Insuring a Listed Dog Breed: Tariffs, Rules & Tips 2026

Dog health insurance for listed breeds is possible, but not with every provider. Some insurers categorically reject breeds such as the American Staffordshire Terrier or Pitbull, or charge higher premiums. Comparing tariffs carefully will turn up options with no breed exclusion. In addition, most German states legally require liability insurance for listed breeds.

What Is a Listed Breed, and Why Is the Insurance Situation So Complex?

Definition: The Breed List Nationally and at the State Level

Listed breeds are dog breeds placed on breed lists in certain German states because of their potential danger [1]. At the federal level, the Dog Import and Transport Restriction Act (Hundeverbringungs- und -einfuhrbeschränkungsgesetz, HundVerbrEinfG) covers four breeds: Pitbull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and Bull Terrier, as well as their crossbreeds [3]. Importing these breeds into Germany is generally prohibited. Exceptions apply only to service, rescue, or guide dogs, and for short stays of up to four weeks.

16 States, 16 Different Rules

There is no nationwide breed list — each state decides for itself [3]. Twelve of the 16 German states maintain their own breed lists; only Schleswig-Holstein, Thuringia, Lower Saxony, and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania no longer have state-specific breed lists. Some states split breeds into Category 1 (considered dangerous by default) and Category 2 (danger presumed, temperament test possible). In Bavaria, for example, the American Staffordshire Terrier falls into Category 1 with a strict permit requirement. Hesse doesn't categorize at all: all nine listed breeds are considered dangerous across the board there [4]. Anyone moving with a listed breed needs to check the legal situation in the new state afresh.

Why Do Some Insurers Reject Listed Breeds?

Some insurance companies categorically refuse to insure so-called fighting dogs [2]. The reasoning: higher claim amounts in the past and increased liability risk. For dog health insurance, the situation is somewhat more relaxed than for liability insurance. There is no across-the-board categorical breed exclusion in dog health insurance. However, if a dog counts as a fighting dog or listed breed, some insurers require a passed temperament test as a condition for signing up. Some providers have breed exclusions or charge higher premiums [3]. Comparing tariffs carefully is therefore essential.

Hesse in Detail: Requirements for Owners of Listed Breeds Locally

The Hesse Dog Ordinance (HundeVO) and Its Requirements

Hesse's Dog Ordinance (HundeVO) regulates keeping dangerous dogs in the state (historically in effect since January 22, 2003, amended several times since) [5]. Dangerous dogs may only be kept with a permit from the responsible regulatory authority. This requires proof of expertise and a passed temperament test for the dog [5]. Hesse does not split listed breeds into categories — all nine breeds are considered generally dangerous [4]. Hesse's breed list includes, among others, the American Staffordshire Terrier, Pitbull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, American Bulldog, Dogo Argentino, Kangal, Caucasian Shepherd Dog, and Rottweiler.

Higher Dog Tax as a Financial Factor

Owners of listed breeds in Hesse pay significantly higher dog tax — for example, €900 instead of €102 in Frankfurt [4]. This cost comes on top of the insurance premium. Anyone keeping an American Staffordshire Terrier in Frankfurt pays almost nine times the standard rate in dog tax alone. On top of that come the costs for the expertise test, temperament test, and certificate of good conduct. The total burden is considerable. Health insurance protects against the biggest cost block: unexpected vet bills.

Mandatory Insurance in Hesse and Other States

In Hesse, mandatory insurance applies only to listed and dangerous dogs, not to all dogs [3]. In several German states, all listed breeds are required to have dog liability insurance [2]. In Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia, Hamburg, Bremen, Schleswig-Holstein, and Berlin, this requirement even applies to all dogs. Only in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is there no mandatory insurance at all. Under Section 833 of the German Civil Code (BGB), owners are personally liable with their entire private assets if they have no insurance [2]. That's the strongest argument for full cover.

Dog Health Insurance for Listed Breeds: Tariffs Compared

Four Tariff Tiers From Basic to Superior — What's Behind Them?

Dog health insurance tariffs differ considerably in reimbursement rate, deductible, and annual maximum. Hepster's product range includes four variants: Basis20, Basis50, Premium, and Superior (Superior10 and Superior0). The reimbursement rate ranges from 50% (Basis50) through 80% (Basis20 and Premium) and 90% (Superior10) up to 100% with no deductible (Superior0). The annual maximum for the Basis tariffs is €2,500 per insurance year for treatment and surgery costs combined. For the Premium tariff, the limit rises to €10,000 in the first year, €15,000 in the second year, and is unlimited from the third insurance year onward. The Superior tariffs have no annual maximum from the start.

What's Actually Covered — and What Isn't?

All tariffs reimburse actual costs incurred for veterinarily necessary medical treatment for illness or accident, as well as surgery under partial or general anesthesia. This is joined by wound care, pre-surgical examinations, medication, and boarding at a veterinary clinic. Under the Basis tariff, that's up to 10 days of hospital stay; under the Superior tariff, up to 20 days. The Premium and Superior tariffs also include physiotherapy (up to €200 for conservative treatment, up to €500 after surgery), homeopathy, acupuncture, laser therapy, and tooth extractions. The Superior tariff also reimburses prosthetics and orthotics up to €650. There is no cover for chronic conditions or congenital malformations that the owner was aware of at the time of application, nor for conditions occurring within the one-month waiting period.

Health Flat-Rate and Telemedicine Service

All tariffs include a health flat-rate for check-ups, vaccinations, deworming, and dental prophylaxis. The amount varies: €30 per insurance year under the Basis tariff, €70 under the Premium tariff, and €100 under the Superior tariff. The Superior tariff also includes the dog's identification (chipping) within the flat-rate. In addition, a telemedicine service is included in all tariffs. Veterinary fees are reimbursed up to three times the GOT rate under the Basis tariff, and up to four times the rate under the Premium and Superior tariffs. This is relevant for owners of listed breeds, since specialist clinics often charge higher rates.

All tariffs: general waiting period 1 month; cover in Germany and Europe for up to 12 months; Superior tariffs worldwide for up to 12 months. Source: Hepster dog health insurance product information sheets.

Acceptance Requirements: What Owners of Listed Breeds Need to Watch For When Signing Up

Temperament Test, Chip Number, and Proof of Identity

Acceptance requirements for listed breeds vary by insurer. If a dog counts as a fighting dog or listed breed, some insurers require a passed temperament test as a condition for signing up. The dog's chip number or tattoo must be proven at the latest by the time of the first claim. To assess a claim, documents proving the insured event must be presented: the original invoice, a protection or adoption contract, or a copy of the pet passport. Anyone adopting a listed breed from a shelter should carefully keep all such documents.

Waiting Periods and Pre-Existing Conditions: The Critical Timing

The general waiting period is one month under all tariffs. Special waiting periods for certain conditions are set out in the General Insurance Terms and Conditions. If the diagnosis is established within the waiting period, that condition and its consequences are permanently excluded from cover. Anyone who only insures their listed breed after its first vet visit risks permanent exclusions. Chronic conditions or congenital, genetic malformations that the owner was aware of at the time of application are likewise permanently excluded. Signing up before the first vet visit is therefore the right time to do it.

Conditions Occurring Within Six Months Before the Contract Began

Conditions that were the reason for treatment or surgery within six months before the contract began are not covered. This rule applies to all tariffs. For owners of listed breeds wanting to insure a dog that has already been treated, this means: pre-existing conditions must be fully disclosed. No costs are covered for treatment, surgery, or other veterinary services aimed at achieving breed standard. Neutering or spaying is only reimbursable if medically necessary — capped at €250 under both the Basis and Premium tariffs.

Geographic Scope: Cover Even When Traveling With a Listed Breed

Cover in Germany and Europe

Geographic cover applies to Germany under all tariffs. For stays in other European countries of up to twelve months, cover also applies in the country where the dog is staying. This is especially relevant for owners of listed breeds: anyone traveling to Austria or Switzerland with their American Staffordshire Terrier is covered there too. Important: this does not affect the destination country's entry restrictions. France, for example, completely bans the import of Category 1 listed breeds.

Worldwide Cover Only Under the Superior Tariff

For stays in non-European countries, worldwide cover applies only under the Premium tariff, for up to six months, and under the Superior tariffs, for up to twelve months worldwide. The Basis tariffs only cover Germany and Europe. Anyone regularly traveling outside Europe with their listed breed should consider the Superior tariff. The extra cost of the Superior tariff pays for itself with a single emergency treatment abroad. Vet costs abroad can easily run into the thousands of euros.

Traveling With Listed Breeds: Keep an Eye on the Legal Requirements

Insurance cover and entry rights are two separate matters. Anyone traveling abroad with a listed breed must independently check the destination country's entry rules. The Dog Import and Transport Restriction Ordinance (Hundeverbringungs- und -einfuhrverordnung, HundVerbrEinfVO) states that listed breeds may only be brought into Germany for a vacation of at most four weeks, or as rescue, service, guide, or assistance dogs. For trips abroad, the respective national rules apply. Pet health insurance: coverage and costs gives a good overview of the general insurance framework for pets.

Liability Insurance for Listed Breeds: Combining the Legal Requirement With Cover

Why Dog Liability Insurance Is Essential for Owners of Listed Breeds

Dog liability insurance for listed breeds is legally required in almost every German state. In every state except Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, either dog liability insurance for all dogs, or liability insurance just for fighting dogs, is mandatory. Under Section 833 of the German Civil Code (BGB), owners are personally liable with their entire private assets if they have no insurance [2]. A single personal-injury claim can reach amounts that threaten someone's financial existence. Dog health insurance for listed breeds protects against vet costs — liability insurance protects against damage to third parties. Both are needed together.

Premiums and Special Features of Liability Insurance for Listed Breeds

Liability premiums for listed breeds are often €60 to €150 a year or more, depending on breed, sum insured, and state [3]. Normal dogs start at around €30 to €60 a year. Some providers treat all breeds the same and don't apply breed exclusions. Tariffs with no breed exclusion and a high sum insured of €10 million to €50 million are recommended [3]. Some providers only offer listed breeds tariffs with a deductible — the deductible-free tariff is then blocked for these breeds. Comparing options really pays off here.

Combining Health and Liability Insurance: Full Cover

Anyone keeping a listed breed needs at least two insurance components: liability (legally required) and health insurance (voluntary, but financially sensible). Health insurance for dogs at a glance shows how the two components work together. For owners who also have other pets, nextsure offers further cover options with insurance for unusual pet breeds and health insurance for other pets. Coordinated cover for all animals in the household is more efficient than taking out separate policies for each.

Contract Details: Term, Cancellation, and Reporting a Claim

Monthly Subscription, Annual Subscription, or Fixed Term

There are three types of contract: fixed term, monthly subscription, and annual subscription. With a fixed contract term, cover ends automatically at the agreed date — there is then no ordinary right of cancellation. The monthly subscription renews automatically from month to month, with a minimum term of 12 months and a notice period of 3 business days before the end of the insurance period. The annual subscription renews automatically from year to year, with a notice period of 3 business days before the end of the insurance period. For owners of listed breeds who are still unsure whether the chosen tariff is right for them, the monthly subscription offers more flexibility.

Extraordinary Right of Cancellation After a Claim or Premium Increase

Under certain conditions, either party can cancel the contract early. This is possible, for example, after a claim, or if the premium rises without a corresponding change in the scope of cover. This matters for owners of listed breeds: if an insurer cancels after a claim, a new tariff must be found quickly. Pre-existing conditions from the previous contract can then lead to exclusions in the new one. Signing up early and choosing stable tariffs pays off.

Reporting a Claim and Obligations When a Claim Occurs

Report the insured event without delay. To assess the claim, documents proving the insured event must be presented. The dog's chip number or tattoo must be proven at the latest by the time of the first claim. Claims are submitted via the web portal or by email to the insurer. Anyone who carefully keeps the pet passport, purchase contract, or adoption contract from the start avoids delays when a claim occurs. Dog health insurance for listed breeds offers a direct entry point into comparing suitable tariffs.