Pet insurance for your German Shepherd.

  • Comprehensive Lifetime German Shepherd insurance up to £15,000

  • Unlimited free video vet calls

  • Dental included as standard

A girl reading a book against the tree with her German Shepherd in her arms

Protect your pet with comprehensive coverage.

Bringing a German Shepherd into your life is incredibly rewarding. This intelligent, loyal, and energetic dog breed will make a wonderful companion. 

But as any responsible owner knows, loving them means preparing for the unexpected. Vet bills can quickly add up, especially with a breed prone to certain health issues.

That’s where pet insurance comes in – providing financial security so you can focus on what truly matters: your dog's wellbeing.

At Waggel, we understand the unique needs of German Shepherds, and we’re here to help you find the perfect cover.

A young german shepherd laying in grass looking curious

Why is pet insurance important for German Shepherds?

It’s a tough thought, but it’s true – even the healthiest dog can face accidents or illnesses. For German Shepherds, certain conditions are more common than in other breeds, potentially leading to significant veterinary costs.  

Without insurance, you could be facing bills running into thousands of pounds. We believe every owner should have access to affordable and comprehensive care for their beloved companion.

Think about it: a sudden injury from an energetic play session, or the onset of a chronic condition like hip dysplasia – these can happen when you least expect them.

German Shepherds are a loyal breed, and they deserve the best possible care without putting your finances at risk.

Common health problems in German Shepherds.

German Shepherd dogs are predisposed to several health concerns. Being aware of these helps you understand why it is a good idea to insure your pet. 

Some common issues include:

Hip and elbow dysplasia

A malformation of the joint, leading to arthritis and pain. This is a significant concern for larger breeds like the German Shepherd, with potential surgery costs reaching £6,000 - £12,000+.

Degenerative myelopathy (DM)

A progressive spinal cord disease causing weakness and paralysis. Diagnosis and ongoing management can be costly.

A german shepherd leaning against a tree with its tongue hanging out

Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus – GDV)

A life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists. Requires immediate veterinary intervention, often surgery costing £2,000 - £5,000+.

Pancreatic insufficiency

Difficulty digesting food due to a lack of digestive enzymes. Requires lifelong enzyme supplementation.

Allergies and skin conditions

German Shepherds can be prone to skin allergies and infections, requiring ongoing treatment.

These are just a few examples. Early detection and treatment are crucial for managing these conditions, which is why having the right dog insurance is so important. 

When you look at the average monthly insurance cost for a German Shepherd—about £27 in the UK as of March 2025—and stack it up against typical vet bills, it's clear that pet insurance can be a real money-saver.

Note: Costs are approximate and can vary based on location and specific veterinary practices.

*Average pricing as of March 2025. Please check your policy terms and conditions for exclusions or issues with preexisting conditions.

Understanding Waggel's Lifetime pet insurance options.

Waggel offers a single, customisable Lifetime policy designed to cover accidents, illnesses, and injuries, with flexible adjustments to suit your budget and coverage needs.

Below is a table based on current information from waggel.co.uk (as of March 2025):

Feature

Coverage details

Accidents & illnesses

✅ Covered up to your chosen Annual Limit (options: £1,000–£15,000). Includes diagnostics, surgery, and medications.

Routine care

❌ Not covered (e.g., vaccinations, flea/worming, grooming).

Chronic conditions

✅ Covered if they develop after the policy starts (subject to Annual Limit renewal).

Dental cover

✅ £1,000 sub-limit for dental treatments related to accidents/illnesses (excludes routine cleanings).

Behavioural therapy

✅ £1,000 sub-limit for consultations with certified behaviourists.

24/7 vet video calls

✅ Unlimited access via Joii app (free for members).

Direct claim settlement

✅ Paid directly to vets upon agreement (requires RCVS-registered vet).

Third-party liability

✅ £2 million coverage for dogs (injuries/damage to third parties).

Excess (Claim Contribution)

Adjustable (£0–£500) to lower premiums.

Typical monthly cost

Varies by pet age, breed, and location. Examples: £25–£60+ for dogs, depending on Annual Limit/Excess.

Key notes

No tiered plans: Waggel exclusively offers Lifetime coverage with adjustable Annual Limits and Excess.

Pre-existing conditions: Excluded, including issues arising within the 14-day "warm-up period."

Additional perks: Free nutritionist consultations, rewards from partners (e.g., Butternut Box), and a dedicated UK-based vet nurse (Customer Champion).

For precise pricing, use our online quote tool. Costs depend on factors like breed (e.g., German Shepherd, Cocker Spaniel), age, location, and coverage selections.

A group of German Shepherds lined up together sitting in a park.

Waggel’s insights: Breed-specific considerations.

German Shepherds need plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and socialisation. Here are some tips for keeping your furry friend happy and healthy:

Early socialisation: Expose your puppy to various people, places, and sounds to prevent behavioural issues.

Regular exercise: German Shepherds love to run and play! Provide at least two hours of exercise daily.

Mental stimulation: Puzzle toys, training sessions, and interactive games will keep their minds engaged. You can find some great tips on how to engage your dog here.

High-quality diet: Feed your dog a balanced diet formulated for large breeds.

Regular vet checkups: Preventative care is key to detecting and managing health problems early on.

Frequently asked questions about German Shepherd insurance.

How much does pet insurance cost for a German Shepherd?

Costs vary, but expect to pay between £30-£80+ per month, depending on the level of cover and your dog’s age/location. Understanding the insurance cost is crucial when budgeting for your beloved companion.

Does Waggel cover pre-existing conditions?

Unfortunately, we don't cover pre-existing conditions, t’s important to give your vet all the information about your dog’s dog’s health history in case of any future claim.

What is an excess?

The excess is the amount you pay towards a claim before your insurance kicks in. A higher excess usually means a lower monthly premium. This can help manage the overall cost of owning a German Shepherd.

Are German Shepherds prone to many health problems?

Yes, as detailed above, they are predisposed to certain conditions like hip dysplasia and bloat. Being aware of these potential issues is key for responsible ownership. We can help cover the cost of diagnosis and treatment.

What if my German Shepherd puppy gets sick or injured shortly after I get them?

Our policies offer cover from the moment your policy starts, providing peace of mind during those crucial early months.

Does insurance cover routine care like vaccinations?

While most plans focus on unexpected illnesses and injuries, some options include wellness benefits to help with preventive care.

What if my dog injures another person or animal?

Our policies can include public liability insurance to protect you financially in such situations.

A german shepherd in a field of flowers

German Shepherd insurance that lasts a lifetime.

Flexible limits and Excess

Adjustable Annual Limit and Excess to suit your coverage and budgetary needs. It's just one of our many unique features and helps you to take control of your pet's policy.

Alt text for above images
A sleeping cat with a heart above its head

Complete coverage

We'll cover your vet fees up to the limits selected. This includes consultation fees, diagnostics, procedures, surgery and medication.

A tube of toothpaste being squirted

Dental included

We cover treatment costs associated with dental-related accidents and illnesses up to £1,000.

Give your German Shepherd the protection they deserve.

Investing in insurance for your German Shepherd is an investment in their future well-being. At Waggel, we believe every dog deserves access to quality veterinary care without breaking the bank.

We offer flexible plans tailored to your needs and budget, with a focus on transparency and exceptional customer service.

Ready to get a quote? Click here to receive a personalised estimate in minutes! You can also visit our homepage here to learn more about Waggel and our commitment to happy, healthy pets.