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Pet Insurance in Germany
- Pet health insurance helps keep the cost of routine check-ups, vaccinations, and veterinary treatments manageable.
- Policies are available as full coverage or surgery-only tariffs. Full coverage is more expensive but includes broader benefits.
- Dog owners should also consider taking out dog liability insurance, as personal liability insurance typically does not cover damage caused by dogs. In several German federal states, dog liability is mandatory — in some cases for all dogs, regardless of breed.
- For expats in Germany, digital providers such as Feather and Getsafe are particularly recommended, as they offer English-language support and simple online management.
Pet Health Insurance in Germany
Veterinarians in Germany charge their services according to the official fee schedule for veterinarians (GOT), which defines 4 billing rates. The simple rate applies to basic treatments and routine check-ups, while higher rates are charged for complex diagnostics, advanced therapies, or emergency care.
For pet owners, veterinary costs can add up quickly and often reach 3- or even 4-digit sums in the case of serious illnesses, accidents, or surgery. Pet health insurance helps offset these expenses, ensuring that dogs and cats can receive the necessary treatment without incurring unexpected financial pressure.
From my perspective as a financial journalist with long-standing experience in expat finance, this type of coverage is particularly useful for newcomers to Germany who may not yet be familiar with local veterinary costs. Having insurance in place provides both financial protection and peace of mind.
Pet Health Insurance — Protection against High Veterinary Costs
Pet health insurance works much like private health insurance for people. If your dog or cat requires treatment, the veterinarian issues an invoice, and the insurance company reimburses the covered costs. This helps ensure your pet can receive necessary medical care without leaving you with unexpected bills.
There are 2 main types of pet health insurance:
Surgery-Only Plans
These policies cover medically necessary operations. Good policies should also include diagnostic costs (such as X-rays or ultrasound) and post-operative care. Hospital stays in a veterinary clinic should likewise be covered.
The monthly premiums for surgery-only plans typically range from €6 to €15 for cats and from €15 to €25 for dogs, depending on the breed, age, and insurer.
Full Coverage Plans
Full coverage is more expensive but includes a wider range of benefits. In addition to operations, these tariffs cover non-surgical treatments, consultations, and often preventive care. Depending on the insurer, this may include emergency treatment, hospital stays, dental procedures, physiotherapy, or vaccinations.
However, even full coverage does not necessarily reimburse every veterinary expense in full, which makes a close review of the benefits essential.
Pet Health Insurance Cost
The breed, size, weight, age, and current health of the animal influence premiums. Older pets or those with pre-existing conditions are usually more expensive to insure, and in some cases may not be accepted at all. For this reason, it is advisable to purchase insurance while the animal is still young and healthy.
Policies can differ significantly in scope and conditions. Comparing several offers helps identify the right balance between benefits and cost.
Dog Liability Insurance in Germany
If you own a dog, you should also consider taking out dog liability insurance. This type of coverage protects against the financial consequences of personal injury, property damage, or financial loss caused to third parties by your dog.
Unlike small pets, such as cats, birds, or rabbits, which are usually included in personal liability insurance, dogs are explicitly excluded from private liability policies. Therefore, a separate policy is essential, as dog owners are personally liable for damages with their entire assets, and costs can be extremely high, especially in cases involving personal injuries.
Dog Liability — Compulsory in Some Federal States
Whether dog liability is compulsory depends on the federal state in which you live. In Hamburg, Berlin, Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia, all dogs must be insured regardless of breed. In most other states, insurance is only compulsory for dogs officially classified as dangerous, and in some regions, it is also mandatory for large breeds. Currently, there is no compulsory insurance for dogs in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
German federal states maintain lists of so-called “dangerous” or “listed” breeds. While the exact definitions vary by state, the nationwide core list typically includes the following breeds: American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and Bull Terrier. Depending on the state, additional breeds such as Rottweilers, Mastiffs, or Tosas may also be included. For these dogs, owners often face stricter requirements, such as mandatory liability insurance, leash and muzzle rules, or a special permit.
Liability Insurance for Dogs — Highly Recommended
Even if there is no legal obligation, liability insurance for dogs is strongly recommended. As a dog owner, you are liable for all your assets for any damage your pet causes. Especially in the case of personal injuries, costs can easily reach 6- or even 7-digit amounts. Beyond covering medical treatment, the policy may also need to reimburse loss of income or provide long-term disability benefits.
Liability insurance not only pays valid claims but also includes passive legal protection. This means the insurer covers legal costs and defends against unjustified claims made by third parties.
Sums Insured and Scope of Benefits
A solid dog liability policy should cover at least € 5 million, ideally more. Better policies offer significantly higher coverage amounts — up to €20 million or even €50 million.
The benefits offered by different insurers vary significantly, so it is essential to compare them carefully. Good policies include coverage for rental property damage, financial loss, damage caused abroad, and “puppy protection” for young dogs living in the same household.
Premium Amount for Dog Liability
The premium for dog liability depends on the breed, age, and size of the dog. Policies for larger or listed breeds are typically more expensive. Some insurers also offer multi-dog policies, which can help reduce costs. The level of coverage, additional benefits, and any chosen deductible will also influence the price.
From my expert perspective, liability insurance is one of the most important policies a dog owner in Germany can hold. It protects not only against unexpected veterinary or property damage costs but also against legal risks that can quickly escalate without proper coverage.
Based on my experience evaluating financial products for expats, I recommend focusing on pet health and liability policies that are transparent, easy to manage digitally, and available in English — this makes a significant difference for newcomers to Germany who may not yet be familiar with the local financial system.
The Best Pet Insurance in Germany
Numerous insurance companies offer pet insurance in Germany, but digital insurers such as Feather and Getsafe have gained particular popularity among expatriates. Both focus strongly on simple digital management, transparent conditions, and customer support available in English and German. Policies can be purchased online, and claims are conveniently managed through the app or website.
Pet Insurance From Feather
Feather’s pet health insurance is available for cats and dogs aged 8 weeks to 8 years at the beginning of the contract, with coverage valid worldwide. Customers can choose between 2 tariffs: Surgery (for medically necessary operations, excluding preventive neutering), and Plus, which also covers regular vet visits, medication, preventive sterilizations, dental treatment, and physiotherapy.
While operations are reimbursed without limits, other vet services are subject to annual caps. The general waiting period is 1 month, but it can be extended to 6 to 18 months for certain illnesses and procedures.
When taking out Feather pet insurance, policyholders can choose between full reimbursement or a 20% deductible. For a 1-year-old cat, monthly premiums start at €14.25 (Surgery) or €41.18 (Standard). For a medium-sized 1-year-old dog, premiums are €19.31 or €55.06.
Feather also offers dog liability insurance with €20 million coverage and worldwide validity. Premiums start at €5.58 with a deductible or €6.90 without one. However, owners of dangerous breeds cannot insure their dogs with Feather.
Feather offers the best coverage guarantee for its dog liability. This insurance also provides worldwide coverage. The monthly premium is €6.90 (with no excess) or €5.58 (with an excess of €150). Dangerous dog breeds are not eligible for insurance.
The insurance company also provides a best-coverage guarantee for its dog liability insurance: if another insurer settles a claim, Feather automatically matches the same coverage.
The standard waiting time is 1 month; however, for certain diseases, special waiting times may apply, ranging from 6 to 18 months.
Pet Insurance from Getsafe
Getsafe provides pet health insurance for cats and dogs with 3 tariffs:
- Surgery Comfort: Covers surgery-related treatments, including diagnostic procedures such as X-rays, as well as medication. Annual limits apply of €5,000 for dogs and €3,000 for cats. Basic dental procedures, such as extractions or root treatments, are also included.
- Full Cover Comfort: Extends coverage to non-surgical treatments, preventive allowances, and prosthesis support, while keeping the same annual limits of €5,000 (dogs) and €3,000 (cats).
- Full cover Premium: Removes annual limits entirely and adds extras such as comprehensive dental protection, alternative therapies, and higher preventive care allowances.
Insurance is available for cats starting from approximately €6 per month, while entrance premiums for dogs are slightly higher, depending on their characteristics.
All tariffs include worldwide coverage for up to 12 months, and Premium additionally covers alternative treatments. Waiting times are 1 month, except for accidents and telemedicine, which are covered immediately. Pets can be insured up to the age of 8.
Premiums start at €2.40 per month, and all breeds are eligible. The Comfort tariff covers €20 million, while the Premium tariff insures up to €50 million. For medium-sized mixed breeds, the average monthly cost is €5–6, while listed breeds, such as American Pitbulls, cost around €10–12.
Within the EU, coverage is unlimited; worldwide, it applies for up to 5 years.
Based on my 16+ years of experience as a financial journalist specializing in expat needs in Germany, both Feather and Getsafe stand out for their digital and transparent approach. Feather is often the better choice for those who want straightforward policies and value the best-coverage guarantee in dog liability. Getsafe, on the other hand, appeals to pet owners who prefer flexible tariffs and very high liability coverage amounts of up to €50 million. From my perspective, both insurers make navigating the German insurance market easier for newcomers by providing clear policy wording and English-language support.
Conclusion
Health insurance for cats and dogs and dog liability insurance ensure that your pet is well cared for and that you are financially protected against veterinary bills or third-party claims. For expats in Germany, Feather and Getsafe are among the top options: both offer comprehensive protection with easy digital management and clear, English-language policies, making them particularly suitable for newcomers.
Frequently Asked Questions — FAQ
Most insurers offer health insurance for cats and dogs. Some providers also include policies for horses and, in certain cases, livestock.
No. There are no legal requirements to insure your pet. However, insurance is strongly recommended as it protects you against potentially high veterinary costs.
This depends on the federal state. In some states, liability insurance is required for all dogs, while in others, it applies only to certain breeds deemed dangerous or large. Currently, there is no requirement in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. When traveling within Germany, you must adhere to the regulations of the state you are visiting.