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Best Pet Insurance in Germany for Expats
Written 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...
- 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, digital onboarding, 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
Cat and dog 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.
These are the Two Main Types
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 with full coverage, it 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.
Pet Insurance for Expats in Germany
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. This is especially difficult if you are not yet familiar with Germany’s insurance system, veterinary billing, or the difference between pet health insurance and dog liability insurance.
Challenges for Expats with Traditional Insurers
For expats, traditional insurance companies in Germany can present several obstacles, including language barriers, paper-based processes, limited digital services, and unclear policy wording. Terms and conditions are not always easy to understand, exclusions may be hidden in the fine print, and customer support in English is not always available.
Why Digital Providers are Different
Digital-first insurance providers are designed to remove many of these hurdles. Policies are available online, contracts can usually be signed digitally, and claims can often be submitted through an app or online portal. Several plans also support vet video consultations.
For expats, this means faster onboarding, clearer coverage options, and service that feels more straightforward than traditional paperwork-heavy insurance processes.
What We Looked at When Comparing Pet Insurance
To make the comparison useful for expats, we focused on criteria that directly affect cost, coverage, and ease of use.
| Test Criterion | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Premiums and pet insurance cost | Monthly pricing needs to be transparent and affordable over time. |
| Tariffs and coverage level | Pet owners should understand whether they are buying surgery-only cover, full health insurance, or liability insurance. |
| Exclusions and pre-existing conditions | Some illnesses, treatments, or breeds may not be covered. |
| Coverage limits | Annual caps can make a major difference if your pet needs repeated treatment or develops a chronic condition. |
| Onboarding and waiting periods | Expats benefit from simple sign-up processes, clear policy starts, and transparent waiting periods. |
| Claim handling | Digital claims can make reimbursement easier, especially if you are not comfortable handling insurance paperwork in German. |
| Service experience | English-language support and clear communication are especially important for newcomers to Germany. |
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.
Many expats in Germany take out private liability insurance without realizing that it excludes damage caused by dogs. 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 and costs, including costs that 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 in Germany: Monthly Price Product Comparison
| Insurance Type | What It Covers | Typical Monthly Cost | Best For | Financial Impact Without Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Health Cover | Accidents and limited illness coverage, often with caps. | €10–€40/month | Budget-conscious owners wanting minimal protection. | May still leave large gaps for chronic or complex conditions. |
| Dog Liability Insurance | Damage or injury your dog causes to other people or property. | ~€5/month | Dog owners, especially in federal states where it is mandatory. | Liability claims can reach thousands or more. |
| Full Health Insurance | Vet visits, medication, diagnostics, surgery, and sometimes dental or preventive care. | €20–€70+/month | Owners who want comprehensive, predictable healthcare costs. | Ongoing treatment and emergencies can reach thousands per year. |
| Surgery Insurance (OP) | Operations, anesthesia, diagnostics, such as X-rays or ultrasound, and post-op care. | €6–€25/month | Owners who want protection against major, unexpected costs. | Single surgery can cost €500–€3,000+ out of pocket. |
Pet Insurance From Feather
Feather offers both pet health insurance and dog liability insurance. For expats, Feather is especially attractive because the product structure is simple, the documentation is clear, and the process is designed to work online.
Feather Pet Health Insurance
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.
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.
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 for Surgery or €41.18 for Standard. For a medium-sized 1-year-old dog, premiums are €19.31 or €55.06.
From my perspective, Feather is transparent about what it covers and what it excludes. Pre-existing conditions like diabetes or dysplasia are not insurable, but the rules are clearly stated.
Overall, Feather delivers a straightforward 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 for chronic conditions.
- Simple 2-plan structure with Surgery and Plus options
- Surgeries covered without limits
- Reimbursement options with full reimbursement or a deductible
- Worldwide coverage
- Fast, digital onboarding and claims
- Other vet services are subject to annual caps
- Limited usefulness for chronic illnesses
Feather Dog Liability Insurance
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.
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.
- €20 million coverage with worldwide validity
- Best-coverage guarantee for dog liability insurance
- Clear English-language documentation and support
- Fast, fully digital onboarding
- Straightforward claims process
- Specific dog breeds excluded
- Only one tariff, no customization options
Pet Insurance from Getsafe
Getsafe offers both pet health insurance and dog liability insurance. Compared with Feather, Getsafe generally offers more tariff flexibility and a stronger app-based experience, which may appeal to expats who want broader coverage options and digital policy management.
Getsafe Pet Health Insurance
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 for dogs and €3,000 for 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.
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, which can make it easier to manage policies, submit claims, and keep track of coverage on the go.
Overall, Getsafe offers a strong, expat-friendly package with real flexibility. It is a good fit for pet owners who are willing to pay more for broader coverage and who are comfortable managing everything digitally.
- 3 tariff levels with flexible deductibles
- Full Cover Premium with unlimited reimbursement
- Preventive care and dental benefits included in broader plans
- Fast digital onboarding and app-based claims
- Entry age up to 8 years
- Premiums for dogs can be high
- Reimbursement speed may vary for complex claims
Getsafe Dog Liability Insurance
Getsafe offers 2 dog liability tariffs — Comfort and Premium — with coverage limits of €20 million and €50 million, respectively. Both include worldwide validity.
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.
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. 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.
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.
- 2 tariffs with €20 million and €50 million coverage
- Premium tariff includes additional benefits
- SOS Dog Assistance add-on for certain emergencies
- Insures all dogs, including listed breeds
- Fast digital onboarding with immediate contract conclusion
- Strong app focus may feel less appealing to those who prefer traditional offline or phone support
Feather vs. Getsafe Pet Insurance
Feather and Getsafe both provide reliable, expat-friendly pet insurance in Germany, but they address slightly different needs.
Feather is the simpler option. It is especially suitable for expats who want a straightforward policy, clear English documentation, and fewer tariff decisions. Getsafe is the more flexible option, with more tariff levels, higher dog liability coverage, and broader health insurance options.
Feather vs. Getsafe — Dog Liability Insurance
| Feature | Feather | Getsafe |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Simple, no-frills dog liability coverage. | Flexible coverage and listed breeds. |
| Coverage Amount | €20 million. | €20 million or €50 million. |
| Listed Breeds | Specific dangerous breeds are excluded. | All breeds are eligible. |
| Tariff Choice | One tariff. | Two tariffs. |
| Digital Handling | Digital onboarding and claims. | Strong app-based onboarding, management, and claims. |
| Coverage Abroad | Worldwide validity. | Unlimited within the EU and worldwide for up to 5 years. |
In short: Feather is the lean, reliable choice for straightforward dog liability coverage. Getsafe is the stronger option if you own a listed breed, want coverage up to €50 million, or prefer a more feature-rich app experience.
Feather vs. Getsafe — Pet Health Insurance
| Feature | Feather | Getsafe |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Affordable emergency or surgery cover for generally healthy pets. | Broader health coverage with higher or no limits. |
| Plan Structure | 2 plans: Surgery and Plus. | 3 plans: Surgery Comfort, Full Cover Comfort, and Full Cover Premium. |
| Surgery Coverage | Operations are reimbursed without limits. | Broad surgery coverage depending on tariff. |
| Annual Limits | Other vet services are subject to annual caps. | Premium plan removes annual limits entirely. |
| Dental and Alternative Therapy | Limited dental coverage depending on plan. | Included more broadly in higher-tier plans. |
| Entry Age | Available for cats and dogs aged 8 weeks to 8 years at the beginning of the contract. | Pets can be insured up to the age of 8. |
| Digital Experience | Simple digital onboarding and claims. | Strong app-based policy and claims experience. |
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 do not expect frequent vet bills. The downside is that non-surgical benefits may be limited by annual caps.
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 broader plans, it offers a more comprehensive package. The trade-off is higher premiums, especially for dogs, and the requirement to be comfortable with an app-driven system.
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 clear dog liability coverage. Getsafe, on the other hand, appeals to pet owners who prefer flexible tariffs, very high liability coverage amounts of up to €50 million, and broader health insurance options. 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.
Feather is the lean, straightforward 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.
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. 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.
The legal requirements for dog liability insurance (Hundehaftpflichtversicherung) depend on the federal state. Here is a clear breakdown:
1. Mandatory for ALL Dogs
In the following six states, every dog, regardless of its breed or size, must be covered by liability insurance:
Berlin
Hamburg
Lower Saxony (Niedersachsen)
Saxony-Anhalt (Sachsen-Anhalt)
Schleswig-Holstein
Thuringia (Thüringen)
2. Mandatory for “Dangerous” Breeds Only
In most other German states (such as Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Baden-Württemberg), liability insurance is only legally required for specific breeds that are classified by the state as “dangerous” or “listed.” View our comprehensive page on this situation for more information.
The best cat insurance offers a good balance between cost and coverage. Look for a policy that allows you to choose between affordable surgery-only plans and more comprehensive health plans. For expats, providers like Feather and Getsafe are excellent choices because their platforms are entirely in English and allow for easy online claims management.
The “best” dog insurance for an expat combines three key features: comprehensive coverage (including mandatory liability), English-language support, and simple digital management. Based on these criteria, Feather and Getsafe are consistently the top recommendations. They are designed specifically for the expat community in Germany.
Choose Feather if you want straightforward, easy-to-understand policies and value their “best-coverage guarantee” on dog liability insurance.
Choose Getsafe if you want more flexibility with customizable tariffs, need to insure a “dangerous” dog breed, or want very high liability coverage (up to €50 million).
Yes, it is highly recommended. While indoor cats have a lower risk of accidents, they are still susceptible to common illnesses (like kidney disease or diabetes), hereditary conditions, and unexpected injuries that can lead to high veterinary bills. Health insurance for an indoor cat provides peace of mind against these significant, unforeseen costs.
Cat insurance is significantly cheaper than dog insurance. Prices depend on the cat’s age, breed, and whether it’s an indoor or outdoor cat. Typical costs are:
Surgery-Only Insurance: Can start as low as €6 per month.
Comprehensive Health Insurance: Usually ranges from €20 – €40 per month.
The cost of dog insurance in Germany varies based on the dog’s breed, age, and the level of coverage. Generally, you can expect:
Surgery-Only Insurance: Starts at around €15 – €25 per month.
Comprehensive Health Insurance: Ranges from €20 to over €70 per month.
To get the most accurate price for your dog, it’s best to use our pet insurance comparison calculator.
There is no general “pet tax” in Germany for animals like cats, rabbits, or birds. However, there is a mandatory annual dog tax (Hundesteuer) that all dog owners must pay. This is a key difference and a legal requirement you must follow.
Here’s a breakdown of what the Hundesteuer involves:
1. What is the Dog Tax?
The Hundesteuer is a local tax collected by your city or town (Gemeinde). The revenue is not specifically earmarked for dog-related services but goes into the general city budget. Because it’s a local tax, the price and specific registration process vary depending on where you live.
2. How Much Does It Cost?
The cost can range from as little as €30 in a small village to over €160 in a major city. The tax is also higher for a second dog and significantly more expensive for breeds classified as “dangerous.”
3. How Do I Register and Pay?
You must register your dog at your local city hall or tax office (Rathaus, Bürgeramt, or Finanzamt) shortly after you get it. You will then receive a dog tax ID tag (Hundesteuer-Marke) and an annual bill.
No, there is absolutely no tax for owning a cat in Germany.
The mandatory annual tax you may have heard of is the dog tax (Hundesteuer), and it applies exclusively to dogs. This is a key legal distinction between the two pets. While you are legally required to register and pay taxes for any dog you own, your cat is completely exempt from this entire process.
