Takeaways
- Rottweilers are unfortunately predisposed to several health conditions stemming from both their breed and their size
- Some Rottweiler health conditions can be quite serious, requiring surgeries and lengthy hospital stays with medical bills in the thousands
- Pet insurance can help cover these costs, some up to 90%, making it a worthwhile investment for this breed
- Monthly premiums for a Rottweiler can vary widely with puppies averaging $35 to $55 and older Rottweilers averaging $65 and up
- The best insurance plans for Rottweilers cover their most common conditions and do not have breed restrictions
Pet Insurance for Rottweilers
A strong working breed with a heart of gold, the Rottweiler dates all the way back to the ancient Roman Empire. Believed to be descendants of Roman drover dogs that protected livestock, Rottweilers later gained their modern name around the second century in Rottweil, Germany. At the time, they were called “Rottweiler metzgerhund” or the butcher’s dog of Rottweil as they were often used to pull heavy carts to market. Today, the Rottweiler is still a solid working dog associated with police and military work but they also serve as loyal family dogs.
Unfortunately, like most purebred dogs, Rottweilers are prone to certain hereditary health conditions. Some of these conditions can be quite serious and costly to treat. Getting pet insurance for your Rottweiler can be one of the best ways to prepare for unexpected costs and keep your Rottie happy and healthy!
Unlimited claims, No credit checks, No upper age limit & Multiple pet discounts
Compare the best rates on pet insurance
Common Health Problems in Rottweilers
Rottweilers carry an increased risk for numerous health conditions. Some stem solely from their breed while others are related to their size. Large dogs such as Rottweilers carry their own unique set of health risks including orthopedic problems and Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (bloat).
Here are some of the most common Rottweiler health conditions and average treatment costs.
| Rottweiler Health Issue | Average Treatment Costs |
|---|---|
| Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) | $2,000 to $10,000 |
| Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV or Bloat)(overturned stomach) | $3,000 to $6,000 |
| Subaortic Stenosis(heart condition) | $2,000 to $6,000 (plus monthly medication costs) |
| Hip or Elbow Dysplasia(abnormal development of the joint) | $3,000 to $6,000 (surgery costs are per leg) |
| Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture or CCL(ruptured knee ligament) | $2,000 to $4,500 |
| Obesity (increases risk for heart disease, diabetes, and joint problems) | $100 to $2,500*(*costs associated with treating obesity-related diseases) |
| Arthritis | $100 to $250 (plus monthly medication costs) |
| Entropion(eyelid abnormality causing secondary conditions like corneal ulcers and eye infections) | $1,500 to $2,000 |
The Best Pet Insurance For Rottweilers
While there’s no specific pet insurance plan just for Rottweilers, there are some with more favorable coverage on conditions that commonly affect this breed. As with all insurance, pre-existing conditions are usually excluded, changes in coverage or eligibility can occur, and waiting periods typically apply. Check individual policies for more details.
ASPCA
The ASPCA Pet Insurance Complete Coverage Plan covers a wide range of accidents and illnesses. Coverage includes diagnostics, treatments, hospitalizations, surgeries, and more.
Reimbursement rates range from 70% to 90% after the deductible is met. Deductibles range from $100 to $500. Monthly premiums vary greatly based on the individual pet but averages range from $40 to $80.
Why it’s great for Rottweilers!
- No breed exclusions or extended waiting periods for hereditary conditions
- Covers common Rottweiler conditions like arthritis, heart disease, and hip dysplasia
- Eyelid surgery for entropion is covered
- Covers long-term chronic conditions like cancer
- CCL surgery is covered
- Prescription supplements for arthritis are covered
- Emergency GDV treatment is covered
- Covers alternative therapies like acupuncture, laser therapy, and hydrotherapy for Rottweilers with obesity, arthritis, hip dysplasia, and osteosarcoma
Embrace
Embrace Pet Insurance covers accidents and illnesses in their standard plan. Coverage includes diagnostics, treatments, hospitalizations, surgeries, and more. A Wellness Rewards plan is also offered for add-on coverage.
Reimbursement rates range from 70% to 90% after the deductible is met. Deductibles range from $100 to $1000. Monthly premiums vary based on the individual pet but averages range
from $35 to $53 for a Rottweiler.
Why it’s great for Rottweilers!
- No limits on hereditary or genetic illness coverage for Rottweilers
- Covers common Rottweiler conditions like arthritis and subaortic stenosis
- Emergency GDV treatment is covered
- Hip dysplasia and CCL injury is covered after a 6-month waiting period
- Covers long-term chronic conditions like cancer
- Physical therapy, and alternative therapies like laser and acupuncture are covered for Rottweilers with arthritis and orthopedic injuries
- The Wellness Rewards add-on covers gastropexy procedures (GDV prevention)
Fetch
Fetch Pet Insurance offers accident and illness coverage in their standard plan. Covered costs include diagnostics, treatments, hospitalizations, surgeries, and more.
Reimbursement rates range from 70% to 90% after the deductible is met. Deductibles range from $250 to $500. Monthly premiums vary based on the individual pet but the average for a Rottweiler is $57 a month.
Why it’s great for Rottweilers!
- No breed exclusions for hereditary conditions
- Covers common Rottweiler conditions like arthritis and subaortic stenosis
- Hip dysplasia is covered after a 6-month waiting period
- Emergency GDV treatment is covered
- Covers long-term chronic conditions like cancer
- Eyelid surgery for entropion is covered
- Acupuncture and chiropractic care is covered for Rottweilers with orthopedic injuries, arthritis, and other mobility issues
Pumpkin
Pumpkin Pet Insurance covers accidents and illnesses as part of their standard plan. Coverage includes diagnostics, treatments, hospitalizations, surgeries, and more.
The reimbursement rate is a standard 90% and with multiple deductible options ranging from $100 to $1,000. Monthly premiums start at $30 and go up based on your pet’s individual needs and chosen deductible.
Why it’s great for Rottweilers!
- No breed exclusions for hereditary conditions
- Covers common Rottweiler conditions like arthritis, hip dysplasia, and CCL injuries
- Emergency GDV treatment is covered
- Covers long-term chronic conditions like cancer
- May cover eyelid surgery for entropion
- Covers alternative therapies like acupuncture and physical therapy for Rottweilers with hip dysplasia and orthopedic injuries
Spot
Spot Pet Insurance offers a wide range of coverage under the Accident and Illness Plan. Coverage includes diagnostics, treatments, hospitalizations, surgeries, and more.
Reimbursement rates range from 70% to 90% after the deductible is met. There are multiple deductible options ranging from $100 to $1,000. Monthly premiums vary greatly based on the individual pet but averages range from $40 to $80.
Why it’s great for Rottweilers!
- No breed exclusions for hereditary conditions
- Covers common Rottweiler conditions like arthritis, hip dysplasia, and CCL injuries
- Emergency GDV treatment is covered
- Covers long-term chronic conditions like cancer
- Covers alternative therapies like acupuncture and chiropractic care for Rottweilers with hip dysplasia and orthopedic injuries
Trupanion
Trupanion Pet Insurance provides coverage for many accidents and illnesses under their standard plan. Covered costs include diagnostics, treatments, hospitalizations, surgeries, and more.
Reimbursement is 90% of covered costs. A customizable plan offers owners many options for choosing a deductible and monthly premium.
Why it’s great for Rottweilers!
- No breed exclusions for hereditary conditions
- Covers many common Rottweiler conditions like subaortic stenosis, arthritis, hip dysplasia, and CCL injuries
- Covers wheelchairs and carts for Rottweilers with osteosarcoma or orthopedic injuries
- Emergency GDV treatment is covered
- Covers long-term chronic conditions like cancer
- Eyelid surgery for entropion is covered
- Direct-to-vet payment options for reduced upfront owner expenses
Is Pet Insurance Worth It For Rottweilers?
With such a long list of potential health conditions that can affect this breed, having your Rottweiler on a pet insurance plan is definitely worth it! Sadly, of all the conditions Rottweilers may be prone to, some can be life-threatening and require surgery, chemotherapy, and other expensive treatments.
Rottweilers are considered at high-risk for developing GDV, commonly known as bloat, a life-threatening affliction requiring emergency surgery. This breed is also unfortunately at an increased risk for cancer with some studies indicating a Rottweiler’s risk of osteosarcoma is five times that of the average dog.
Treatment for these types of conditions can run into several thousands of dollars. Pet insurance can help cover these costs, some up to 90%.
When Should I Get Pet Insurance For My Rottweiler?
Unfortunately, no pet insurance plan covers pre-existing conditions so the earlier you can get your Rottweiler on an insurance plan, the better! Ideally, when they’re still a puppy. This will help ensure they get the most coverage possible. Of course, if you adopted an older Rottie it’s still a good idea to look into pet insurance for them. Just be aware that any existing health conditions may not be covered.
Factors That Affect Pet Insurance For Rottweilers
When researching pet insurance options for your Rottweiler it’s important to get customized quotes. Factors like your Rottweiler’s age, medical history, and location will affect your premiums and coverage options.
Once you’ve narrowed down your top choices, be sure to carefully examine each policy for any additional breed-specific exclusions, caps on coverage for specific conditions, or extended waiting periods.
Some common exclusions Rottweiler owners should look out for are related to orthopedic problems. Hip dysplasia and CCL injuries are among the most common orthopedic problems in Rottweilers and some insurance policies limit coverage or have extended waiting periods on these conditions.
Unlimited claims, No credit checks, No upper age limit & Multiple pet discounts