Equine Care Insurance: Strategically Manage Veterinary Costs Following GOT Adjustment
8 Aug 2025
11
Minutes
Katrin Straub
CEO at nextsure
The veterinary bills for your horse have increased by over 50 percent since the introduction of the new fee schedule for veterinarians (GOT). A well-considered equine care insurance protects you from unpredictable costs of several thousand euros. Learn how to find the right coverage and avoid financial bottlenecks.
The topic in brief and concise terms
The 2022 Fee Schedule for Veterinarians (GOT) has increased the treatment costs for horses by up to 60 percent and more.
An equine insurance policy should cover at least three times the standard veterinary fee rate to provide adequate protection in emergencies or complex treatments.
In addition to health insurance, equine liability insurance is essential, as under § 833 BGB, you are liable for all damages caused by your horse.
Rising Costs in the Barn: The Impact of the New Veterinary Fee Regulation
The Fee Schedule for Veterinarians (GOT) of 2022 has fundamentally altered the cost structure for horse owners. A general examination increased almost 60 percent to 30.78 euros. Depending on the effort and timing, veterinarians can charge up to four times the fee rate, making the final bill unpredictable. Especially in emergencies during the weekend, an additional fee of 50 euros is added before the actual treatment begins. These new regulations make forward financial planning essential for every horse owner to ensure proper care. The right pet health insurance effectively absorbs these peak costs, turning a financial risk into a manageable monthly expense.
Surgical Protection versus Full Protection: Defining the Right Coverage
A horse insurance policy offers various levels of coverage for different needs. The basic horse surgery insurance solely covers the costs for surgical procedures, which can quickly exceed 5,000 euros. In contrast, comprehensive health coverage also includes outpatient and inpatient treatments like lameness diagnostics or medication therapies. The monthly premiums for comprehensive coverage start at around 235 euros, which is a manageable investment when compared to just one expensive treatment. The decision depends on your personal risk tolerance and financial reserves. Comprehensive coverage provides extensive security, while surgery insurance specifically addresses the biggest cost risks. Assessing individual needs is the first step towards optimal protection.
Scope of Services in Detail: What a Good Policy Should Cover
A comprehensive equine insurance plan goes far beyond simply covering surgery costs. It should encompass a wide range of treatments to ensure seamless care. Ensure that the equine liability insurance is also in place as a separate but necessary cover. A good health insurance for your horse typically includes the following:
Outpatient and inpatient treatments with a free choice of veterinarian.
Surgeries under local or general anaesthesia including incidental costs for up to 20 days of aftercare.
Modern diagnostic procedures like MRI, CT, and scintigraphy up to a sum of 1,500 euros.
Full reimbursement for medications, bandages, and laboratory tests.
Contribution towards preventive measures such as vaccinations and deworming up to 100 euros per year.
Regenerative therapies and dental treatments according to specific tariff benefits.
This comprehensive coverage ensures that you can always make the best medical decision for your horse in emergencies.
Expert Knowledge: Understanding GOT Sentences and Legal Frameworks
Understanding the legal foundations is crucial for horse owners. The GOT allows veterinarians to charge anywhere from the simple up to four times the fee, depending on the difficulty and time involved. A powerful horse care insurance should reimburse at least three times the fee to avoid high residual costs during emergency services or complicated procedures. Our expert tip: Thoroughly check the insurance conditions for maximum GOT coverage. Furthermore, as an animal owner, you are liable under § 833 of the Civil Code (BGB) for all damage your horse may cause – strict liability regardless of fault. This broad responsibility highlights the necessity of securing financial risks both in cases of illness and liability damages. Knowing these details enables a well-informed choice of insurance coverage.
Finding the optimal tariff: Five critical criteria
Selecting the right equine care insurance requires a careful review of the contract details. To find the appropriate coverage, you should consider five key points that go beyond mere premium costs. These criteria will help you separate the wheat from the chaff and make a sustainable decision for both your horse and your wallet. A look at our Guide to Pet Health Insurance can offer additional direction.
GOT rate coverage: Choose a plan that covers at least the triple, ideally the quadruple GOT rate, to be prepared for emergencies.
Benefit limits: Check the annual maximum reimbursement limit; many good plans offer unlimited coverage.
Waiting periods: Be aware of the periods before full entitlement to benefits, often three months for treatments and only seven days for colic.
Excess: Consider whether a higher excess to reduce the monthly premium makes sense for you.
Additional benefits: Pay attention to coverage for preventive care, alternative treatments, or stays abroad.
A thorough analysis of these factors will lead you to the best possible protection.
Conclusion: Investing in Your Horse's Health with Foresight
The increased costs of veterinary care pose a serious financial challenge for horse owners. A comprehensive horse care insurance transforms unmanageable risks into predictable expenses and ensures the best possible medical care for your animal. It is an investment that not only saves thousands of euros in the event of an emergency but also primarily protects your horse's health. With the right knowledge about GOT, liability, and tariff details, you can make an informed decision. Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation reviewed for free and receive specific optimisation suggestions.
More useful links
The Bundestierärztekammer provides comprehensive information on the fee schedule for veterinarians (GOT) specifically for animal owners.
A press release from the Bundestierärztekammer informs about the amendment to the GOT (fee schedule for veterinarians) in August 2022.
Statista provides data on completed and desired horse insurance policies.
The German Equestrian Federation (FN) provides facts and figures on equestrian sports.
The Consumer Advice Centre highlights the benefits of pet health insurance in an article.
The GDV (German Insurance Association) offers an overview of statistics related to the German insurance industry.
FAQ
What does a horse care insurance cover?
A comprehensive horse care insurance covers the costs of surgeries, outpatient and inpatient medical treatments, diagnostic procedures like X-rays or MRIs, medications, and often also a subsidy for preventive measures such as vaccinations.
Is there a waiting period in the horse care insurance?
Yes, most policies have a general waiting period of three months. For emergencies like colic surgeries, there is often a reduced waiting period of only seven to ten days.
Can I still insure my old horse?
Yes, many insurers offer policies without age restrictions upon enrolment. However, premiums for older horses may be higher, or certain age-related conditions may be excluded from coverage.
Is the free choice of veterinarian included in the insurance?
Generally, yes. Good policies guarantee you the freedom to choose your veterinarian or animal clinic, so you can always entrust your horse to a specialist you trust.
What is the schedule of fees for veterinarians (GOT)?
The GOT is a nationwide regulation in Germany that stipulates the fees veterinarians are allowed to charge for their services. It provides a fee framework (from single to quadruple rates) that is applied depending on the effort and circumstances.
Why is equine liability insurance also important?
As a horse owner, you are legally liable (§ 833 BGB) without limit for all damages caused by your animal, regardless of your own fault. The equine liability insurance protects you from these financial claims, which can run into the millions.
