Best Great Dane Insurance

Start by talking with your veterinarian about the health problems your Great Dane may be more likely to develop based on its current age, activity level and living environment. Ask about conditions such as bloat, hip and elbow dysplasia, and heart disease that can require costly diagnostic tests, medications, surgery or ongoing treatment. 

Also review your dog's medical records with your veterinarian to determine whether any symptoms, injuries or diagnoses have already been documented. This matters because pet insurance excludes pre-existing conditions, so understanding your Great Dane's medical history before buying can help you identify which future conditions and treatments you want your policy to cover.

Decide which type of pet insurance fits your Great Dane's needs:

• Accident-only plans cover injuries caused by unexpected events, such as a broken bone or wound.
• Accident and illness policies extend coverage to diseases and breed-related conditions, like bloat or hip dysplasia.
• Accident and illness coverage with an optional wellness plan adds routine care benefits, such as vaccinations and preventive exams.

Next, select a deductible you could comfortably pay before insurance begins covering eligible expenses. Consider an annual limit high enough for potentially expensive Great Dane care, including emergency treatment for orthopedic issues or ongoing treatment for heart disease. Then choose a reimbursement rate that fits your budget and leaves you comfortable paying the portion of covered vet costs that pet insurance doesn't reimburse.

Build a shortlist of insurers that enroll Great Danes at your dog's current age and in your state, then read each company's sample policy before getting a quote. Pay close attention to the following terms:

• Pre-existing conditions: Check how the insurer defines a pre-existing condition and whether its policy distinguishes unrelated future conditions from problems documented before enrollment. Look for exclusions that could limit coverage based on a condition your Great Dane has already experienced.
• Waiting periods: Look for waiting periods of one to five days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses and below six months for orthopedic issues. Shorter waiting periods can be particularly useful if you want financial protection against unexpected injuries or newly diagnosed conditions sooner.
• Hip dysplasia coverage: Verify that hereditary and congenital conditions such as hip dysplasia are covered in the base plan and check for age limits, waiting periods or other restrictions that could affect your Great Dane.
• Physical rehabilitation coverage: Determine whether treatments such as physical therapy, hydrotherapy, therapeutic exercises and laser therapy are covered by default or require an optional add-on, particularly if your Great Dane needs rehabilitation after orthopedic surgery.

Look at reviews about the insurers you're considering on Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and relevant Reddit communities, including r/greatdanes and r/petinsurancereviews, to see how policyholders describe claims, reimbursement delays, customer service and disputes over pre-existing conditions. Give extra attention to reviews involving emergency surgery, orthopedic treatment or chronic conditions, since these situations can show how an insurer handles complicated and expensive Great Dane claims.