Dog Breeds / German Shepherd
Best Pet Insurance for German Shepherds (2026)
German Shepherds are intelligent, loyal, and unfortunately prone to expensive orthopedic and neurological conditions. Hip dysplasia affects nearly 20% of the breed, and degenerative myelopathy has no cure—only management. Here's how to find coverage that protects your GSD.
See Top Picks →🏆 Our Top Picks for German Shepherds
Embrace
Best for orthopedic coverage (6-month waiting period)
Trupanion
Best for ongoing conditions (pays vet directly)
Figo
Best limits (up to $100k or unlimited)
Why German Shepherds Need Insurance
German Shepherds are the 4th most popular breed in America—and among the most expensive to treat when things go wrong. Their sloped backs and active lifestyles create a perfect storm for joint and spine issues.
Common Health Issues & Costs
| Condition | What It Is | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Hip Dysplasia | Malformed hip joints (affects ~19%) | $1,500 - $7,000 |
| Degenerative Myelopathy | Progressive spinal cord disease | $500 - $3,000/year |
| Elbow Dysplasia | Malformed elbow joints | $1,500 - $4,000 |
| Bloat (GDV) | Stomach twists—life-threatening | $3,000 - $7,500 |
| Allergies | Skin and food sensitivities | $200 - $1,000/year |
| Pancreatitis | Inflamed pancreas | $1,000 - $5,000 |
| EPI | Digestive enzyme deficiency | $150 - $300/month |
What to Look For in German Shepherd Insurance
✓ Must-Have Coverage
- Orthopedic conditions – Hip and elbow dysplasia are near-guaranteed
- Emergency surgery – Bloat requires immediate, expensive intervention
- Chronic condition coverage – DM, EPI, allergies need ongoing care
- High annual limits – $20k minimum; unlimited preferred
✗ Red Flags to Avoid
- Orthopedic exclusions or bilateral condition exclusions
- Low limits (under $15k)
- 12-14 month orthopedic waiting periods if your GSD is already 1+
Best Insurance Providers for German Shepherds
Embrace
Best for Orthopedic Coverage
$50-90/mo
estimated monthly
Embrace's 6-month orthopedic waiting period beats the 12-14 months most competitors require. They also cover bilateral conditions without exclusions—if one hip fails, the other is still covered.
Pros
- 6-month orthopedic waiting period
- Full bilateral coverage
- Covers prescription food and supplements
- Diminishing deductible saves money over time
Cons
- Annual limits cap at $30k
- Slightly higher premiums
Trupanion
Best for Ongoing Conditions
$70-120/mo
estimated monthly
Trupanion's model is different: 90% reimbursement, no annual limits, and they pay vets directly at checkout. For GSDs facing chronic conditions like DM or EPI, this removes ongoing claim hassle.
Pros
- No annual or lifetime limits
- Pays vet directly (no out-of-pocket wait)
- Covers hereditary and congenital conditions
- One deductible per condition, per lifetime
Cons
- Only 90% reimbursement (no other options)
- Higher premiums than competitors
- No wellness coverage
Figo
Best Limits for Large Breed
$55-95/mo
estimated monthly
Figo offers up to $100,000 annual limits or unlimited coverage—important for large breeds with expensive surgeries. Their app-based experience is also one of the best.
Pros
- Up to unlimited annual coverage
- 100% reimbursement option
- Fast claims via mobile app
- Covers hereditary conditions
Cons
- 12-month orthopedic waiting period
- Higher premiums for unlimited tier
- No direct vet payment
How Much Does German Shepherd Insurance Cost?
German Shepherds are large dogs with documented health issues—expect premiums on the higher side.
Puppy (8 weeks - 1 year)
$35 - $60/month
Adult (1-7 years)
$55 - $100/month
Senior (8+ years)
$100 - $180+/month
* Estimates based on average rates. Actual cost depends on your location, chosen deductible, reimbursement level, and coverage limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pet insurance worth it for German Shepherds?
Yes. With nearly 1 in 5 GSDs developing hip dysplasia and bloat being a life-threatening emergency, major vet bills are common. Insurance protects against the $5,000-10,000+ surgeries this breed often needs.
Does pet insurance cover hip dysplasia in German Shepherds?
Yes—all major providers cover hip dysplasia as a hereditary condition. However, most require a 6-12 month waiting period, so enroll early before symptoms appear.
What is degenerative myelopathy, and is it covered?
DM is a progressive spinal cord disease common in German Shepherds. It's covered by pet insurance as a chronic illness, including diagnostics, medications, mobility aids, and physical therapy.
Should I get insurance for a German Shepherd puppy?
Absolutely. Puppies have the lowest premiums, no pre-existing conditions, and you'll clear orthopedic waiting periods before issues typically develop (around age 1-2).
What's the orthopedic waiting period for German Shepherds?
Most insurers require 6-14 months before covering orthopedic conditions like hip dysplasia. Embrace offers the shortest at 6 months. Enroll early to clear this window.
Protect Your German Shepherd
German Shepherds give everything to their families. Give them the protection they deserve.
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