[SirBarksALot]

I’m planning to get a German Shepherd soon and want to have pet insurance in place before any health issues arise. Since GSDs are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and other joint problems, I want a provider that offers strong orthopedic coverage without a lot of exclusions.
Right now, I’m deciding between Embrace and Fetch. Embrace offers unlimited payouts and a diminishing deductible, which lowers by $50 each year I don’t file a claim. Fetch includes exam fees, prescriptions, and massage therapy in its policy at no extra cost—but its maximum payout is $15,000. Would that be high enough for a German Shepherd’s potential medical needs?
I’d also love to know if either company stands out for intervertebral disc disease coverage, if there are any major differences in coverage I should be aware of, and whether a wellness plan is worth adding. Any advice from GSD owners or people familiar with these companies would be much appreciated!

[Kimberly Alt]

Would $15,000 be enough coverage for potential medical needs for a GSD?

$15,000 in annual coverage is a solid amount for most medical needs, but for a German Shepherd, it really depends on your risk tolerance and financial situation.

Here’s why:

• IVDD, Hip Dysplasia, and Cruciate Ligament Surgeries can each cost $5,000-$10,000 per leg—so a single major orthopedic issue could use up a big chunk of that $15,000.
• Ongoing Conditions like arthritis or degenerative myelopathy often require lifelong medications, rehab, or alternative therapies, which add up over time.
• Emergency Surgeries (like GDV/bloat, which GSDs are prone to) can easily cost $5,000-$8,000+ in one visit.

If you’re comfortable with some financial risk, a $15,000 limit could work. But if you want complete peace of mind, an unlimited payout (like Embrace offers) might be worth considering.

IVDD coverage differences

• Both insurers cover IVDD.
• Fetch includes more built-in coverage, like exam fees and alternative therapies (e.g., hydrotherapy, acupuncture, chiropractic).
• With Embrace, exam fees require an add-on.
• Fetch covers IVDD but excludes it if a disc in the same or neighboring spinal region was previously treated or showed clinical signs before enrollment or during the waiting period.

Is a wellness plan worth adding?

A wellness plan can be worth adding, but it depends on how much you already spend on routine care and whether the plan’s reimbursement justifies the cost. Here’s how to decide:

When a wellness plan might be worth it

• You already spend on routine care – If you regularly pay for annual checkups, vaccines, flea/tick/heartworm prevention, and dental cleanings, a wellness plan can help spread out those costs and ensure you’re reimbursed for them.
• You want predictable pet care expenses – Wellness plans reimburse set amounts per service, helping with budgeting.
• Your pet needs frequent preventive care – If your dog requires extra checkups, fecal tests, or dental cleanings, a wellness plan could be beneficial.

When it might not be worth it

• You prefer to pay out of pocket – Wellness plans cap reimbursements per service, so they may not save money compared to just setting aside funds for vet visits.
• You only need accident/illness coverage – Since wellness plans don’t cover unexpected vet bills, some pet owners prefer to put their budget toward accident and illness insurance instead.

For a German Shepherd?

• If you plan to get dental cleanings (which help prevent costly extractions later), a wellness plan could be a good investment.
• If you already budget for vaccines and preventatives, check if the reimbursement amounts match what you pay, otherwise, it might not be necessary.

Waiting periods

• Fetch has a 15-day waiting period for IVDD
• Embrace requires 6 months

If you want coverage sooner, Fetch may be the better option.

Choosing the best coverage for your German Shepherd’s needs

Ultimately, the best choice comes down to what matters most for your dog’s long-term care. If IVDD coverage with minimal waiting is your priority, Fetch stands out. If you prefer more flexibility with deductibles and payout limits, Embrace is worth considering.

I’ve broken down Embrace vs. Fetch in more detail so you can compare side by side. You can also check out my guide to the Best Pet Insurance for German Shepherds to see how other top providers compare.

Let me know if you have any questions—I’m happy to help!

[Author]

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