July 31, 2026, 1:04 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
Whether it’s an expensive surgery, lengthy treatment, or damage to someone else’s property, dogs can unexpectedly incur high costs. PETBOOK explains which insurances might be sensible, what owners should pay attention to, and in which cases insurance is even mandatory.
What types of insurance are available for dogs?
High veterinary costs due to illnesses or accidents can significantly burden dog owners financially. Many therefore opt for dog health insurance, which, depending on the plan, covers part or even all of the treatment costs. Dog liability insurance has also become a basic necessity for many owners. In some states, it is even legally required.1
Overview of dog insurances:
- Dog health insurance
- Dog surgery insurance
- Comprehensive insurance for dogs
- Dog liability insurance
- Commercial dog liability insurance
- Kennel liability insurance
- Travel insurance
- Trip cancellation insurance
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What insurance do I need for my dog?
1. Dog health insurance
Dog health insurance is crucial protection that can, in the worst case, determine the life or death of the animal. If the dog becomes ill and the treatment costs exceed the owner’s financial capacity, the dog’s well-being inevitably suffers.
Dog health insurance prevents this dire situation by covering veterinary and medical care costs. Depending on the provider and chosen plan, the insurance benefits can vary, so pet owners should carefully read the fine print before signing up. Combining health insurance with surgery insurance might also be wise, as it covers even more contingencies.
2. Dog surgery insurance
Not only is dog health insurance important, but dog surgery insurance is also crucial for the pet. It covers high costs that may arise from surgery due to an accident or illness. Without such protection, the cost of surgery, which can quickly reach thousands, might create a significant financial burden.
Dog surgery insurance covers both minor and major surgical procedures, which can be life-saving. Most plans also include the cost of anesthesia during surgery and subsequent inpatient care at the veterinary clinic.
3. Comprehensive insurance for dogs
Many insurance providers offer the option of comprehensive dog insurance. This combines the benefits of dog surgery insurance with additional services, such as covering veterinary costs. This combination can be very useful in practice, as surgery often involves pre- and post-operative medical care.
Most comprehensive insurances cover not only surgery costs but also diagnostics (such as X-rays or ECGs), therapy, and sometimes even homeopathic treatments. In many cases, preventive measures like deworming are also covered or subsidized by the insurer.
4. Dog liability insurance
In addition to accidents and illnesses, unforeseen costs due to property and personal damage caused by the pet can also arise. Therefore, dog liability insurance is one of the most important protections for both dog and owner. In seven states, it is even legally required. Currently, these are:
- Berlin
- Bremen
- Hamburg
- Schleswig-Holstein
- Saxony-Anhalt
- Lower Saxony
- Thuringia
The requirement to take out insurance is well-founded: A moment of inattention is enough for the pet to accidentally collide with a car or cyclist, potentially causing vehicle damage. The dog’s injuries are covered by health insurance, but who covers the damage to the other party? None other than the dog owner personally.
5. Travel insurance for dogs
Dog owners who travel frequently often take their pets along. However, travel insurance for dogs is only necessary in specific cases, as some providers offer separate travel insurance for pets, but it is often already included in standard trip cancellation insurance. If the dog frequently falls ill, it’s especially important to check whether the cancellation insurance also covers pets.
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What do dog insurances cost?
The cost of dog insurance depends on various factors. The most important include:
- Age
- Breed
- Pre-existing conditions
- Location, as insurance offers vary from state to state
Costs vary greatly depending on age, breed, health condition, deductible, and coverage. Dog liability insurance is often available for just a few euros per month. A surgery-only insurance is usually cheaper than comprehensive health insurance. Full coverage plans for dogs in 2026 often start at around 25 to 40 euros per month but can be significantly more expensive for older, larger, or pre-existing condition dogs.
Tip: Read the fine print in insurance policies
When choosing dog insurance, it’s best to consider not only the monthly price but also the included services and coverage limits. Offers vary widely and should be carefully compared.