Dachshund Pet Insurance: Protecting Your Sausage Dog’s Spine

Do I need pet insurance for my dachshund?

When it comes to insuring your dog, there are a few things to consider:

Is your dog predisposed to any specific conditions?

Dachshunds and mini dachshunds are known to be predisposed to a few medical problems.

• Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD): Due to their long-bodied, short-legged physique, this makes Dachshunds highly prone to back issues and other musculoskeletal conditions. Most commonly, Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD).
• Hip dysplasia: This occurs when the femur and pelvis grow at uneven rates and can result in arthritis.
• Patella luxation: This happens when the kneecap pops out of its groove, causing them to limp around.
• Obesity: This is a problem with any breed really, but with Dachshunds, it's particularly problematic because their spines can't take the extra weight.
• Progressive retinal atrophy: This is hereditary and can lead to blindness.
• Seizures: There is no known cause for why dachshunds suffer with seizures, they just do.

Could you afford surgery out of pocket?

With these conditions in mind, it's important to consider if you could afford surgery out of pocket, should your dog require it. Here's an idea of how much each surgery can cost. Keep in mind though, these prices are approximate and your actual cost will depend on your dog's condition and your vet.

• Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) surgery: The cost of treatment for this is so varied because it depends on the severity you're dealing with. According to PetSure, the average cost is around $3,480 while the most expensive treatment was over $31,000.
• Hip dysplasia surgery: Costs vary between around $500 - $5,000.
• Patella luxation surgery: Costs vary between $1,600 - $5,000.
• Obesity: This is usually treated with changes to diet so you may need to spend more on your dog's food to get something special. However, the more expensive issues are more about what obesity can cause. For example, if an overweight dachshund has too much weight on them, it can lead to IVDD.
• Progressive retinal atrophy: There is no treatment for this as far as we know.
• Seizures: Costs for this vary because medications to treat it vary.

What can pet insurance cover for a Dachshund?

What your pet insurance policy covers will come down to what level of cover you choose and the provider specifics. We've broken this down below.

Accidents, Illnesses, and Injuries – Coverage Options for Dachshunds

Pet insurance policies for dachshunds typically come in basic, mid-level, and comprehensive or 'elite' options. Coverage levels generally include:

• Basic coverage: Also known as 'essentials' or 'accident-only' cover, basic policies are typically the most affordable. They provide essential coverage for accidents such as snake bites, injuries from falls, or vehicle-related accidents. However, basic policies won't cover common dachshund-specific illnesses like Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) or other breed-related conditions.
• Mid-level coverage: Providers may label mid-level coverage differently, but it generally covers accidents, illnesses, and injuries, including conditions particularly relevant to dachshunds, like IVDD and spinal issues. Annual coverage limits usually range from around $12,000 to $30,000. (We'll explain what annual limits are shortly.) This level helps manage veterinary costs for common dachshund health concerns.
• Comprehensive or Elite coverage: This is the highest tier of pet insurance and offers extensive protection, covering accidents, illnesses, and injuries, typically with higher annual limits. Comprehensive policies may also include additional optional coverages such as routine care, which covers preventive treatments like vaccinations and dental cleanings. Given that dachshunds are prone to potentially expensive treatments for conditions such as IVDD and other spinal complications, these higher coverage limits can be especially beneficial.

Compare pet insurance options for your Dachshund

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Updated regularly

Product	Finder Score	Accidental injury	Illness	Reimbursement Rate	IVDD Cover	Paralysis Tick Yearly Sub-Limit
Promoted Budget Direct Plus Cover	Finder Score 9.9 Excellent			80%	Covered for all policies. 30 day waiting period, Sub-Limits apply	$3,000	Apply online and get 15% off your first year's premium. T&Cs apply.	Get quoteMore info Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Promoted Knose Pet Insurance Exclusive	Finder Score 9 Excellent			90%	Subject to approval in the pre-existing condition assessment	$25,000	⭐Finder Exclusive: Get 10% off your first year. Sign up using promo code FINDER10. T&C's apply.	Get quoteMore info Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Promoted Vets Choice Pro Cover	Finder Score 9.5 Excellent			80%	Covered, 21 day waiting period	$2,500	Get a 5% discount when you insure more than one pet.	Get quoteMore info Compare	loading Fetching your data...
PD Deluxe Plan	Finder Score Not yet rated			100%	Covered, 21 day waiting period	$15,000	Apply online and get your first 1 month free. T&Cs apply.	Get quoteMore info Compare	loading Fetching your data...
PD Classic Plan	Finder Score Not yet rated			100%	Covered, 21 day waiting period	$10,000	Apply online and get your first 1 month free. T&Cs apply.	Get quoteMore info Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Knose Pet Insurance Exclusive	Finder Score 8.6 Great			70%	Subject to approval in the pre-existing condition assessment	$12,500	⭐Finder Exclusive: Get 10% off your first year. Sign up using promo code FINDER10. T&C's apply.	Get quoteMore info Compare	loading Fetching your data...

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How to choose the best pet insurance for your Dachshund

There are a few factors to consider when choosing a pet insurance policy specifically for dachshunds. Product disclosure statements (PDS) can contain complicated terminology, so here's a simplified breakdown:

• Waiting periods: This is the required timeframe between starting your policy payments and when you can make a claim. If your dachshund needs immediate treatment, coverage typically won't apply until after this waiting period ends. However, emergency incidents, such as snake bites or accidents, are often covered immediately or within one day of policy initiation.
• Reimbursement options: This details how your insurer reimburses you after a claim has been approved. When setting up your policy, you'll choose what percentage of veterinary bills the insurer covers, typically ranging from 70% to 100%. Higher coverage percentages usually lead to more expensive premiums.

Some providers offer GapOnly claims, which allow you to pay only the difference (gap) between the veterinary bill and the insurance coverage at the time of service, eliminating the wait for reimbursement.

Other insurers require full payment at the veterinary clinic first, after which you'll submit a claim and receive reimbursement after approval.

• Annual limit: This is the maximum amount your insurer will pay each year. For example, if your policy has an annual limit of $25,000, you cannot claim more than this amount in one year. This could be a concern if you choose a lower annual limit, such as $15,000, but your dachshund requires surgery or treatment costing more.
• Sub-limits: These are limits placed on specific treatments, separate from your overall annual limit. For instance, if there's a sub-limit of $3,000 for paralysis tick treatment and your dachshund's treatment costs $5,000, you will need to pay the remaining $2,000 even if you haven't reached your annual limit.
• Hereditary condition coverage: Insurers sometimes exclude or limit coverage for hereditary conditions prevalent in dachshunds. Coverage may depend on whether symptoms appeared before or after policy initiation. Always review your PDS or speak directly to your insurer about hereditary condition coverage relevant to dachshunds.

So, what's actually good to look for in a policy?

• High annual limits: For potentially costly treatments, particularly for IVDD and other spinal issues.
• High or no sub-limits: Ensures comprehensive coverage for expensive breed-specific treatments.
• High reimbursement rates: Covers more of your veterinary expenses. However, lower reimbursement rates may be preferable if budget constraints are a consideration.

Cost of pet insurance for Dachshunds in Australia

Pet insurance for a Dachshund is likely to cost you between $57.23 and $213.06. This is relatively similar to other dog breeds in Australia.

	1-year old	2-year old	3-year old	4-year old	5-year old	Apply today
Budget Direct	$74.40	$74.40	$76.01	$81.61	$87.21	Get quote
Petsy	$63.84	$68.23	$73.04	$86.74	$98.99	More info
Knose	$145.48	$155.97	$167.45	$200.18	$228.75	Get quote
Medibank	$177.19	$199.11	$242.75	$298.47	$345.27	Get quote
Vets Choice	$76.68	$81.70	$86.97	$96.39	$109.85	Get quote
Pet Insurance Australia	$120.10	$135.83	$161.71	$196.16	$349.65	Get quote
Kogan	$131.53	$148.02	$249.24	$300.87	$349.07	More info

• How we got these quotes

  _{Monthly quote prices are based on accident and illness plans from 8 Australian brands. We selected a $0 excess, wherever possible. Quotes were taken in February 2025 for a male, desexed dog. The owner was 24 years old based in NSW, 2010 postcode. Prices are subject to change.}

FAQs

• Does pet insurance cover IVDD treatment for dachshunds?

  Yes, many policies cover IVDD treatment, but coverage may depend on policy specifics and any waiting periods.

• How long are typical waiting periods for IVDD coverage?

  Waiting periods for IVDD coverage typically range from 14 days to 6 months, depending on your provider.

• What reimbursement percentage should I choose for my dachshund's pet insurance?

  Choosing a higher reimbursement percentage, such as 80%-100%, provides greater financial protection but increases premium costs.

• Are hereditary conditions like IVDD covered from day one?

  No, hereditary conditions usually have waiting periods and may not be covered if symptoms existed before policy initiation.

• What is a suitable annual coverage limit for a dachshund?

  Considering dachshunds' susceptibility to expensive spinal treatments, a policy with a higher annual limit, such as $20,000-$30,000, is worth considering.

• Can I get insurance if my dachshund already has IVDD?

  Not to treat the IVDD but to treat other issues, yes. You're unlikely to be able to use this coverage for IVDD because it would be considered a pre-existing condition.

• Do pet insurance policies typically cover paralysis tick treatment for dachshunds?

  Most comprehensive policies include paralysis tick treatment, but check your policy details for specific sub-limit restrictions.

• Are routine veterinary expenses like dental cleanings included in comprehensive insurance plans?

  Routine care like dental cleanings and vaccinations may be covered under comprehensive policies or as optional extras.

• Is there an age limit for insuring dachshunds?

  Age limits vary by insurer, with some providers accepting new pets up to around 8-9 years of age.

• What happens if I exceed my policy's annual limit?

  You will be responsible for covering any treatment costs exceeding your policy's annual limit until it resets in the next policy year.

Written by

Peta Taylor

Publisher of Insurance

Peta Taylor is a publisher at Finder, working across all of insurance. She's been analysing product disclosure statements and publishing articles for over 2 years. Peta is passionate about demystifying complex insurance products to help users make well educated decisions with confidence. Peta is part of Finder's insurance awards team and works alongside editorial and insights experts to bring users the best insurance products every year. See full bio