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Cat Insurance in Germany

Cats, the most popular pets in Germany, are susceptible to accidents and illness. Cat insurance offers a safety net, protecting you from high veterinary costs and ensuring your feline companion always receives the best medical care, providing you with peace of mind.
Written by
Janine El-Saghir
At a glance
  • With pet insurance, you have the power to protect yourself from the financial consequences of your pet falling ill. This flexible option can be tailored for cats and dogs, giving you control over your pet’s health.
  • Cat insurance is only available as cat health insurance. Unlike dogs, cats do not require pet liability insurance. Damage caused by your cat to third parties is covered by private liability insurance if you have it.
  • There are two types of cat health insurance policies: an operation plan and comprehensive pet health insurance, which also covers other veterinary treatments.
  • The cost of cat insurance depends on the plan you choose, the amount of your deductible, and your cat’s age. The insurance premium is usually a bit higher for cats allowed outside.
  • Numerous insurance companies offer cat insurance. For ex-pats in Germany, we particularly recommend the policies of FinTech providers Feather, Getsafe, and Lassie. Both insurers provide their services in German and English. Lassie also offers an excellent digital pet insurance policy. You can take care of all your insurance matters quickly and easily online or on your smartphone.

What is Cat Insurance in Germany?

Cat insurance protects you against financial loss due to high veterinary bills and other costs related to your pet’s health and well-being. Depending on your chosen plan, the insurance may cover only surgery or all of your pet’s healthcare costs.

Veterinary costs – a relevant cost factor

Veterinarians bill their services according to a nationwide uniform fee schedule. The prices for veterinary treatments are graded according to their difficulty and urgency. For emergency care on weekends or holidays, up to four times the basic fee and an emergency flat rate may be charged. Please remember to factor in VAT when calculating your veterinary costs: medical treatment and materials are subject to 19%, while a reduced rate of 7% applies to food.

At first glance, the examination and treatment costs for cats still appear favorable – at least if they are billed at the standard rate. However, a veterinary bill is made up of various services. It is possible that multiple and also more complex diagnostic tests may be required before the vet knows what is wrong with your cat. In addition, there are the costs for the actual treatment, as well as for consumables and medication. Complicated therapies and operations, including follow-up treatment, can quickly cost several thousand euros.

Cat insurance in Germany – highly recommended.

Considering this, we would highly recommend cat insurance. It protects you from the financial risks of your pet becoming ill and ensures that your cat receives all its treatment, regardless of economic considerations.

Enrolling your cat in health insurance early is a proactive step. It provides immediate security and ensures lower premiums for a young pet.

Is Cat Insurance Mandatory in Germany?

There is no compulsory health insurance for animals in Germany. So you can decide whether to take out such insurance for your cat.

No mandatory liability insurance for cats

Unlike dogs, pet liability insurance is not compulsory for cats. Your liability insurance will cover any damage your cat causes to third parties.

Even if you only live in Germany for a limited time, you should not do without personal liability insurance. This insurance covers personal injury, property damage, and financial losses you have caused to others. You should not just think of minor damages here — personal injury, in particular, can quickly become existentially threatening for the person causing it, who is liable for unlimited damages by law. You can find a good liability policy for monthly premiums of less than €5.

Compulsory pet insurance in Germany

Dog liability insurance is compulsory in Germany for dangerous breeds and in some federal states for all dogs. In principle, dogs cannot be included in their owners’ private liability insurance. However, there is no mandatory insurance for cats. Still, we strongly recommend that cat owners take out private liability insurance and cat health insurance to protect themselves from the financial consequences of any damage caused by their cat and the costs of medical treatments.

Cats in personal liability insurance

If you have personal liability insurance, your cat is fully covered. Whether your cat is indoor or outdoor is irrelevant to insurance coverage. If it runs onto the street and causes a car accident, you are also covered against the financial consequences of such a worst-case scenario.

It is important that your liability insurance also covers any damage to your rented property. The insurance then automatically covers damage your cat has caused to the apartment – for example, by scratching doors or floors.

Types of Cat Insurance

Thus, there are two main types of German cat insurance: pet health insurance and pet liability insurance:

  • Pet health insurance covers veterinary expenses for accidents, surgeries, and preventive services.
  • Pet liability insurance covers damages caused by cats and other pets to third parties or their property. Special cat liability insurance is not mandatory in Germany or offered by insurers. Cats are covered without restriction by their owners’ private liability insurance.

Pet Health Insurance

Pet health insurance covers the costs of veterinary treatment for accidents and illnesses. Depending on the tariff, medically necessary operations and non-surgical therapies, outpatient and inpatient treatment, diagnostic tests, medication, and accommodation in a veterinary clinic are covered.

This insurance is available for cats and dogs. Cat owners can usually expect lower insurance premiums than with dog health insurance.

Combining Pet Insurance Policies

Many insurance companies in Germany offer combined pet insurance policies. These policies include both pet health and liability insurance. As a cat owner, you can take out health insurance for your pet and a personal liability policy that also covers any damage caused by your cat.

Combining policies can simplify the insurance process and provide comprehensive coverage for cat owners.

Choosing the Right Cat Insurance

When choosing your cat insurance, there are several factors to consider. These include:

  • Cost: premium amount and value for money of the tariff
  • Coverage: surgical procedures only or comprehensive coverage.
  • Deductible: With pet health insurance, you can always choose between deductibles of different amounts and plans with no deductibles.
  • Waiting periods: The general waiting period for cat insurance is typically one to three months. For certain illnesses, the waiting period is one year before the insurance company covers costs for the first time. Some insurers set reimbursement caps for the first few years.
  • Exclusions: Pre-existing conditions are generally not covered. However, other exclusions may apply depending on the insurer and policy. One example is medically unnecessary neutering, performed solely to prevent breeding.

It is essential to read the policy terms and conditions carefully to understand what is covered and what is not, as the benefits of different policies may vary considerably.

Cat owners should also consider purchasing insurance from a reputable company offering comprehensive coverage and good customer service.

Best Cat Insurance Companies in Germany

Numerous pet insurance companies offer cat insurance. For expats in Germany, we recommend the policies of Feather, Getsafe, and Lassie.

These companies offer different types of coverage. In addition to a basic plan for surgical procedures, you can choose between different plans with comprehensive coverage, including preventive care, vet video consultations, and worldwide coverage. These providers offer their services digitally via an app.

Cat owners should always compare different insurance providers to find the best pet insurance for their needs and budget.

How to Get the Best Pet Health Insurance Cost

The most important factors in determining the cost of pet insurance are your cat’s age, the type of coverage, and any deductibles. There can be significant differences in price and performance between insurers and policies.

Comparing different insurers and policies can help you find the best pet health insurance for your cat. Considering premium costs, coverage, and the insurance company’s reputation is essential.

Conclusion

Cat health insurance is essential to protect yourself from high and unexpected veterinary costs and ensure that your cat receives the best possible treatment in the event of accidents and illnesses.

Combining cat insurance with personal liability insurance is optimal, providing comprehensive protection for you and your pet. Cat owners can make informed decisions about their insurance needs by understanding the different types of cat insurance, including pet health insurance and pet liability insurance.

Please choose a reputable insurance company with comprehensive coverage and outstanding customer service.

Frequently Asked Questions — FAQ

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