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Dachshunds are known for their long backs and short legs — a cute combo that unfortunately puts them at risk for health problems like intervertebral disc disease (IVDD).[1] Treating IVDD can cost thousands of dollars, especially if your pup needs surgery.
Pet insurance helps you plan for those unexpected vet bills so you can focus on getting your dog the care it needs without stressing about the cost. You can expect to pay around $60 per month to insure your dachshund, our data shows. But your exact rate depends on things like where you live, how old your dog is, and the type of coverage you choose.
Here’s what you need to know about finding the best pet insurance for your dachshund.
Lemonade and Healthy Paws are the cheapest pet insurance companies for dachshunds in the U.S.
Dachshunds are usually a healthy breed, but they need proper diet and exercise to help them maintain muscle tone in their long backs.[2]
Doxie parents who want help keeping their pups healthy can consider adding wellness coverage to an accident and injury pet insurance plan.
Best Pet Insurance Companies for Dachshunds
To identify the best pet insurers for your dachshund, we considered average premiums, coverages, deductibles, reimbursement limits, age limits, and add-ons from top pet insurance companies. Here are our picks for the best pet insurance companies for dachshunds.
Pets Best: Best overall for dachshunds
Average dachshund premium: $31 per month
No upper age limit for enrollment
Acupuncture care coverage available
Unlimited coverage option available
No 100% reimbursement option
No coverage for pre-existing conditions
Doesn’t cover behavioral conditions
Pets Best offers some of the lowest average rates for dachshunds, according to our data. The insurer offers customizable accident and illness plans with annual coverage limit options of $5,000, $10,000, and unlimited. Reimbursement levels range from 70% to 90%, and it also offers wellness plans as an optional add-on. Some plans cover exam fees and therapies like acupuncture, which could be helpful for doxies with back problems.
Pumpkin: Best for naughty dachshunds
Average dachshund premium: $92 per month
Covers behavioral issues and dental illnesses
Includes an optional wellness package
No upper age limit for coverage
Higher premiums than some competitors
Preventive care only available as add-on
14-day waiting period for illnesses
Doxies pack a lot of personality, including stubbornness, into their little bodies. If your dachshund needs help with behavioral issues, Pumpkin could be a good option. It offers accident and illness coverage that pays for some treatments other insurers don’t — like behavioral issues, tooth extractions, and prescription food for covered conditions. It also has an optional wellness add-on to help with the cost of routine care.
Pawp: Best for dachshund parents on a budget
Average dachshund premium: Not available
Flat cost with no deductibles
No age or breed restrictions
Immediate access to emergency fund after consultation
Emergency fund covers only one pet per year
Must get vet approval before using funds
No reimbursement for routine or preventive care
Pawp isn’t a traditional pet insurance company. Instead, it offers personalized care plans for a flat fee — just $24 per month. In return, you’ll get unlimited 24/7 virtual vet visits and a $3,000 emergency fund. It’s a great option for pet owners who want a safety net without the complexity of a standard pet insurance policy.
Spot: Best for dachshunds with curable pre-existing conditions
Average monthly premium for dachshunds: $74
Offers various deductible and reimbursement options
Accepts senior pets without age restrictions
Provides optional wellness plans
Requires a 14-day waiting period for both accidents and illnesses
Doesn’t offer direct payments to veterinarians
No 100% reimbursement option
Spot Pet Insurance offers accident and illness coverage, a lower-cost accident-only plan, and optional wellness add-ons for dogs and cats. Like most pet insurers, Spot doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions. But if your doxie recovers and remains symptom- and treatment-free for 180 days, you may be able to get future treatment covered Plus, Spot doesn’t have an age limit, so you can enroll your pet at any stage of life.
MetLife: Best for good-health rewards
Average dachshund premium: Not available
No upper age limit for new policies
Family plan covers up to three pets with one deductible
Generally affordable premiums
Comparatively low reimbursement rates
Doesn’t cover prescription food
Exotic pet coverage available in only 19 states
If your dachshund stays healthy and claims-free, your MetLife deductible may automatically decrease by $25 or $50 every year that you don’t receive a reimbursement (depending on the policy underwriter and where you live)—.[3] MetLife offers a standard accident and illness policy and a preventive care add-on. And it may make exceptions to cover some pre-existing conditions if your previous insurer covered the condition first.
Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies for Dachshunds
Finding affordable pet insurance for your dachshund starts with comparing quotes from top insurers. The table below shows average monthly rates for dachshund-specific policies that cover common breed health problems, like IVDD, knee problems, and bloat.
But keep in mind that these are just averages. What you’ll actually pay depends on things like where you live, your coverage level, deductible, and reimbursement rate.
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
---|---|
Spot | $24 |
Lemonade | $25 |
ASPCA | $27 |
Pets Best | $37 |
Figo | $39 |
Healthy Paws | $43 |
Prudent Pet | $54 |
Pumpkin | $57 |
What Does Pet Insurance for Dachshunds Cover?
Because of their long backs and short legs, dachshunds are more likely to face certain health problems and injuries than other breeds — they’re especially prone to conditions like intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) and patellar luxation.
Fortunately, many pet insurance companies cover hereditary and congenital issues as long as they aren’t considered pre-existing when you sign up. A comprehensive policy can help pay for everything from diagnostics and surgery to ongoing care and preventive treatment.
The table below breaks down common issues, how much treatment can cost, and whether pet insurance typically covers them.[4][5]
Condition | Treatment Cost | Covered by Pet Insurance? |
---|---|---|
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) | $3,000–$15,000 | Yes, if not pre-existing |
Patellar luxation | $1,000–$3,000 | Yes |
Hip dysplasia | $1,700–$4,500 per hip | Yes |
Obesity-related complications | $800–$900 | Yes |
Cataracts/glaucoma | $3,300–$3,500 for one eye, $4,400–$4,600 for two eyes | Yes |
Keep in mind that these costs can vary significantly depending on your pet’s needs, where you live, and the veterinary practice that does the procedure.
Factors That Affect Your Pet Insurance Bill
How much your pet insurance covers and what you’ll pay out of pocket come down to a few key details in your plan. These include:
Deductible: This is the amount of a vet bill that you must pay before your coverage kicks in. Choosing a higher deductible can lower your monthly premium, but you’ll pay more up front if your dachshund needs care.
Reimbursement level: Most plans cover 50% to 90% of your vet bill after the deductible. But some insurance companies offer 100% reimbursement as an option. A higher reimbursement rate means your insurer repays more of your vet bills, but you’ll likely pay a bit more each month for premiums.
Payout limit: Some plans set a cap on how much they’ll pay per year or over your dog’s lifetime. If you want maximum protection, look for a policy with unlimited payouts — just know it might cost a little more.
Understanding how these parts of a pet insurance policy work can help you find a plan that fits your budget while still covering the care your dachshund is most likely to need.
Additional Pet Insurance Coverages for Dachshunds
Beyond standard accident and illness policies, you can add extra coverage to help pay for your dachshund’s everyday care.
Wellness plans
A wellness plan is a popular add-on that covers routine services like annual checkups, vaccines, dental cleanings, spaying or neutering, and parasite prevention — all of which can help keep your dachshund in top shape. You may also find a plan that covers behavioral issues dachshunds can be prone to, like separation anxiety and possessive tendencies.
Alternative therapies
You might also have the option to add coverage for alternative treatments likeacupuncture or hydrotherapy to help with recovery from common dachshund conditions, like IVDD.
These optional coverages can give you more complete protection and help you manage ongoing care costs more predictably.
How to Find the Right Pet Insurance for Dachshunds
Choosing the right pet insurance for your dachshund means finding a plan that fits both your budget and your dog’s specific health needs. Because dachshunds are prone to congenital conditions like IVDD and patellar luxation, as well as hereditary issues like deafness, it’s important to look for a policy that covers breed-specific health issues.
You’ll also want to dig into a plan’s fine print, such as the exclusions, waiting periods, and coverage caps, since those details can have a big effect on what you’ll actually pay and what the plan covers.
Here are a few key factors to consider when choosing a pet insurer for your dachshund.
Coverage for breed-specific conditions
Dachshunds are genetically at risk for spinal conditions like IVDD and other health issues like bloat, deafness, luxating patella, and eye problems.[1] Look for a plan that covers hereditary and congenital conditions — and double-check that there aren’t exclusions for pre-existing issues.
Waiting periods
Most pet insurance plans have waiting periods during which the insurer won’t pay for any claims, and they typically vary by insurer and condition. For example, your policy may have a 14-day waiting period for illnesses but a separate 30-day waiting period for orthopedic injuries.
Pre-existing conditions
Generally, insurance companies won’t pay to treat a condition your doxie had before you enrolled them in a policy. But some insurers make certain exceptions. For example, your insurer may cover a recurring health condition if your pup recovers from it and stays symptom-free for a certain amount of time.
Available add-ons
If a basic accident and illness policy doesn’t fully meet your needs, look for an insurer that offers optional coverages. For example, many insurers offer wellness plans as an add-on that pays for routine and preventive care.
How to find the right plan for your Dachshund
Finding a pet insurance policy that fits your dachshund’s needs and your budget requires a bit of planning. Follow these steps when shopping around:
Think about your dachshund and its age, health history, and risk for genetic conditions.
Compare quotes from multiple insurers, focusing on hereditary coverage and payout limits.
Read through the exclusions and waiting periods so you’re not caught off guard by any coverage gaps.
Choose a deductible and reimbursement rate that match what you can afford — both monthly and if your dog gets sick or injured.
How Your Dachshund’s Age Affects Pet Insurance Premiums
Your dachshund’s age influences how much you’ll pay for pet insurance. Puppies usually have the lowest premiums since they’re less likely to need expensive medical treatment. But as your dachshund gets older, premiums start to climb.
Most insurers raise rates as dogs age to reflect their growing healthcare needs. They typically also factor in inflation and the rising cost of veterinary care when calculating rates.
Here’s a look at average monthly premiums for dachshunds at different life stages.
Company | Average Monthly Premium: Young Dachshunds | Average Monthly Premium: Adult Dachshunds | Average Monthly Premium: Senior Dachshunds |
---|---|---|---|
Spot | $22 | $51 | $58 |
Lemonade | $23 | $31 | $60 |
ASPCA | $25 | $51 | $65 |
Figo | $36 | $40 | $91 |
Healthy Paws | $39 | $46 | $103 |
Pets Best | $48 | $78 | $89 |
Prudent Pet | $49 | $61 | $130 |
Pumpkin | $52 | $63 | $137 |
How Your Dachshund’s Location Affects Pet Insurance Costs
Because veterinary care costs can vary significantly from region to region, where you live has a big effect on how much you’ll pay for pet insurance.
It’s not just vet prices that matter, either. Insurance companies also look at things like state regulations and the cost of living in an area.[6] So if you live in a high-cost state like California, you might end up paying double than someone in Iowa — even if your dachshunds are the same age and level of health.
Take a look at how much pet insurance costs for dachshunds in different parts of the country.
State Name | Average Monthly Premium |
---|---|
North Carolina | $30 |
Texas | $30 |
West Virginia | $30 |
Georgia | $31 |
Iowa | $32 |
Rhode Island | $32 |
Ohio | $33 |
Alabama | $34 |
South Carolina | $34 |
Arkansas | $35 |
Colorado | $36 |
Illinois | $36 |
Mississippi | $36 |
Nebraska | $36 |
Kentucky | $37 |
Pennsylvania | $37 |
Missouri | $38 |
Tennessee | $38 |
Utah | $40 |
Virginia | $40 |
New Jersey | $41 |
Wisconsin | $41 |
New Mexico | $43 |
Arizona | $44 |
Indiana | $46 |
Michigan | $46 |
California | $47 |
Louisiana | $47 |
Massachusetts | $48 |
Florida | $49 |
New York | $49 |
Washington | $50 |
Oklahoma | $51 |
Nevada | $55 |
Idaho | $58 |
Oregon | $59 |
South Dakota | $65 |
Montana | $89 |
Pet Insurance for Dachshunds FAQs
As you compare quotes to find the best pet insurance for your dachshund, it’s important to gather as much information as possible. Here are answers to some common questions to get you started.
Is pet insurance worth it for dachshunds?
Yes. Dachshunds are prone to several expensive health issues, including intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), dental problems, and patellar luxation — all of which can cost thousands of dollars to treat. Pet insurance helps cover these types of bills so you don’t have to choose between your wallet and your dog’s health.
What does pet insurance typically cover for dachshunds?
Most plans cover accidents, illnesses, and breed-specific conditions like IVDD and hip dysplasia. Coverage often includes things like diagnostic tests, medications, surgery, and even post-op care, like acupuncture or hydrotherapy. Just keep in mind that every plan is different, so it’s worth reading the fine print to know what it includes.
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
Not usually. Most pet insurance companies won’t cover conditions that showed symptoms before you enrolled. That said, some companies make exceptions for curable conditions as long as your dachshund hasn’t had symptoms for a certain period. Be sure to check how each insurer defines and handles pre-existing conditions.
How can you customize your dachshund’s pet insurance plan?
Most insurers let you tailor your plan by choosing your deductible, reimbursement percentage , and annual payout limit. Since dachshunds can rack up high vet bills, you might want to consider a higher reimbursement rate or even unlimited coverage, even if it means a slightly higher premium.
When should you enroll your dachshund in pet insurance?
You should enroll your doxie as soon as possible. Puppies are less likely to have pre-existing conditions, so enrolling early gives you the best chance at full coverage, including protection for hereditary issues like IVDD and dental disease. If symptoms appear before you have a policy, they typically won’t be covered.
That said, you can still find insurance companies that will enroll older dogs.
Sources
- PetMD. "Dachshund."
- American Kennel Club. "Dachshund."
- MetLife Pet Insurance. "Coverage and Exclusions."
- Broad Street Veterinary Hospital. "What is IVDD in Dogs? Answers About Surgery, Cost & Recovery."
- Eye Specialists for Animals. "Cost of Surgery / Treatment."
- AKC Pet Insurance. "Why Does My Location Affect Pet Insurance Costs?."
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