Best Pet Insurance for Dachshunds: A Doxie Mom’s Guide
When I brought my mini Dachshund, Eko, home, I couldn’t shake the worry that he might be the one to face spinal issues, like the dreaded IVDD.
He was my third Dachshund, and while my previous doxies had been lucky with only minimal back issues, I knew the odds weren’t in our favor.
The scary statistic that 1 in 4 Dachshunds develop IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease) really stuck with me.
I had heard countless stories from family and friends about seriously expensive back surgeries and recovery therapies, and I realized it was time to do my own research on pet insurance to keep Eko and our bank account protected.
In this post, “Best Pet Insurance for Dachshunds,” I’m excited to share what I’ve learned with my fellow Dachshund parents.
Pet insurance can feel a bit overwhelming, but I’m here to help break it down in a way that makes sense – as a fellow doxie mom.
I’ll review what pet insurance actually covers, what to look for in a policy, and how to choose the best plan for your little long dog.
Table of Contents
What is Pet Insurance?
Think of pet insurance as a financial safety net. Like health insurance for people, it helps cover the costs of unexpected vet bills.
You pay a monthly, quarterly, or yearly premium, and when your doxie needs care, whether it’s a sudden illness, an accident, or surgery, the pet insurance company reimburses you for a portion of the bill.
Note: Not all procedures and treatments are covered by all pet insurance policies. Coverage can vary between providers and plans.
The plans I’ve broken down for you below focus on the most common issues affecting the Dachshund breed.
Why Consider Pet Insurance for Dachshunds?
As a doxie mom, I quickly learned that Dachshunds are prone to certain health issues… and expensive ones at that!
In addition to the high risk of back issues like IVDD, other common health concerns include:
Dental Issues: Ugh, those doxie teeth! Dental surgeries like tooth removal or treatment for periodontal disease can easily run over $1,500 in a single visit.
Our vet bill for Gretta’s tooth extraction when she was 2 years old was $1,600 and Eko’s was $1,800 when he was 5 years old.
Wow were we glad to have insurance for those hefty fees!
Cushing’s Disease: Dachshunds are prone to Cushing’s disease. This is a serious condition that occurs when the adrenal glands produce too much cortisol, leading to various health issues.
Treatment for this condition can be expensive and ongoing. Cushing’s disease can cost between $500 and $1,500 for diagnosis, and $50–$200 per month for treatment. Surgery can cost anywhere between $2,500–$10,000. Learn more about Cushing’s Disease in dogs.
IVDD and Back Issues: Surgery and post-op therapies (physical therapy, hydrotherapy, acupuncture) can cost anywhere from $8,000 to $15,000 on average, depending on the circumstances and needs of the pup.
Behavioral Therapy: Some Dachshunds may develop behavior issues like separation anxiety (destructive behavior) or possessive aggression towards food and toys. This can be a really big challenge to face on your own.
Some pet insurance companies cover sessions with a certified canine behaviorist, medications, and specialized training to help address these issues.
These common conditions alone are why a safety net like pet insurance can make all the difference. It not only helps manage costs but also lets you make decisions based on what’s best for your doxie instead of what’s affordable at the moment!
Finding the Best Pet Insurance for Dachshunds
Diving into pet insurance for Dachshunds was a bit overwhelming at first. I reached out to several Dachshund parent groups on Facebook and received a ton of info.
The discussions helped me learn which companies had a good reputation for coverage.
Based on of all of this insight and my own research, I was able to come up with the top pet insurance companies that are highly rated for covering common health issues that Dachshunds are prone to.
Make sure to check out my ‘Pet Insurance Comparison Chart’ below. It’s all broken down for you to help you pick which company would be best for you and your doxie.
What to Look for in a Dachshund-Friendly Pet Insurance Plan
When choosing a plan for your little long dog, keep these things in mind:
Coverage for Common Dachshund Issues:
Make sure the plan covers congenital and hereditary conditions – especially IVDD and Cushing’s Disease. Check whether dental surgeries and gum disease treatments are covered.
Deductibles and Reimbursement Rates:
Insurance plans should allow you to adjust deductibles and reimbursement percentages. A lower deductible may mean a higher premium, so balance what fits your budget.
Payout Limits and Waiting Periods:
Some pet insurance companies cap the amount they’ll pay out per year or per condition.
Make sure to note the waiting period before coverage kicks in. Accidents might be covered after just a few days, while illnesses can have a longer wait time.
Payment Flexibility:
Most insurers will let you pay monthly, quarterly, or yearly. Keep in mind, your premium will increase as your Dachshund ages, so plan accordingly.
Best Pet Insurance for Dachshunds
Fellow doxie parents, below is a table comparing my top choices for Dachshund pet insurance that cover the most common health issues found in our beloved Dachshund dog breed.
Please Note: It’s still important to thoroughly review and compare policies to ensure they align with your doxie’s specific health needs, keeping in mind that specific numbers can vary based on your location, your dog’s age, and plan options. So, always check the latest details on each insurer’s website.
Pet Insurance Comparison Chart
The full comparison chart is pretty big, so I made it into a pdf file. Click on the image below to open it in a larger view.
You can even print it for easy reference. It’s a handy guide to help you choose the best insurance plan for your Dachshund.
*Disclaimer: The comparison chart figures are from Google in 2025. Before purchasing pet insurance, contact the company for latest info.
Pet Insurance Coverage Pages
Here are the links to each pet insurance provider’s coverage details.
Check them out to see what each plan includes, what’s excluded, and which one might be a good fit for your pup.
Global Providers
The pet insurance companies mentioned in this post are primarily based in the USA. Trupanion pet insurance operates in the US, Canada, Australia, Puerto Ric, Germany, and Switzerland.
Be sure to review the coverage details for Dachshund-specific needs highlighted in this post to help you choose the right pet insurance company for your doxie in your country.
Pet Insurance Facts You Should Know
Preexisting Conditions: Most Pet Insurance companies do not cover preexisting conditions. Some pet insurance plans may cover preexisting conditions if they’re considered curable.
Cushing’s Disease Coverage: Since insurance policies handle pre-existing conditions differently, some distinguishing between ‘curable and incurable’, it’s important to carefully review the policy wording.
If the policy doesn’t specify, the best way to confirm coverage is to speak with a representative, especially if Cushing’s disease was diagnosed before enrollment.
Insurance Add-ons: Some pet insurance companies offer an add-on wellness plan at an extra cost. This usually covers:
- Routine vet care
- Preventive services
- Exams
- Vaccinations
- Dental cleanings
- Spay/neuter
- Diagnostic testing
Check with your pet insurance to get their specific list of inclusions.
Pet Insurance Terms
Deductible: This is what you have to pay out of pocket for vet care Before your pet insurance starts covering costs. Most plans have an annual deductible.
Reimbursement: This is the percentage of your vet bill that the insurance company will pay you back after you’ve covered your portion.
Limit: The max amount your insurance will pay out over a set time (usually per year or per condition). If the limit is low, you might have to cover more costs if your doxie needs expensive treatments.
The Pet Insurance I Chose for My Dachshunds
5 years ago, when I was choosing a pet insurance provider for my mini Dachshund, Eko, I went with Fetch Pet Insurance (it used to be called Petplan). They offer solid coverage for common Dachshund breed concerns like IVDD, post op rehabilitation therapy options, and Dental surgeries.
I’ve personally had a good experience with Fetch for both of my mini Dachshunds, Eko and Gretta. That said, I know not everyone has had the same experience with Fetch, and some pet parents shared frustrations.
Every insurance company has pros and cons, which is why I encourage you to compare the other highly rated providers I’ve included in the comparison chart above.
The best pet insurance is the one that fits your doxie’s needs and your budget.
The Doxie Dental Bills!
When my mini Dachshund, Gretta, had a dental cleaning in February 2024, the vet ended up having to remove a couple of teeth – so we filed a claim with the insurance for the dental surgery.
Within 11 business days, it was approved, and the reimbursement was deposited directly into my bank.
Fast forward to February 2025, my mini Dachshund, Eko, had a dental cleaning, and the vet found a gum issue along with a few teeth that needed to be removed.
Within 6 business days of filing the claim, it was approved, and the reimbursement was in my bank, Yay!
For both dental surgeries, after the annual deductible was met, our pet insurance covered 80% of the bill.
Fetch pet insurance has been a reliable choice for me, especially when it comes to handling unexpected vet bills.
How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost?
Pet insurance costs will vary depending on your location, your dog’s breed and age, and the coverage you choose.
For Dachshunds, monthly premiums can range anywhere from $30-$120. Most policies allow flexible payments monthly, quarterly, or yearly.
Note: Your rate will typically increase as your dog gets older.
Best Time to Insure Your Dachshund
I highly recommend getting your Dachshund insured around their first birthday to avoid any potential pre-existing condition exclusions.
I signed both of my doxies up for Fetch Pet Insurance, when they turned one.
Who’s Your Breeder? If you adopt a Dachshund puppy from a legit, reputable breeder, their risk for certain health conditions is usually lower, so the one-year mark is a good time to start their coverage.
On the other hand, if you adopt a puppy from a less reputable breeder (or if you are unsure), they may be at a higher risk for health issues (like Parvo), they may be at a higher risk for health issues.
In that case, I would suggest starting pet insurance as soon as your pup meets the minimum age requirement for your chosen insurance plan.
Better safe than sorry when it comes to vet bills.
Should You Insure Your Older Dachshund?
Yes, while insuring an older Dachshund may come with higher premiums and potential exclusions for pre-existing conditions, it can still be a financial lifesaver.
Even if your adult or senior Dachshund already has a diagnosed condition, pet insurance can still help cover new illnesses, accidents, and other unexpected vet bills.
Note: Always make sure to carefully review the insurance policy details and choose a plan that best supports your Dachshund at any age.
Which Pet Insurance is Best for Your Dachshund?
Pet insurance isn’t a one size fits all solution, but for Dachshund parents, it can mean a difference between facing massive vet bills and being able to focus on your doxie’s recovery.
I believe having pet insurance gives you a peace of mind and lets you focus on what truly matters: your doxie’s health and happiness.
Out of the top pet insurance options we’ve covered, any of these choices would be a great fit for Dachshund owners.
Each plan offers great coverage for common doxie breed concerns, so it really comes down to what works best for you and your little long dog.
We Want to Hear from You
I hope this guide helps you feel more confident about choosing the right pet insurance for your Dachshund.
Friends, please share your pet insurance experiences in the comments below!
Whether you’ve had great success or learned valuable lessons with a particular insurer, your feedback can help fellow Dachshund parents.
Next Steps: Dachshund Care Tips for a Healthy Pup!
If you’re looking for more helpful tips to keep your little long dog’s back, teeth, and overall health in tip-top shape, be sure to check out our Dachshund Care posts here:
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