The Best Pet Insurance Companies for Great Danes in 2025
AKC is our top choice for insuring Great Danes, but it may not be the best for every pet parent.
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Edited byNick Versaw
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Nick Versaw leads Compare.com's editorial department, where he and his team specialize in crafting helpful, easy-to-understand content about car insurance and other related topics. With nearly a decade of experience writing and editing insurance and personal finance articles, his work has helped readers discover substantial savings on necessary expenses, including insurance, transportation, health care, and more. As an award-winning writer, Nick has seen his work published in countless renowned publications, such as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and U.S. News & World Report. He graduated with Latin honors from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Digital Journalism.
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Reviewed byJohn Leach
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John LeachLicensed Insurance Agent
John Leach is a licensed insurance agent who reviews and fact-checks articles for Compare.com. John has several years of experience reviewing and editing various insurance topics, and he also holds a valid personal lines producer license from the California Department of Insurance (NPN #20461358).
He’s also an alumnus of the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in linguistics.
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In This Article
With their distinctive statures, Great Danes may well be the most widely recognized large dog breed. Unfortunately, big health problems can come with Danes’ big bodies and personalities.
Great Danes are more likely to develop several health issues, including heart disease, hip dysplasia, cataracts, and cancer.[1] Treatment for one or more of these ailments can add up to thousands of dollars.
Whether it’s an emergency, a surgery, or a chronic condition, pet insurance gives you a way to cover the bill so you can focus on your Great Dane’s care. On average, pet insurance for Great Danes costs about $79 per month, according to our data.
We reviewed thousands of pet insurance quotes from top companies to help you find the best pet insurance for your Great Dane. Here’s what we learned from scrutinizing leading pet insurers, their coverages, policies, and quotes for Great Danes.
Key Takeaways
AKC and Spot are our top pet insurance companies for Great Danes.
Pets Best and Spot are the cheapest pet insurers for Great Danes.
Great Danes are particularly prone to bloat, a serious and life-threatening condition that costs an average of $3,500 to treat.[2]
The Best Pet Insurance Companies for Great Danes
Great Dane owners know how difficult it can be to find the right fit for their dogs — whether it’s a raincoat, the backseat of a new car, or a pet health insurance plan. To help you find coverage that will fit your Dane’s particular health needs, we stacked some top insurers together to see how they compare.
 |  |  |
|---|---|---|
Reimbursement % The percentage of costs your provider will pay for a covered event, after you’ve paid your deductible. 70%–90% | Reimbursement % The percentage of costs your provider will pay for a covered event, after you’ve paid your deductible. 70%–90% | Reimbursement % The percentage of costs your provider will pay for a covered event, after you’ve paid your deductible. 70%–90% |
Payout limits The maximum amount your provider will pay for covered events. $2,500–$10,000 | Payout limits The maximum amount your provider will pay for covered events. $2,500–Unlimited | Payout limits The maximum amount your provider will pay for covered events. $5,000–$30,000 |
Deductibles The amount you must pay towards a covered event before your coverage kicks in. $100–$1,000 | Deductibles The amount you must pay towards a covered event before your coverage kicks in. $100–$1,000 | Deductibles The amount you must pay towards a covered event before your coverage kicks in. $100–$1,000 |
Curable pre-existing conditions CoveredPre-existing conditions refer to conditions your pet has shown documented symptoms of before your policy’s waiting period is over. Some companies still cover these conditions if they’re deemed “curable” and haven’t shown symptoms for a specified period of time that varies by insurer. | Curable pre-existing conditions CoveredPre-existing conditions refer to conditions your pet has shown documented symptoms of before your policy’s waiting period is over. Some companies still cover these conditions if they’re deemed “curable” and haven’t shown symptoms for a specified period of time that varies by insurer. | Curable pre-existing conditions CoveredPre-existing conditions refer to conditions your pet has shown documented symptoms of before your policy’s waiting period is over. Some companies still cover these conditions if they’re deemed “curable” and haven’t shown symptoms for a specified period of time that varies by insurer. |
Data in this table has been sourced from Compare users who received a pet insurance quote from our partner Fletch.
AKC: Best for Great Danes with pre-existing conditions
Pros
Covers pre-existing conditions after 12 months
Offers a preventive care add-on
Multi-pet discount available
Cons
Senior pets can only enroll in accident-only plans
Limits coverage for repeat illnesses and injuries
Treatment for hereditary, congenital, and chronic issues costs extra
AKC pet insurance stands out for its pre-existing conditions coverage. Most insurers don’t cover pre-existing conditions at all, and some will cover curable pre-existing conditions after a 12-month waiting period. But AKC will cover your pup’s curable and incurable pre-existing conditions after you have 12 months of continuous coverage with the insurer.
That said, AKC treats hereditary, congenital, and chronic illness coverage as an add-on that you’ll have to pay extra for.
Spot: Best for Great Danes that need alternative therapies
Pros
Covers some alternative therapies
Multiple deductible and reimbursement options
Wellness plan available for extra cost
Cons
14-day waiting period for accidents and illnesses
No direct payments to veterinarians
No 100% reimbursement rate
Great Danes are more likely to develop health issues that may benefit from alternative therapies. For example, if your vet prescribes hydrotherapy or acupuncture for arthritis pain, Spot’s illness plan will cover the treatment as long as a licensed vet performs the procedure.
A Spot pet insurance policy may cover curable pre-existing symptoms after 180 days without treatment or symptoms. You can choose from accident and illness coverage or a lower-cost accident-only plan.
Prudent Pet: Best for unlimited payouts
Pros
Unlimited payout plan available
Offers three levels of wellness coverage
10% discount available for insuring multiple pets
Cons
Limited coverage for prescription food
Six-month waiting period for knee disorders
Limited coverage for behavioral disorders
Most pet insurers cap the amount they’ll pay for covered claims in a year. But Prudent Pet offers a plan that has no limit on payouts. Prudent’s “Ultimate” plan offers unlimited payouts for accidents and illnesses. The policy covers hereditary and congenital conditions, as well as common Dane problems, like hip dysplasia.
If your big dog runs up big medical bills in a year, Prudent’s unlimited coverage could go a long way toward defraying your costs.
Embrace: Best for policy customization
Pros
Several customization options available
Covers for dental illnesses and preventable conditions
Wellness plan includes third-party discounts
Cons
Somewhat expensive wellness plan
No coverage for prescription food
Doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions
Although Embrace technically offers just one accident and illness plan, it’s highly customizable. You can choose from five different payout limits, including unlimited claims payouts. Embrace pet insurance also offers three reimbursement options: 70%, 80%, and 90%. Optional add-ons include coverage for exam fees and prescription medications.
Plus, its Wellness Rewards program can help pay for routine care with three optional reimbursement levels from $300 to $700 annually.
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Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies for Great Danes
If you’re trying to keep costs down, the table below shows some of the most affordable pet insurance companies for Great Danes, along with their average monthly rates, according to Compare.com data.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, June 16 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Company  | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Spot | $36 |
| ASPCA | $45 |
| Healthy Paws | $75 |
| Pumpkin | $100 |
What Pet Insurance Covers for Great Danes
Pet insurance for Great Danes will generally cover accidents, injuries, and illnesses, as long as you buy an accident and illness plan. Some insurers offer accident-only coverage policies, and it may be the only option for senior Great Danes.
Standard pet insurance policies don’t cover preventive care like vaccines, spaying, or neutering, but many insurers offer wellness add-ons that can cover routine veterinary care. An add-on will increase your premium but provide more coverage.
The following table explores the cost of treatment for some common Great Dane health issues and whether pet insurance covers them.
Condition | Cost to Treat | Covered by Pet Insurance? |
|---|---|---|
| Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat/GDV) | $2,000–$5,000 | Yes, if not pre-existing |
| Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) | $5,000–$5,500 (surgery), $800–$8,500 (radiation), $8,000–$15,000 (chemotherapy with radiation or medication) | Yes, if not pre-existing |
| Cardiomyopathy (heart disease) | Varies based on medication prescribed | Yes, if not pre-existing |
| Obesity | Varies based on diet prescribed | No |
| Cruciate ligament injury (ACL/CCL tear) | $750–$8,000 (surgery) | Yes, if not pre-existing |
| Ear infections | $209 (average cost) | Yes, if not pre-existing |
| Spaying/neutering | $465/$315 (averages) | No (but may be covered with wellness add-on) |
What pet insurance won’t cover
Most pet insurance policies won’t cover pre-existing conditions — health issues that your dog was diagnosed with or showed symptoms of before your policy began. Since Danes are more likely to develop certain hereditary conditions, it’s important to understand what your policy classifies as pre-existing conditions.
For example, virtually no pet insurance covers incurable pre-existing conditions. But some may cover a pre-existing condition if it’s considered curable and your Great Dane goes without symptoms or treatment for 12 months.
And most accident and illness pet insurance policies exclude routine care, food and supplies, and elective procedures (like ear cropping).
Other Coverages to Consider for Your Great Dane
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Add-ons can help fill coverage gaps in a standard accident and illness pet insurance policy — for an extra cost. One of the most popular add-ons is wellness or preventive care coverage. It can help pay for routine services like annual exams, vaccines, dental cleanings, and more.
But not every pet insurance company offers wellness plans. In fact, the number and type of add-ons available can vary widely among insurers.
Here are a few more you may come across as you shop for pet insurance for your Great Dane:
Alternative therapies: Standard accident and illness plans usually don’t cover alternative therapies like acupuncture or laser therapy. But some insurers offer this coverage as an add-on.
Behavioral therapy: Sometimes, a Dane’s endearing velcro qualities can escalate into separation anxiety. This add-on can help pay for behavioral therapy to address anxiety, destructive behavior, and other behavioral issues.
End-of-life expenses: No one wants to think of the day they’ll lose their best friend. But this add-on can help take your mind off the financial aspects of end-of-life care by covering the costs of burial or cremation, memorials, and more.
Add-ons can help you build a policy that fits your Great Dane’s specific needs — whether you want coverage for day-to-day care, emergencies, or anything in between.
How to Find the Right Insurance for Your Great Dane
Finding the right pet insurance for your Great Dane starts with knowing what to look for and how to compare your options. For example, since Great Danes are prone to issues like bloat, hip dysplasia, and heart disease, it’s important to choose a plan that covers hereditary and breed-specific conditions. Not all policies do, so be sure to read the fine print.
When you’re comparing pet insurance plans, be sure to consider these important factors:
Deductible: This is what you’ll pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. Most insurers offer options like $100, $250, or $500 per year. Choosing a higher deductible can lower your monthly premium, but you’ll pay more when your dog needs care.
Reimbursement rate: This is the percentage your insurer pays after you hit your deductible. Most insurers offer multiple options — usually 70%, 80%, and 90%, but some offer 100% reimbursement.[3] A higher reimbursement rate means lower out-of-pocket costs. But it’ll bump up your monthly premium.
Payout limit: This is the most your insurer will pay in a year, per incident, or over your dog’s lifetime. Higher or unlimited payout limits give you more financial protection, especially for big-ticket treatments. But they usually come with a higher premium.
Waiting periods: Every insurer has a period of time at the start of a policy when it won’t pay for health issues it would normally cover. Theses can vary by company and issues, but you’ll generally see waiting periods of a few days to a week for accidents, about 14 days for illnesses, six months for orthopedic conditions, and a year for curable pre-existing conditions.
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How Your Great Dane’s Age Affects Pet Insurance Costs
Large and full of personality, Great Danes draw the short stick when it comes to aging. While small breeds don’t become “senior” until 10–12 years old, your Dane will reach their golden years as early as 6 or 7.[4]
Pet insurance costs tend to rise along with your pup’s age. As dogs get older, they’re prone to more health issues that require vet visits and treatment. They may also need regular medications for age-related conditions like arthritis or may require a special diet. All these costs will affect your pet insurance premium.
To give you a better idea of how age affects pricing, take a look at these monthly average pet insurance costs for Great Danes at different life stages — puppy, adult, and senior.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, June 16 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Company | Average Monthly Premium: Young Great Danes | Average Monthly Premium: Adult Great Danes | Average Monthly Premium: Senior Great Danes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spot | $33 | $79 | $87 |
| ASPCA | $41 | $86 | $108 |
| Healthy Paws | $68 | $80 | $181 |
| Pumpkin | $91 | $111 | $241 |
How Your Location Affects Premiums
Your couch may be your Great Dane’s favorite place to hang out, regardless of what ZIP code it’s in. But your location directly affects how much you’ll pay for your Dane’s pet insurance.
Location influences factors like the cost of vet care, the overall cost of living, the availability and cost of specialty care, and even your insurer’s claims experience in your area. State regulations — which can vary widely — also affect the cost of pet insurance.[5]
Where you live can also affect the environmental health risks your Great Dane faces on a daily basis. For example, if you live in an area with a high rate of Lyme disease — and a high rate of pet insurance claims related to the tick-borne illness — you may pay more to insure your Dane.
To help you get an idea of how pet insurance costs in your state compare, take a look at the following table, which shows average monthly premiums for Great Danes by state.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, June 16 at 12:00 PM PDT.
State Name | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Washington | $66 |
| West Virginia | $70 |
| Oklahoma | $74 |
| South Carolina | $82 |
| Tennessee | $82 |
| Kansas | $83 |
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Pet Insurance for Great Danes FAQs
Sharing your life with a Great Dane can be deeply rewarding. But their large size and comparatively short lifespans mean your best friend may be more likely to face health issues than smaller, longer-lived pups. Pet insurance can be a good way to help your Dane stay healthy for as long as possible.
If you still have questions about pet insurance for Great Danes, here’s some more information that may help.
What’s the best pet insurance for Great Danes?
Plenty of insurers would make great options to insure your Great Dane. AKC is our top choice for Great Dane insurance due to its willingness to cover both curable and incurable pre-existing conditions after you’ve met its policy requirements. The insurer also offers wellness coverage and options for customizing your deductible, co-insurance amount, and coverage limits.
How much does it cost per year to own a Great Dane?
Pedigreed Great Dane puppies can cost $600 to $3,000, depending on the dog’s lineage, the breeder, and other factors. Once you bring your Dane home, you’ll face ongoing costs that include vaccinations and vet visits ($720–$2,400), food and supplies ($900–$2,400), grooming and maintenance ($420), and pet insurance ($480–$1,800). All in, your Great Dane could cost you between $3,120 and $10,020 in the first year.[6]
What health issues are common in Great Danes?
Great Danes are more likely to develop serious health issues like bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), cardiomyopathy, osteosarcoma, hip dysplasia, and hypothyroidism. Bloat is one of the most life-threatening conditions for this breed, often requiring emergency surgery to treat.
Does pet insurance cover bloat, cancer, or hip dysplasia in Great Danes?
In most cases, yes, pet insurance covers these conditions if they aren’t pre-existing. That means as long as your Dane hasn’t shown symptoms or received a diagnosis before your policy’s effective date, your insurer should cover treatment for these conditions. Take note, though, if your dog experiences hip dysplasia on one side of its body before your policy starts, and then develops the same issue on the other side, your insurer may refuse to cover it as a bilateral pre-existing condition.[7]
When should you get pet insurance for your Great Dane?
It’s smart to enroll as early as possible — ideally while your Great Dane is still a puppy. Early enrollment helps ensure that any breed-specific conditions, like bloat or cardiomyopathy, aren’t excluded as pre-existing conditions later.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) recommends enrolling before your pet shows signs of illness to avoid exclusions. The NAIC also encourages pet owners to read a policy’s fine print to fully understand what it covers and what it doesn’t.
How much does pet insurance cost for a Great Dane?
You’ll typically pay around $79 per month to insure a Great Dane, depending on factors like age, location, and coverage choices, according to Compare.com data. Large breeds usually have higher premiums because they’re more likely to experience orthopedic, cardiac, or cancer-related issues, which can be expensive to treat.
Is pet insurance worth it for Great Danes?
Generally, yes. If you’d struggle to pay a large vet bill or would have to go into debt to pay for your Dane’s healthcare, pet insurance can be a good investment. Depending on the insurer and options you choose, you could have 90% or more of covered expenses reimbursed — a potential saving of thousands of dollars each year.
Are there any breed-specific exclusions you should watch for?
Some insurers may exclude or restrict coverage for common Great Dane conditions — especially hereditary or congenital issues — unless you enroll early or buy additional coverage. It’s important to read your policy carefully so you understand what it covers and what it doesn’t. Look out for policy exclusions for issues like bilateral conditions, long waiting periods, or issue-specific payout limits.
Sources
- Great Dane Club of America. "Great Dane Health and Research."
- Spot Pet Insurance. "The Complete Guide to Common Great Dane Health Problems."
- Figo Pet Insurance. "Compare Pet Insurance Plans."
- PetMD. "When Is a Dog Considered a Senior?."
- AKC Pet Insurance. "Why Does My Location Affect Pet Insurance Costs?."
- Insurify. "Cost of Owning a Great Dane (2025)."
- Progressive. "Does pet insurance cover hip dysplasia?."
