Optimum pet insurance for dogs: Reduce costs, maximise benefits
16 May 2025
8
Minutes
Katrin Straub
CEO at nextsure
Veterinary costs can quickly reach several thousand euros. Health insurance for dogs protects you from unexpected financial burdens. Find out how to find the right cover for your faithful companion.
The topic in brief and concise terms
Pet insurance for dogs protects against high veterinary costs, which have increased further due to the new GOT; 84 percent of dog owners regularly visit the vet.
There are surgical insurance policies (cheaper, only for operations) and comprehensive insurance policies (more expensive, providing broader coverage including treatments).
The cost depends on breed, age, deductible, and scope of coverage; waiting periods and exclusions (e.g., for pre-existing conditions) should be considered.
Veterinary Cost Trap: Understanding the Necessity of Health Insurance for Dogs
Veterinary costs for dogs can quickly become a financial challenge. A Forsa study shows that 84 percent of dog owners regularly visit a vet. More than half (57 percent) spend between one hundred and one thousand euros annually. Particularly operations, which have already been necessary for 14 percent of dogs, can incur costs of over two thousand euros. The new veterinary fee schedule (GOT) that has been in effect since November 2022 has also led to a further increase in treatment costs. An appropriate dog health insurance covers these financial risks. Without coverage, in a serious case, you would have to dig deep into your own pocket. The emotional strain of the animal's illness is not further exacerbated by financial worries this way.
OP protection versus comprehensive protection: Choosing the right plan for your dog
There are mainly two types of tariffs in dog health insurance. The dog surgery insurance covers costs directly related to operations, including pre- and post-operative care. The full health insurance provides more comprehensive coverage and also includes costs for outpatient and inpatient treatments, medications, and sometimes preventive services such as vaccinations. Dog surgery insurance is often the cheaper option but does not cover everyday illnesses like gastrointestinal problems. Full coverage is more expensive but offers a wider range of services. Consider which risks you want to insure and what budget is available to you. Comprehensive pet health insurance can protect against high overall costs in the long run.
Optimise contribution rate: These factors affect the cost of your dog health insurance
The monthly costs of dog health insurance vary significantly. Influencing factors include the breed, age, and size of your dog. A young, small mixed-breed dog is often cheaper to insure than a large pedigree dog with known predispositions to certain illnesses. An excess can significantly reduce the premium; however, bear in mind that you will have to cover this amount yourself in the event of a claim. For example, a policy with a fifty percent excess can halve the monthly premium, but should there be an operation costing over a thousand euros, you will pay the five hundred euros yourself. Some insurers offer discounts for annual payments. Carefully compare the offers and consider the value for money, not just the lowest price. A careful selection of the tariff is crucial.
The following factors are typically relevant:
Age of the dog at the start of the contract (younger dogs are generally cheaper)
Breed of the dog (certain breeds have higher risks for specific diseases)
Desired coverage level (surgery coverage or full coverage)
Amount of the insurance sum or annual benefit limit
Agreed excess (the higher it is, the lower the premium)
Contract term and payment method (annually often cheaper than monthly)
Our expert tip: Pay attention to transparent terms regarding the adjustment of contributions as the dog ages.
Scope of Services in Detail: What Good Tariffs Should Cover
A good health insurance plan for dogs should include important benefits. This includes covering veterinary costs according to the current fee schedule for veterinarians (GOT), ideally up to three or four times the rate. The freedom to choose a vet and clinic is an important aspect for many dog owners. Ensure coverage for diagnostics (e.g. X-rays, ultrasound, MRI, CT), medications, bandaging materials, and accommodation in an animal clinic. Also check whether preventive measures such as vaccinations, worm treatments or dental prophylaxis are at least partially reimbursed. For travellers with dogs, foreign coverage is essential. Dog owner liability insurance is a different policy but equally important. The health insurance covers medical care.
Waiting Times and Exclusions: Understanding the Small Print
Almost all dog health insurance policies include waiting periods. This means that full coverage only takes effect after a certain period following the start of the contract, often one to three months. The waiting period is often waived for accidents. Special waiting periods, sometimes up to eighteen months, can apply for specific illnesses or operations, such as with hip dysplasia (HD). Read the policy conditions carefully to understand exclusions. Pre-existing conditions are usually excluded from coverage. Genetically caused or congenital malformations may also be excluded. Our expert tip: Before signing up, check whether breed-specific conditions affecting your dog are covered. An understanding of exclusions is important for other dog insurance policies as well.
Typical exclusions or limitations may include:
Treatment of conditions known or diagnosed before signing the contract.
Costs for dietary and supplementary feeds.
Purely cosmetic procedures or those that are not medically necessary.
Costs related to pregnancy and birth, unless medically necessary (e.g., caesarean section due to complications).
Sometimes certain hereditary or breed-specific conditions are excluded or only insured with longer waiting periods.
Treatments carried out by unlicensed veterinarians.
GOT in Focus: Accurately Assessing Veterinary Costs
The fee schedule for veterinarians (GOT) regulates what costs veterinarians are allowed to charge for their services. Veterinarians can charge between the simple and triple rate of the GOT, and even up to four times the rate for emergency services. The choice of rate depends on factors such as difficulty, time required, and local conditions. A simple examination with consultation can thus cost between around 23 euros (simple rate) and over 70 euros (triple rate). Complex operations, such as a cruciate ligament surgery, can quickly incur costs of 460 euros to over 690 euros for the procedure alone, excluding additional costs. A good health insurance for dogs should cover at least the double, preferably the triple GOT rate. Find out about the need for insurance in light of these costs.
Expert tips for choosing the right pet insurance
When choosing the right health insurance for your dog, there are several important points to consider. Don't just compare prices, but especially the benefits and terms of the contract. Pay attention to the annual coverage limit; it should be at least four thousand to five thousand euros. Our expert tip: Choose a plan that does not allow the insurer a general right to cancel in the event of a claim. This way you can avoid being cancelled after an expensive treatment. Check whether alternative healing methods or physiotherapy are covered if they are important to you. Protection for various life situations is advisable. Also consider a possible contract adjustment in case of changes.
Key aspects for your checklist:
Coverage amount per year (at least 4,000 to 5,000 euros).
Billing according to GOT (at least double, preferably triple rate).
Waiting periods (general and for specific conditions).
Deductible (amount and type – percentage or fixed).
Exclusion clauses (especially for breed-specific and hereditary diseases).
Insurer's cancellation right in the event of a claim (ideally waived).
Foreign coverage (duration and scope).
Additional services (e.g. preventive care allowance, alternative healing methods).
Ensure long-term security for your four-legged friend
More useful links
Wikipedia offers a comprehensive overview of pet insurance.
The Industry Association for Pet Supplies (IVH) provides up-to-date information and data on the pet industry.
The German Veterinary Association offers legal information and guidelines for veterinarians.
The German Kennel Club (VDH) informs about 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 is available 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. An early sign-up is often beneficial because the premiums are usually lower and there are no pre-existing conditions.
Are breed-specific diseases always covered?
Not always. Some policies 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 susceptible breed.
What happens to the insurance when my dog gets older?
Premiums may increase as your dog gets older. Some insurers offer policies with stable premiums in older age or have maximum entry ages. Clarify this before signing the contract.
Can I choose any veterinarian?
In most good policies, the free choice of veterinarian and animal clinic is standard. This should be confirmed in the insurance terms and conditions.
What should the deductible be?
The level of excess is a personal decision. A higher excess reduces the monthly premium, but means higher out-of-pocket costs in the event of a claim. Consider what risk you are willing and able to bear.
Is there a pet health insurance without a waiting period?
Most plans have a general waiting period of one to three months. In the case of accidents, this is often waived. Plans without any waiting period are rare and may have other disadvantages, such as higher premiums or more exclusions.
