapetinsurance.com/terms. Preventive and Wellness Care reimbursements are based on a schedule. Complete Coverage reimbursements are based on the invoice. Levels 1-4 reimbursements are based on usual and customary eligible costs. Products, schedules, and rates may vary and are subject to change. Discounts may vary and are subject to change. More information available at checkout.

The ASPCA® is not an insurer and is not engaged in the business of insurance. Products are underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company , produced and administered by C& F Insurance Agency, Inc. , a Crum & Forster company. Through a licensing agreement, the ASPCA receives a royalty fee that is in exchange for use of the ASPCAs marks and is not a charitable contribution. C& F and Crum & Forster are registered trademarks of United States Fire Insurance Company. Crum & Forster Pet Insurance Group is a trademark of United States Fire Insurance Company. The Crum & Forster group of companies is rated A by AM Best Company 2020.

When Should I Purchase A Pet Insurance Policy

The best time to purchase a pet insurance policy is when you bring your new furry friend home. The earlier you enroll and the younger your companion, the higher the chance that any condition it develops over time will be covered. Additionally, puppies and kittens are less risky to insure, so your monthly premiums will be lower than if you wait until your pet is older to insure it.

When any of my clients contact me about a new pet coming into the family, the first thing I tell them to do is to get pet insurance, even if they have not brought the pet home yet, said pet expert Dr. Shannon Barrett, veterinarian and owner of Downward Paws. Dr. Barrett explained that pets will inevitably get hurt or sick at some point, and pet insurance can alleviate your worries about treatment-related finances.

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What Attention Do I Need From You

In your home, a German Shepherd will need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Two 30-minute walks a day plus a play/training session is recommended.

German Shepherds adore and protect their families, making them naturally excellent guard dogs. However, aggression is not a natural characteristic of the breed. Early training and socialisation are critical to avoiding unsociable behaviour.

German Shepherds have a thick, double coat that will shed. A daily brush is required to keep their coat in order. Use a rubber brush designed for the job.

What Is Third Party Pet Insurance And Do I Need It

can give you cover if your dog injures another pet or a person, or damages or destroys property. Even if your German Shepherd is not aggressive, you might find it gets into trouble with other dogs. This type of insurance is also known as third party public liability insurance. Its included as standard with most pet insurance policies, so its best to check your policy first, before buying it separately.

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How Much Does A German Shepherd Cost

This puppy is on the more expensive side, with dog breeders pricing puppies between $450-$1,900.

During the first-year, youll spend near $3,500 to get your new friend vaccinations, grooming appointments, and a pet insurance policy. This price drops to $500-$1,500 for each year following.

On average, German Shepherds cost owners around $15,000. But if you plan on spaying/neutering your dog, hiring a dog walker, and boarding your pup once a year, expect to pay anywhere from $47,000-$99,000 in their lifetime.

Susannes German Shepherd Milly Was Diagnosed With Aggressive Cancer

Susanne Sullivan rescued Milly at 18 months of age. She decided to take out pet insurance cover, and was glad she did, because at 6 years old, Milly developed an aggressive form of cancer in her paw, which has since recurred. Bow Wow Meow reimbursed 80% of her veterinary costs on both accounts and she is very grateful that she made the choice to insure Milly.

Susanne Sullivan rescued Milly at 18 months of age. She decided to take out pet insurance cover, and was glad she did, because at 6 years old, Milly developed an aggressive form of cancer in her paw, which has since recurred. Bow Wow Meow reimbursed 80% of her veterinary costs on both accounts and she is very grateful that she made the choice to insure Milly.

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Are German Shepherds Covered By Insurance

There is no straightforward answer to whether German Shepherds are covered by insurance. The short answer is that it depends entirely on your policy. In terms of your home insurance policy, theres a reasonable chance these dogs are covered. Some policies will cover your dog but others wont.

However, theres an important caveat here. Your homeowners insurance policy is unlikely to cover your German Shepherds vet care like a pet insurance policy would. Instead, a homeowners insurance policy would cover damage or injuries caused by your dog.

Simply put, standard home insurance policies tend to cover injuries caused by animals. The problem arises from the fact that some companies will exclude German Shepherds from this coverage. Others will include your dog but increase your premium.

Whether or not your homeowners insurance will cover your German Shepherd also depends on other factors. One is where you live, as whether or not you are held liable for your dog biting a trespasser varies by state. Some states also have one-bite laws that protect you from being held liable if its the first time your dog bit, someone.

Your insurance provider may also exclude all German Shepherds, along with other breeds with less-than-stellar reputations. Insurance companies may also determine whether your dog is covered based on his bite and training history. The coverage may also depend on whether your dog is vaccinated.

Petfirst Pet Insurance For German Shepherds

PetFirst is another great option for German Shepherd parents. It is one of the fastest-growing pet insurance companies in the United States. Their focus is to be able to help pet parents not worry about financial concerns when it comes to taking proper care of their pets.

They have plans to suit all families, from the ones who just want a little bit of coverage to those who want the most coverage available.

Where PetFirst stands out is in the fact that they have a routine care rider that can be added to your dogs policy. The routine care rider allows for services that are not normally covered by pet insurance to be covered such as routine exams and vaccinations.

What does PetFirst cover?

This screenshot was taken from PetFirsts website and they typically cover the following treatments:

*Image taken from PetFirst website

PetFirst also covers the following after your GSD has had a policy in standing with them for 12 months:

*Image taken from PetFirst website

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German Shepherd Dog Insurance

Here at British Pet Insurance, we’ve got your German Shepherd covered on our range of policy options packed with other benefits and levels of cover to ensure you’re completely covered when a vet visit is required.

Choice, flexibility, and a range of optional extras. Up to £5,000 vet fee cover. Quick and simple claims process. No additional charges for paying monthly. Feefo Gold Trusted Service from our friendly UK team.

What Does Pet Insurance Not Cover

Here are some common pet insurance exclusions:

• Experimental treatment. This includes treatments that are considered experimental, investigational and not within the standard of care accepted by the veterinary medical board in your state.
• Food, dietary and nutritional supplements. Your pets dietary expenses are usually not covered by pet insurance, but some plans cover prescription food and supplements.
• Grooming. Services such as baths, dips, nail trims and shampoos are typically not covered by pet insurance.
• Non-veterinary expenses. This includes expenses such as any license or certification, compliance with a government rule or regulation , record access or copying, and waste disposal services.
• Pre-existing conditions. This includes illnesses and injuries that your pet had before your coverage started. Some plans do not permanently exclude pre-existing conditions. For example, ASPCA pet insurance covers curable pre-existing conditions if your pet has not shown signs or symptoms of certain conditions for 180 days. If the condition recurs after 180 days, it is covered like a new problem.

Related: Pet insurance for pre-existing conditions

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Who Am I Likely To Live With

As domestic pets, German Shepherds are outgoing, loving and loyal.

One of the most intelligent dog breeds, German Shepherds respond well to training and authority. They are a lot of dog to handle and need owners who are up to the job.

Capable dogs with huge capacity for work, German Shepherds respond well to challenges and any jobs you can give them.

With early socialisation and training, these are great dogs for active families, the perfect companion for adventurous older children and adults.

What To Consider When Owning A German Shepherd

Like most dogs they enjoy company and can be protective over their family. Its important not to leave them alone for too long so they dont suffer from . They love being part of the family activities particularly if they involve exploring and long walks, so be sure to include them in your outdoor adventures.

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The 5 Best Insurance Options For Your German Shepherd

ByManali

Your German Shepherd is like a member of the family and when he gets sick, it feels like the end of your world. But what can you do? You could go with a lesser-known company, but you dont want to risk anything. If youre looking for the top-notch insurance companies to protect your dog, this article will give you some options.

The German Shepherd is a popular breed of dog, and as such, there are many insurance options available for them. Here are the 5 best pet insurance options for your German Shepherd:

1. Pet Health Insurance

This option provides coverage for medical expenses that may be incurred as a result of your German Shepherds injuries or illnesses. This type of insurance can also cover costs for surgeries and treatments related to your dogs health.

2. Dog Damage Insurance

This type of insurance provides coverage for damage to your property that may be caused by your German Shepherd. This includes damage caused by accidents, Fires, and Theft.

3. Homeowners Insurance For Germans Shepherds

This option provides coverage for damage to your home that may be caused by any animal . This includes damage caused by accidents, Fires, and Theft.

4. Auto Insurance For Germans Shepherds

This option provides coverage for accidents that occur while your German Shepherd is travelling in or on a car with you. This includes accidents involving cars, trucks, buses, bicycles, and scooters.

5. Pet Emergency Assistance Plan

The Bottom Line: Should I Purchase Pet Insurance For A Pet With A Preexisting Condition

Even if your pet has a preexisting condition, it is still eligible for pet insurance. Although its current condition may not be eligible for reimbursement, you can still submit claims and receive payouts for any future illnesses or injuries that befall your pet. This will save you from hefty out-of-pocket vet expenses while still getting your loyal companion the care it needs.

As a veterinarian, Dr. Barrett said that she uses pet insurance for her own pets. My German Shepherd tore his CCLhis surgery was $4,000. My insurance company reimbursed me $3,600, she said. They also paid for part of his physical therapy following surgery. Over the years, pet insurance has paid me more than I have paid them.

Each provider on our list has unique features and specific requirements for preexisting conditions. We recommend getting multiple quotes to ensure you get the best coverage for your pets needs and your budget.

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What Will Dog Insurance Cover And What Wont It Cover

Most basic dog insurance plans will cover unexpected emergencies that require veterinary care like broken bones, allergic reactions, ingesting something toxic, and infections. Additionally, most dog insurance plans wont cover routine vet visits involving wellness exams, vaccinations, and sometimes spay/neuter operations. Other ailments that dog insurance does not normally cover are usually labeled pre-existing health conditions. Recurring urinary tract infections, cancer, and diabetes are all examples of these conditions. Some insurance companies do offer limited coverage for these pre-existing health issues but only under very specific circumstances. As your Shepherd gets older, the chance that they will develop one of these pre-existing conditions increases. Because dog insurance doesnt normally cover these kinds of health issues, you will be left with more that you have to pay for out of pocket. Whether your German Shepherd is a puppy or an adult when you bring them into the family, we recommend getting them covered as soon as you can. For an extra charge, in addition to your monthly payment, many dog insurances offer add-ons to your basic insurance plan. These add-ons can help you with some of the routine vet visits we mentioned previously.

Why We Love German Shepherds

German Shepherds are known to be highly intelligent, problem solvers and love to have a job to do. This breed will do anything to please their human friend which makes them easy to train. Not only are they super smart but also extremely photogenic. One fun fact of German Shepherds, is that they can be quite the drama queen at times – which we love, of course!

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Aspca: Best For An Experienced Company

Benefit Limit

$3,000, $5,000, $7,000, $10,000, $15,000, $20,000, or unlimited

ASPCA Pet Insurance offers customizable plans that you can adjust in order 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 and distinguishes between incurable and curable pre-existing conditions

What Is Dog Insurance And How Do I Use It

Somewhat similar to the human health insurance were familiar with, dog insurance is like a security blanket for your Doberman, waiting until an unexpected emergency to be used. In order to keep this dog insurance plan active and ready for an emergency, however, there is usually a monthly fee you have to pay. Dog insurance is added financial protection available to you in the case of a pet emergency. You will normally have to pay a monthly fee to keep your dog insurance plan active, even while you are not currently using it. To use your dog insurance, there must first be some kind of emergency that requires vet care. You will pay your vet, submit a claim to your insurance for that vet bill, and then pay your insurance deductible. After this deductible has been paid for, your insurance will reimburse or give back a set portion of the total vet bill. When deciding what insurance plan is best for your furry family members, the monthly fee, deductible, and reimbursement rate will all play an important part in your decision. A few insurance terms to note:

• A deductible is simply the amount of money you need to pay before your insurance company will reimburse you for your claim
• An annual max benefit is referencing that your insurance plan will only cover up to a certain dollar amount in emergency vet expenses each year

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