Best Pet Insurance in Germany in 2024 | Pet Health and Liability Insurance

Having a pet in Germany and wondering if you should have pet insurance? It doesn’t matter if you have a dog, a cat, or a horse. You are at the right place. In this article, you will learn everything about pet insurance in Germany. We will also talk about the best pet insurance provider in Germany. This includes both pet health insurance and pet liability insurance.

The best pet insurance provider in Germany

In general, there are two types of pet insurance policies in Germany:

• Pet health insurance
• Pet liability insurance

In this guide, we will focus on explaining these two types of pet insurance in Germany. If you are looking for information about moving with your pet to Germany, getting a pet in Germany, and all the things you need to know as a pet owner in Germany, check out this article: Pets In Germany – Moving With Your Pets Or Adopting One Locally

Now, let’s look at the best pet insurance provider in Germany!

The best pet health insurance in Germany

Getsafe cat/dog health insurance: Full English support and 100% digital. Up to 100% reimbursement. Little to no waiting times. Free choice of your vet. Worldwide coverage. Accept pets with pre-existing illnesses.

If you are okay with the German language, you can also use a comparison tool to compare different dog health insurance and cat health insurance in Germany.

The best pet liability insurance in Germany

Getsafe dog liability insurance: Full English support and 100% digital. Up to 50 million Euros coverage. Cover any breed of dog. Worldwide coverage. 15 EUR discount if you sign up now

Getsafe does not offer horse liability insurance. If you own a horse, you can check here. If you are okay with the German language, you can also use this comparison tool to compare different dog liability insurance in Germany.

Keep on reading for more details about pet insurance in Germany. Scroll down for more details about the best insurance provider mentioned above.

We picked the best pet insurance in Germany based on our personal experience, online reviews, and in-depth research. We do not provide a complete market overview. Note that the data in this article is accurate as of the date when this article is written and is subject to change at any time in the future. Please check the websites of the pet insurance providers directly for the latest information.

Introduction

If you’re a pet owner in Germany, it’s important to consider purchasing two types of insurance to protect yourself and your furry friend: pet liability insurance and pet health insurance.

Pet liability insurance can provide coverage if your pet causes any harm, such as injuries or property damage, to a third party. This insurance is especially important if you own a dog. Dog liability insurance is legally required in certain regions of Germany.

On the other hand, pet health insurance covers the cost of medical expenses for your beloved companion. Just like with humans, pets can also face health issues that may require medical treatments, such as surgeries or therapies.

Read also: Private vs Public Health Insurance: What is Better for Expats in Germany?

What is pet health insurance in Germany?

Having two cats myself, I understand how much our furry friends mean to us. They fill our lives with happiness. However, as much as we hope that they never get sick or injured, it’s not always within our control. That’s why I highly recommend considering pet health insurance for your pet.

Even though pet health insurance is not mandatory, it can save you from unexpected expenses that could leave you in a tough financial situation. The cost of veterinary treatment can quickly add up, especially if your pet requires surgery.

Just to give you an example. If your pet has a cruciate rupture, the medical cost can be as high as 3,000 Euros. Even treating allergies can cost you easily 1,000 Euros.

My personal experience

I have a personal experience that demonstrates the importance of pet health insurance. One of our cats developed diabetes as he got older, which meant that we had to give him insulin twice a day, buy him special diabetic foods, and take him for regular vet visits and blood tests.

Unfortunately, these additional expenses added up quickly, and we found ourselves paying an extra three-digit sum each month due to his illness.

All of these expenses were a big financial burden. And it was stressful to worry about how we would afford them in the long term. This experience made me realize that pet health insurance is a wise investment that can provide peace of mind and financial security for pet owners.

Should you have pet health insurance in Germany?

One of the great things about pet health insurance is that it allows you to make decisions about your pet’s treatment based on their medical needs, rather than financial limitations.

Here is a true story:

My friend told me that his precious baby cat had suffered an injury. He rushed the poor thing to the vet, hoping for the best. However, he was faced with a tough decision – amputation or treatment.

Amputation was significantly cheaper, costing only 1,000 Euros. But the thought of subjecting the young kitten to such a cruel procedure was unbearable for him.

So, despite the financial burden, he chose to pursue the more expensive treatment option, which cost him a whopping 4,000 Euros.

If he had pet insurance in Germany, he would have chosen the best possible care for his pet without worrying about the cost.

Overall, I believe that investing in pet health insurance is a wise decision for any pet owner. It can help ensure that your furry friend receives the best possible care and can save you from unexpected financial stress.

Read also: Insurance in Germany – Which one do you need?

What does pet health insurance cover in Germany?

When it comes to pet health insurance in Germany, it’s essential to know what you’re getting. Pet health insurance in Germany often covers things like necessary medication and treatments, including diagnostics, dental treatment, and even hospital stays.

One thing to note is that often not all of the treatment cost is covered, and you may need to pay a deductible. Some companies will cover veterinary expenses up to a maximum amount per year.

What does pet health insurance not cover in Germany?

Note that routine and preventative treatments are often excluded from coverage. This includes things like vaccinations, spaying or neutering, flea and tick treatments, grooming, and dental care.

Besides, alternative therapies like laser therapy or homeopathy may not be reimbursed. So it’s important to read the fine print and understand exactly what your policy covers.

How much does pet health insurance cost in Germany?

There are a few different factors that can impact the price of your premium, such as your pet’s age and breed.

As pets get older, they tend to be more susceptible to illness. So, premiums may increase as a result. Certain breeds may also require more expensive treatments than others, which can affect the cost of insurance.

Despite these considerations, don’t let the cost of pet health insurance discourage you. It’s actually quite affordable when you consider the coverage it provides.

For example, you can find dog and cat health insurance for as low as 12-13 Euros per month, depending on the age, breed, sex, and coverage you choose. Smaller animals, such as rabbits, may only cost around 10 Euros per month.

However, horse owners can expect to pay more – horse health insurance can cost around 170 Euros per month.

What is pet surgery insurance in Germany?

If you’re concerned about the cost of pet health insurance, pet surgery insurance might be a good alternative.

Pet surgery insurance is generally much more affordable than comprehensive pet health insurance. It only covers the expenses related to surgical procedures, which can be one of the most expensive parts of unexpected medical bills for your pet.

The price of pet surgery insurance starts at around 6 Euros per month for small animals like cats and rabbits, 9 Euros per month for dogs, and 15 Euros per month for horses.

Should you choose pet health insurance or pet surgery insurance only?

Choosing between pet health insurance and pet surgery insurance can be a challenging decision to make. You should think about what kind of costs you can handle in case your pet becomes ill. Also, how likely will your pet need expensive treatments?

While surgery insurance can be a cost-effective choice, it only covers the costs of surgical procedures. If your pet develops a chronic illness or needs other expensive medical treatments, you may have to pay for it yourself.

This is where comprehensive pet health insurance can come in handy, even though it has higher premiums. It could end up saving you a lot of money in the long run. And it can provide you with peace of mind knowing that your pet is covered in any situation.

The best pet health insurance provider in Germany

Getsafe pet health insurance

Getsafe was founded in 2015. It started originally as an insurance broker and changed to building its own digital insurance products. You can sign up in a few minutes and manage everything in one app without the paper trail.

Getsafe offer both cat and dog health insurance.

Here are some highlights:

• Up to 100% reimbursement
• 0 deductible possible
• Possible for pets under 8 years old
• Little to no waiting times
• Your pet may be accepted even with pre-existing illnesses and can be protected from other future diseases
• Full English support
• 100% digital with its mobile app
• Very good customer rating

Getsafe pet health insurance coverage:

• 3 plans: OP protection Comfort, Full Cover Comfort, and Full Cover Premium
• Free choice of veterinarian
• 24/7 unlimited vet video consultations with FirstVet
• Worldwide protection for your pet for up to 12 months
• Pay up to 4 times the base rate of the German scale of vet fees (GOT)
• Daily cancellable after the first year
• Short waiting time:

• • 1 month in general
  • 12 months for certain diseases
  • None for accidents, chipping, preventative care allowance, and telemedicine

• Comprehensive coverage:

• • Cover extensive diagnostics, including preliminary examinations and clinical tests
  • Include operations under partial or general anesthesia as well as follow-up treatments
  • Cover medical treatment costs due to illness or accident
  • Cover the cost of medication, bandages, treatments, and medical devices prescribed by the veterinarian

• Full cover Premium plan:

• • Unlimited sum insured for operations and non-surgical medical treatment
  • €100 per year for preventive services such as vaccinations, blood tests, dental prophylaxis, deworming, and tartar removal

Sign up with Getsafe pet health insurance now!

If you are okay with the German language, you can also use a comparison tool to compare different dog health insurance and cat health insurance in Germany.

Top Tips for Buying Pet Health Insurance in Germany

Here are some tips to keep in mind when purchasing pet health insurance in Germany:

Free choice of your vet

Make sure your insurance provider allows you to choose your own vet. It’s important to have a vet you trust and feel comfortable with.

Health bonus for routine treatment

Some insurance providers offer a one-time health bonus that can help cover the cost of routine medical treatments such as vaccinations. These treatments can be costly if you have to pay yourself.

The schedule of fees

If you’re a pet owner in Germany, it’s important to know about the “Gebührenordnung für Tierärztinnen und Tierärzte” (GOT), which is essentially a schedule of fees set by the government for veterinary services.

The GOT limits how much vets can charge, with the maximum amount being three times the specified rate.

To ensure that you won’t have to choose between your pet’s health and your budget, it’s essential to check that your insurance policy covers vet fees at least up to three times the GOT rate.

So, we have talked a lot about pet health insurance. Let’s move on to talk about another important type of insurance for pet owners in Germany: pet liability insurance.

What is pet liability insurance?

If you have a pet in Germany, you should know that you’re responsible for any damages caused by your pet to other people or their property. It doesn’t matter if you’re present or not, or if someone else is taking care of your pet – the responsibility falls on you.

This means that if your dog causes harm to someone or damages their property, you may be sued for compensation. And if you’re found to be liable, you’ll have to pay for the damages yourself.

But don’t worry – there’s a way to protect yourself from financial loss in case of any unforeseen accidents or incidents involving your pet. Many dog owners in Germany choose to purchase dog liability insurance (Hundehaftpflichtversicherung), which covers the cost of damages caused by their dogs to other third parties.

Do you really need pet liability insurance in Germany?

If you own a dog or a horse in Germany, it’s highly recommended that you consider obtaining liability insurance. Pet liability insurance is usually used for larger animals. It’s not necessary for smaller pets such as cats.

Pet liability insurance covers personal injury, property damage, and financial loss. According to GDV, dog liability insurance companies in Germany pay out over 80,000 claims every year, with the average cost of damages being around 1,000 euros. But in some cases, it can cost 50,000 euros or more – that’s a lot of money to pay out of pocket!

So, if you have a dog or a horse in Germany, it’s definitely worth considering getting pet liability insurance. You don’t want to be caught off guard and have to pay a hefty sum of money for damages caused by your beloved pet.

With pet liability insurance, you can have the freedom to enjoy your time with your furry friend without worrying about any unexpected financial burdens.

Does my private liability insurance policy cover my pet?

It depends. In Germany, personal liability insurance usually only covers small animals such as cats, but not dogs or horses. To ensure your dog or horse is covered, you will need to obtain a separate pet liability insurance policy Germany.

Who must have pet liability insurance in Germany?

Unlike for dogs, pet liability insurance is not mandatory for horses in Germany. But it is a must-have for every private horse owner, especially given their size, strength, and power.

For dogs, pet liability insurance may be legally required depending on where you live in Germany. Some states make it mandatory for all dog owners to have insurance, while others only require it for owners of dangerous breeds.

Even in states where dog liability insurance is not required, it is highly recommended that dog owners purchase this type of insurance in Germany to protect themselves from financial loss.

What is the definition of dangerous dogs?

The definition can vary from state to state in Germany. However, in many states, breeds like Pit Bull Terriers, Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers are commonly classified as dangerous.

To make sure you’re following the rules, it’s a good idea to check the local regulations in your state to see if you are required to have dog liability insurance in Germany.

Additionally, keep in mind that in most states, large dogs that are at least 40 cm tall or weigh at least 20 kg are required to have liability insurance. 

What is covered by pet liability insurance in Germany?

Pet liability insurance protects you if your pet causes any harm or damage to other people or their property. Here are some of the things that are typically covered:

First, if your pet hurts someone and they need medical attention, the insurance will help cover the cost of their treatment and any compensation for their pain and suffering. This could happen if, for example, your dog accidentally bites someone or knocks them over.

Second, if your pet damages someone else’s property, the insurance will help pay for the cost of repairing or replacing it. So if your furry friend chews up someone’s shoes or scratches their car, you’ll be covered.

Third, if you need to go to court to defend yourself against an unjustified claim related to your pet’s behavior, the insurance can help cover your legal fees.

And finally, if your pet causes someone to suffer a financial loss – like if they have to miss work because of an injury caused by your puppy – the insurance can help cover those costs too.

What is the additional coverage?

When it comes to dog liability insurance in Germany, there are different options available that can give you extra coverage beyond the basics. Here are a few examples of the add-ons that some insurance providers offer:

First off, if you have a male dog and he accidentally mates with another dog, you could be responsible for any expenses related to the pregnancy. But some insurance policies have an add-on that covers those costs, so you don’t have to worry about paying out of pocket.

If you have a female dog that gives birth to puppies, some policies offer an add-on that provides liability protection for the little ones for a certain period, depending on the insurance provider.

And if you’re renting a property in Germany with your dog, some policies have an add-on that covers any damage your furry friend might cause to the rental apartment or hotel.

Not all insurance providers offer these specific add-ons. So it’s important to carefully read the policy coverage and choose the one that best suits your dog’s needs and your own requirements.

Who is covered by pet liability insurance in Germany?

The group of insured individuals usually includes you and all family members who live in your household. For example, if a family member takes your dog for a walk and it causes damage, you’ll still be covered under the policy.

Even if you have a dog sitter or walker, they’re also covered when they take your puppy out for a stroll. If your dog happens to bite your sitter during playtime, the liability insurance will take care of all the associated costs.

And if your dog causes any harm while a friend or neighbor is watching them, the insurance will cover any damages that result.

So you can rest easy knowing that you and those closest to you are covered under your pet liability insurance policy.

What is not covered by pet liability insurance in Germany?

Some policies exclude specific breeds from coverage, so be sure to check if your breed is covered.

Intentional damages are also not covered. So, if you command your dog to attack someone or damage someone else’s property on purpose, you will be responsible for the costs.

Also, damages caused by your pet to your own property or to people living in the same house as you are not covered. This means that if your dog chews up your favorite pair of shoes or scratches the floor, you’ll have to pay for the repairs yourself.

Wear and tear caused over a long period of time by your pet, such as scratches on the floor or on furniture, is also not covered.

Even damages to glass, electrical appliances, and fines for violating local dog-related laws are excluded from coverage. Remember to always follow the rules and regulations and train your dog to avoid causing damage or harm.

How much does pet liability insurance cost?

Luckily, pet liability insurance can be quite affordable. In fact, a typical dog liability policy may cost you less than 5 Euros per month.

Are you a horse owner? If so, horse liability insurance (Pferdeversicherungen) is strongly recommended to protect yourself from any damages or injuries that your horse may cause. The insurance typically costs about 15 Euros per month, which is a small price to pay for peace of mind.

Note that the specific cost can vary depending on many different factors. For example, the type of pet you have, the number of pets you need to insure, and the amount of coverage you desire can all impact the cost of your insurance.

The best pet liability insurance providers in Germany

Getsafe dog liability insurance

Getsafe was founded in 2015. It started originally as an insurance broker and changed to building its own digital insurance products. You can sign up in a few minutes and manage everything in one app without the paper trail.

Here are some highlights for the Getsafe dog liability insurance:

• 0 deductible possible
• Full English support
• 100% digital with its mobile app
• Very good customer rating
• Easily file claims in the app
• 15 EUR discount if you sign up now

Getsafe dog liability insurance coverage:

• Two plans: Comfort and Premium
• Up to 50 million EUR coverage
• Cover any breed of dog
• International coverage up to 5 years
• Cover personal injuries, injuries to other dogs, damage to someone else’s property, financial losses, damage to rental property and furnishings
• Cover dog owner and their family members, friends, and dog sitters
• Cover activities such as walking without a leash, visiting dog training centers, participating in performances and tournaments, dog racing and dog sledding, and acting as a therapy dog
• Optional emergency dog support extension, e.g. veterinary expenses, boarding, rescue, and recovery costs
• Pause your contribution if you are unemployed (up to 12 months)
• Free co-insurance of puppies (up to 12 months)

Sign up with Getsafe and get a 15 Euros discount now!

Unfortunately, Getsafe does not offer horse liability insurance. If you own a horse, you can check here. If you are okay with the German language, you can also use this comparison tool to compare different dog liability insurance in Germany.

Top Tips for Buying Pet liability Insurance in Germany

When considering purchasing pet liability insurance in Germany, there are a few important factors to keep in mind.

The deductible

Be aware of the deductible amount in the insurance policy. Some policies provide full coverage without a deductible, while others require you to pay a small deductible amount.

The insured sum

When choosing a policy, you should also take note of the coverage amount. It’s recommended to choose a policy with a coverage limit of at least €5 million, as damages caused by your pet can be costly.

Additionally, some German federal states have a mandated coverage minimum. So, be sure to check your local regulations.

The coverage

You should also check if your dog breed is covered under the policy and if multiple dogs can be included in a single plan.

Remember that pet liability insurance does not cover your pet’s health problems and veterinary costs. For that, you will need to purchase a separate pet health insurance plan.

Besides, some policies have added benefits that could really come in handy. For example, some policies cover damages caused by your furry friend when they’re off-leash or defending themselves. Others even offer protection in case the other dog owner doesn’t have insurance.

And if you ever have to leave Germany with your pet, you’ll want to look for a policy with worldwide coverage, so you’ll both be protected no matter where your travels take you.

Some policies will also cover damages caused by your pet when someone else is watching them, such as a friend or family member, or even in dog school.

Mobile app

To make things more convenient, look for an insurance company that handles claims and contracts through smartphone apps. So, you don’t have to deal with the paperwork and posts.

English support

If your German level is not sufficient, you may want to consider a pet liability policy that provides English support. This will ensure that you fully understand the legal terms and conditions of your insurance policy.

Read also: 

• 10 Best Apps to Learn German – Free and Paid
• How to learn German: My 11 secret fun ways

In summary, when purchasing pet liability insurance in Germany, it’s important to choose a policy that meets your specific needs and provides coverage for any potential damages caused by your furry friend.

Conclusion

Pet health insurance is an important consideration for any pet owner in Germany. And if you have a dog or a horse, pet liability insurance is almost a must.

By exploring different options and finding the right coverage, you can ensure that you’re financially protected. You will be able to give your beloved pet the care they need, no matter what challenges come your way.

DISCLAIMER

Please be aware that this article is intended to provide you a brief overview of pet insurance in Germany. The information and tips in this article are based on personal experiences and thorough research.

This blog is not an insurance broker platform and this article does not represent professional advice. Before purchasing, you should read the fine print of the insurance policy to make sure you understand the details.

This blog is not qualified to give you any financial advice according to German law and we do not accept any form of liability resulting from reading this article. Our blog makes no guarantee as to the accuracy or timeliness of the information in this article.

If you need any more details or the latest information, please refer to the insurance companies’ websites directly. If you need personal insurance advice, please contact an independent financial adviser.

Do you have a pet insurance policy in Germany? Which pet insurance provider do you think is the best in Germany? Leave a comment below and share your experience!