In this post, you’ll learn the ins and outs of pet insurance in Germany.
So, if you’re asking yourself…
- What is pet insurance?
- How does it work?
- Should you get pet insurance?
- What does pet insurance even cover?
Then you’re in the right place.
Let’s dive right in.
What is pet health insurance?
Pet insurance in Germany (“Tierkrankenversicherung” or “Haustierversicherung) is like health insurance, but for pets. It’s most common for dogs and cats, but some companies offer plans for other animals (birds, reptiles, horses, etc.)
It helps cover the cost of vet bills when your pet gets sick or injured. You just pay the vet upfront, and then the insurance company reimburses you for eligible expenses like check-up, treatment, or surgery.
Pet insurance is different from pet liability insurance. Pet liability insurance covers damages your pet might cause to other people, their property, or their finances. For example, if your dog bites someone or breaks something valuable, pet liability insurance can help cover those costs.
Why get pet insurance in Germany?
There’s many reasons why you should get pet insurance. Here are the most common ones for our customers:
- Protection from unexpected costs: Vet bills can be expensive (In Berlin, a simple checkup for a cat will cost you over €90).
- Better care: It allows you to choose based on what’s best for your pet, not just on what you can afford.
- Prevents difficult decisions: Sometimes, owners have to choose to put a pet to sleep because they can’t afford treatment. Insurance can prevent these heartbreaking situations by covering major medical expenses.
- Immediate care: With insurance, you don’t have to hesitate or delay seeking veterinary care.
- Improves pet health: When financial worries are removed, pets often receive better and more frequent care, leading to longer, healthier lives.
How does pet insurance work?
Pet insurance in Germany is not mandatory, but it can be very helpful for managing pet health costs.
Here’s how it works:
- Visit a vet: With Feather, you can take your pet to any licensed vet or animal hospital for treatment. However, some companies might restrict you to a network (ie, a selection) of vets.
- Pay upfront: After the treatment, you pay the vet bill upfront.
- Submit a claim: Send a claim to your insurance company using mail, an app, or an online form.
- Get reimbursed: After meeting your deductible, the insurance company reimburses you.
The amount varies according to your plan, but typically ranges from 70% to 100% of the covered expenses. This usually happens within 5 to 10 days after submitting the claim.
As you compare pet insurance plans, it’s important to understand these terms to make sure you get the best plan for your needs:
- Deductibles: This is the amount you pay before insurance starts reimbursing you. It can be an annual amount or per incident. Higher deductibles usually mean lower monthly premiums.
- Reimbursement rates: Most plans cover 70% to 90% of the bill after you meet the deductible. Higher reimbursement rates often come with higher premiums.
- Annual limits: This is the maximum amount the insurance will pay each year. It can range from €2,500 to unlimited, depending on your plan.
- Waiting periods: Insurance doesn’t start covering costs right away. There is typically a waiting period of 10 to 30 days after you buy the policy. During this time, coverage is inactive.
- Injuries might be covered after a few days.
- Illnesses and conditions like orthopedic problems might have longer waiting periods, sometimes up to a year.
- Conditions that develop during the waiting period are considered pre-existing and won’t be covered.
What types of pet insurance are available in Germany?
In Germany, pet insurance comes in different types, depending on what kind of coverage you want for your pet. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:
| Type of Plan | What it (usually) covers | What it (usually) doesn’t cover | Ideal for |
| Accident-Only Plan | Accidental injuries (e.g., broken bones, swallowing objects) | Illnesses (e.g., infections, cancer), Routine care (e.g., check-ups, vaccinations) | Pet owners looking for basic, low-cost coverage for unexpected accidents. |
| Accident and Illness Plan | Accidents, Illnesses (e.g., infections, cancer, allergies) | Routine wellness care (e.g., immunizations, flea treatments) | Pet owners wanting comprehensive coverage for a variety of health issues. |
| Routine Wellness Plan | Preventative care (e.g., vaccinations, flea treatments, spaying/neutering) | Accidents, Major illnesses (e.g., cancer, infections) | Pet owners focused on regular, preventative healthcare. |
What does German pet insurance cover?
What’s covered by pet insurance will vary depending on the company you choose as well as the type of plan. However, this table should give you a general idea of what to expect.
| What’s covered? | What’s not covered? | |
| Veterinary treatments | Consultations, surgeries, medications, diagnostic tests (e.g., blood work, X-rays). | Cosmetic procedures (unless medically necessary). |
| Emergency care | After-hours visits, emergency surgeries. | Injuries or illnesses resulting from racing, fighting, cruelty, or neglect. |
| Hospital stays & rehabilitation | Hospitalization, rehabilitation therapies (e.g., physiotherapy, hydrotherapy). | Experimental treatments. |
| Prescription diets & supplements | Special diets or supplements prescribed by the vet. | Everyday pet food, toys, grooming, and vitamins. |
| Pre-existing conditions | Generally not covered, but some may be covered if symptom-free for 6-12 months. | Conditions that existed before the insurance policy. |
| Alternative therapies | May include options like acupuncture, physiotherapy (if chosen as an add-on). | Not included in most standard plans. |
| Additional benefits | Emergency care during travel, lost pet rewards, pet care during owner’s hospitalization. | Pet liability (e.g., dog bites) |
| Routine care exclusions | Some plans offer wellness care for routine exams, vaccines, and heartworm prevention | Routine care such as flea, tick, and worm treatments not covered under standard plans |
| Age & breed limitations | Varies by plan; important for breeds prone to health issues. | Older pets (typically over seven years) may be refused coverage. |
| Policy-specific exclusions | Each provider has its own set of exclusions. Important to review the specific policy. | Breeding and pregnancy-related costs are typically not covered |
How much does pet insurance cost in Germany?
The monthly cost of pet insurance in Germany typically ranges from €15 to €80. The exact amount you’ll pay depends on a few factors though:
- ZIP code: Costs vary by location because veterinary expenses differ in different areas.
- Pet type and breed: Cats usually cost less to insure than dogs. Plus, some breeds, like French Bulldogs, can be more expensive to insure because they’re prone to health issues.
- Age: Older pets often have higher premiums since they have a higher risk of illness.
- Size: Larger pets can cost more to insure due to their greater healthcare needs.
- Deductible: A higher deductible means a lower monthly premium, but you’ll have to pay more out-of-pocket when you make a claim.
- Reimbursement rate: Choosing a lower reimbursement rate (the percentage of vet bills the insurance covers) can lower your premium.
- Coverage type: Accident-only plans are cheaper but don’t cover illnesses. Comprehensive plans cost more but offer better coverage.
- Annual limit: Plans with lower annual limits on how much they’ll pay out typically have lower premiums.
- Add-ons: Extra coverage options, like wellness plans, will increase your monthly cost.
- Provider: Different insurance companies have different prices, so it’s wise to compare options.
Many insurance providers let you adjust aspects of your coverage, including the annual limit, deductible, and reimbursement percentage.
Setting lower limits, choosing a higher deductible, or opting for a lower reimbursement rate can reduce your monthly premium, but this will also limit the benefits you receive if your pet needs medical care.
What is the difference between pet insurance, surgery insurance, and pet liability insurance?
| Coverage | Focus | Cost | Legal Requirements | |
| Pet Insurance | Veterinary care (accidents, illnesses, surgeries, medications, diagnostics) | Comprehensive healthcare | Typically higher due to broad coverage | Not mandatory |
| Surgery Insurance | Surgical procedures and related expenses | Limited to surgeries | Typically cheaper due to focused coverage | Not mandatory |
| Pet Liability Insurance | Damages/injuries caused by the pet to others or property | Financial protection from liabilities | Varies based on coverage and risk | May be mandatory in some Federal States, especially for dogs |
Is pet insurance worth it in Germany?
The short answer? Yes, pet insurance is worth it in Germany. Here’s why…
Let’s start by comparing vet care costs with the monthly insurance premiums.
For example, a major pet hospitalization in Germany might cost around €3,000. In contrast, pet insurance could cost about €30 per month, or €360 per year. At this rate, it would take more than eight years of premiums to cover that €3,000 claim.
Plus, some breeds have a higher risk of health issues. For example, certain dogs are prone to conditions like hip dysplasia, requiring frequent vet visits. In these cases, insurance can help cover the expected, often higher, medical costs.
Overall, Vincent, pet insurance expert at Feather, sums it up best…
But don’t take our word for it…
Talk to your vet about common health issues for your pet’s breed and the costs of treatments for accidents or illnesses. Use this information to compare against insurance quotes.
Alternative to Pet Insurance
Another way to prepare for future medical expenses for your pets is to create a dedicated savings fund.
This involves setting aside a fixed amount of money each month and investing it, similar to how you would for a private pension or through investment options like Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). By investing regularly, your money has the potential to grow over time, thanks to compounding and market gains.
However, this strategy is only effective if you start when your pet is young and healthy since building up a substantial fund requires time.
The goal is to accumulate enough savings to cover both routine vet visits and unexpected medical procedures, rather than relying on it just for a single, large expense. This approach can be more cost-effective than traditional pet insurance in the long run, provided you have enough time to grow your investments and are willing to limit visits to the vet in the first 7 to 10 years of your pet’s life.
How to choose pet insurance in Germany
Choosing the right pet insurance is an important decision. Here’s a simple guide to help you through the process.
- Determine your coverage needs
Start by thinking about what kind of coverage your pet might need.
Does your pet have any health conditions, or is it prone to certain illnesses? Choose a plan that fits these specific needs.
For example, a young pet might need basic coverage, while an older pet might benefit from a more comprehensive plan. - Get multiple quotes
Don’t settle for the first insurance policy you find. Get quotes from different insurance companies to compare prices and coverage. - Review restrictions and exclusions
Before buying a policy, read the fine print carefully. Look for sample policies on the insurer’s website to understand what’s included and what’s not.
For instance, some policies may not cover regular vet exams or certain pre-existing conditions. Understanding these details will help you avoid surprises later. - Balance cost and coverage
Compare the monthly premium with the benefits provided. Make sure the policy offers enough protection to meet your pet’s needs without being too expensive. - Research insurance companies
Choose a reliable insurance company by checking reviews on websites like Trustpilot to see other customers’ experiences.
Also, pick a provider with a good reputation in Germany that offers customer service in English (like Feather) if you’re not fluent in German.
By taking these steps, you’ll be better prepared to choose pet insurance that suits both your pet’s health needs and your budget.
Conclusion
Now we’d like to hear from you…
Is pet insurance for you? Let us know in the comments, or sign up today.
Or maybe we didn’t answer one of your questions about Feather’s pet insurance policy?
We’d be happy to help… Just ask our insurance experts using the form below.
