• A pet health insurance covers a large portion of the necessary veterinary and clinic treatments up to the agreed annual limit.

• Most providers reimburse up to 80% of the insured costs.

• Depending on the plan, various services, such as surgeries due to illness, are included.

• A basic pet surgery insurance only covers surgery costs and does not include outpatient or inpatient treatments. 

If your furry friend gets injured or falls ill, you, as the owner, hope for a quick recovery. This often requires surgeries and extensive treatments, whose veterinary costs can be a financial challenge for many pet owners. Therefore, pet health insurance is recommended to be prepared for emergencies and to ensure the best possible care for your pet.

Pet owners benefit from lower insurance premiums, especially if they insure their pet at a young age. Older pets often suffer from pre-existing conditions, which most providers exclude from coverage.

Pet health insurance offers a range of coverage options that vary depending on the type of animal. The following costs are typically covered by a policy:

• Veterinary fees for both inpatient and outpatient treatments
• Surgeries due to accidents
• Diagnostic procedures (such as X-rays and MRI scans)
• Medications and pharmaceutical treatments
• Follow-up treatments for a specified period
• Alternative, veterinarian-approved therapies (such as acupuncture)
• Tooth extractions
• In some cases, costs for preventative measures like annual vaccinations

The reimbursement is dependent on the chosen plan. For example, an insurance policy might cover 80% of the costs up to twice the rate of the Veterinary Fee Schedule (GOT). Often, there is an annual coverage limit.

With dog health insurance, you receive financial assistance when a visit to the vet results in high costs. Puppies and dogs that you keep as pets in a private setting are eligible for coverage. Hobby breeders can insure a limited number of dogs, and comprehensive health coverage is also available for working and service dogs, such as guide dogs.

Feline distemper, kidney insufficiency, and hyperthyroidism are common diseases in cats that require treatment. Cat health insurance supports you when your cat is unwell or has been injured. Whether your cat is an outdoor cat or an indoor cat, it doesn’t matter.

Horse health insurance protects you against the high costs of veterinary and equine clinic treatments. In addition to horse liability insurance, comprehensive health insurance or a horse surgery insurance are the most important forms of coverage. 

Short waiting times after contract conclusion are helpful, especially to quickly use the insurance coverage in case of an acute colic.

The premiums for the insurance depend on the chosen coverage. For example, horses generally have higher premiums due to the higher veterinary costs. Given the varying conditions, insurance terms, and premiums, it's advisable to compare offers and seek advice.

A more affordable option is a pure pet surgery insurance, which only covers surgery costs, including hospitalization and follow-up treatments, without the broader health coverage.

In many policies, it is common for the insurer to cover only 80% of the reimbursable costs. As the deductible, you would pay the remaining 20%. If you want full reimbursement of costs in the event of a claim, this should be considered when selecting the policy.

When signing up for a policy, you will be asked about the pet's health status. Many insurers exclude pets with serious pre-existing conditions or chronic illnesses. Pets that have had previous surgeries are often also declined. However, in some cases, it is possible to find an insurance provider that will offer coverage despite pre-existing conditions.

Insurance providers often require a health check before accepting your pet for coverage. The examination by a veterinarian ensures that the pet has no existing illnesses and is in good health. For older animals, a health report is usually required. After an individual assessment, the insurance company will decide whether coverage can be offered.