“Vets in Germany cost more than gold”
And that really is the case! Especially when you consider that vet fees went up in November 2022. Before that, the fees set by law in the GOT (the official German fee schedule for vets) had not been fully revised for more than 20 years.
The new GOT has applied since 22 November 2022: a general examination of a dog or cat costs from €23.62 excluding VAT (the single rate), and depending on how difficult the case is, the vet may charge up to three times that.
I think you can see that operations in Germany cost thousands of euros.
Dogs and Cats in Germany: Rules for Owners
The pet must have an EU pet passport (EU-Heimtierausweis), an identification microchip and a valid rabies vaccination.
What pet insurance in Germany covers
Examinations
Treatment and surgery
Hospitalisation
Sterilisation
Prosthetics Two types of health cover for a pet
Cover for operations only — the OP-Versicherung.
The most affordable option. For a cat, from €4.32 a month, for a dog from €7.38. The difference is large, because treating a dog also costs more.
HanseMerkur’s cheapest tariff as of September 2026, with a deductible and for a young animal.
DOG INSURANCE
DOG INSURANCE
CAT INSURANCE
CAT INSURANCE
Pet medical insurance (including OP cover).
Here you can choose the basic, standard or premium tariff plan, depending on which medical services you plan to use.
The three insurers we work with most often
The terms below were checked on the insurers’ own websites on 26 August 2026. This is not the whole market but the insurers whose tariffs we offer most often — and three different answers to the question of who actually gets accepted.
| Condition | HanseMerkur | Cleos | Uelzener |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age at contract start | up to 8 years old | accepted at 8 years and older | from the first day of life, no upper limit |
| Waiting time | 1 month; none for accidents | 30 days; 6 months for specific conditions; none for accidents | 30 days; 5 days for accidents |
| Pre-existing conditions | not covered | not covered | acceptance possible: health check, individual diagnoses excluded |
| Dental treatment | Zahnbaustein module: extractions, root canals, fillings, prosthetics | treatment and extraction included in the tariff, cleaning and tartar removal through the Vorsorge module | tartar removal — Vorsorge-Baustein module for dogs, Gesundheit PLUS for cats |
| Annual limit, health cover | €2,500 / €5,000 / no limit | €3,000 / €10,000 / no limit | depends on the tariff |
| Dog, health cover, from | 28 € | 24 € | 43 € |
| Cat, health cover, from | 14 € | 25 € | 21 € |
| Surgery only, from | dog €7.38 / cat €4.32 | dog €14.39 / cat €13.99 | dog €15 / cat €7 |
The “from” premiums are the minimum tariffs as of August 2026 for a young animal with a €500 deductible. The exact amount depends on breed, age and region, which is why we calculate it for the specific animal.
In short: HanseMerkur — a strong basic tariff and a broad dental module for a young animal; Uelzener — the only one of the three that considers animals with pre-existing conditions (those conditions themselves are not covered) and sets no upper age limit; Cleos — the lowest entry price and a willingness to take on a dog over eight.
Germany also has Hundehalterhaftpflicht (dog owner’s liability insurance), which is mandatory in six of the sixteen federal states — Berlin, Bremen, Hamburg, Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia. In Schleswig-Holstein the wording of the law is milder and is interpreted in different ways. In the remaining states the duty arises if the dog is on the breed list (Listenhunde) or the authority has classified it as dangerous, for example after an incident of aggression. A weight or height threshold (20 kg or 40 cm) exists only in North Rhine-Westphalia, and in Bavaria and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania the law does not require it. It is worth checking the requirements with your local Ordnungsamt (public order office). This insurance protects the owner rather than the animal from unnecessary expenses. Well, you have to admit, dogs can damage someone’s car or fence, or injure a person or another dog. By the way, this type of insurance is also particularly relevant for horse owners, among others
.
Liability insurance: dogs and cats
Pet health insurance pays for your pet’s treatment, but not for damage it causes to others. That needs liability insurance, and it works differently for dogs and cats.
- Dog. Standard Privathaftpflichtversicherung (personal liability insurance) does not cover damage caused by a dog, so you need a separate Hundehalterhaftpflicht policy. It is mandatory for all dogs in six federal states: Berlin, Bremen, Hamburg, Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia. Rules by state and tariffs are on the page about animal owner liability insurance.
- Cat. No separate policy is needed: your cat is covered by your Privathaftpflichtversicherung if the contract includes pets (zahme Haustiere). If you do not have personal liability insurance yet, choose one in our calculator.
Pet insurance in Germany: frequently asked questions
Is pet insurance mandatory in Germany?
Health and surgery cover are voluntary. The only cover that can be compulsory is dog liability insurance (Tierhalterhaftpflicht): in six federal states — Berlin, Bremen, Hamburg, Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia — it is required for every dog. In Schleswig-Holstein the law states it as a recommendation and makes it binding only for dogs classified as dangerous. In the remaining states the duty applies to Listenhunde and to dogs the Ordnungsamt has classified as dangerous; in North Rhine-Westphalia it also covers every dog from 40 cm at the withers or 20 kg. In Bavaria and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania the law does not require it. For cats there is no insurance requirement anywhere.
How much does insurance for a dog or a cat cost?
For cats health cover starts roughly from €14 a month, and surgery-only cover from €4.32. For dogs health cover starts from €24, surgery cover from €7.38, and liability cover from €4. Minimum premiums as of August 2026 (for surgery cover, HanseMerkur’s cheapest tariff as of September 2026): young animal, basic terms, with a deductible. The exact amount depends on breed, age and region.
What is the difference between OP-Versicherung and Krankenversicherung (full health cover)?
OP-Versicherung pays only for operations: anaesthesia, the procedure itself, the hospital stay and the related aftercare. The owner pays for consultations, lab work, medication and vaccinations. Krankenversicherung pays for operations and outpatient treatment in full. Surgery cover is two to three times cheaper and covers the most expensive risk; health cover covers the risk in full.
What is the Wartezeit (waiting period) and how long does it last?
The Wartezeit is the period between signing the contract and the start of cover. With the major insurers it is 30 days (one month), and for specific conditions and operations up to 12–18 months. For accidents there is normally no waiting period at all: cover applies from day one (from day five with Uelzener). This is why the contract is signed in advance, not once the animal is already ill.
Are pre-existing conditions covered?
As a rule, no: illnesses known before the contract was signed are excluded. The rule is simple — the illness must be diagnosed after the contract is in place, not before. Uelzener also accepts animals with pre-existing conditions (after a health check), but those conditions themselves are not covered. We handle such cases individually.
Can an older animal still be insured?
Yes, but not everywhere. For a new contract, HanseMerkur accepts animals up to 8 years old. Cleos explicitly accepts dogs aged 8 and older. Uelzener insures from the first day of life and sets no upper age limit for acceptance. An animal over eight is therefore not “refused everywhere” — it simply means going to the insurers who write such contracts.
Does the cover apply abroad?
Yes. With the major insurers, temporary stays abroad are covered worldwide for up to 12 months. That matters for a holiday just as much as for longer trips. Always check the exact duration and territory in your own contract.
Who pays the vet — the owner or the insurer?
Either is possible. The major insurers offer direct billing with the vet — the practice invoices the insurer and the owner does not pay up front. The second option: the owner pays the bill and submits it for reimbursement. In both cases the tariff, the annual limit and the deductible (Selbstbeteiligung) apply.
Can you switch insurers?
Yes, though notice terms differ: some insurers allow cancellation once a year with one or three months’ notice before the end of the insurance year, while Cleos allows monthly cancellation with 14 days’ notice. Switch with your eyes open: a new contract restarts the waiting period, and conditions that appeared during the old contract will generally not be accepted by the new insurer.
Valery Melech
If you need advice on choosing pet insurance or still have questions — please write to us and we will give you a detailed reply and advise you on the best choice, taking into account the age of the animal and its state of health.
Where to go next
Terms, prices and the list of exclusions differ between dogs and cats, which is why the breakdown by species sits on separate pages.
- Dog insurance in Germany — Hundehaftpflicht, Hundekrankenversicherung and OP-Schutz, and where liability cover is compulsory by law.
- Cat insurance in Germany — what a policy for a cat covers and how much vet services cost.
- Glossary of terms for dogs and for cats — Selbstbeteiligung, Wartezeit, GOT-Satz and everything else from the contract.
- Which insurance a pet needs — a comparison of the three types of policy with one another.
- Rules for keeping dogs and cats — walking the dog, registration, entry into the country.
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We want to help as many people as possible manage their own finances with our recommendations. That is why our content is available free of charge online. We fund our extensive work using so-called affiliate links. We mark these links with an asterisk (*).
(*) meaning:
With our recommendations, we want to help as many people as possible look after their finances. We fund our work through affiliate links. We mark these links with an asterisk (*).
Good day. We arrived from Ukraine in July. The documents for refugees are completed. I wanted to insure my pets. Husky dog 2.5 years old and cat 14 years old.
Good afternoon, Tatiana!
We understand how important it is to care for the health and well-being of your pets.
Unfortunately, this year many companies have raised their prices significantly.
We recommend considering HanseMerkur — the most balanced offer on the market and practically the only company that has not yet raised its prices.
Following the link, you can carry out calculations or enter into a contract.
https://secure2.hansemerkur.de/ola-ui2/1/490/tr/basisdaten?etpn=Tierkrankenversicherung&etsc=PFsU6m&adnr=4676029
For your dog (2.5-year-old Husky) the Premium tariff will cost €41.47 per month with an excess of €250.
Unfortunately, many companies have age restrictions for animals.
Therefore, for the cat we recommend the company Uelzener. For pets older than 10 years, the insurance company may require a health check.
Link for calculation and contract conclusion:
https://uelzener.de/iframes/katzen-angebotsrechner/?angebotsrechner%5banfrage%5d%5bproduktDaten%5d%5bopSchutzAusgewaehlt%5d=1&angebotsrechner%5bcooperationAndAgencyNumber%5d=0000103503
⚠️ Please note: insurance will not cover pre-existing medical conditions at the time the contract is concluded.
If you have any questions or requests, we are always ready to help.
Good afternoon. I want to calculate insurance for my dog. But there is a small problem, our dog is mixed-breed.
Good afternoon.
If your dog is a crossbreed, you can choose “Mischling ab 45cm” or “Mischling bis 45cm”.
In translation, it means mongrel.
I wish you a successful contract signing and good health to your pet :)
Do I need to insure bees? I am a beginner beekeeper, I have 2 colonies,
and what documents are needed to register an apiary in Germany, state of Baden-Württemberg?
Hello.
Bee insurance can be a sensible idea, especially if you plan to develop your beekeeping. Bees can fall victim to various disasters, such as diseases, harmful insects, bad weather or predators. Insurance can cover losses associated with such risks. However, you only have two colonies, so you should weigh up the potential costs of insurance against the value and importance of your bees.
As for registering an apiary in Germany, the procedure may vary slightly depending on the federal state. For Baden-Württemberg, you will probably need the following:
1. Registration with the local veterinary authority: As a rule, apiaries must be registered with the local veterinary establishment. This is necessary for the control of bee diseases.
2. Beekeeper’s identification number: Upon registration, you will be provided with a unique number that will identify you as a beekeeper.
3. Hive marking: Hives usually need to be marked with your identification number.
4. Documents confirming ownership or the right to use the land: If the apiary is not on your property, you may need a permit or lease agreement.
5. Apiary information: Number of hives, location, and other details.
6. Insurance documents: If you decide to insure your bees, you should provide the relevant documentation.
7. Membership of a beekeeping union: Although this may be optional, many beekeepers choose to join beekeeping unions or associations to receive support, training and other benefits.
I recommend contacting a local veterinary clinic or beekeeping association in Baden-Württemberg to get accurate and up-to-date information regarding your enquiry.
Hello. Our Spitz is nearly 5 months old. What kind of insurance do we need, how much will it cost, and what is included in the insurance? Thank you.
Good afternoon,
On our website you will find a lot of useful information on pet insurance https://finber.de/hunden/.
I also sent you an email with the dog insurance brochure, which includes links regarding insurance.
By following the links in the brochure, you can both calculate the cost and take out insurance for your pet.
It is only necessary to enter the date of birth and breed.
In our view, Barmenia offers the best value for money and policy coverage.
Link for health insurance quotation:
https://ssl.barmenia.de/online-versichern/#/tierversicherung/Beitrag?app=makler&tierart=Hund&versicherung=alle&adm=950316478
Have a look at the option with HanseMerkur as well. They have a very low price at the moment. A couple of months ago, practically all insurance companies raised their prices because a new fee scale for vets was introduced. HanseMerkur is one of the few that hasn’t raised its prices yet.
The calculation can be made via the link: https://secure2.hansemerkur.de/ola-ui2/1/490/tr/basisdaten?etpn=Tierkrankenversicherung&etsc=PFsU6m&adnr=4676029
Should you have any further questions or requests, we are always happy to help:)
Good afternoon!
Is it possible to take out a family cat insurance policy?
Good afternoon.
I am sending you the cat insurance brochure. In the brochure you will find plenty of useful information, as well as links regarding insurance.
By following the links in the brochure, you can both calculate the cost and take out insurance for your pet.
It is only necessary to enter the date of birth and breed.
In our view, Barmenia offers the best value and policy coverage, with unlimited annual compensation.
Link for medical insurance calculation: Barmenia Katzeversicherung
A couple of months ago, practically all insurance companies put their prices up because a new fee scale for vets was introduced.
HanseMerkur is one of the few that hasn’t put its prices up yet. The coverage is also good and under the Premium Plus tariff, the annual reimbursement is unlimited.
The calculation can be made via the link:https://secure2.hansemerkur.de/ola-ui2/1/490/tr/basisdaten?etpn=Tierkrankenversicherung&etsc=PFsU6m&adnr=4676029
Please also note that there is a limit on vaccinations.
If you have any questions, please get in touch. We are always happy to help 🙂
Good evening. Could you please tell me if there is medical insurance for a parrot?
Good afternoon.
Yes, such insurance policies exist.
Unfortunately, we don’t have any of those in our range yet.
You can search for Kleintiere Versicherung or Vogel Versicherung.
Valery
Good morning. I’d like to insure my cat. Where can I find information?
Hello.
You can read more on this page:
https://finber.de/katzen/
If you have any further questions, please email us or message us on Telegram.
I need to insure a 3-year-old dog. We live in Dresden. I need a consultation on insurance and, if it’s suitable, I will take out the policy.
Good afternoon Lyudmila. I am sending you the link to the dog insurance brochure.
https://finber.de/hunden/
There you will find a lot of useful information, as well as links regarding insurance. The price depends on age and tariff.
By following the links, you can both calculate the cost and take out an insurance policy for your pet.
It is only necessary to enter the date of birth and breed.
If you have any further questions, we can arrange a phone call 🙂
Always happy to help.
Svetlana.