Dachshund pet insurance
Because a dog shaped like a sausage deserves premium care.
Key takeaways
- Dachshunds have a few problematic issues that they're predisposed to.
- Treatment is expensive, so pet insurance is worth considering.
- Costs for dachshund pet insurance vary greatly by provider.
Do I need pet insurance for my dachshund?
When it comes to insuring your dog, there are a few things to consider:
Is your dog predisposed to any specific conditions?
Dachshunds and mini dachshunds are known to be predisposed to a few medical problems.
- Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD): Due to their long-bodied, short-legged physique, this makes dachshunds highly prone to back issues and other musculoskeletal conditions. Most commonly, Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD).
- Hip dysplasia: This occurs when the femur and pelvis grow at uneven rates and can result in arthritis.
- Patella luxation: This happens when the kneecap pops out of its groove, causing them to limp around.
- Obesity: This is a problem with any breed really, but with dachshunds, it's particularly problematic because their spines can't take the extra weight.
- Progressive retinal atrophy: This is hereditary and can lead to blindness.
- Seizures: There is no known cause for why dachshunds suffer from seizures, they just do.
Could you afford surgery out of pocket?
With these conditions in mind, it's important to consider if you could afford surgery out of pocket, should your dog require it. Here's an idea of how much each surgery can cost. Keep in mind though, these prices are approximate and your actual cost will depend on your dog's condition and your vet.
- Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) surgery: The cost of treatment for this is so varied because it depends on the severity you're dealing with. According to PetSure, the average cost is around $3,480 while the most expensive treatment was over $31,000.
- Hip dysplasia surgery: Costs vary between $500 - $5,000.
- Patella luxation surgery: Costs vary between $1,600 - $5,000.
- Obesity: This is usually treated with changes to diet so you may need to spend more on your dog's food to get something special. However, the more expensive issues are more about what obesity can cause. For example, if an overweight dachshund has too much weight on them, it can lead to IVDD.
- Progressive retinal atrophy: There is no treatment for this as far as we know.
- Seizures: Costs for this vary because medications to treat it vary.
What can pet insurance cover for a dachshund?
What your pet insurance policy covers will come down to what level of cover you choose and the provider specifics. We've broken this down below.
Accidents, illnesses, and injuries – coverage options for dachshunds
Pet insurance policies for dachshunds typically come in basic, mid-level, and comprehensive or 'elite' options. Coverage levels generally include:
- Basic coverage: Also known as 'essentials' or 'accident-only' cover, basic policies are typically the most affordable. They provide essential coverage for accidents such as snake bites, injuries from falls, or vehicle-related accidents. However, basic policies won't cover common dachshund-specific illnesses like Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) or other breed-related conditions.
- Mid-level coverage: Providers may label mid-level coverage differently, but it generally covers accidents, illnesses, and injuries, including conditions particularly relevant to dachshunds, like IVDD and spinal issues. Annual coverage limits usually range from around $12,000 to $30,000. (We'll explain what annual limits are shortly.) This level helps manage veterinary costs for common dachshund health concerns.
- Comprehensive or Elite coverage: This is the highest tier of pet insurance and offers extensive protection, covering accidents, illnesses, and injuries, typically with higher annual limits. Comprehensive policies may also include additional optional coverages such as routine care, which covers preventive treatments like vaccinations and dental cleanings. Given that dachshunds are prone to potentially expensive treatments for conditions such as IVDD and other spinal complications, these higher coverage limits can be especially beneficial.
Compare pet insurance options for your dachshund
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How to choose the best pet insurance for your dachshund
There are a few factors to consider when choosing a pet insurance policy specifically for dachshunds. Product disclosure statements (PDS) can contain complicated terminology, so here's a simplified breakdown:
- Waiting periods: This is the required timeframe between starting your policy payments and when you can make a claim. If your dachshund needs immediate treatment, coverage typically won't apply until after this waiting period ends. However, emergency incidents, such as snake bites or accidents, are often covered immediately or within one day of policy initiation.
- Reimbursement options: This details how your insurer reimburses you after a claim has been approved. When setting up your policy, you'll choose what percentage of veterinary bills the insurer covers, typically ranging from 70% to 100%. Higher coverage percentages usually lead to more expensive premiums.
Some providers offer GapOnly claims, which allow you to pay only the difference (gap) between the veterinary bill and the insurance coverage at the time of service, eliminating the wait for reimbursement.
Other insurers require full payment at the veterinary clinic first, after which you'll submit a claim and receive reimbursement after approval.
- Annual limit: This is the maximum amount your insurer will pay each year. For example, if your policy has an annual limit of $25,000, you cannot claim more than this amount in one year. This could be a concern if you choose a lower annual limit, such as $15,000, but your dachshund requires surgery or treatment costing more.
- Sub-limits: These are limits placed on specific treatments, separate from your overall annual limit. For instance, if there's a sub-limit of $3,000 for paralysis tick treatment and your dachshund's treatment costs $5,000, you will need to pay the remaining $2,000 even if you haven't reached your annual limit.
- Hereditary condition coverage: Insurers sometimes exclude or limit coverage for hereditary conditions prevalent in dachshunds. Coverage may depend on whether symptoms appeared before or after policy initiation. Always review your PDS or speak directly to your insurer about hereditary condition coverage relevant to dachshunds.
So, what's actually good to look for in a policy?
- High annual limits: For potentially costly treatments, particularly for IVDD and other spinal issues.
- High or no sub-limits: Ensures comprehensive coverage for expensive breed-specific treatments.
- High reimbursement rates: Covers more of your veterinary expenses. However, lower reimbursement rates may be preferable if budget constraints are a consideration.
Cost of pet insurance for dachshunds in Australia
Pet insurance for a dachshund is likely to cost you between $1,006.54 and $3,766.15. This is relatively similar to other dog breeds in Australia.
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