Disc herniation in dachshunds: What's covered and what's not
No dachshund insurance page gets around the topic of disc herniation. And this is exactly where it's worth taking a closer look – because the answer is more nuanced than most pages suggest.
A disc herniation (IVDD – Intervertebral Disc Disease) occurs when disc material presses on the spinal cord. In dachshunds, this happens much more frequently than in other breeds because the long back and short legs mechanically stress the spine. Surgery including MRT and aftercare can cost €3,000 to €6,000.
The crucial distinction:
· IVDD Type I (genetically caused): Here, the disc core degenerates already in young years and can suddenly herniate. This form is considered genetic/congenital and is excluded by Dalma and most other insurers.
· IVDD Type II (degenerative/acquired): Here, the disc deteriorates over the years due to aging. This form can be covered after the 12-month waiting period expires, provided it was not already diagnosed before contract start.
For you, this means: If you insure your dachshund early, acquired back problems are covered after the waiting period. Only the genetically caused form, which often occurs in young dogs, is excluded. The veterinary diagnosis determines in each case which type is present.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
Health profile dachshund: More than just the back
Beyond disc herniation, the dachshund has a diverse health profile. The most common conditions and their typical costs:
· Disc herniation (IVDD): MRT + Surgery €3,000–€6,000, aftercare and physiotherapy additionally. Note: Congenital spinal malformations (e.g. Hemivertebrae) and genetic causes may not be insurable.
· Knee problems (e.g. Patellar luxation): Diagnostics + Surgery usually €1,200–€2,000.
· Heart problems (Mitral valve insufficiency): Annual costs €400–€900 for diagnostics and medications.
· Dental problems (Tartar, loose teeth): Dental cleaning €200–€400, dental surgery €500–€1,200.
· Skin conditions (Allergies, Hot Spots): €200–€800 annually.
· Hypothyroidism: Diagnostics €80–€150, therapy €200–€400 per year.
· Eye conditions (e.g. Cataract): Examinations €150–€450, surgery up to €2,000.
· Injuries from hunting instinct or exuberance: Wound care €100–€500, fractures €1,500–€3,000.
Over a dog's lifetime (12–15 years), veterinary costs can range from €8,000 to €16,000 – especially if back or heart problems occur.
Our claims data show how the disease profile shifts by life stage:
Puppies (0–1 year): Gastrointestinal conditions dominate at 27.6%. The most expensive cases are injuries and accidents (average €262) – often due to the combination of juvenile exuberance and special anatomy.
Adults (2–7 years): Musculoskeletal takes the top position at 33.1%. The most expensive single category: Dental treatments averaging €363.
Seniors (8+ years): Gastrointestinal and dental problems draw close together. Dental treatments become by far the largest financial burden at an average of €749 per case – usually through extensive dental rehabilitation.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
What Dalma actually reimburses for dachshunds: Data from 431 claims
The following values come from Dalma's claims database and show the actual reimbursement amounts for dachshunds:
Evaluation based on 431 dachshund claims at Dalma (January 2024 – December 2025). Source: Dalma Claims Database, March 2026.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
Which plan is right for dachshunds: Surgical Cover or Comprehensive Cover?
You can choose between Surgical Insurance and comprehensive Dog Health Insurance with full coverage.
1. Surgical Insurance for Dachshunds
Surgical Insurance covers costs when your dog needs surgery – for example, for disc herniation, cruciate ligament tear, or after an accident. Dalma includes the following benefits, among others:
· Surgical procedures for illness or accident
· Diagnostics and pre-operative examinations up to 30 days before surgery
· Hospital stays up to 30 days after surgery
· Medications, bandages and medically necessary aftercare
· Alternative treatments such as physiotherapy up to 30 days after surgery
· Dental operations after waiting period
· Emergency accommodation up to €250 per year
2. Dog Health Insurance (Full Coverage) for Dachshunds
Full coverage insurance covers not only operations but also diagnostics, Medical treatments, medications and important preventive services. You can choose between 80 and 100 percent cost coverage and set the annual maximum benefit flexibly – from €1,500 to unlimited. Included are, among others:
· Diagnostics, examinations and medical treatments
· Prescribed medications and pharmaceuticals
· Unlimited physiotherapy
· Alternative healing methods such as homeopathy or acupuncture
· Behavioral therapy up to 5 hours per insurance year
· Telehealth via FirstVet
· Preventive Care Budget for vaccinations, dental care and deworming (from €1,500 annual maximum benefit)
Assessment for Dachshunds:Full coverage is particularly worthwhile for dachshunds because the most common cost causes – gastrointestinal treatments, dental problems, skin conditions – are treated ambulatorily rather than surgically.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
What does dachshund insurance cost at Dalma?
Costs depend on age, health status and scope of coverage. Dog Health Insurance for dachshunds at Dalma typically starts from €25 per month on average. Pure Surgical Insurance is cheaper and usually starts from €9 monthly.
As of March 2026. Premiums vary depending on age and configuration.
With Dalma, you can design your plan flexibly – from reimbursement level to annual benefit limit. If you insure multiple dogs, you get a 15 percent discount on the lower premium.
Good to know: From age 10 onwards, the reimbursement rate for conditions decreases by 5% annually. Dachshunds often live 12 to 15 years – age-based adjustments keep the contract affordable over this long period. For accidents, the rate remains unchanged.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
Waiting periods for dachshunds: Why early insurance is doubly worthwhile
As with all pet insurance, certain waiting periods apply before full coverage takes effect:
· 2 days for accidents
· 14 days for operations
· 30 days for Medical treatments
· 12 months for breed-specific conditions (e.g. disc herniations, patellar luxation)
· 12 Monate bei Dental treatments such as FORL, gingivitis or periodontitis
· 18 months for patellar luxation (surgical treatment)
Pre-existing conditions that existed before contract start are excluded. That's why early insurance is worthwhile – ideally starting from puppy age. With an average life expectancy of 12 to 15 years, a dachshund insured as a puppy will have all waiting periods well behind them when costly conditions typically occur.
Preventive Care services are available from day 1.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
Exclusions for dachshunds: What you need to know
Dalma offers comprehensive protection but excludes some conditions that existed before contract start or are genetically caused. Not covered are, among others:
· Congenital or hereditary malformations, for example Hemivertebrae or congenital disc abnormalities
· Genetically caused forms of disc herniation (IVDD Type I)
· Congenital heart defects
· Epilepsy
· Treatments related to pregnancy and birth
· Cosmetic surgery without medical indication
· Conditions preventable by vaccination coverage
Covered with waiting period, on the other hand, are:
· Patellar luxation (after 18 months)
· Dental diseases such as FORL, gingivitis and periodontitis (after 12 months)
· Non-congenital back problems (e.g. degenerative disc herniation Type II)
· Non-congenital eye problems (after 12 months)
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
Submit invoices: How reimbursement works at Dalma
Dalma is 100% digital. After your vet visit, upload the invoice via the Dalma app: Take a photo, confirm diagnosis, submit. The deadline is 8 days after receiving the invoice. You typically advance costs and receive reimbursement usually within 48 hours.
Reimbursement is up to 4x the GOT-multiplier, including emergency service fees at night, on weekends or holidays. For dachshunds, this is particularly relevant in case of acute back problems or accidents. Free choice of veterinarian worldwide. Telehealth via FirstVet is free and unlimited in every plan.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
Insuring your dachshund: When is it most worthwhile?
Insurance is most worthwhile if you insure your dachshund early – ideally from two to three months of age. Then acquired back problems (Type II), patellar luxation, dental diseases and eye problems are covered after the waiting periods expire. The earlier you activate protection, the more comprehensive the coverage when health problems occur later.
Less helpful insurance can be if your dachshund is already older and back problems, heart diseases or dental diagnoses were known before contract start. Also note: Retroactive insurance is not possible in Germany.
A transparent bill: A dachshund with patellar luxation surgery (average €1,200–€2,000), three gastrointestinal treatments (average €232 each) and dental rehabilitation in old age (average €749) comes to around €3,500 in covered costs – clearly exceeding cumulative premiums within just a few years.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
Frequently asked questions about dachshund insurance
Is dog insurance for dachshunds really worth it, or can I just save money instead?
Many owners underestimate the costs of breed-specific conditions in dachshunds. A disc herniation including MRT, surgery and aftercare can quickly cost €4,000 to €6,000. Savings need to be built up consistently over years for that. Dog Health Insurance provides immediate protection and predictable monthly costs.
Can I insure my dachshund if it's already older?
Yes, enrollment is possible at Dalma up to an age of under 9 years. What's important: Conditions that already exist or were recommended by a veterinarian are considered pre-existing conditions and are excluded. New illnesses or accidents after contract start, however, are covered.
Does dog insurance pay for emergencies at night or on weekends?
Yes. Dalma reimburses veterinary costs up to 4x the GOT-multiplier, including emergency service fees at night, on weekends or holidays. For dachshunds, this is particularly relevant in case of acute back problems or accidents.
Do I have to advance costs for a dachshund surgery?
Typically yes. You submit the invoice digitally via the Dalma App and usually receive reimbursement within 48 hours. This keeps you financially flexible and gives you planning certainty quickly.
Does dog insurance also cover recurring back problems in dachshunds?
Yes, non-congenital back problems like degenerative disc disease can be covered after the waiting period expires. What's important is that the condition was not already known before contract start and is not classified as genetically caused.
Can I adjust the insurance as my dachshund ages?
Ja. Bei Dalma kannst du Tarife flexibel gestalten und zum Beispiel von einer Surgical Insurance in eine Hundekrankenversicherung wechseln. So passt sich der Schutz an die Lebensphase deines Dackels an.
Does dog insurance also pay if my dachshund is treated abroad?
Yes. Dalma offers international coverage so your dachshund can receive veterinary care even while traveling. Costs are covered within the scope of your chosen reimbursement and annual maximum benefit.
What happens if I use the insurance – can Dalma cancel?
No. Dalma explicitly waives the right to cancel after a claim. Your dachshund remains insured even after expensive treatment.
Is dog insurance for dachshunds worthwhile even in apartment living?
Yes. Most breed-specific conditions in dachshunds – particularly back and joint problems – occur independent of living arrangements. Apartment dogs are also affected, for example through stairs, jumping, or age-related wear.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
Frequently asked questions about dachshund insurance
Is dog insurance for dachshunds really worth it, or can I just save money instead?
Many owners underestimate the costs of breed-specific conditions in dachshunds. A disc herniation including MRT, surgery and aftercare can quickly cost €4,000 to €6,000. Savings need to be built up consistently over years for that. Dog Health Insurance provides immediate protection and predictable monthly costs.
Can I insure my dachshund if it's already older?
Yes, enrollment is possible at Dalma up to an age of under 9 years. What's important: Conditions that already exist or were recommended by a veterinarian are considered pre-existing conditions and are excluded. New illnesses or accidents after contract start, however, are covered.
Does dog insurance pay for emergencies at night or on weekends?
Yes. Dalma reimburses veterinary costs up to 4x the GOT-multiplier, including emergency service fees at night, on weekends or holidays. For dachshunds, this is particularly relevant in case of acute back problems or accidents.
Do I have to advance costs for a dachshund surgery?
Typically yes. You submit the invoice digitally via the Dalma App and usually receive reimbursement within 48 hours. This keeps you financially flexible and gives you planning certainty quickly.
Does dog insurance also cover recurring back problems in dachshunds?
Yes, non-congenital back problems like degenerative disc disease can be covered after the waiting period expires. What's important is that the condition was not already known before contract start and is not classified as genetically caused.
Can I adjust the insurance as my dachshund ages?
Ja. Bei Dalma kannst du Tarife flexibel gestalten und zum Beispiel von einer Surgical Insurance in eine Hundekrankenversicherung wechseln. So passt sich der Schutz an die Lebensphase deines Dackels an.
Does dog insurance also pay if my dachshund is treated abroad?
Yes. Dalma offers international coverage so your dachshund can receive veterinary care even while traveling. Costs are covered within the scope of your chosen reimbursement and annual maximum benefit.
What happens if I use the insurance – can Dalma cancel?
No. Dalma explicitly waives the right to cancel after a claim. Your dachshund remains insured even after expensive treatment.
Is dog insurance for dachshunds worthwhile even in apartment living?
Yes. Most breed-specific conditions in dachshunds – particularly back and joint problems – occur independent of living arrangements. Apartment dogs are also affected, for example through stairs, jumping, or age-related wear.
