Pet Insurance for Great Dane
Pet Insurance Australia has been helping owners protect their Great Danes for years, with cover for the breed-specific conditions this gentle giant is prone to, from bloat and joint problems to heart disease. Get a quote today and give your Dane a lifetime of protection.
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Meet The Great Dane
Gentle, affectionate and famously large, the Great Dane is one of the most striking companion dogs you can own. Often called a gentle giant, the breed loves nothing more than being alongside its owner, whether that is a run at the beach, a swim, or simply lazing about in the sun.
Danes are relaxed, family-friendly and highly trainable, but their enormous size means responsible ownership, and the right health cover, matters more with this breed than almost any other.
Claim Up To
$35,0002
Per Year
Common Claims For Great Danes
Known for their imposing size, gentle temperament, and graceful appearance, the Great Dane, like all dog breeds, can be prone to specific health issues. This table shows just how expensive common conditions can be. With our pet insurance, you can claim back a portion of these costs and avoid large out-of-pocket expenses.
| COMMON CLAIMS | MAXIMUM CLAIM |
|---|---|
| Tissue Damage or Fracture | $2,213.06 |
| Ear Conditions | $1,245.00 |
| Gastrointestinal Tract Conditions | $2,215.25 |
| Muscle/Skeletal Condition | $4,116.25 |
| Arthritis | $928.30 |
| Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) | $4,669.82 |
| Neoplasia | $4,700.50 |
| Mass Lesion | $10,035.90 |
| Neurological Condition | $4,604.00 |
| Skin Conditions Allergy | $1,509.24 |
Common Health Conditions
For Great Danes
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus (Bloat): Bloat is a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas, causing it to twist on itself. Great Danes are particularly susceptible to this condition, with some breeders suggesting specialised surgery.
- Hip Dysplasia: A common genetic condition that is caused by the malformation of the hip joint that can lead to arthritis, lameness, and pain. It's common in many breeds, including Great Danes.
- Elbow Dysplasia: Similar to Hip Dysplasia, this condition affects the elbow joint and can result in lameness and pain. Surgery may be required alongside weight management and medications.
- Cardiomyopathy: Great Danes can be prone to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a heart condition that affects the heart's ability to pump blood effectively. Medications are generally prescribed to control this condition.
- Wobbler Syndrome: A neurological disorder is more common in large breeds and can lead to incoordination and a 'wobbly gait'. Treatment can involve surgery, medication and exercise restrictions depending on the severity of 'wobblers'.
- Hypothyroidism: Caused by an underactive thyroid that can lead to weight gain, skin issues, and lethargy. The condition can be controlled with veterinary monitoring and medications.
- Cancer: Like many large and small breeds, Great Danes are at risk of developing various forms of cancer, including osteosarcoma (bone cancer) and lymphoma. Early detection is paramount, as are regular checkups by your local veterinarian.
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Great Danes can also be prone to specific gastrointestinal issues, such as sensitive stomachs and food allergies. Diet change and monitoring your pet's stomach upsets are vital with this breed.
- Bleeding Disorders: Danes are also more susceptible to Haemolytic Anaemia and Thrombocytopenia. This can lead to your dog's immune system attacking red blood cells. Specialised medication can help control these conditions.
- Orthopaedic Issues: Given their size, the Great Dane is more susceptible to orthopaedic issues like cruciate ligament injuries and arthritis. Veterinary monitoring and ensuring your dog is correctly exercised and kept at optimal weight is crucial.
Get your first 2 months free when you sign up1
Flexible Cover Options
For Your Great Dane
Finding the right pet insurance for your Great Dane doesn’t need to be confusing. It should be as straightforward as giving them a belly rub! With Pet Insurance Australia, one plan does it all, and you decide how it works.
| Option | What It Means | Your Choices | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual benefit limit2 | This is the maximum amount you can claim for per policy period, subject to any applicable excess, for eligible accidental injuries and illnesses, as well as emergency boarding. Booster Care and Routine Care (non insurance benefit) are subject to their own limits. | $15,000; $25,000 and $35,000 | Lower for budget-conscious premiums; higher if you want more protection. |
| Benefit Percentage14 (Reimbursement) | The percentage of the eligible vet bill we will cover before the applicable annual excess is applied. Where applicable, it is also subject to the annual benefit limit or Booster Care limit. | 70%, 80%, 90% | Higher % can allow you to claim more back on your eligible vet bills. |
| Annual Excess4 | The amount you may contribute to your claim. The annual excess applies to each eligible claim in the policy period until fully paid. | $0, $100, $300, $600* *$600 annual excess not available with 70% benefit percentage | Choose a higher annual excess to help lower your premium. Just remember you may pay more out of pocket at claim time. |
| Routine care add-on7 | Optional non-insurance benefit to cover for everyday care such as vaccinations, microchipping, flea/tick | An optional benefit which you can add to your policy | Add for additional vet-cost cover. |
| Specified dental conditions add-on (Booster Care13) | Optional cover for specified dental conditions, subject to the Booster Care limit of $2500 | An optional benefit which you can add to your policy | Add for extra vet-cost protection; Great for breeds prone to dental issues. |
| Specialised therapies add-on (Booster Care13) | Optional cover for specialised therapies, subject to the Booster Care limit of $2500 | Add to your policy or skip | Add to boost vet-cost protection; skip to lower premium |
| Waiting periods | The time from your policy start date when your pet isn’t covered for certain conditions or benefits in the first year you first obtained cover for them. If a condition exists or occurs during the waiting period, it will be considered a pre-existing condition and may be excluded from cover. | Accidental injury – 2days Illness – 30days Cruciate Ligament Conditions – 6 months Specified dental conditions (Booster Care) – 6 months Behavioural conditions (Booster Care)– 30days | Starting early helps ensure your pet is covered sooner rather than later |
| Multi-pet discount12 | A percentage saving when you insure more than one pet. | Get 5% off for each additional pet you insure after the first, up to 15% max.* Example: 2nd pet: 5% | Helpful for multi-pet households. |
| Choice of vet | Use any licensed vet in Australia, other than yourself. | Included on all policies | Continue care with your preferred vet |
Want To Learn More? See Everything Our Dog Insurance Covers
Flexible Cover Options For Your Great Dane
Finding the right pet insurance for your Great Dane doesn’t need to be confusing. It should feel as straightforward as giving them a belly rub! With Pet Insurance Australia, one plan does it all, and you decide how it works.
Annual Benefit Limit2
What It Means
This is the maximum amount you can claim for per policy period, subject to any applicable excess, for eligible accidental injuries and illnesses, as well as emergency boarding.
Booster Care and Routine Care (non insurance benefit) are subject to their own limits.
Your Choices
$15,000; $25,000 and $35,000
Why
Lower for budget-conscious premiums; higher if you want more protection.
Benefit Percentage14 (Reimbursement)
What It Means
The percentage of the eligible vet bill we will cover before the applicable annual excess is applied.
Where applicable, it is also subject to the annual benefit limit or Booster Care limit.
Your Choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Why
Higher % can allow you to claim more back on your eligible vet bills.
Annual Excess4
What It Means
The amount you may contribute to your claim. The annual excess applies to each eligible claim in the policy period until fully paid.
Your Choices
$0, $100, $300, $600*
*$600 annual excess not available with 70% benefit percentage
Why
Choose a higher annual excess to help lower your premium. Just remember you may pay more out of pocket at claim time.
Routine Care Add-On7
What It Means
Optional non-insurance benefit to cover for everyday care such as vaccinations, microchipping, flea/tick
Your Choices
An optional benefit which you can add to your policy
Why
Add for additional vet-cost cover.
Specified Dental Conditions Add-On (Booster Care13)
What It Means
Optional cover for specified dental conditions, subject to the Booster Care limit of $2500
Your Choices
An optional benefit which you can add to your policy
Why
Add for extra vet-cost protection; Great for breeds prone to dental issues.
Specialised Therapies Add-On Add-On (Booster Care13)
What It Means
Optional cover for specialised therapies, subject to the Booster Care limit of $2500
Your Choices
Add to your policy or skip
Why
Add to boost vet-cost protection; skip to lower premium
Waiting Periods
What It Means
The time from your policy start date when your pet isn’t covered for certain conditions or benefits in the first year you first obtained cover for them.
If a condition exists or occurs during the waiting period, it will be considered a pre-existing condition and may be excluded from cover.
Your Choices
Accidental injury – 2days
Illness – 30days
Cruciate Ligament Conditions – 6 months
Specified dental conditions (Booster Care) – 6 months
Behavioural conditions (Booster Care)– 30days
Why
Starting early helps ensure your pet is covered sooner rather than later
Multi-Pet Discount12
What It Means
A percentage saving when you insure more than one pet.
Your Choices
Get 5% off for each additional pet you insure after the first, up to 15% max.*
Example:
2nd pet: 5%
Why
Helpful for multi-pet households.
Choice Of Vet
What It Means
Use any licensed vet in Australia, other than yourself.
Your Choices
Continue care with your preferred vet
Why
Helpful for multi-pet households.
Caring For A Great Dane
Great Danes are intelligent and eager to work alongside their owners, but their size makes early training essential. Start the moment your pup comes home, keep it positive and go at your dog’s pace. Leash manners are non-negotiable unless you fancy being dragged down the street, and basic commands like “wait” at doorways head off most size-related mishaps. Set clear rules before your pup arrives, because habits that look cute in a puppy are a lot harder to out-train in a towering adult dog. Enrol in puppy preschool early to get socialisation right.
The Dane’s short coat is easy to care for but does shed, so regular grooming helps. Get your dog comfortable with bathing and nail clipping from a young age, as there is a lot of dog to manage if they never learn to enjoy it. On exercise, take care not to over-exercise a young Dane while those big joints are still growing. A grown Dane will happily take a daily walk, a run or a swim, but watch for signs of exhaustion and take care during rough play with smaller dogs, who can be accidentally injured by their size.
Danes are calm, indoor-loving companions who tolerate children well with supervision, though their short coat means they feel the cold, so think twice about leaving them outside. Secure, six-foot fencing keeps a bored Dane safe. When choosing a puppy, only buy from a reputable breeder who screens their breeding dogs for hereditary conditions and can show the paperwork to prove it. It takes longer than a quick purchase, but it protects you from the heartache and cost of a sick dog down the track.
Fast Facts
Average Height
71 – 86cm (at the shoulder)
Average Weight
50 – 79kg
Temperament
Laid-back, affectionate, a little goofy
Lifespan
7 – 10 years
Known Genetic Issues
Hip Dysplasia, Bloat, Mass Lesions, Skin & Ear Conditions
Country of Origin
Germany
Exercise Requirements
Daily walks plus playtime and backyard lounging time
Coat
A short and smooth coat that needs a weekly brush
Coat Colours
Fawn, brindle, blue, black, merle, and more
Specific Care Requirements
Your Great Dane will need regular vet checks, soft bedding, raised food bowls, gentle play time and lots of love and affection.
Get Started with Pet Insurance Australia
Pet Insurance Australia is here to back your best mate with flexible options and fast claims. Get a quote today and explore pet insurance for Great Danes in Australia—made to support your dog’s health every step (or gallop) of the way.
