If you want to move with your dog to or buy a dog in Germany, you need to be aware that you might need two insurance types for your four-legged friend: dog liability insurance and health insurance.
In this guide, we will explain the difference between liability and health insurance for dogs. We will also share what are the best dog insurances in Germany for expats. We hope this guide helps you decide whether to get one or both insurances for your dog while you live in Germany.
Related Guide: Dogs In Germany [ A Complete English Guide]
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison of the Best Dog Insurances in Germany
If you are short on time, and just want an answer. Here are the best pet insurances in Germany:
- Getsafe – dog liability (50 million cover) and pet health insurance, with no deductible possible, and everything is available in English.
- Feather – dog liability insurance (20 million cover) all in English and all digital.
Getsafe | Feather | |
---|---|---|
English Website & Support | ||
Dog Liability Insurance | ||
Dog Health Insurance | ||
Coverage in Euros (Liability) | up to 50 million | up to 20 million |
No Deductible (Liability) | ||
Cancel Anytime | Liabilty: yes Health: only after 1 year | monthly |
Monthly Cost (Liability) | from €2,40 | from €6,50 |
Monthly Cost (Health) | from €4,30 |
Dog Liability Insurance in Germany – Everything You Need to Know
Dog liability insurance in Germany covers the financial damages caused by a person’s four-legged friend to a third party.
In Germany, every dog owner is legally liable for the damages caused by their pet to third parties – even if the owner is not present while the dog causes trouble or if someone else is looking after them. You will need to purchase dog liability insurance as your private liability insurance will not help you in these cases.
For example, you enter a shop and leave your dog Lukas outside. Lukas is tired and decides to lie down on the floor, directly in front of the door. A customer from the shop exits and does not see that Lukas is there, trips, and falls. She sues the owner for 15.000 euros. In court, the judge rules that the owner should pay this amount. If the owner does not have dog liability insurance, they need to pay from their pocket.
No matter how well-behaved your furry friend might be, shit always happens. According to the Federation of Private Insurers in Germany (GDV), every year, dog liability insurance companies pay over 80.000 claims caused by four-legged friends. On average, such damages cost around 1.000 euros. However, there are around 100 accidents per year that cost 50.000 euros and more.
Who needs dog liability insurance in Germany?
Dog owners in Germany are legally liable for the damages caused by their dog to third parties in all sixteen German states.
Six out of the sixteen German states require dog owners, regardless of their dog breeds, to have liability insurance by law: Berlin, Hamburg, Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein, and Thuringia. Each of these states has a different minimum required for the damages the policy has to cover.
State | Minimum Personal Injury | Minimum Property Damage |
---|---|---|
Berlin | €1 million | €1 million |
Hamburg | €1 million | €1 million |
Lower Saxony | €500.000 | €250.000 |
Saxony-Anhalt | €1 million | €500.000 |
Schleswig-Holstein | €500.000 | €250.000 |
Thuringia | €500.000 | €250.000 |
Source: hundehaftpflichtversicherungen-vergleich.de |
In most other federal states, only dog owners of dangerous breeds have to have dog liability insurance. Dangerous dogs might include American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and Pit Bull Terrier.
![Best Dog Liability & Health Insurance in Germany [2023 Guide] (10) Best Dog Liability & Health Insurance in Germany [2023 Guide] (10)](https://i0.wp.com/www.simplegermany.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Who-needs-dog-liability-insurance-in-Germany_-1.jpg)
Remember, even if your state does not require you to have dog liability insurance, you are still liable for any damage your dog might cause.
What does dog liability insurance cover in Germany?
Dog liability insurance in Germany usually covers the following five areas:
- Personal injury: The costs of medical care a third-party needs because your dog caused them harm. For example, your dog bites your neighbor.
- Property damage: The costs of repairing damages your dog did to buildings, flats, living quarters, or other property.
- Broken things: The cost of repairing or replacing things your dog breaks, like chewing a friend’s shoe or breaking a fancy flower pot.
- Financial loss: Any situation where your dog caused a financial loss to someone. For example, your dog causes someone to be late for a business meeting, and they lose a contract with a client.
- Passive legal fees: The legal and lawyer fees you might incur for fighting an unjustified claim in court.
Good liability insurances will also include:
- Worldwide coverage: Dog liability insurance from a German provider usually covers your dog for all stays outside Germany.
- Without leash: Damages caused by your dog when they are without a leash.
- Self-defense: Damages caused by your dog because they defend themselves.
- Bad debt protection: If the dog owner who hurt your dog does not have insurance, your dog liability insurance will cover the costs.
- Foreign guardian: The insurance would still cover the damages your dog causes even if a friend or family member is watching over them.
Depending on the insurance provider, you can purchase the following add-ons:
- Unintentional mating: If a male dog mates with a female dog without the owner’s permission, the owner of the male dog must pay for the damages that arise due to the unwanted pregnancy.
- Damage to rented property: For example, your dog pees in a rental car.
- Puppies: This applies to female dogs; their offspring have liability protection for up to six or twelve months (depends on the insurance provider). This does not apply if the puppy is given to someone else.
- Dog health insurance (with surgeries included): covers the vet’s bills for medically treating your dog.
What does dog liability insurance not cover in Germany?
Most dog liability insurances do not cover:
- Specific dog breeds: Some insurance providers have a list of dog breeds not covered by the policy.
- Damages to your property: If your dog damages your property or accidentally injures you or people living in the same house as you.
- Intentional damages: For example, if someone intentionally commands their dog to attack someone.
- Wear and tear: For example, if your dog scratches the parquet floor in your apartment with their long nails every day. Your dog would cause wear and tear to your floor and therefore the insurance would not cover this.
- Glass damage: In case your dog breaks mirrors or glass doors.
- Some electrical appliances: Damages to heating and electrical and gas appliances.
Dog Health Insurance in Germany – Everything You Need to Know
A visit to the vet is unavoidable if you have a dog. Whether it is for a general check-up, to get vaccines, or due to an accident or illness. The bills you get from such visits can sometimes be thousands of euros.
If you don’t want to pay for your dog’s visits to the vet from your pocket, we recommend purchasing dog health insurance.
There are two types of dog medical insurances in Germany:
- Dog health insurance
- Dog surgery insurance
🔥 Tip: If you want to have your dog covered against all medical costs and possible surgeries, you should consider getting premium insurance that covers both cases.
What does dog health insurance cover in Germany?
Dog health insurance in Germany usually covers the following five areas:
- Outpatient and inpatient treatments: for example, an ear infection.
- Checkups: For example, to get vaccinations.
- Medicine
- Diagnostics: for example, x-rays, MRIs, ultrasounds.
- Accommodation in a veterinary clinic.
💡 Good to know: Most dog health insurances allow you to choose whichever vet you pick to treat your four-legged friend.
Things to consider before purchasing a medical insurance for your dog:
- Age and breed: Be aware that your dog’s age and breed will have an influence on the price of the policy. The younger your dog is, the cheaper medical insurance policies tend to be.
- Vet fees: In Germany, there is an official fee schedule for veterinarians (a.k.a. GOT), which is set by the government. Vets are allowed to charge up to 3 times the amount established in the GOT. So make sure that your insurance explicitly shows that they will pay for claims that are up to three times more than the official fees so you are fully protected.
What is the Best Dog Insurance in Germany?
Here are our top picks for the best dog liability and health insurance providers in Germany.
1. Getsafe
Getsafe is a popular option for expats. Their services, contract, and website are all available in English. Their customers seem to be happy with their customer service and their app’s usability.
Dog Liability Insurance
Starting at 2,40 euros a month with no deductible, Getsafe offers dog liability insurance for up to 50 million euros in damages. They offer a Comfort and Premium plan. The Premium plan includes bad-dept cover, in case a third party cannot financially cover damage done to you or your dog.
Getsafe dog liability insurance benefits:
✅ Website, contract, and customer service available in English
✅ Up to 50 million euros of coverage
✅ No deductible possible (if desired)
✅ Easy to find everything that is covered
✅ Worldwide coverage – up to 5 years of being abroad
✅ Cancel anytime
✅ Waiver for payments up to 12 months in case of unemployment
✅ Cover for all breeds possible
With our special Getsafe code, you even get a 15 euros discount. With the below link, the code is automatically applied to the Getsafe website at the end of your purchase.
Get Getsafe Dog Liability Insurance
Dog Health Insurance
With Getsafe’s pet health insurance you can choose between three plans. OP Protection Comfort which covers medically necessary surgeries, or Full Cover Comfort or Premium, which also include cover for general vet costs for non-surgical curative treatments.
Both Comfort plans cover up to 5.000 euros for dogs per year, while the Premium plan has an unlimited insurance sum. The price starts from 10,50 euros a month for the basic surgery cover. You can lower the monthly price by choosing a 10% or 20% deductible.
Next to physical vet visits, Getsafe also offers 24/7 unlimited vet video consultations via FirstVet. Every policy comes with a one month waiting period, except for accidents. Certain diseases such as joint dysplasia, heart disease, or arthrosis may have a waiting time of one year.
All breeds can be insured, but only until the age of 8 years, in most cases even with pre-existing conditions. Those will be excluded from the cover though.
Getsafe Pet health insurance benefits:
✅ Choice of surgery only or full health cover
✅ Pays the vet costs up to 4 times the rate of the official fee schedule
✅ Their surgery and vet insurance is available with 0% deductible
✅ Worldwide cover for up to 12 months
✅ Insurance can be purchased for all breeds
✅ Free selection of vet and clinic
✅ 24/7 unlimited vet video consultations via FirstVet
✅ Animals with pre-existing conditions get accepted
✅ Direct payment to vet – no reimbursement necessary
✅ Easy to find everything that is covered
Getsafe Pet health insurance drawbacks:
⛔️ 1 month waiting period
⛔️ Cancel anytime only possible after 1 year
With our special Getsafe code, you even get a 15 euros discount. With the below link, the code is automatically applied to the Getsafe website at the end of your purchase.
Get Getsafe Pet Health Insurance
2. Feather
Feather is the second English-speaking provider offering dog liability insurance. Feather is a German all-digital insurance service provider that focuses on expats in Germany.
Dog Liability Insurance
Starting at 6,50 euros a month Feather offers dog liability insurance for up to 20 million euros in damages as part of their portfolio. Currently, they don’t cover purebred dogs that are considered dangerous. Their best coverage guarantee promises that Feather will cover any claim that would be covered by other dog liability insurance in Germany.
Feather dog liability insurance benefits:
✅ Website, contract, and customer service available in English
✅ Up to 20 million euros of coverage
✅ Worldwide coverage
✅ Cancel monthly
✅ Best coverage guarantee
Feather dog liability insurance drawbacks:
⛔️ Dangerous purebred dogs can’t be covered
⛔️ No T&Cs listed to see the full cover in detail
Get Feather Dog Liability Insurance
Conclusion
The insurance coverage you should choose depends on your personal wishes, your dog’s needs, and your financial situation.
Getsafe offers a higher cover from the start and pays up to 4 times the rate of the official fee schedule. The 24/7 video consultation with vets is a handy add-on.
Get Getsafe Dog Liability Insurance
Get Getsafe Pet Health Insurance
We hope your dog remains healthy! 🐶
FAQs
Is there pet insurance in Germany? ›
Here are the best pet insurances in Germany: Getsafe – dog liability (50 million cover) and pet health insurance, with no deductible possible, and everything is available in English. Luko – dog liability (30 million cover) and pet health insurance with or without a deductible. All in English and all digital.
What is the best insurance company in Germany? ›The winner is Techniker Krankenkasse
Techniker Krankenkasse offers the best mix of price and service and is leading the score in many tests source. Techniker Krankenkasse is the largest German public health insurer and covers one-eight of the German population with over 10.5 million members source.
Germany has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, and health insurance is mandatory for everyone living here. The majority of the population is covered by statutory health insurance, but private health insurance provides an important supplement to this system.
How much is the dog tax in Germany? ›Dog tax in Hamburg: €90 – €600 / year. Dog tax in Wuppertal: €160 – €1,000 / year. Dog tax in Berlin: €120 – €160 / year. Dog tax in Munich: €100 - €800 / year.
Do you have to pay dog tax in Germany? ›Dog registry and dog tax
You must register for the dog tax (Hundesteuer). It costs 120€/year for one dog. It costs 180€/year for each extra dog.
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The average premium is around 400 - 700 euros per month (significantly less for students). If you are employed, approximately 50% of your contributions will be covered by your employer - up to a maximum of approximately 403,99 euros per month in 2023.
What are the largest German health insurance companies? ›Three of the largest providers of health insurance in Germany are AOK, Barmer GEK and TK. While there are over 100 (a complete list – in German – is available here), these companies offer good English language websites.
Is it better to have private or public insurance in Germany? ›Private health insurance does not adjust to your income; you pay the same even if you lose your job. If you are a student, you pay around 120€ per month until you are 31 years old. Public health insurance is usually the best option for students. Public health insurance covers your children and your unemployed spouse.
What are the disadvantages of private health insurance? ›Disadvantages of private health insurance
Coverage comes at a cost, and premiums increase yearly. Depending on your policy, you may not be covered for the treatment you require. It's important to take your time in choosing the right level of cover.
What does private insurance cover in Germany? ›
German health insurance generally covers visits to doctors as well as basic dental care, surgery, outpatient appointments, and essential or non-cosmetic in-hospital treatments.
How much does liability insurance cost in Germany? ›It usually costs less than 5€ per month, or around 60€ per year. You can pay less if you get multiple insurances from the same company. Use Tarifcheck to compare liability insurance prices.
How does liability insurance work in Germany? ›Most German liability insurance contracts cover only the person signing the contract (Versicherungsnehmer) as standard. Other packages exist to take family and household members into account. This means that if your spouse accidentally damages something while visiting friends, the costs are covered.
What is Germany's style of health insurance? ›According to The Commonwealth Fund, Germany has universal health coverage provided by two systems, which are known as the Statutory Health Insurance (SHI) and the private health insurance (PHI).
How much is a dog passport in Germany? ›The price for a complete EU Pet Passport in 2022 can cost anywhere between €20 and €448+. The price is broken down into the following compulsory and potential costs: Pet microchipping.
What are the dog rules in Germany? ›Dog keeping regulations in Germany
It is not allowed to permanently keep a dog in a box; only two hours per day at the most. *Half of that mandatory floor space has to be added for each additional dog kept in the same kennel. c. attached so that the dog may go to its dog house, lie down and turn around.
Your pet needs a health certificate (Form 988 in German and English) filled out by a vet and dated within 10 days of departure. Most vets will have this “pet passport” form, but if not, it is available online (see links below).
Do Americans have to pay German taxes? ›Expats who qualify as tax residents of Germany will be taxed on their worldwide income, while non-residents are only taxed on German-source income. In either case, if your only income is a salary or wages from a German employer, you may not have to file a tax return.
Can I take my dog to Germany from us? ›A primary vaccination must be administered at least 21 days prior to crossing the border. The pet has to be microchipped before the rabies vaccination. Entry is conditional on the animal being accompanied by a person.
How do I get a German pet passport? ›Your veterinarian must obtain and update an EU Pet Passport for your pet. Your pet's veterinarian must issue an Intratrade health certificate completed within 48 hours of entry. Your pet's transport must be entered into the TRACES system.
What is the World No 1 insurance company? ›
Progressive is the No. 1 auto insurance company in the country in terms of market share, followed by State Farm, Geico and Allstate.
How much does a $100 000 dollar life insurance policy cost? ›How much does a $100,000 term life insurance policy cost? The average monthly cost for $100,000 in life insurance for a 30-year-old is $11.02 for a 10-year policy and $12.59 for a 20-year policy.
Can foreigners get German health insurance? ›Although most foreigners living in Germany are eligible for state healthcare, some must sign up manually and all residents must have some form of health insurance.
How do retired people in Germany get health insurance? ›German residents who have paid into the social security system have their healthcare costs covered in old age, but new residents must seek alternative cover. EU and EEA nationals with an S1 health form from their home country can access medical treatment free or at reduced rates.
How do I get health insurance in Germany? ›Applying for public healthcare insurance is relatively stress-free, as you simply need to register with the German authorities at your local town hall. Once you are registered, have a social security number, and are making your contributions, you will have access to the state-run healthcare.
How does German healthcare compare to the US? ›The benefits of the German healthcare system are decreased number of prescription dependencies, does not have a 100% socialized single-payer system that most Americans fear, reasonable cost for hospitals and prescription drug co-pays, ability to purchase private insurance, no penalty for switching from public to ...
Does German health insurance work in the US? ›Like most countries, health insurance coverage in Germany is based upon residency. The system does not cover you when you move abroad. There is one exception, however. German citizens who sign up for the free European Health Insurance Card or EHIC can enjoy medical services in other participating European countries.
Do foreigners get free healthcare in Germany? ›International workers will (in most cases) have to subscribe to a public health insurance company in Germany once they settle and started working. However, before you travel to Germany, you will have to purchase a travel health insurance plan which will cover you for the initial period of your stay.
Do I need private liability insurance in Germany? ›Unlike health insurance and car insurance, private liability insurance is not mandatory in Germany, but it may as well be, considering how many people choose to take out a policy.
Do I need liability insurance Germany? ›
Apart from health insurance, the must-haves for everyone living in Germany are liability and household insurances. Both are useful for unforeseen events. Liability insurance covers you in cases of unintentional harm to a person, their belongings, or an object.
Is private health insurance tax deductible in Germany? ›Contributions to health insurance are completely tax deductible as far as these contributions are paid for primary basic healthcare. Contributions to long-term care insurance are also tax deductible under these circumstances.
What are the two main types of private health insurance? ›- Health maintenance organizations (HMOs)
- Preferred provider organizations (PPOs)
- Exclusive provider organizations (EPOs)
- Point-of-service (POS) plans.
- High-deductible health plans (HDHPs), which may be linked to health savings accounts (HSAs)
- hospital cover for in-hospital treatment, and.
- ancillary or 'extras' cover for ambulance, optometry, dental, physiotherapy and other services.
You will be responsible for the full bill and will need to work out a payment arrangement with the hospital. Consider asking for charity care options or discounts that might be available to help offset some of the costs.
Can I take private health insurance in Germany? ›In Germany, you must take out health insurance as an employee. A distinction is made between statutory and private health insurance. These are two different systems and you cannot switch between them freely.
How much does AOK cost? ›Applicable for AOK-insured employees also in 2021, is an unchanged general contribution rate of 14.6 percent, plus a small, health insurance company individually based additional contribution. In the case of the employees, the gross pay is used to calculate the contribution.
How do I switch to private health insurance in Germany? ›Earn less than the private health insurance threshold.
If you're thinking of switching to a private plan, you probably know that there are some income requirements you need to fulfill. In 2023, this means that if you're employed full-time, you must earn more than €66,600 a year to enter the private system.
Insurances for occupational risks, such as professional liability insurance, accident insurance, and labor law policies must be deducted as income-related expenses (Werbungskosten), while insurances that cover private risks must be deducted as special expenses (Sonderausgaben).
What is covered in a liability insurance? ›Liability coverage pays for both property damage you caused to another's property, as well as any bodily injury caused to others as a result of the accident. The following expenses are among the types of damages that may be considered: Hospital and medical bills. Lost wages.
What is deductible in insurance Germany? ›
In principle, health insurance in Germany covers the costs if you have to see a doctor or go to the hospital. This applies to statutory and private health insurance. With a deductible, you bear part of these costs yourself. The deductible is the amount that you have to pay yourself if you need treatment or medication.
Who pays for German health insurance? ›How much does public health insurance cost in Germany? In Germany, all employed workers pay a statutory healthcare insurance contribution as part of their social security contribution. This is normally 7.3% of their gross paycheck, and this is typically matched by the employer who pays a further 7.3%.
What are the top three causes of death in Germany? ›TOP 50 CAUSES OF DEATH | Rate | |
---|---|---|
1. | Coronary Heart Disease | 56.09 |
2. | Lung Cancers | 24.77 |
3. | Breast Cancer | 18.80 |
4. | Stroke | 18.75 |
You can expect to pay between €7–21 for a simple consultation and €13–40 for an exam. Microchipping costs €40–60. An x-ray will cost €25–77. Blood tests usually set you back €16–48.
How are pets treated in Germany? ›Germany is not merely pet-friendly, but practically treats pets as kings. In Germany, you will find that a vast majority of families have one or more dearly loved non-human member. However, the country is also very stringent about its pet laws.
What are the pet laws in Germany? ›The animal must be at least 15 weeks old. The animal must have a microchip, a vaccination certificate and an animal health certificate. The animal must have been vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before entry. The animal must enter the EU directly.
How much is a pet passport in Germany? ›With an EU Pet Passport, your dog, cat or ferret can travel through the EU and other non-EU countries with ease. So, if you're planning on going traveling, you don't have to leave your furry friend at home! The price for a complete EU Pet Passport in 2022 can cost anywhere between €20 and €448+.
How much does it cost to fly a dog from USA to Germany? ›Larger dogs have to travel as “live cargo.” You will need an airline-approved pet kennel for this. Airlines charge a fee for a Europe-bound in-cabin or baggage-checked pet (usually about $200) or a pet being shipped as international cargo ($400-600). Check with your airline for the exact rates.
How much does dog vaccination cost in Germany? ›According to German veterinary fee regulations (GOT), the cost for vaccination of a dog (without including the cost of the vaccine) varies from 23.73 to 94.92 Euro, which is relatively inexpensive compared with treatment costs [68].
Which country is best for veterinary? ›Top 10 Veterinary Schools in the World Based on the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2019 | ||
---|---|---|
Rank | Name of Institution | Location |
1 | Royal Veterinary College, University of London | United Kingdom |
2 | University of California, Davis (UCD) | United States |
3 | Utrecht University | Netherlands |
Can you bring pets to Germany from USA? ›
A primary vaccination must be administered at least 21 days prior to crossing the border. The pet has to be microchipped before the rabies vaccination. Entry is conditional on the animal being accompanied by a person.
What is Germany's favorite pet? ›Most common pets in Germany? According to Statisca, there are about 34.3 Million pets in Germany. Cats are the majority with about 14.7 living in households in Germany. Dogs come second place at around 10.1 Million followed by small animals like rabbits and guinea pigs at 5.2 Million.
What is the most common pet in Germany? ›Germany's favourite pet is the cat
The cat continues to be Germany's most popular pet. There are a total of 13.7 million feline friends in 22 percent of households.
Outside developed areas, dogs must be automatically put on a leash in case of other persons approaching. Violations against these rules may be punished by fines up to €5,000.
How dog friendly is Germany? ›Germany is a very dog-friendly country. They are allowed almost everywhere (besides grocery stores) with only the rare Kein Hund erlaubt ("No dogs allowed"). This is made possible because most German dogs are very well-behaved. They heel perfectly, listen to every command and even stop before crossing the street.
What pets are not allowed in Germany? ›...
Hamburg
- Bull Mastiff.
- Dogo Argentino.
- Dogue de Bordeaux.
- Fila Brasileiro.
- Kangal Dog.
- Caucasian Shepherd Dog.
- Mastiff.
- Spanish Mastiff.
What is an EU Pet Passport? An EU Pet Passport is a document issued by an official veterinarian in a European Union (EU) Member State (country within the EU) or other designated country that contains official health information related to a specific pet. An EU Pet Passport cannot be obtained in the U.S.
What vaccines do dogs need to enter Germany? ›- The first rabies vaccination your pet gets after its microchip or after any lapse in coverage is a “primary” rabies vaccination according to EU rules.
- For all pets vaccinated in the United States, a “primary” rabies vaccination is only valid for 1 year.