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Best Pet Insurance for Great Danes

giant breed7–10 years lifespan~$1,900/yr vet costs

The Great Dane is the gentle giant of the dog world — a massive, graceful, and affectionate dog that somehow believes it belongs in your lap. Despite their imposing size (males can reach 175 pounds), Danes are calm, patient, and deeply loving. They're often called 'the Apollo of dogs.' The trade-off for owning a Great Dane is a shorter lifespan (7–10 years) and significantly elevated medical risks driven by their extreme size. GDV can strike without warning and kill within hours. Heart disease affects many Danes before age 5. Understanding these realities before bringing a Dane home allows you to prepare properly — and insurance is non-negotiable for this breed.

Best Pet Insurance for Great Danes (Ranked)

🏆
EmbraceBest match for Great Danes
97
/ 100
★★★★★
4.7(18,420 reviews)

Excellent match for Great Danes. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.

✓Hereditary
✓Cancer
✓Orthopedic
✓Dental
✓Exam Fees
✓No Exclusions
Monthly cost$20–$80
Annual limitUp to Unlimited
Reimbursement70%, 80%, 90%
Waiting period2 days (accident)

Covers your breed's key risks:

bloat (GDV)dilated cardiomyopathyhip dysplasiawobbler syndrome+1 more

Score Breakdown

Condition Coverage
40% weight100
Price & Value
25% weight100
No Breed Exclusions
20% weight100
Customer Rating
15% weight80
Overall Score97 / 100
Visit EmbraceFull Review
#2
97
/ 100
★★★★★
4.7(39,800 reviews)

Excellent match for Great Danes. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.

✓Hereditary
✓Cancer
✓Orthopedic
✗Dental
✗Exam Fees
✓No Exclusions
Monthly cost$15–$90
Annual limitUp to Unlimited
Reimbursement70%, 80%, 90%
Waiting period15 days (accident)

Covers your breed's key risks:

bloat (GDV)dilated cardiomyopathyhip dysplasiawobbler syndrome+1 more
Visit Healthy PawsFull Review
#3
95
/ 100
★★★★★
4.5(22,100 reviews)

Excellent match for Great Danes. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.

✓Hereditary
✓Cancer
✓Orthopedic
✗Dental
✗Exam Fees
✓No Exclusions
Monthly cost$10–$65
Annual limitUp to Unlimited
Reimbursement70%, 80%, 90%
Waiting period2 days (accident)

Covers your breed's key risks:

bloat (GDV)dilated cardiomyopathyhip dysplasiawobbler syndrome+1 more
Visit LemonadeFull Review
See All 31 Providers Ranked for Great Danes →

Great Dane Health Risks & Conditions

Understanding your Great Dane's specific health risks helps you choose the right coverage.

Bloat / Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)

very high risk

GDV is the number one life-threatening emergency for Great Danes. The stomach fills with gas and twists on itself, cutting off blood supply. It can kill within hours. Great Danes have the highest risk of any breed — a lifetime GDV risk estimated at 42% in one study. Emergency surgery to untwist and stabilize the stomach costs $3,000–$8,000 and must occur within hours of onset. Prophylactic gastropexy ($300–$500 when done at time of spay/neuter, $1,000–$2,000 as a standalone procedure) is strongly recommended and substantially reduces GDV risk.

Treatment cost:$3,000–$8,000

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)

high risk

Great Danes are one of the giant breeds most predisposed to DCM. The enlarged, weakened heart leads to congestive heart failure. Annual cardiac screening (echocardiogram $400–$600, Holter monitor $400–$700) is recommended from age 2. Cardiac medications (Pimobendan, diuretics, ACE inhibitors) cost $100–$300/month once diagnosed. Many Great Danes do not show obvious symptoms until late-stage disease.

Treatment cost:$500–$5,000

Hip Dysplasia

high risk

Hip dysplasia is common in Great Danes due to their size and rapid growth rate. The condition is often managed with weight control and joint supplements in mild cases, but severe dysplasia requires surgery. Total hip replacement in a giant breed costs $5,000–$8,000 per hip. Joint supplements, prescription NSAIDs, and physical therapy add $1,000–$2,000/year in ongoing medical management.

Treatment cost:$2,000–$8,000

Wobbler Syndrome

moderate risk

Great Danes are one of two breeds most commonly affected by wobbler syndrome (the other being Dobermans). Cervical vertebral instability causes neck pain and hindlimb ataxia. MRI diagnosis ($1,500–$3,000) is definitive. Surgical correction ($4,000–$10,000) provides the best outcomes for moderate to severe cases; medical management ($200–$500/month) is an alternative for milder presentations.

Treatment cost:$500–$10,000

Osteosarcoma

moderate risk

Giant breeds like Great Danes face significantly elevated osteosarcoma (bone cancer) risk compared to average-sized dogs. The tumor typically affects the limbs. Amputation combined with chemotherapy ($8,000–$15,000) extends survival median to 10–12 months. Palliative care only costs $2,000–$5,000. Insurance with strong cancer coverage and high limits is essential.

Treatment cost:$5,000–$20,000

What to Look for in Great Dane Pet Insurance

Great Danes are among the most expensive dogs to insure and to treat. The combination of GDV emergency risk, DCM, hip dysplasia, and cancer creates a scenario where uninsured owners frequently face impossible choices. Insure from puppyhood before any conditions develop. Key requirements: GDV emergency surgery coverage, strong cardiac coverage, cancer coverage with high or unlimited limits, and orthopedic coverage. Top picks: Healthy Paws (unlimited annual maximum, no caps on emergency surgery), Trupanion (unlimited per-incident), Embrace (customizable with strong orthopedic coverage).

Great Dane Quick Stats

📅
7–10 years
Life expectancy
💰
$1,900/yr
Avg vet costs
📊
#17
Most popular
⚠️
5
Key health risks

Common Great Dane Health Conditions

⚠️ bloat (GDV)⚠️ dilated cardiomyopathy⚠️ hip dysplasia⚠️ wobbler syndrome⚠️ osteosarcoma

All Providers Ranked for Great Danes

#4
95
/ 100
★★★★★
4.5(31,200 reviews)

Excellent match for Great Danes. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.

✓Hereditary
✓Cancer
✓Orthopedic
✓Dental
✗Exam Fees
✓No Exclusions
Monthly cost$17–$70
Annual limitUp to Unlimited
Reimbursement70%, 80%, 90%
Waiting period3 days (accident)

Covers your breed's key risks:

bloat (GDV)dilated cardiomyopathyhip dysplasiawobbler syndrome+1 more
Visit Pets BestFull Review
#5
95
/ 100
★★★★★
4.5(11,300 reviews)

Excellent match for Great Danes. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.

✓Hereditary
✓Cancer
✓Orthopedic
✓Dental
✓Exam Fees
✓No Exclusions
Monthly cost$25–$90
Annual limitUp to Unlimited
Reimbursement70%, 80%, 90%
Waiting period15 days (accident)

Covers your breed's key risks:

bloat (GDV)dilated cardiomyopathyhip dysplasiawobbler syndrome+1 more
Visit FetchFull Review
#6
95
/ 100
★★★★★
4.5(7,400 reviews)

Excellent match for Great Danes. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.

✓Hereditary
✓Cancer
✓Orthopedic
✓Dental
✓Exam Fees
✓No Exclusions
Monthly cost$30–$100
Annual limitUp to Unlimited
Reimbursement80%, 90%
Waiting period14 days (accident)

Covers your breed's key risks:

bloat (GDV)dilated cardiomyopathyhip dysplasiawobbler syndrome+1 more
Visit PumpkinFull Review
#7
94
/ 100
★★★★★
4.4(9,800 reviews)

Excellent match for Great Danes. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.

✓Hereditary
✓Cancer
✓Orthopedic
✓Dental
✓Exam Fees
✓No Exclusions
Monthly cost$15–$75
Annual limitUp to Unlimited
Reimbursement70%, 80%, 90%
Waiting period2 days (accident)

Covers your breed's key risks:

bloat (GDV)dilated cardiomyopathyhip dysplasiawobbler syndrome+1 more
Visit SpotFull Review
#8
94
/ 100
★★★★★
4.4(14,600 reviews)

Excellent match for Great Danes. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.

✓Hereditary
✓Cancer
✓Orthopedic
✗Dental
✗Exam Fees
✓No Exclusions
Monthly cost$30–$120
Annual limitUp to Unlimited
Reimbursement90%
Waiting period5 days (accident)

Covers your breed's key risks:

bloat (GDV)dilated cardiomyopathyhip dysplasiawobbler syndrome+1 more
Visit TrupanionFull Review
#9
94
/ 100
★★★★★
4.4(15,800 reviews)

Excellent match for Great Danes. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.

✓Hereditary
✓Cancer
✓Orthopedic
✓Dental
✓Exam Fees
✓No Exclusions
Monthly cost$20–$75
Annual limitUp to Unlimited
Reimbursement70%, 80%, 90%
Waiting period0 days (accident)

Covers your breed's key risks:

bloat (GDV)dilated cardiomyopathyhip dysplasiawobbler syndrome+1 more
Visit MetLifeFull Review
#10
93
/ 100
★★★★★
4.3(25,600 reviews)

Excellent match for Great Danes. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.

✓Hereditary
✓Cancer
✓Orthopedic
✓Dental
✓Exam Fees
✓No Exclusions
Monthly cost$15–$70
Annual limitUp to Unlimited
Reimbursement70%, 80%, 90%
Waiting period3 days (accident)

Covers your breed's key risks:

bloat (GDV)dilated cardiomyopathyhip dysplasiawobbler syndrome+1 more
Visit ASPCAFull Review
#11
93
/ 100
★★★★★
4.3(9,600 reviews)

Excellent match for Great Danes. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.

✓Hereditary
✓Cancer
✓Orthopedic
✗Dental
✓Exam Fees
✓No Exclusions
Monthly cost$18–$70
Annual limitUp to Unlimited
Reimbursement70%, 80%, 90%, 100%
Waiting period1 day (accident)

Covers your breed's key risks:

bloat (GDV)dilated cardiomyopathyhip dysplasiawobbler syndrome+1 more
Visit FigoFull Review
#12
93
/ 100
★★★★★
4.3(3,100 reviews)

Excellent match for Great Danes. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.

✓Hereditary
✓Cancer
✓Orthopedic
✓Dental
✓Exam Fees
✓No Exclusions
Monthly cost$20–$80
Annual limitUp to Unlimited
Reimbursement70%, 80%, 90%
Waiting period2 days (accident)

Covers your breed's key risks:

bloat (GDV)dilated cardiomyopathyhip dysplasiawobbler syndrome+1 more
Visit AnimaliaFull Review
#13
92
/ 100
★★★★★
4.2(2,400 reviews)

Excellent match for Great Danes. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.

✓Hereditary
✓Cancer
✓Orthopedic
✗Dental
✗Exam Fees
✓No Exclusions
Monthly cost$15–$60
Annual limitUp to Unlimited
Reimbursement70%, 80%, 90%
Waiting period2 days (accident)

Covers your breed's key risks:

bloat (GDV)dilated cardiomyopathyhip dysplasiawobbler syndrome+1 more
Visit KanguroFull Review
#14
92
/ 100
★★★★★
4.2(3,600 reviews)

Excellent match for Great Danes. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.

✓Hereditary
✓Cancer
✓Orthopedic
✓Dental
✗Exam Fees
✓No Exclusions
Monthly cost$20–$70
Annual limitUp to Unlimited
Reimbursement70%, 80%, 90%
Waiting period3 days (accident)

Covers your breed's key risks:

bloat (GDV)dilated cardiomyopathyhip dysplasiawobbler syndrome+1 more
Visit Physicians MutualFull Review
#15
91
/ 100
★★★★★
4.1(12,900 reviews)

Excellent match for Great Danes. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.

✓Hereditary
✓Cancer
✓Orthopedic
✓Dental
✓Exam Fees
✓No Exclusions
Monthly cost$25–$100
Annual limitUnlimited (whole pet)
Reimbursement50%, 70%, 90%
Waiting period14 days (accident)

Covers your breed's key risks:

bloat (GDV)dilated cardiomyopathyhip dysplasiawobbler syndrome+1 more
Visit NationwideFull Review
#16
91
/ 100
★★★★★
4.1(4,200 reviews)

Excellent match for Great Danes. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.

✓Hereditary
✓Cancer
✓Orthopedic
✗Dental
✗Exam Fees
✓No Exclusions
Monthly cost$17–$65
Annual limitUp to Unlimited
Reimbursement70%, 80%, 90%
Waiting period3 days (accident)

Covers your breed's key risks:

bloat (GDV)dilated cardiomyopathyhip dysplasiawobbler syndrome+1 more
Visit OdieFull Review
#17
91
/ 100
★★★★★
4.1(3,800 reviews)

Excellent match for Great Danes. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.

✓Hereditary
✓Cancer
✓Orthopedic
✓Dental
✗Exam Fees
✓No Exclusions
Monthly cost$18–$70
Annual limitUp to Unlimited
Reimbursement70%, 80%, 90%
Waiting period3 days (accident)

Covers your breed's key risks:

bloat (GDV)dilated cardiomyopathyhip dysplasiawobbler syndrome+1 more
Visit Prudent PetFull Review
#18
91
/ 100
★★★★★
4.1(3,200 reviews)

Excellent match for Great Danes. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.

✓Hereditary
✓Cancer
✓Orthopedic
✗Dental
✗Exam Fees
✓No Exclusions
Monthly cost$16–$60
Annual limitUp to Unlimited
Reimbursement70%, 80%, 90%
Waiting period2 days (accident)

Covers your breed's key risks:

bloat (GDV)dilated cardiomyopathyhip dysplasiawobbler syndrome+1 more
Visit TotoFull Review
#19
90
/ 100
★★★★★
4(8,200 reviews)

Excellent match for Great Danes. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.

✓Hereditary
✓Cancer
✓Orthopedic
✗Dental
✗Exam Fees
✓No Exclusions
Monthly cost$15–$75
Annual limitUp to Unlimited
Reimbursement70%, 80%, 90%
Waiting period2 days (accident)

Covers your breed's key risks:

bloat (GDV)dilated cardiomyopathyhip dysplasiawobbler syndrome+1 more
Visit AKCFull Review
#20
90
/ 100
★★★★★
4(5,600 reviews)

Excellent match for Great Danes. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.

✓Hereditary
✓Cancer
✓Orthopedic
✗Dental
✗Exam Fees
✓No Exclusions
Monthly cost$15–$65
Annual limitUp to Unlimited
Reimbursement70%, 80%, 90%
Waiting period2 days (accident)

Covers your breed's key risks:

bloat (GDV)dilated cardiomyopathyhip dysplasiawobbler syndrome+1 more
Visit CarePlusFull Review
#21
90
/ 100
★★★★★
4(6,800 reviews)

Excellent match for Great Danes. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.

✓Hereditary
✓Cancer
✓Orthopedic
✗Dental
✗Exam Fees
✓No Exclusions
Monthly cost$15–$70
Annual limitUp to Unlimited
Reimbursement70%, 80%, 90%
Waiting period2 days (accident)

Covers your breed's key risks:

bloat (GDV)dilated cardiomyopathyhip dysplasiawobbler syndrome+1 more
Visit PetPartnersFull Review
#22
90
/ 100
★★★★★
4(2,900 reviews)

Excellent match for Great Danes. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.

✓Hereditary
✓Cancer
✓Orthopedic
✗Dental
✗Exam Fees
✓No Exclusions
Monthly cost$17–$65
Annual limitUp to Unlimited
Reimbursement70%, 80%, 90%
Waiting period2 days (accident)

Covers your breed's key risks:

bloat (GDV)dilated cardiomyopathyhip dysplasiawobbler syndrome+1 more
Visit TrustedPalsFull Review
#23
90
/ 100
★★★★★
4(5,800 reviews)

Excellent match for Great Danes. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.

✓Hereditary
✓Cancer
✓Orthopedic
✗Dental
✗Exam Fees
✓No Exclusions
Monthly cost$20–$80
Annual limitUp to Unlimited
Reimbursement100%
Waiting period3 days (accident)

Covers your breed's key risks:

bloat (GDV)dilated cardiomyopathyhip dysplasiawobbler syndrome+1 more
Visit WagmoFull Review
#24
89
/ 100
★★★★★
3.9(1,800 reviews)

Excellent match for Great Danes. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.

✓Hereditary
✓Cancer
✓Orthopedic
✗Dental
✗Exam Fees
✓No Exclusions
Monthly cost$18–$65
Annual limitUp to Unlimited
Reimbursement70%, 80%, 90%
Waiting period2 days (accident)

Covers your breed's key risks:

bloat (GDV)dilated cardiomyopathyhip dysplasiawobbler syndrome+1 more
Visit DoggoFull Review
#25
89
/ 100
★★★★★
3.9(4,500 reviews)

Excellent match for Great Danes. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.

✓Hereditary
✓Cancer
✓Orthopedic
✗Dental
✗Exam Fees
✓No Exclusions
Monthly cost$15–$65
Annual limitUp to Unlimited
Reimbursement70%, 80%, 90%
Waiting period3 days (accident)

Covers your breed's key risks:

bloat (GDV)dilated cardiomyopathyhip dysplasiawobbler syndrome+1 more
Visit PetPremiumFull Review
#26
88
/ 100
★★★★★
3.8(900 reviews)

Excellent match for Great Danes. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.

✓Hereditary
✓Cancer
✓Orthopedic
✗Dental
✗Exam Fees
✓No Exclusions
Monthly cost$15–$55
Annual limitUp to Unlimited
Reimbursement70%, 80%, 90%
Waiting period3 days (accident)

Covers your breed's key risks:

bloat (GDV)dilated cardiomyopathyhip dysplasiawobbler syndrome+1 more
Visit PawdarlingFull Review
#27
87
/ 100
★★★★★
3.7(4,100 reviews)

Excellent match for Great Danes. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.

✓Hereditary
✓Cancer
✓Orthopedic
✓Dental
✗Exam Fees
✓No Exclusions
Monthly cost$15–$65
Annual limitUp to Unlimited
Reimbursement70%, 80%, 90%
Waiting period2 days (accident)

Covers your breed's key risks:

bloat (GDV)dilated cardiomyopathyhip dysplasiawobbler syndrome+1 more
Visit HartvilleFull Review
#28
87
/ 100
★★★★★
3.7(1,200 reviews)

Excellent match for Great Danes. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.

✗Hereditary
✓Cancer
✗Orthopedic
✗Dental
✗Exam Fees
✓No Exclusions
Monthly cost$10–$45
Annual limit$10,000
Reimbursement70%, 80%, 90%
Waiting period2 days (accident)

Covers your breed's key risks:

bloat (GDV)dilated cardiomyopathyhip dysplasiawobbler syndrome+1 more
Visit NibblesFull Review
#29
85
/ 100
★★★★★
3.6(4,800 reviews)

Excellent match for Great Danes. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.

✓Hereditary
✓Cancer
✓Orthopedic
✗Dental
✗Exam Fees
✓No Exclusions
Monthly cost$15–$60
Annual limit$10,000
Reimbursement70%, 80%, 90%
Waiting period2 days (accident)

Covers your breed's key risks:

bloat (GDV)dilated cardiomyopathyhip dysplasiawobbler syndrome+1 more
Visit 24PetprotectFull Review
#30
56
/ 100
★★★★★
3.8(1,100 reviews)

Moderate fit for Great Danes. Best if budget is the primary concern — verify coverage for bloat (GDV) specifically.

✗Hereditary
✗Cancer
✗Orthopedic
✗Dental
✗Exam Fees
✓No Exclusions
Monthly cost$8–$35
Annual limit$5,000
Reimbursement80%, 90%
Waiting period0 days (accident)

Covers your breed's key risks:

bloat (GDV)
Not covered: dilated cardiomyopathyNot covered: hip dysplasia
Visit SpokkFull Review
#31
52
/ 100
★★★★★
3.8(2,200 reviews)

Consider alternatives with stronger hereditary condition coverage for Great Danes.

✗Hereditary
✓Cancer
✗Orthopedic
✗Dental
✗Exam Fees
✗No Exclusions
Monthly cost$10–$45
Annual limit$7,000
Reimbursement90%
Waiting period0 days (accident)

Covers your breed's key risks:

bloat (GDV)osteosarcoma
Not covered: dilated cardiomyopathyNot covered: hip dysplasia
Visit Companion ProtectFull Review

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