Best Pet Insurance in Germany for Expats: A Detailed Review

Introduction

Finding the best pet insurance in Germany can be a real challenge for newcomers. Policies are often complex, written in German legal language, and full of fine print. In this review, I share my perspective as a financial journalist with long-standing expertise in insurance products and expat-related topics — and as a pet owner who has insured her animals during the research process.

Challenges for expats with traditional insurers

For expats, traditional insurance companies in Germany present several obstacles, including language barriers, cumbersome paper-based processes, and limited digital services. Terms and conditions are rarely transparent, exclusions are typically hidden in the fine print, and customer support in English is the exception rather than the rule. Many private insurers still rely on offline workflows.

Why digital providers are different

Digital-first insurance providers are designed to remove exactly these hurdles. Policies are available in English, contracts can be signed online, and claims can be submitted via the app — without the need for endless phone calls or paperwork. Several plans also support vet video consultations. For expats, this means faster onboarding, clear coverage options, and service that feels straightforward rather than overwhelming.

Why Feather & Getsafe were chosen

Among the insurance providers active in Germany, Feather and Getsafe stand out with a clear focus on expats and fully digital handling. Both companies have already built strong reputations in health, personal liability, and other insurance products. Their expansion into pet insurance is therefore a logical step — and a strong signal that they want to serve international customers with reliable, easy-to-use products.

Test criteria explained

To make this review meaningful, we applied clear evaluation criteria:

• Premiums and pet insurance cost — monthly pricing and transparency of fees
• Tariffs and comprehensive coverage — from basic coverage to premium plans
• Exclusions & pre-existing conditions — what is covered and what is not
• Coverage limits — annual limits and caps for specific treatments
• Onboarding & waiting periods — how smooth it is to get started
• Claim handling — digital claim submission and reimbursement speed
• Service experience — how well the providers support expats in practice

Dog Liability Insurance

For expats in Germany with dogs, dog liability insurance is one of the most important policies to consider.

Many expats in Germany take out private liability insurance without realizing that it excludes damage caused by dogs. Without separate dog liability insurance, dog owners are legally liable with their entire assets — and personal injury claims can easily amount to millions.

In many federal states, dog liability insurance is legally required, and even where it is not mandatory, the potential costs of personal injury, property damage, or financial loss make it indispensable. Dog liability insurance covers these risks up to the agreed-upon sum insured, typically with a small deductible. Typical claims include injuries from dog bites, medical treatment, or even hospital stays for third parties.

For expats unfamiliar with Germany’s insurance landscape, having reliable and English-friendly coverage for their dog insurance ensures both peace of mind and compliance with local rules.

Feather Dog Liability Insurance

Feather offers a lean and straightforward dog liability insurance policy. It provides standard coverage of €20 million with worldwide coverage, which is more than sufficient for even the most serious personal injury claims. A particular strength is that the insurance remains valid if you move abroad, making it especially attractive for expats who may not stay in Germany permanently.

The exclusions are limited but important: Feather does not insure certain purebred dogs classified as dangerous breeds under German federal and state regulations. These so-called listed dogs include 4 dog breeds nationwide (American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Bull Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier). Based on state regulations, there are further listed dogs — their number and type of breeds vary depending on the state. The insurance company lists 14 dog breeds as dangerous under German federal and state regulations and considers them uninsurable. Mixed breeds of these dogs, however, are accepted.

Onboarding is fast, fully digital, and beginner-friendly, with clear English-language support that avoids the usual German paperwork.

Claims can also be handled digitally through the app or online portal, with a process that prioritizes clarity and transparency over extra features.

Overall, Feather stands out for expats who want no-frills coverage with strong protection and clear rules. The product is slim — offering only one tariff with no customization — but it delivers reliable coverage without unnecessary complexity.

Getsafe Dog Liability Insurance

Getsafe offers 2 tariffs — Comfort and Premium — with coverage limits of €20 million and €50 million, respectively. Both include worldwide validity.

The Premium plan includes several additional benefits, such as higher bail payments abroad (as legally demanded in the event of dog damages in some countries), and extra options for claim settlement.

An important advantage for dog owners: unlike many insurers, Getsafe covers all dogs, including breeds listed as dangerous under German regulations.

Both tariffs also include an optional SOS Dog Assistance add-on (for a minimal additional charge). This covers special emergencies such as rescue and recovery costs for the dog, boarding costs if the owner is hospitalized, and vet expenses if an uninsured or unknown dog injures your dog.

Onboarding is just as fast and digital as with Feather: within minutes, you receive a binding digital offer and can conclude the contract immediately. The Getsafe app plays a central role here, serving as the hub for onboarding, contract management, and claims. It is one of the most intuitive insurance apps on the German market, making the entire process highly convenient for expats who prefer an app-based solution.

Overall, Getsafe combines flexible tariffs with high coverage limits and a strong app focus. It is a good choice for expats who value convenience, digital management, and the ability to insure any dog breed without restrictions.

Feather vs. Getsafe — Dog Liability Insurance for Expats

Both Feather and Getsafe provide reliable, expat-friendly solutions for dog liability insurance in Germany, but they address slightly different needs.

From my perspective, Feather appeals to expats who want a minimalist, no-fuss policy: 1 tariff, €20 million worldwide coverage, clear English documentation, and straightforward digital handling. In my experience, it’s a strong option if you value clarity and don’t want to spend a lot of time navigating German paperwork or comparing endless tariff options.

Getsafe, on the other hand, adds more flexibility and digital convenience. With 2 tariffs (Comfort at €20m and Premium at €50m), additional services such as higher foreign bail payments, and the SOS Dog Assistance add-on, it offers broader protection. A decisive plus is that Getsafe insures all dogs, including listed breeds — something that can make a real difference for certain owners. In my view, the polished app is one of the best I’ve tested in Germany, making insurance management impressively smooth.

In short: I see Feather as the lean, reliable choice for straightforward coverage, while Getsafe feels like the more comprehensive option — especially attractive if you own a listed breed, want premium-level benefits, or prefer managing everything in a feature-rich app.

Pet Health Insurance

For many expat pet owners in Germany, the biggest financial risk is not liability but unexpected medical costs. Surgery, diagnostics, or even routine preventive care at a veterinary clinic can quickly become expensive, especially as vet fees and vet costs for medical procedures add up if your pet develops chronic conditions. Pet health insurance helps alleviate this financial burden by reimbursing veterinary bills and other eligible expenses, ensuring access to veterinary care without owners having to worry about the associated costs.

Both Feather and Getsafe have expanded into this field with digital-first solutions that are particularly expat-friendly. Their policies differ in structure and scope, but both aim to make pet health insurance easier to understand and manage than traditional insurance providers in Germany. With their pet health insurance, they cover dogs and cats.

Feather Pet Health Insurance

Feather keeps things deliberately simple with just two plans: a Surgery plan and a Plus plan. The Surgery plan covers operations and related treatments, including diagnostics, medication, post-operative care, and physiotherapy. In practice, it functions as straightforward surgery insurance. The Plus plan also covers non-surgical therapies, including consultations, preventive care, and limited dental coverage. Both reimbursements can be set at 80% or 100%, and coverage is valid worldwide for up to 12 months — a feature I find especially useful for expats who may travel or relocate frequently.

In practice, the Surgery plan offers good value for emergencies, while the Plus plan aims to be more comprehensive but is limited by a relatively low annual cap of €800. This cap can be reached quickly for pets with chronic health issues. Surgeries, however, are not capped in either tariff. This includes emergency surgeries.

Eligibility is restricted to pets under 6 years of age at the time of sign-up; however, once insured, the policy remains in effect for the pet’s lifetime.

From my perspective, Feather is transparent about what it covers and what it excludes. Pre-existing conditions like diabetes or dysplasia aren’t insurable, but the rules are clearly stated.

I tested the application process myself: getting a quote for my dog took just a few minutes in the app, with clear steps and no hidden surprises. While I appreciate the simplicity and English-language support, I found the Plus plan’s cap to be too limiting for managing chronic conditions.

Overall, Feather delivers a straightforward and affordable option for younger, generally healthy pets. It is best suited for expats who value transparency, ease of use, and worldwide coverage — but may not be ideal if you expect frequent veterinary visits or need truly comprehensive protection.

Getsafe Pet Health Insurance

Getsafe offers a more flexible setup with 3 plans: Surgery Comfort, Full Cover Comfort, and Full Cover Premium. Surgery Comfort is a budget-friendly option that covers operations and related diagnostics, while Full Cover Comfort adds consultations, preventive care allowances, and prosthesis support. The Premium plan includes dental protection, alternative therapies, and has no annual limits on medical care.

In my test, I insured my dog and cat under the Full Cover Comfort plan with a 20% deductible. The balance between price and coverage felt right, although premiums for dog health insurance can be quite high compared to those for cats. One significant advantage: Getsafe allows new contracts up to the pet’s 8th birthday, providing owners a wider entry window than Feather.

The digital onboarding process took less than 5 minutes, and I appreciated that all 3 plans, each with different deductibles, were displayed instantly in the app.

Claims were also handled smoothly: routine vaccinations and a small injury for my cat were reimbursed promptly, and the app’s chat feature made the process intuitive. Based on my research, smaller claims are typically processed within a few days, while more complex cases can take longer.

For me, Getsafe feels like the more comprehensive solution. The Premium plan especially stands out for those who want no reimbursement limits and extras beyond the basics. The app is central to the experience, but that’s precisely what makes it so easy to manage policies on the go.

Overall, Getsafe offers a strong, expat-friendly package with real flexibility. It’s an ideal pet health insurance in Germany for those willing to pay more for broader coverage and who are comfortable managing everything digitally.

Feather vs. Getsafe — Pet Health Insurance for Expats

From my perspective as an expat and finance journalist, the difference between Feather and Getsafe as pet health insurance providers is clear.

Feather focuses on simplicity and affordability, offering 2 plans, uncapped surgeries, and transparent rules. It works well if you mainly want protection against major emergencies and don’t expect frequent vet bills. The downside is the low annual cap in the Plus plan, which limits its usefulness for chronic or costly treatments.

Getsafe, in contrast, provides more flexibility and higher ceilings. With 3 tariff levels, the option of unlimited reimbursement, and preventive and dental care built into the Comfort and Premium plans, it offers a more comprehensive package. The entry age up to 8 years is also a decisive advantage for many owners. The trade-off is higher premiums, especially for dogs, and the requirement to be comfortable with an app-driven system.

In short: Feather is a good fit for healthy, younger pets and owners who want a clear, affordable policy without complications. Getsafe is the stronger choice if you want broader protection, are willing to pay more for it, and appreciate the convenience of a highly functional insurance app.

Conclusion

Feather and Getsafe both make pet insurance accessible for expats: digital, English-friendly, and easy to manage. Feather is the lean, affordable choice with transparent policies and simple coverage. Getsafe offers broader protection with flexible tariffs, unlimited options in the Premium health plan, and liability cover even for listed breeds.

Both are reliable — the decision comes down to whether you prefer Feather’s simplicity or Getsafe’s more feature-rich approach. From my perspective, they are the best pet insurance companies for expats in Germany.

Frequently Asked Questions — FAQ