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Dog Health Insurance in Germany
Written by
Janine El-Saghir
Janine El Saghir is an editor at How-to-Germany.com, where she specializes in the practical aspects of daily life and integration for expatriates. With years of...
Reviewed by
Erkan Boga
Erkan Boga is the founder and CEO of qmedia GmbH, the publishing house behind How-to-Germany.com. He established the platform with the clear vision of creating...
Edited by
Sadie Voss
Content Lead & Editor
Sadie Voss is the Lead Editor for How-to-Germany.com. As an expat who carved her own way into Berlin from the United States, Sadie is deeply...
- Purpose: Covers veterinary costs for dogs, including surgery, consultations, and medications.
- Types: Surgery-only insurance or full health insurance (including consultations and preventive measures).
- Coverage options: Veterinary inpatient treatments, postoperative medical care, prescribed medications, and medically necessary surgeries.
- Costs: Monthly premiums vary by breed, age, and coverage level; surgery-only plans are generally less expensive than full coverage plans.
- Best pet health insurance providers: Digital-first insurers like Getsafe and Feather offer transparent policies in English, ideal for expats.
- Exclusions: Pre-existing conditions, elective or cosmetic procedures, high age, certain diseases, and sometimes certain dog breeds.
- Why it matters for expats: Helps avoid unexpected high vet bills and ensures pets receive treatment without financial stress.
Premiums shown are reference quotes for a standard profile (breed risk group RG1, age 3) and may differ by animal, breed and age. As of 2026.
| Tariff & coverage | |
| Premium/month (from) Reference quote for a standard profile (risk group RG1, age 3). The actual premium depends on animal, breed and age. | €21.69 |
| Reimbursement rate | 100% |
| Coverage per year | unlimited |
| No annual maximum benefit limit. Reimbursement up to 3× GOT as standard and up to 4× GOT in emergencies, including surcharges for night and weekend emergency services. Direct billing with the veterinarian is available on request. | |
| Max. GOT rate | 4× |
| Waiting period | 30 days |
| Max. entry age | 108 months |
| Excess (deductible) | |
| Excess The share of a bill you pay yourself when your pet is treated – like the deductible on car insurance. It can be a fixed amount (e.g. €50), a percentage (e.g. 20%) or both; “per case”, “per year” or “per month” says what it applies to. “none” = the tariff has no excess. A lower excess usually means a higher premium. | 0% / €0 (per year) |
| Optional 20% deductible available if the dog is aged up to and including 5 years at contract start. The deductible is capped at €250. | |
| Coverage features | |
| Free vet choice | |
| Online consultation | |
| Treatment abroad (EU) | |
| Treatment abroad (worldwide) | |
| Clinic accommodation | |
| Castration / sterilisation | |
| Homeopathic treatment | |
| Traffic accident | |
| Preventive care | |
| Dental treatment | |
| Tariff & coverage | |
| Premium/month (from) Reference quote for a standard profile (risk group RG1, age 3). The actual premium depends on animal, breed and age. | €5.10 |
| Reimbursement rate | 100% |
| Coverage per year | unlimited |
| Lassie’s OP insurance covers medically necessary operations in unlimited amount. | |
| Max. GOT rate | 4× |
| Waiting period | 30 days |
| Max. entry age | 0 months |
| Excess (deductible) | |
| Excess The share of a bill you pay yourself when your pet is treated – like the deductible on car insurance. It can be a fixed amount (e.g. €50), a percentage (e.g. 20%) or both; “per case”, “per year” or “per month” says what it applies to. “none” = the tariff has no excess. A lower excess usually means a higher premium. | 0% / €0 (per case) |
| Variable deductible is selectable: 0%, 20%, or 40%. Lassie therefore reimburses 100%, 80%, or 60% of eligible costs within the insured scope. | |
| Coverage features | |
| Free vet choice | |
| Online consultation | |
| Treatment abroad (EU) | |
| Treatment abroad (worldwide) | |
| Clinic accommodation | |
| Castration / sterilisation | |
| Homeopathic treatment | |
| Traffic accident | |
| Preventive care | |
| Dental treatment | |
| Tariff & coverage | |
| Premium/month (from) Reference quote for a standard profile (risk group RG1, age 3). The actual premium depends on animal, breed and age. | €6 |
| Reimbursement rate | 100% |
| Coverage per year | €5,000 |
| OP-Schutz Comfort for dogs has an annual maximum benefit of €5,000. Reimburses medically necessary operations under partial or full anesthesia, operation-preparatory diagnostics leading to surgery, post-operative treatment up to 15 days after surgery, post-operative medication/materials up to 15 days, and clinic accommodation up to 15 days after surgery. If a deductible is selected, the reimbursement rate is reduced accordingly. | |
| Max. GOT rate | 4× |
| Waiting period | 30 days |
| Max. entry age | 95 months |
| Excess (deductible) | |
| Excess The share of a bill you pay yourself when your pet is treated – like the deductible on car insurance. It can be a fixed amount (e.g. €50), a percentage (e.g. 20%) or both; “per case”, “per year” or “per month” says what it applies to. “none” = the tariff has no excess. A lower excess usually means a higher premium. | 0% / €0 (per case) |
| Deductible is selectable between 0%, 10%, and 20%. If a deductible is agreed, it is deducted from each claim event. A 20% deductible means Getsafe reimburses 80% of insured costs. | |
| Coverage features | |
| Free vet choice | |
| Online consultation | |
| Treatment abroad (EU) | |
| Treatment abroad (worldwide) | |
| Clinic accommodation | |
| Castration / sterilisation | |
| Homeopathic treatment | |
| Traffic accident | |
| Preventive care | |
| Dental treatment | |
| Tariff & coverage | |
| Premium/month (from) Reference quote for a standard profile (risk group RG1, age 3). The actual premium depends on animal, breed and age. | €47.22 |
| Reimbursement rate | 100% |
| Coverage per year | €10,000 |
| Surgery cover for operations due to illness or accident; annual cap applies. | |
| Max. GOT rate | 4× |
| Waiting period | 30 days |
| Max. entry age | 96 months |
| Excess (deductible) | |
| Excess The share of a bill you pay yourself when your pet is treated – like the deductible on car insurance. It can be a fixed amount (e.g. €50), a percentage (e.g. 20%) or both; “per case”, “per year” or “per month” says what it applies to. “none” = the tariff has no excess. A lower excess usually means a higher premium. | 0% / €0 (per year) |
| Deductible can reduce the contribution; selected services may not apply the deductible. | |
| Coverage features | |
| Free vet choice | |
| Online consultation | |
| Treatment abroad (EU) | |
| Treatment abroad (worldwide) | |
| Clinic accommodation | |
| Castration / sterilisation | |
| Homeopathic treatment | |
| Traffic accident | |
| Preventive care | |
| Dental treatment | |
| Tariff & coverage | |
| Premium/month (from) Reference quote for a standard profile (risk group RG1, age 3). The actual premium depends on animal, breed and age. | €6 |
| Reimbursement rate | 100% |
| Coverage per year | €5,000 |
| Vollschutz Comfort for dogs has an annual maximum benefit of €5,000. This applies to both operations and non-surgical treatments within tariff limits. Covers medically necessary operations, diagnostics, non-surgical curative treatments, medication, post-operative treatment, and clinic accommodation. | |
| Max. GOT rate | 4× |
| Waiting period | 30 days |
| Max. entry age | 95 months |
| Excess (deductible) | |
| Excess The share of a bill you pay yourself when your pet is treated – like the deductible on car insurance. It can be a fixed amount (e.g. €50), a percentage (e.g. 20%) or both; “per case”, “per year” or “per month” says what it applies to. “none” = the tariff has no excess. A lower excess usually means a higher premium. | 0% / €0 (per case) |
| Deductible is selectable from 0% / 10% / 20%. If agreed, it is deducted from each claim event. A 20% deductible means Getsafe reimburses 80% of insured costs. | |
| Coverage features | |
| Free vet choice | |
| Online consultation | |
| Treatment abroad (EU) | |
| Treatment abroad (worldwide) | |
| Clinic accommodation | |
| Castration / sterilisation | |
| Homeopathic treatment | |
| Traffic accident | |
| Preventive care | |
| Dental treatment | |
| Tariff & coverage | |
| Premium/month (from) Reference quote for a standard profile (risk group RG1, age 3). The actual premium depends on animal, breed and age. | €7.42 |
| Reimbursement rate | 80% |
| Coverage per year | €2,000 |
| Basis Plus reimburses 80% of eligible operation costs up to €2,000 per insurance year. Covers operations due to illness or accident within the tariff rules, diagnostics/examinations on the day of surgery, clinic accommodation after surgery up to 10 days, and post-operative treatment/medication up to 14 days. | |
| Max. GOT rate | 3× |
| Waiting period | 30 days |
| Max. entry age | 96 months |
| Excess (deductible) | |
| Excess The share of a bill you pay yourself when your pet is treated – like the deductible on car insurance. It can be a fixed amount (e.g. €50), a percentage (e.g. 20%) or both; “per case”, “per year” or “per month” says what it applies to. “none” = the tariff has no excess. A lower excess usually means a higher premium. | 20% / €250 (per case) |
| Basis Plus has a 20% deductible, with a minimum deductible of €250 per insurance case. This means hepster covers 80% of eligible costs, and the customer pays at least €250 per claim where the deductible applies. | |
| Coverage features | |
| Free vet choice | |
| Online consultation | |
| Treatment abroad (EU) | |
| Treatment abroad (worldwide) | |
| Clinic accommodation | |
| Castration / sterilisation | |
| Homeopathic treatment | |
| Traffic accident | |
| Preventive care | |
| Dental treatment | |
| Tariff & coverage | |
| Premium/month (from) Reference quote for a standard profile (risk group RG1, age 3). The actual premium depends on animal, breed and age. | €43.39 |
| Reimbursement rate | 100% |
| Coverage per year | €0 |
| BasisDirekt includes free choice of veterinarian, reimbursement up to 3× GOT, and up to 4× GOT for emergency veterinary care. Surgery insurance benefits are included. Other treatment costs are covered up to €400, dental treatment up to €100, and preventive care up to €30. | |
| Max. GOT rate | 4× |
| Waiting period | 30 days |
| Max. entry age | 108 months |
| Excess (deductible) | |
| Excess The share of a bill you pay yourself when your pet is treated – like the deductible on car insurance. It can be a fixed amount (e.g. €50), a percentage (e.g. 20%) or both; “per case”, “per year” or “per month” says what it applies to. “none” = the tariff has no excess. A lower excess usually means a higher premium. | 100% / €0 (per year) |
| If a deductible is agreed, it is deducted from each insurance case, up to 250 EUR. Preventive benefits are reimbursed up to the agreed limit without deduction of the deductible. | |
| Coverage features | |
| Free vet choice | |
| Online consultation | |
| Treatment abroad (EU) | |
| Treatment abroad (worldwide) | |
| Clinic accommodation | |
| Castration / sterilisation | |
| Homeopathic treatment | |
| Traffic accident | |
| Preventive care | |
| Dental treatment | |
| Tariff & coverage | |
| Premium/month (from) Reference quote for a standard profile (risk group RG1, age 3). The actual premium depends on animal, breed and age. | €50 |
| Reimbursement rate | 100% |
| Coverage per year | €800 |
| The Plus plan has unlimited surgery cover, but an overall annual limit of €800 for the full-health part of the plan. Vet treatments and medication are covered up to €800, dental up to €150, and preventive care up to €70. Coverage percentage can be 80% or 100%, depending on the selected reimbursement/deductible option. | |
| Max. GOT rate | 4× |
| Waiting period | 30 days |
| Max. entry age | 71 months |
| Excess (deductible) | |
| Excess The share of a bill you pay yourself when your pet is treated – like the deductible on car insurance. It can be a fixed amount (e.g. €50), a percentage (e.g. 20%) or both; “per case”, “per year” or “per month” says what it applies to. “none” = the tariff has no excess. A lower excess usually means a higher premium. | 0% / €0 (per case) |
| Feather shows coverage percentage options of 80% or 100%. If 80% coverage is selected, the customer effectively pays 20% of eligible costs. If 100% coverage is selected, there is no percentage deductible. Pricing may change based on selected deductible. | |
| Coverage features | |
| Free vet choice | |
| Online consultation | |
| Treatment abroad (EU) | |
| Treatment abroad (worldwide) | |
| Clinic accommodation | |
| Castration / sterilisation | |
| Homeopathic treatment | |
| Traffic accident | |
| Preventive care | |
| Dental treatment | |
| Tariff & coverage | |
| Premium/month (from) Reference quote for a standard profile (risk group RG1, age 3). The actual premium depends on animal, breed and age. | €28.64 |
| Reimbursement rate | 100% |
| Coverage per year | €3,000 |
| Basis covers operations and treatments up to a yearly maximum benefit of €3,000. Reimbursement can be selected as 80% or 100%. Includes the benefits of surgical protection tariffs plus additional treatment coverage. | |
| Max. GOT rate | 3× |
| Waiting period | 30 days |
| Max. entry age | 96 months |
| Excess (deductible) | |
| Excess The share of a bill you pay yourself when your pet is treated – like the deductible on car insurance. It can be a fixed amount (e.g. €50), a percentage (e.g. 20%) or both; “per case”, “per year” or “per month” says what it applies to. “none” = the tariff has no excess. A lower excess usually means a higher premium. | 0% / €0 (per case) |
| The deductible depends on the selected reimbursement rate. If 100% reimbursement is selected, there is effectively no percentage deductible. If 80% reimbursement is selected, the customer pays 20% of eligible costs. | |
| Coverage features | |
| Free vet choice | |
| Online consultation | |
| Treatment abroad (EU) | |
| Treatment abroad (worldwide) | |
| Clinic accommodation | |
| Castration / sterilisation | |
| Homeopathic treatment | |
| Traffic accident | |
| Preventive care | |
| Dental treatment | |
| Tariff & coverage | |
| Premium/month (from) Reference quote for a standard profile (risk group RG1, age 3). The actual premium depends on animal, breed and age. | €9.08 |
| Reimbursement rate | 100% |
| Coverage per year | €2,000 |
| OP-Schutz Basis has a maximum reimbursement limit of €2,000 per insurance case and year. The reimbursement percentage can be selected as 70%, 80%, or 100%. Covers medically necessary operations and OP-related costs within the tariff limits. | |
| Max. GOT rate | 3× |
| Waiting period | 30 days |
| Max. entry age | 96 months |
| Excess (deductible) | |
| Excess The share of a bill you pay yourself when your pet is treated – like the deductible on car insurance. It can be a fixed amount (e.g. €50), a percentage (e.g. 20%) or both; “per case”, “per year” or “per month” says what it applies to. “none” = the tariff has no excess. A lower excess usually means a higher premium. | 0% / €0 (per case) |
| The deductible depends on the selected reimbursement rate. If 100% reimbursement is selected, there is effectively no percentage deductible. If 80% is selected, the customer pays 20%. If 70% is selected, the customer pays 30%. | |
| Coverage features | |
| Free vet choice | |
| Online consultation | |
| Treatment abroad (EU) | |
| Treatment abroad (worldwide) | |
| Clinic accommodation | |
| Castration / sterilisation | |
| Homeopathic treatment | |
| Traffic accident | |
| Preventive care | |
| Dental treatment | |
| Tariff & coverage | |
| Premium/month (from) Reference quote for a standard profile (risk group RG1, age 3). The actual premium depends on animal, breed and age. | €13.91 |
| Reimbursement rate | 100% |
| Coverage per year | €1,000 |
| Mini full protection has unlimited OP cost coverage, but a yearly benefit limit for illness and accident treatment costs. Lassie’s public dog insurance page lists Mini with €1,000 annual treatment costs and €35 annual prevention allowance. | |
| Max. GOT rate | 4× |
| Waiting period | 30 days |
| Max. entry age | 0 months |
| Excess (deductible) | |
| Excess The share of a bill you pay yourself when your pet is treated – like the deductible on car insurance. It can be a fixed amount (e.g. €50), a percentage (e.g. 20%) or both; “per case”, “per year” or “per month” says what it applies to. “none” = the tariff has no excess. A lower excess usually means a higher premium. | 0% / €0 (per case) |
| Variable deductible is selectable: 0%, 20%, or 40%. Lassie therefore reimburses 100%, 80%, or 60% of eligible costs within the insured scope. The deductible applies according to the insurance certificate. | |
| Coverage features | |
| Free vet choice | |
| Online consultation | |
| Treatment abroad (EU) | |
| Treatment abroad (worldwide) | |
| Clinic accommodation | |
| Castration / sterilisation | |
| Homeopathic treatment | |
| Traffic accident | |
| Preventive care | |
| Dental treatment | |
| Tariff & coverage | |
| Premium/month (from) Reference quote for a standard profile (risk group RG1, age 3). The actual premium depends on animal, breed and age. | €13.89 |
| Reimbursement rate | 50% |
| Coverage per year | €2,500 |
| Basis reimburses 50% of eligible costs. Operation costs are limited to €2,500 per insurance year. Treatment costs are also limited to €2,500 per insurance year. Includes diagnostics and examinations before surgery up to one day before the operation, clinic accommodation after surgery up to 10 days, post-operative treatment/medicine up to 14 days, and a yearly health allowance up to €30. | |
| Max. GOT rate | 3× |
| Waiting period | 30 days |
| Max. entry age | 96 months |
| Excess (deductible) | |
| Excess The share of a bill you pay yourself when your pet is treated – like the deductible on car insurance. It can be a fixed amount (e.g. €50), a percentage (e.g. 20%) or both; “per case”, “per year” or “per month” says what it applies to. “none” = the tariff has no excess. A lower excess usually means a higher premium. | 50% / €500 (per year) |
| Basis has 50% cost coverage, meaning the customer bears 50% of eligible costs. The tariff table states a minimum deductible of €500 per insurance year. | |
| Coverage features | |
| Free vet choice | |
| Online consultation | |
| Treatment abroad (EU) | |
| Treatment abroad (worldwide) | |
| Clinic accommodation | |
| Castration / sterilisation | |
| Homeopathic treatment | |
| Traffic accident | |
| Preventive care | |
| Dental treatment | |
What Is Dog Health Insurance?
Dog health insurance is designed to protect you from the often unpredictable and sometimes very high vet costs. Depending on the insurance policy, it covers a range of services, including medically necessary surgeries, consultations at veterinary clinics, prescribed medications, and preventive treatments. In practice, this means that if your dog develops health problems or requires a surgical procedure, the insurer steps in to cover most or all of the expenses.
Based on my professional experience, many new dog owners underestimate how quickly veterinary bills can accumulate. A single emergency surgery can easily exceed €2,000, and follow-up treatments or postoperative care create additional costs. With the right health insurance, these risks become manageable, allowing you to focus on your dog’s recovery rather than financial stress.
Difference from Dog Liability Insurance
It’s essential to distinguish between dog health policies and dog liability insurance (Hundehaftpflichtversicherung). Liability insurance protects third parties — for example, if your dog causes injury or property damage.
Dog health insurance, on the other hand, ensures your four-legged family members receive proper treatment without hesitation.
Both insurances complement each other: liability coverage may even be mandatory in your state, while health insurance ensures your four-legged family member receives proper medical treatment.
Comprehensive Dog Health Insurance
From my perspective, this type of insurance is particularly useful if you want affordable protection against high, one-time expenses. Even a routine cruciate ligament surgery can cost between €1,500 and €2,500 in Germany. With surgery insurance, most of these costs are reimbursed, and you only pay a relatively low monthly premium. However, it does not cover regular veterinary consultations, preventive care, or non-surgical treatments..
Comprehensive insurance goes much further. It covers veterinary consultations, diagnostic procedures, laboratory tests, prescribed medications, and treatments for chronic conditions or recurring health issues. Preventive care, such as vaccinations, dental cleanings, parasite control, or preventive examinations, is often included, depending on the policy.
This type of coverage is pricier but ensures your dog is fully protected in almost every medical situation. It’s particularly valuable for breeds prone to hereditary conditions, senior dogs, or simply for the peace of mind that the insurer will cover every visit to the veterinary clinic.
What Dog Health Insurance Typically Covers in Germany
| Coverage Type | Insurance Category | What Is Covered | Typical Limits | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Treatment | Special Coverage | Dental examinations, tooth extractions, and treatment of dental diseases. | Limited in basic plans. | Cosmetic procedures usually excluded. |
| Diagnostics | Medical Services | X-rays, ultrasound, blood tests, laboratory diagnostics, and imaging. | Covered within overall treatment limits. | Advanced diagnostics may have separate caps. |
| Emergency Care | Emergency Coverage | Emergency vet visits, intensive care, and treatments outside regular hours. | Up to 4× GOT rate. | During official emergency hours, vets must charge at least the 2× GOT rate, may charge up to 4×, and add the €50 emergency-service fee. |
| Medication and Treatments | Medical Expenses | Prescription medications, injections, wound care, and follow-up treatments. | Included in comprehensive plans. | May exclude certain chronic conditions. |
| Preventive Care | Optional Add-on | Vaccinations, parasite prevention, routine check-ups, and health screenings. | Annual allowance (e.g., €50–€200). | Often available as an optional addition. |
| Rehabilitation | Extended Coverage | Physiotherapy, rehabilitation, and recovery treatments after surgery or injury. | Often limited annually. | Included mainly in premium plans. |
| Surgery and Hospitalization | Surgical Coverage | Operations, anesthesia, post-operative care, and clinic stays. | Usually high coverage limits. | Often included in surgery-only policies. |
| Veterinary Treatment | Basic Coverage | Consultations, examinations, diagnostics, and standard treatments by licensed veterinarians. | Often reimbursed up to 2–4× GOT rate. | Billing follows the German Veterinary Fee Schedule (GOT). |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you mainly want protection against sudden, high bills from surgery, a surgery-only policy is often enough. However, suppose you view your dog as a family member and want comprehensive coverage for both minor health issues and major operations. In that case, a full health insurance plan is the better choice.
In my opinion, comprehensive health insurance is usually the more practical option for expats in Germany. It eliminates the fear of hidden costs at the vet, especially since prices under the GOT fee schedule can vary widely depending on time, urgency, and complexity.
The official 2022 Fee Schedule for Veterinarians (GOT), last amended in March 2023, remains the applicable schedule in 2026 and is undergoing a formal evaluation. No official March 2026 amendment introduced a general 8%–12% increase or raised the emergency minimum to 2.5×. During official emergency-service hours, veterinarians must bill at least the 2× GOT rate, may bill up to 4×, and must add the flat €50 emergency-service fee. Pet insurance that reimburses up to the 4× GOT rate therefore offers important protection for emergency treatment.
The cost of neutering or spaying is only covered if the operation is medically necessary due to a health issue. If the vet documents the medical necessity, the insurance will usually reimburse the costs.
If the operation is performed solely to prevent reproduction, owners must pay for it themselves. Some insurance providers, however, make an exception and cover neutering regardless of the reason — but this is rare and usually tied to specific tariffs, age limits, or a special waiting period.
Key Factors Influencing the Insurance Premium
- Your pet’s age: Younger dogs are generally less expensive to insure; premiums typically rise as the dog gets older. Most insurers accept new dogs only up to 7 or 9 years old.
- The dog’s breed and size: Larger breeds and those prone to hereditary conditions are often pricier.
- Coverage level: Surgery-only tariffs are cheaper, while full-cover policies (including check-ups, diagnostics, and preventive care) cost more.
- Deductible (Selbstbeteiligung): Deductibles may be fixed amounts, such as €100 or €250, or percentage-based. The expat-focused digital plans discussed here primarily offer reimbursement choices equivalent to deductibles of 0%, 10%, or 20%. A higher deductible generally lowers the monthly premium but increases the amount you pay when claiming.
- Optional extras: Dental care, alternative therapies, or international coverage may be available for an additional cost.
Example: Self-Paying vs. Insurance
- Scenario 1 – Surgery without insurance:
Cruciate ligament surgery (Kreuzbandriss) can easily cost €2,000–3,000 at a veterinary clinic, including diagnostics, anesthesia, surgery, and postoperative care. - Scenario 2 – With surgery-only plan (€20/month):
Over a year, you pay about €240 in premiums. If your dog requires surgery, the insurance provider covers the operation according to the tariff, and you may be responsible for either a fixed deductible or a percentage such as 10% or 20%. - Scenario 3 – With comprehensive plan (€50/month):
You pay about €600 annually, but consultations, prescribed medications, and preventive treatments are also included. If your dog develops chronic arthritis, requiring regular check-ups and medication, annual costs could exceed €1,500 — most of which would be reimbursed.
Best Providers for Dog Health Insurance in Germany
Digital-first insurers like Feather and Getsafe are among the strongest options for expats in Germany. Both operate fully online, provide English-language contracts and customer service, and make it easy to manage policies or submit claims via app. In addition to other policies (e.g., private health insurance, dental supplemental insurance, personal liability insurance, and dog liability insurance), they also offer plans for both dog and cat insurance.
They both offer lifetime coverage for their pet health insurance policies – a key feature that not every insurance company guarantees. The minimum term of the contracts is 1 year.
Both insurers provide worldwide coverage for up to 12 months — a useful feature for expats who travel or temporarily relocate.
Feather
Feather keeps its tariffs simple and transparent.
- 2 plans are available: Surgery (from €14 to €35) and Plus (comprehensive, from €50 to €91)
- Coverage: 80% or 100% reimbursement
- Waiting periods: none for accidents; 1 month for standard treatments; 6–18 months for special conditions
- Limits: Unlimited surgery costs. The Plus plan adds up to €800 per year for consultations, medication, preventive care, and dental care (with sub-limits).
- Eligibility: Dogs must be between 8 weeks and 6 years old at the time of signup. Once insured, lifetime coverage applies.
Getsafe
Getsafe offers highly flexible tariffs with strong benefits, particularly for comprehensive cover.
- 3 plans: Surgery Comfort, Full Cover Comfort, and Full Cover Premium.
- Coverage: From €5,000 per year for surgery/consultations (Comfort) up to unlimited reimbursement in the Premium plan
- Extras: preventive care allowances, prosthesis subsidies, and additional benefits in the premium plan, including alternative therapies, dental protection, and emergency boarding costs for the dog in case the owner is hospitalized.
- Waiting periods: None for accidents and telemedicine; a general waiting period of 1 month applies, with certain conditions requiring a 12-month waiting period.
- Flexibility: deductible of 0, 10, or 20%; new contracts possible up to age 8.
- Dynamic pricing: premiums rise moderately at ages 4, 7, and 12 for full cover.
- Pre-existing conditions: not covered, but usually not a reason to refuse insurance.
- Contract term: minimum duration of 1 year, afterwards cancellable daily.
How to Apply for Dog Health Insurance in Germany
The process to purchase pet insurance is usually straightforward and digital, especially with providers like Feather and Getsafe.
- Eligibility check: You’ll need to provide your dog’s age, breed, and health status.
- Choose a plan: Select between surgery-only or comprehensive coverage. Choose your reimbursement level and deductibles.
- Application process: Complete the form online, upload the required information, and receive a contract in English immediately.
- Coverage activation: Once approved, your policy is active immediately for accidents and after the relevant waiting period for other treatments.
Conclusion: Why Dog Health Insurance Is Worth Considering
Dog health insurance in Germany is not just a “nice to have” — it can be the difference between affordable treatment and financial strain when your pet suddenly needs surgery or long-term care. Insurance protects you not only in the event of an accident but also if your pet suffers from a sudden illness that requires expensive treatment. Veterinary costs can increase rapidly, particularly for surgeries, hospital stays, or advanced diagnostics. Insurance protects you from such unexpected bills and gives you peace of mind that your dog will always receive the best possible care.
Modern providers like Feather and Getsafe make the process particularly easy for expats. They offer English-language contracts, fully digital claim handling, and flexible coverage options tailored to various budgets and needs, to keep your dog’s healthy paws covered at all times. Both also provide dog liability insurance so that you can secure all essential protection for your pet from a single source.
Of course, every policy comes with conditions, such as age limits for enrollment, waiting periods, or specific exclusions. But overall, the advantages outweigh the restrictions. By insuring your dog early, you not only lock in better premiums but also ensure lifetime coverage without gaps.
In my experience, every dog deserves reliable health protection to ensure they receive proper care without financial obstacles. Dog health insurance is one of the most valuable investments a pet owner in Germany can make. It helps you avoid tough financial decisions in an emergency and ensures your four-legged companion is covered throughout their life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Health insurance for dogs covers medical treatment for your pet, while liability insurance covers damage your dog causes to third parties. Both serve entirely different purposes and complement each other.
Most providers offer worldwide protection, typically for a period of up to 12 months. This means you can rely on your health insurance for dogs during travel, though conditions vary by insurer.
No. Pre-existing conditions are generally excluded. Some insurers also exclude certain breed-specific diseases from their policies.
Yes, insurers set enrollment limits (usually between 6 and 8 years). However, once insured, providers like Getsafe and Feather guarantee lifetime coverage – a major advantage compared to many competitors. While digital-first providers have hard limits, certain insurers such as Allianz or Lassie have no maximum enrollment age, though premiums for senior pets are significantly higher.
In addition to dog health insurance, there are several other useful policies:
- Pet liability insurance is mandatory for dogs in many states. It covers damages if your dog breaks something or injures someone. Important: A private liability policy does not cover damages caused by dogs.
- Combined packages that include both health and liability protection for dogs in one contract.
Footnotes & Sources
- https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/got_2022/
- https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/got_2022/anlage.html
- https://www.bundestieraerztekammer.de/tierhalter/got/
- https://www.bundestieraerztekammer.de/presse/2020/02/GOT-Notdienstgebuehr.php
- https://www.bafin.de/DE/Verbraucher/Versicherung/VertraegeAbschliessen/vertraege_abschliessen_node.html