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Irish Wolfhound standing tall in a misty field
giant Hound 9/10 — Very High Risk

Irish Wolfhound

Monthly $50–$100
Risk Score 9/10
Size giant
CourageousDignifiedCalmGentle
View Insurance Costs Compare Breeds

Irish Wolfhound at a Glance

Breed Characteristics

Lifespan

6–8 years

Weight

105–180 lbs

Height

30–35 inches

Exercise Needs

moderate

Grooming Needs

moderate

Trainability

moderate

Good with Kids

Yes

Good with Other Dogs

Yes

Apartment Friendly

No

Health Risks & Common Conditions

9 /10
Irish Wolfhound Health Risk Score

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)

Moderate

Heart disease is extremely common and is the leading cause of death in Irish Wolfhounds.

Avg. Treatment: $4,500

Osteosarcoma

High

Bone cancer is very common in this giant breed and is extremely aggressive.

Avg. Treatment: $8,000

Bloat (GDV)

High

Very deep-chested breed at extremely high risk for stomach torsion.

Avg. Treatment: $6,000

Liver Shunt

Moderate

Portosystemic shunt causing toxin buildup. Higher incidence in Irish Wolfhounds.

Avg. Treatment: $6,000

Pneumonia

Moderate

Irish Wolfhound puppies are unusually susceptible to pneumonia.

Avg. Treatment: $3,000

Recommended Genetic Tests

  • Cardiac Exam (Echocardiogram)
  • Hip Evaluation
  • Elbow Evaluation
  • Liver Shunt Screening

Insurance Costs for Irish Wolfhound

Monthly Cost

$50–$100

Avg. Annual Claim

$2,000

Claim Frequency

high

Suggested Deductible

$500

Coverage Highlights

Cardiac coverage absolutely essential Cancer coverage critical Emergency bloat surgery coverage One of the shortest-lived breeds

Insurance Provider Comparison

Compare coverage, costs, and ratings from top pet insurance providers

Best Overall
L

Lemonade

4.5

Monthly Premium

$20 - $80

Deductible $100, $250, $500
Reimbursement 70%, 80%, 90%
Hereditary Coverage Covered
  • Fast claims processing via app
  • Customizable coverage plans
  • Affordable base premiums
  • Preventive care add-on available
  • No exam fee coverage on base plan
  • Limited availability in some states
  • Newer company with less track record
Get a Free Quote from Lemonade
Highest Rated
H

Healthy Paws

4.7

Monthly Premium

$25 - $90

Deductible $100, $250, $500, $750
Reimbursement 70%, 80%, 90%
Hereditary Coverage Covered
  • Unlimited annual and lifetime benefits
  • No caps on claim payouts
  • Fast claim processing (2-3 days average)
  • Covers hereditary and congenital conditions
  • No routine or preventive care coverage
  • No dental coverage
  • Longer waiting period for accidents than competitors
Get a Free Quote from Healthy Paws
Best for Comprehensive Coverage
E

Embrace

4.6

Monthly Premium

$25 - $85

Deductible $200, $300, $500, $750, $1000
Reimbursement 70%, 80%, 90%
Hereditary Coverage Covered
  • Diminishing deductible (decreases $50/year with no claims)
  • Covers exam fees
  • Dental illness coverage included
  • Wellness Rewards add-on for routine care
  • Annual limits (no unlimited option)
  • Premiums can increase with age
  • Orthopedic conditions have 6-month waiting period
Get a Free Quote from Embrace
Best for Exotic Pets
N

Nationwide

4.2

Monthly Premium

$30 - $100

Deductible $250, $500, $750
Reimbursement 50%, 70%, 90%
Hereditary Coverage Covered
  • Whole Pet plan covers wellness and illness
  • Only major insurer covering exotic pets
  • Employer-sponsored plans available
  • Long-established company since 1982
  • Higher premiums than competitors
  • Slower claims processing
  • Benefit schedule plans pay less than expected
  • 14-day waiting period for accidents
Get a Free Quote from Nationwide
Best for Large Breeds
T

Trupanion

4.5

Monthly Premium

$30 - $120

Deductible $0, $100, $200, $500, $1000
Reimbursement 90%
Hereditary Coverage Covered
  • 90% reimbursement on all plans
  • No payout limits per incident or lifetime
  • Direct vet payment option at many clinics
  • Covers hereditary and congenital conditions from day one
  • Only 90% reimbursement option (no 70% or 80%)
  • No wellness or routine care coverage
  • 30-day waiting period for illnesses
  • Higher premiums overall
Get a Free Quote from Trupanion
Best Value
P

Pets Best

4.4

Monthly Premium

$18 - $75

Deductible $50, $100, $200, $250, $500
Reimbursement 70%, 80%, 90%
Hereditary Coverage Covered
  • Very affordable base premiums
  • Low deductible options starting at $50
  • Fast claims processing (5 days average)
  • BestWellness plan for routine care add-on
  • No dental coverage
  • Customer service can be slow
  • Lower annual limits on budget plans
  • Premium increases with age can be significant
Get a Free Quote from Pets Best

Protect Your Irish Wolfhound Today

With one of the highest health risk profiles among dog breeds, having the right insurance plan can save you thousands in unexpected vet bills.

Without Insurance

$4,200 /year estimated
  • Full cost of emergencies out of pocket
  • Difficult financial decisions during crises
  • Unpredictable veterinary expenses
Recommended

With Insurance

$1,200 /year estimated
  • Up to 90% of vet bills covered
  • Peace of mind for emergencies
  • Predictable monthly expenses
Get Your Free Quote

Plans from as low as $50/month

Compare quotes from top providers: Lemonade Healthy Paws Embrace Trupanion Pets Best View All →
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Frequently Asked Questions About Irish Wolfhound Insurance

Pet insurance for an Irish Wolfhound typically costs $50-$100 per month. Their extremely high health risk score (9/10) and short lifespan make them one of the most expensive breeds to insure.
Irish Wolfhounds average just 6-8 years due to very high rates of heart disease (DCM), bone cancer (osteosarcoma), and bloat. Heart disease is the leading cause of death.
Yes, comprehensive insurance is strongly recommended. The likelihood of needing expensive cardiac treatment, cancer therapy, or emergency bloat surgery is very high for this breed.