Australian Shepherd Health Profile: What Sets the Aussie Apart from Other Active Breeds
The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized dog (18–25 kg) that lives 12 to 15 years with proper care. Its health profile differs significantly from other active breeds. Compared to the Labrador (33.4% musculoskeletal) and the German Shepherd (49.5%), the Aussie sits in the upper mid-range at 35.2%.
The most common conditions and their typical costs:
· Hip Dysplasia (HD): Diagnostics €200–350, surgery €1,200–3,000.
· Elbow Dysplasia (ED): Diagnostics €300–600, surgery €1,500–3,500.
· MDR1 Gene Defect: genetically caused medication intolerance. Note: As it is genetic, the MDR1 defect is not insurable.
· CEA (Collie Eye Anomaly): Eye examination €80–200. Note: CEA is genetic and therefore not insurable.
· PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy): Diagnostics €200–400. Note: PRA is genetic and not insurable.
· Eye Infections / Corneal Injuries (not congenital): Diagnostics €100–300, surgery up to €1,500.
· Epilepsy: Diagnostics €300–600, medication annually €300–800. Note: Epilepsy is not insurable.
· Cruciate Ligament Tear: Surgery €1,800–3,500.
· Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD): Diagnostics €300–600, surgery €1,500–3,000.
· Allergies and Skin Problems: €200–800 annually.
· Hypothyroidism: Diagnostics €80–150, therapy €200–400 per year.
· Sports Injuries (Luxations, Fractures): Surgery €1,200–2,500.
How costs are distributed over the Aussie's lifetime:
392 Australian Shepherd claims at Dalma (January 2024 – December 2025). Source: Dalma Claims Database, as of March 2026.
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Complete Claims Distribution: All Categories at a Glance
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Surgical Cover or Full Cover: What the Aussie Really Needs
You can choose between surgical insurance and comprehensive dog health insurance with full cover.
1. Surgical Insurance for Australian Shepherds
Surgical insurance covers the costs of surgical procedures – for example for cruciate ligament tears, joint conditions, or sports injuries. At Dalma, the following are included among others:
· Surgical procedures for accidents or illness
· Diagnostics and preliminary examinations up to 30 days before surgery
· Hospital stays up to 30 days after surgery
· Medication, bandages, and medically necessary aftercare
· Physiotherapy and alternative treatments up to 30 days after surgery
· Dental surgery after waiting period
· Emergency boarding up to €250 per year
2. Dog Health Insurance (Full Cover) for Australian Shepherds
Full cover includes not only surgeries but also diagnostics, treatments, and preventive care. You can choose between 80 and 100 percent reimbursement and set an annual maximum benefit between €1,500 and unlimited. Included are among others:
· Diagnostics and medical examinations
· Treatments and prescribed medication
· Unlimited physiotherapy
· Alternative treatments such as acupuncture or osteopathy
· Behavioral therapy up to 5 hours per year
· Telemedicine via FirstVet
· Preventive care budget for vaccinations, dental care, and deworming (from €1,500 annual maximum benefit)
Assessment: For the Aussie, full cover is the clear recommendation. The most expensive costs (dental treatments, chronic skin problems, ongoing joint diagnostics) are outpatient – not surgical.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
What Does Australian Shepherd Insurance Cost at Dalma?
The costs depend on age, health status, and scope of coverage. For an Australian Shepherd, premiums are on average:
· Dog health insurance: from €25 per month
· Surgical insurance: from €9 per month
As of March 2026. Dalma offers flexible plans and a 15 percent discount when you insure multiple dogs.
From the 10th year of life, the reimbursement rate for illnesses decreases by 5% annually. For an Aussie that can live 12–15 years, this is a relevant timeframe. For accidents, the rate remains unchanged.
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Waiting Periods for the Aussie: The Most Important Deadlines
The following waiting periods apply:
· 2 days for accidents – the most important immediate protection for such an active dog.
· 14 days for surgeries
· 30 days for medical treatments
· 12 Monate bei rassespezifischen Erkrankungen (z. B. HD/ED)
· 12 months for dental treatments such as FORL, gingivitis, or periodontitis – particularly relevant for the Aussie.
· 18 months for patellar luxation
Pre-existing conditions that existed before the policy was taken out are excluded. Preventive care benefits from day 1.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
Genetic Eye Diseases and MDR1: What Is Not Covered for the Aussie
Some conditions are not insurable due to their genetic origin or congenital nature. Not covered are among others:
· Congenital or hereditary malformations
· MDR1 gene defect
· CEA (Collie Eye Anomaly)
· PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)
· Genetically caused epilepsy
· Angeborene Augenveränderungen (z. B. angeborener Katarakt)
· Congenital joint malpositions
· Treatments related to pregnancy and birth
· Cosmetic surgical procedures without medical indication
· Conditions due to lack of vaccination
Covered with a waiting period, however, are:
· Non-congenital forms of HD and ED (after 12 months)
· Patellar luxation (after 18 months)
· Non-congenital eye and dental problems (after 12 months)
· Acquired orthopedic conditions such as cruciate ligament tears
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Reimbursement at Dalma: Fast and Digital
100% digital: Upload invoice via app (photo + confirm diagnosis), deadline 8 days after receipt of invoice. Reimbursement target 48 hours (contractually up to 5 business days). Up to 4x GOT rate including emergency service fees. Free choice of vet worldwide. Telemedicine via FirstVet unlimited and free.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
Does an Australian Shepherd Really Need Insurance?
The data says yes: 392 cases, 35.2% musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal peak value of nearly €3,000, dental costs in senior age of avg. €920. The Aussie is not a particularly sickly dog – but an active dog that gets injured, eats things it shouldn't, and needs expensive dental restorations in old age.
Particularly worthwhile: Insure at puppy age. The HD/ED waiting period runs parallel to the growth phase. Injuries are covered after 2 days. And dental problems in old age are long since covered when they become relevant.
Less added value: If you are primarily looking for protection against CEA, PRA, or epilepsy – these are excluded. Or if your Aussie is already older and has joint or eye diagnoses before the policy starts.
Australian Shepherds can be insured normally at Dalma. There are no breed-specific exclusions or rejections. What matters is whether a condition was already known before the policy was taken out.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
What to Look for When Choosing Insurance
The best insurance depends on the age, health status, and activity level of your Aussie. Since many breed-typical conditions cause high treatment costs, full cover is usually worthwhile. Important criteria:
· At least 80% reimbursement
· High or unlimited annual maximum benefit
· Strong coverage of orthopedic conditions
· No deductible
· Short waiting periods
· Transparent contract terms
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Australian Shepherd Insurance
Are Australian Shepherds harder to insure due to genetic risks?
No. Australian Shepherds can be insured normally at Dalma. However, as with all dogs, genetically caused or congenital conditions are excluded. That's why it's particularly important to insure your Aussie early, before the first diagnoses are made.
What does the MDR1 gene defect mean for insurance?
The MDR1 gene defect itself is not insurable as it is genetically caused. However, the insurance pays for all other conditions or injuries that are not directly attributable to the MDR1 defect. It is important that the vet uses MDR1-compatible medication during treatments.
Does the insurance cover sports injuries for the Australian Shepherd?
Yes. Australian Shepherds are very active dogs and frequently get injured during training, playing, or sports. Accidents, strains, fractures, cruciate ligament tears, or luxations are covered at Dalma – accidents even after just 2 days waiting period.
Are genetic eye diseases such as CEA or PRA covered?
No. CEA and PRA are genetically caused and therefore not covered. However, non-congenital eye problems are covered, for example eye infections, corneal injuries, or acquired cataracts – after the waiting period has elapsed.
Is dog health insurance more worthwhile than surgical insurance for Australian Shepherds?
In many cases, yes. Aussies don't just cause high surgical costs but also ongoing expenses for diagnostics, physiotherapy, allergy treatments, or aftercare following injuries. These costs are only covered with dog health insurance.
Does the insurance also pay for physiotherapy after sports injuries?
Yes. At Dalma, physiotherapy is included unlimited in the dog health insurance. This is particularly important for Australian Shepherds, as they often require long-term rehabilitation after joint or muscle injuries.
Is insurance also worthwhile if my Aussie is "just" a family dog?
Yes. The most common problems with the Australian Shepherd – joint conditions, eye problems, allergies, or cruciate ligament tears – occur regardless of whether the dog is used for sports or lives in everyday family life. Even stairs, playing, or normal roughhousing can lead to injuries.
Can I also insure my Australian Shepherd if it is already an adult?
Yes. Enrollment at Dalma is possible up to an age of under 9 years. Conditions that were already known or advised are considered pre-existing conditions and are excluded. New illnesses or accidents after the policy starts are still covered.
Are recurring joint problems covered for the Aussie?
Yes. Non-congenital orthopedic conditions such as arthritis, acquired HD/ED, or cruciate ligament problems can be covered after the waiting period has elapsed. Follow-up treatments and aftercare are also covered.
Does the insurance also pay in emergencies at night or on weekends?
Yes. Dalma reimburses vet costs up to 4x the GOT rate, including emergency service fees at night, on weekends, or on public holidays. Especially for sports injuries or acute pain, this is particularly relevant for Aussies.
Does my Australian Shepherd remain insured even after an expensive treatment?
Yes. Dalma waives its right to cancel after a claim. Your Aussie remains insured even after a costly surgery or extended treatment.
Is early insurance particularly important for the Australian Shepherd?
Yes. Many genetic conditions are only diagnosed over the course of a dog's life. If your Aussie is insured early, later conditions are often considered acquired and can be covered. If you wait too long, they may be considered pre-existing conditions.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Australian Shepherd Insurance
Are Australian Shepherds harder to insure due to genetic risks?
No. Australian Shepherds can be insured normally at Dalma. However, as with all dogs, genetically caused or congenital conditions are excluded. That's why it's particularly important to insure your Aussie early, before the first diagnoses are made.
What does the MDR1 gene defect mean for insurance?
The MDR1 gene defect itself is not insurable as it is genetically caused. However, the insurance pays for all other conditions or injuries that are not directly attributable to the MDR1 defect. It is important that the vet uses MDR1-compatible medication during treatments.
Does the insurance cover sports injuries for the Australian Shepherd?
Yes. Australian Shepherds are very active dogs and frequently get injured during training, playing, or sports. Accidents, strains, fractures, cruciate ligament tears, or luxations are covered at Dalma – accidents even after just 2 days waiting period.
Are genetic eye diseases such as CEA or PRA covered?
No. CEA and PRA are genetically caused and therefore not covered. However, non-congenital eye problems are covered, for example eye infections, corneal injuries, or acquired cataracts – after the waiting period has elapsed.
Is dog health insurance more worthwhile than surgical insurance for Australian Shepherds?
In many cases, yes. Aussies don't just cause high surgical costs but also ongoing expenses for diagnostics, physiotherapy, allergy treatments, or aftercare following injuries. These costs are only covered with dog health insurance.
Does the insurance also pay for physiotherapy after sports injuries?
Yes. At Dalma, physiotherapy is included unlimited in the dog health insurance. This is particularly important for Australian Shepherds, as they often require long-term rehabilitation after joint or muscle injuries.
Is insurance also worthwhile if my Aussie is "just" a family dog?
Yes. The most common problems with the Australian Shepherd – joint conditions, eye problems, allergies, or cruciate ligament tears – occur regardless of whether the dog is used for sports or lives in everyday family life. Even stairs, playing, or normal roughhousing can lead to injuries.
Can I also insure my Australian Shepherd if it is already an adult?
Yes. Enrollment at Dalma is possible up to an age of under 9 years. Conditions that were already known or advised are considered pre-existing conditions and are excluded. New illnesses or accidents after the policy starts are still covered.
Are recurring joint problems covered for the Aussie?
Yes. Non-congenital orthopedic conditions such as arthritis, acquired HD/ED, or cruciate ligament problems can be covered after the waiting period has elapsed. Follow-up treatments and aftercare are also covered.
Does the insurance also pay in emergencies at night or on weekends?
Yes. Dalma reimburses vet costs up to 4x the GOT rate, including emergency service fees at night, on weekends, or on public holidays. Especially for sports injuries or acute pain, this is particularly relevant for Aussies.
Does my Australian Shepherd remain insured even after an expensive treatment?
Yes. Dalma waives its right to cancel after a claim. Your Aussie remains insured even after a costly surgery or extended treatment.
Is early insurance particularly important for the Australian Shepherd?
Yes. Many genetic conditions are only diagnosed over the course of a dog's life. If your Aussie is insured early, later conditions are often considered acquired and can be covered. If you wait too long, they may be considered pre-existing conditions.
