Cat insurance

Find out more about pet insurance in Germany in our video.

Cat insurance in Germany: frequently asked questions

Does a cat need liability insurance?

A separate Katzenhaftpflicht is not compulsory in any federal state in Germany. Damage caused by a cat is normally covered by the owner’s private liability insurance (Privathaftpflichtversicherung) — but only if the contract says so explicitly. It is worth checking your own policy: with some tariffs, pets other than dogs are included automatically.

How much does cat insurance cost?

Surgery-only cover from €7 a month. Separate dental cover from €5. Full health cover from €14. Minimum premiums as of August 2026: young cat, basic terms, with a deductible. The final premium depends on age, breed and on whether the cat goes outdoors.

Does it affect the price whether the cat is a Wohnungskatze or a Freigänger?

Yes. A cat that goes outside is more often involved in accidents and territorial fights and picks up more infections — the risk is higher, and some insurers reflect that in the premium or in the terms. A Wohnungskatze is usually cheaper. That said, “indoor” does not mean “risk-free”: falls from balconies and swallowed objects are among the most common reasons for surgery.

What if the cat is older than 8?

Uelzener insures cats from the first day of life and sets no upper age limit for acceptance — for an older cat that is usually the main route. Cats with pre-existing conditions can also be accepted there: a health check is carried out and individual diagnoses may be excluded from cover. HanseMerkur sets the entry age for a new contract at 8 years.

Is spaying a cat covered?

If the operation is medically indicated (pyometra, tumour), it is covered like any other surgery. Elective spaying without a medical reason does not count as treatment, but several insurers pay a one-off contribution from the preventive-care allowance — usually between €100 and €300. Whether it exists and how much depends on the tariff.

Does the insurance cover dental treatment and scale removal?

Teeth are among the most common reasons cats see a vet. Separate dental cover costs from €5 a month. In health tariffs dental treatment is usually capped at an annual amount, and preventive scale removal is almost never part of basic cover — with Uelzener it is added through the Gesundheit PLUS module. Check this in the specific tariff.

What does Katzen-OP-Versicherung cover, and what does it not?

It covers anaesthesia, the procedure itself, the hospital stay and the related aftercare — typically 30 to 60 days after surgery depending on the tariff. It does not cover ordinary consultations, lab work, medication outside the operation, vaccinations or preventive care. It is the cheap way to close the most expensive risk: surgery for an intestinal blockage or a fracture easily passes a thousand euros.

Does the cover apply abroad?

Yes. With the major insurers, temporary stays abroad are covered worldwide for up to 12 months. For the trip itself you need a microchip and an EU-Heimtierausweis with a valid rabies vaccination — that is an entry requirement, not an insurance one.

What happens if I move or change vet?

The contract applies throughout Germany and is not tied to a practice, so changing vet does not affect cover. You do need to give the insurer your new address: the region feeds into the premium calculation and it can change when you move. For an overview of policy types and prices see the section pet insurance in Germany; if there is also a dog in the household, see dog insurance.

Contract terms: what each line actually means

You will see these terms in any German insurer’s offer. Here is what each of them means.