Optimal pet insurance for dogs: reduce costs, maximise cover
16.05.25
3
Minutes
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
Veterinary costs can quickly amount to several thousand euros. Pet insurance for dogs protects you against unexpected financial burdens. Find out how to choose the right cover for your loyal companion.
The topic in brief and concise terms
Dog health insurance protects against high veterinary costs, which have risen further due to the new GOT; 84 per cent of dog owners regularly visit the vet.
There are operation insurance policies (cheaper, only for operations) and full insurance policies (more expensive, comprehensive cover including treatments).
Costs depend on breed, age, excess and scope of cover; waiting periods and exclusions (e.g. for pre-existing conditions) should be noted.
Vet costs trap: understanding the need for health insurance for dogs
Veterinary costs for dogs can quickly become a financial challenge. A Forsa study shows that 84 per cent of dog owners regularly visit a vet. More than half (57 per cent) spend between one hundred and one thousand euros each year. Especially operations, which have already been necessary for 14 per cent of dogs, can incur costs of over two thousand euros. The new fee schedule for veterinarians (GOT), in force since November 2022, has also led to a further increase in treatment costs. A suitable dog health insurance policy covers these financial risks. Without protection, you will have to dig deep into your own pocket in an emergency. The emotional strain caused by the animal's illness is thus not made worse by financial worries.
Surgery Cover versus Full Cover: Choosing the Right Plan for Your Dog
There are mainly two types of plans in dog health insurance. Dog surgery insurance covers costs directly associated with operations, including pre- and post-treatment. Comprehensive health cover offers more extensive protection and also covers outpatient and inpatient treatments, medication and, in some cases, preventive services such as vaccinations. A dog surgery insurance policy is often the cheaper option, but it does not cover everyday illnesses such as gastrointestinal problems. Comprehensive cover is more expensive, but offers a wider range of benefits. Consider which risks you want to insure against and what budget you have available. A comprehensive pet health insurance can protect you from high overall costs in the long term.
Optimising your premium: These factors influence the cost of your dog health insurance
The monthly cost of dog health insurance varies considerably. Factors include your dog’s breed, age and size. A young, small mixed-breed dog is often cheaper to insure than a large pedigree dog with a known predisposition to certain illnesses. A voluntary excess can significantly reduce the premium; however, please bear in mind that you will have to cover this amount yourself in the event of a claim. For example, a plan with a fifty per cent excess can halve the monthly premium, but if you have an operation costing over one thousand euros, you would then pay five hundred euros yourself. Some insurers offer discounts for annual payment. Compare the offers carefully and pay attention to value for money, not just the lowest price. Careful plan selection is crucial.
The following factors are typically relevant:
The dog’s age when the contract starts (younger dogs are usually cheaper)
The dog’s breed (some breeds have higher risks of certain conditions)
The desired level of cover (surgery cover or comprehensive cover)
The amount of cover or annual benefit limit
Agreed excess (the higher it is, the lower the premium)
Contract term and payment method (annual is often cheaper than monthly)
Our expert tip: Look for transparent terms regarding changes to premiums as your dog gets older.
Scope of cover in detail: What good plans should include
A good pet health insurance policy for dogs should include important benefits. This includes covering veterinary costs according to the current scale of fees for veterinarians (GOT), ideally up to three or four times the standard rate. Free choice of veterinarian and clinic is an important factor for many dog owners. Make sure diagnostic procedures (e.g. X-rays, ultrasound, MRI, CT), medication, dressings and boarding in an animal clinic are covered. Also check whether preventive measures such as vaccinations, worming treatments or dental prophylaxis are reimbursed at least in part. Overseas cover is essential for people travelling with a dog. The dog owner liability insurance is a different policy, but just as important. The health insurance covers medical treatment.
Waiting periods and exclusions: Understanding the fine print
Almost every dog insurance policy includes waiting periods. This means that full cover only takes effect after a certain period following the start of the contract, often one to three months. For accidents, the waiting period is often waived. Special waiting periods, sometimes of up to eighteen months, may apply to specific conditions or operations such as hip dysplasia (HD). Read the policy terms carefully to understand exclusions. Pre-existing conditions are usually excluded from cover. Genetically caused or congenital abnormalities may also be excluded. Our expert tip: before taking out the policy, clarify whether breed-specific conditions affecting your dog are covered. An understanding of exclusions is also important for other dog insurance policies.
Typical exclusions or restrictions can include:
Treatment of conditions known or diagnosed before the policy was taken out.
Costs for diet and supplementary feed.
Purely cosmetic procedures or those that are not medically necessary.
Costs associated with pregnancy and birth, unless medically necessary (e.g. caesarean section in the event of complications).
Sometimes certain hereditary or breed-specific conditions are excluded or only covered with longer waiting periods.
Treatments carried out by unlicensed veterinarians.
Keeping GOT in view: assessing veterinary costs correctly
The German Schedule of Fees for Veterinarians (GOT) regulates which costs veterinarians may charge for their services. Veterinarians can charge from the single to the triple rate of the GOT, and in emergency out-of-hours service even up to the quadruple rate. The choice of rate depends on factors such as difficulty, time required and local conditions. A standard examination with consultation can therefore cost between around 23 euros (single rate) and over 70 euros (triple rate). Complex operations, such as cruciate ligament surgery, can quickly incur costs of 460 euros to over 690 euros for the procedure alone, excluding additional costs. Good dog health insurance should cover at least the double, preferably the triple, GOT rate. Find out about the need for insurance in light of these costs.
When choosing suitable pet insurance for your dog, there are a few important points to consider. Compare not only prices, but above all the benefits and contractual terms. Pay attention to the annual benefit limit; this should be at least four to five thousand euros. Our expert tip: choose a plan without the insurer’s general right to cancel in the event of a claim. This way, you avoid being cancelled after an expensive treatment. Check whether alternative healing methods or physiotherapy are covered if that is important to you. Cover for different life situations is sensible. Also think about a possible contract adjustment in the event of changes.
Important points for your checklist:
Sum insured per year (at least 4,000 to 5,000 euros).
Billing according to the GOT (at least 2x, preferably 3x the rate).
Waiting periods (general and for specific conditions).
Excess (amount and type – percentage-based or fixed).
Exclusion clauses (especially for breed-specific and hereditary conditions).
Insurer’s right to cancel in the event of a claim (ideally waived).
Cover abroad (duration and scope of validity).
Additional benefits (e.g. preventive care allowance, alternative healing methods).
Ensure long-term safety for your pet
A health insurance policy for dogs is an investment in the health and wellbeing of your loyal companion. It allows you to choose the best medical care in the event of illness, without having to worry about the costs. Getting cover early, ideally while they are still a puppy, is often associated with lower premiums and ensures that any illnesses that may arise later are covered. Bear in mind that 74 per cent of dog owners go to the vet because of vaccinations and 43 per cent because of parasite treatment – that adds up too. Comprehensive preventive care and the right insurance cover form the basis for a long and healthy dog’s life. The question of whether liability insurance also pays compensation for pain and suffering is a different topic, but health care is fundamental.
Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation reviewed free of charge and receive specific suggestions for optimisation.
More useful links
Wikipedia provides a comprehensive overview of pet health insurance.
The Pet Industry Association (IVH) provides current information and data on the pet industry.
The German Federal Veterinary Chamber provides legal information and guidelines for veterinarians.
The Association for German Dog Breeding (VDH) provides information on important aspects of dog health and animal welfare.
The German Insurance Association (GDV) publishes media information and press releases on insurance topics.
The Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) provides official statistics on society and the environment in Germany.
The German Animal Welfare Act can be viewed on the "Gesetze im Internet" platform and regulates the protection of animals.
FAQ
From what age can I insure my dog?
Most insurers offer policies for puppies from the eighth week of life onwards. Taking out cover early is often advantageous, as premiums are usually lower and there are usually no pre-existing conditions.
Are breed-specific illnesses always covered?
Not always. Some plans exclude certain breed-specific or hereditary conditions or have longer waiting periods for them. Check the terms carefully, especially if your dog belongs to a predisposed breed.
What happens to the insurance when my dog gets older?
Premiums may increase as your dog gets older. Some insurers offer plans with stable premiums in old age or have a maximum entry age. Clarify this before signing the contract.
Can I choose any veterinarian?
In most good policies, the free choice of veterinarian and veterinary clinic is standard. This should be confirmed in the policy terms.
What should the deductible be?
The amount of the excess is a personal decision. A higher excess lowers the monthly premium, but means higher out-of-pocket costs in the event of a claim. Consider carefully which risk you are willing and able to bear.
Is there dog health insurance with no waiting period?
Most policies have a general waiting period of one to three months. In the event of accidents, this is often waived. Policies with no waiting period at all are rare and may have other drawbacks, such as higher premiums or more exclusions.
