Real case: Rex, 7 years old – Torn cruciate ligament on a Sunday morning
Rex is a seven-year-old Rottweiler who regularly participates in dog sports with his owner. One Sunday morning in March, Rex was playing in the garden, went to jump – and landed on three legs. His hind leg hung limply.
His owner immediately drove to the emergency clinic. X-rays and physical examination confirmed: torn left cruciate ligament. The veterinarian recommended a TPLO operation (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy), which was performed within the next two days.
Rex's cost statement:
Rex's owner had Dog Health Insurance with Dalma with 100% reimbursement. His out-of-pocket cost: 0 €. Without insurance, he would have had to pay the full 3,470 € – over a single weekend.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
Rottweiler health profile: Why this breed is so medically demanding
The most common conditions and their typical costs:
· Hip dysplasia (HD): Diagnosis 200–350 €, surgery 1,200–3,000 €.
· Elbow dysplasia (ED): Diagnosis 300–600 €, surgery 1,500–3,500 €.
· Knee conditions (torn cruciate ligament): Surgery 1,800–3,500 €.
· Osteosarcoma (bone tumor): Diagnosis 300–600 €, treatment 1,000–3,000 € depending on therapy type.
· Aortic stenosis / Subaortic stenosis (SAS): Cardiac ultrasound 250–500 €, medications 400–900 € per year. Note: If SAS is diagnosed as genetic or congenital, the condition is not covered.
· Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat): life-threatening emergency. Surgery 1,500–3,000 €.
· Allergies and skin problems: annually 200–800 €.
· Hypothyroidism: Diagnosis 80–150 €, treatment 200–400 € per year.
Note: Some conditions are not covered if they are congenital or genetic. Details can be found in the section "What is not covered for Rottweilers".
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
Surgical Insurance or Full Cover: Which plan suits a Rottweiler?
1. Surgical Insurance for Rottweilers
Surgical Insurance covers the costs of surgical procedures – for example, for orthopedic problems, tumors, or emergencies such as gastric dilatation-volvulus. Included with Dalma:
· Surgical procedures for illness or injury
· Diagnosis and pre-operative examinations up to 30 days before surgery
· Medications, bandages, and necessary aftercare
· Hospital stays up to 30 days after surgery
· Physical therapy and alternative treatments up to 30 days after surgery
· Dental procedures after waiting period
· Emergency boarding up to 250 € per year
2. Dog Health Insurance (Full Cover) for Rottweilers
Covers diagnosis, treatments, medications, and preventive care. 80–100% reimbursement, annual maximum from 1,500 € to unlimited. Includes:
· Diagnosis, imaging procedures, laboratory tests
· Medically necessary treatments and medications
· Unlimited physical therapy
· Alternative treatments such as osteopathy or acupuncture
· 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)
Assessment: Rottweilers benefit particularly from Full Cover due to their breed-specific joint and heart problems. Cardiac diagnosis, ongoing medication, physical therapy after surgery – these are outpatient costs that are only covered with Full Cover.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
What does Rottweiler Insurance cost with Dalma?
Due to the breed's size and typical conditions, premiums are usually somewhat higher.
· Dog Health Insurance: usually from 45 € per month
· Surgical Insurance: usually from 20 € per month
As of March 2026. With Dalma, you can flexibly adjust your plan. If you insure multiple dogs, you receive a 15% discount on the lower-cost plan.
From the 10th year of life, the reimbursement rate for conditions decreases by 5% annually. For accidents, it remains unchanged.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
Waiting periods for Rottweilers
· 2 days for accidents
· 14 days for surgery
· 30 days for medical treatments
· 12 months for breed-specific conditions such as HD or ED
· 12 months for dental treatments such as FORL, gingivitis, or periodontitis
· 18 months for patellar luxation
Pre-existing conditions that exist before the start of coverage are excluded. Early insurance – ideally from puppyhood – is especially important for Rottweilers.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
What is not covered for Rottweilers
Some conditions are not covered due to their genetic or congenital nature. Not covered include:
· Congenital or hereditary malformations
· Genetic subaortic stenosis (SAS)
· Congenital heart defects
· Epilepsy
· Treatments related to pregnancy and birth
· Cosmetic surgical procedures without medical indication
· Conditions due to lack of vaccination
Covered after waiting period:
· Non-congenital forms of HD and ED (after 12 months)
· Patellar luxation (after 18 months)
· Non-congenital dental diseases (after 12 months)
· Acquired heart conditions
· Tumor conditions such as osteosarcoma (unless congenital)
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
Reimbursement with Dalma
100% digital. Upload invoice via app, deadline 8 days. Reimbursement goal 48 hours (contractually up to 5 business days). Up to 4x the fee schedule including emergency service fees. Free choice of veterinarian worldwide. Telemedicine via FirstVet free and unlimited.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
Insuring Rottweilers: When it makes the most sense
Insure early: It makes the most sense to insure the Rottweiler from puppyhood. Many breed-specific conditions – especially joint or heart problems – are only diagnosed later in life. Retroactive or backdated insurance is not possible in Germany.
Rottweilers can be insured normally with Dalma: There are no breed-specific exclusions or denials. Premiums are often higher because treatments, surgeries, and medications for large, heavy dogs are significantly more expensive.
Less benefit: Wenn dein Rottweiler bereits Herzdiagnosen (SAS), Gelenkprobleme oder Tumorerkrankungen vor Vertragsbeginn hat.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
Frequently asked questions about Rottweiler Insurance
Are Rottweilers more difficult to insure due to their size and strength?
No. Rottweilers can be insured normally with Dalma. There are no breed-specific exclusions or denials. Premiums are often higher because treatments, surgeries, and medications for large, heavy dogs are significantly more expensive.
What role do heart conditions play in Rottweiler Insurance?
Rottweilers have an elevated risk for heart conditions such as aortic stenosis or subaortic stenosis (SAS). If such a condition is diagnosed as genetic or congenital, it is not covered. Acquired heart problems or other internal conditions, however, may be covered.
Does insurance cover bone cancer (osteosarcoma)?
Yes, tumor conditions such as osteosarcoma can be covered if they are not congenital and diagnosed only after coverage begins. Diagnosis, surgery, and associated treatments are covered.
Are severe emergencies such as gastric dilatation-volvulus covered for Rottweilers?
Yes. Gastric dilatation-volvulus is a life-threatening emergency and is covered by Dalma. Surgery, anesthesia, hospital stay, and aftercare costs are covered – particularly important protection for large, deep-chested dogs like Rottweilers.
Is Surgical Insurance sufficient for Rottweilers?
Surgical Insurance covers expensive procedures, such as for torn cruciate ligaments, tumors, or gastric dilatation-volvulus. However, because Rottweilers often incur ongoing costs from heart problems, joint conditions, or allergies, Full Cover is usually the better choice.
Does insurance cover physical therapy for large dogs?
Yes. With Dalma, physical therapy is unlimited in the Dog Health Insurance. This is especially important for Rottweilers after orthopedic surgery.
Are skin problems and allergies covered for Rottweilers?
Yes. Non-congenital skin conditions such as allergies, dermatitis, or hot spots are covered. These conditions often cause recurring costs.
Can I still insure my Rottweiler as an adult dog?
Yes. Coverage with Dalma is possible up to less than 9 years of age. Previously known conditions are considered pre-existing and are excluded.
Does the insurance cover injuries from playing or training?
Yes, injuries in normal everyday life – during playing, roughhousing, or private training – are covered by Dalma. For accidents, coverage takes effect after just 2 days waiting period. Excluded are treatment costs from participation in organized sports competitions, races, or hunts.
Does my Rottweiler remain covered even after a large claim?
Yes. Dalma explicitly waives the right to cancel after a claim.
Is early insurance especially important for Rottweilers?
Yes. Many breed-specific conditions – especially joint or heart problems – are only diagnosed later in life. Dogs insured early have the best protection.
Is insurance still worthwhile if my Rottweiler is kept quiet?
Yes. Joint problems, heart conditions, or tumor diseases develop not only from high activity, but also from body structure, age, and genetic predisposition. Even quietly kept Rottweilers benefit from comprehensive insurance.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
