November 11, 2022, 10:14 am | Read time: 8 minutes

The Federal Council has passed a new fee schedule for veterinarians, which will take effect on November 22. This was based on a study commissioned by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) in 2020. The survey of practicing veterinarians revealed, among other things, that the average cost for veterinary treatment is 2.25 euros per minute—unprofitable for many practices. Consequently, the fee schedule for veterinarians, last changed in 1999, was revised. Many pet owners are also wondering if pet insurance is worthwhile.

Federal Veterinary Association Welcomes the New Fee Schedule at the Veterinarian

Federal Veterinary Association President Dr. Uwe Tiedemann explains in a press release: “The adjustment of the fee schedule was long overdue to ensure that a veterinary practice can be run economically. Only in this way can comprehensive animal care be guaranteed.”

“The last GOT dates back to 1999, from the DM era. Since then, there have been two general increases,” says Thomas Steidl from the Federal Veterinary Association. This hasn’t even covered the inflation rate. A careful and high-quality care is simply no longer possible.

For pet owners, the new fee schedule means a significant increase in costs when visiting the veterinarian. The Federal Veterinary Association explains this in an information sheet for pet owners, citing newer medical procedures and techniques as cost factors included in the schedule.

How Expensive It Can Get for Pet Owners

The actual costs in case of illness or accident of the animal depend on the individual case. Legally, veterinarians can charge their services from the simple to the triple rate. For emergency services, they can even charge up to the quadruple rate. And—what many don’t know—in emergency service, veterinary practices are even required to charge an emergency service fee of 59.50 euros!

What does this mean concretely? Vaccinations for cats and dogs will cost about twice as much starting November 22, from previously 5.77 euros now 11.50 euros. The regular examination of dogs will cost 23.62 euros instead of 13.47 euros. This is topped by the simple examination of a cat, which will cost 23.62 euros instead of 8.98 euros—a 163 percent increase!

Also interesting: How to recognize a good veterinarian?

Veterinarian Fee Schedule Could Have Caused Even More Costs

The information sheet also points out to pet owners that the strong price increase from 2020 to 2022 is not yet included in the current adjustment. Thus, the fees could have actually been even higher. Practice costs have risen far more than the inflation rate. These account for up to 75 percent of veterinarians’ revenue.

The German Animal Welfare Association initially criticized the regulation in BILD. It is dangerous if necessary treatments have to be skipped for cost-saving reasons. Animal welfare advocates also see the risk that rising treatment costs will lead to more animals being given away or abandoned. They therefore call for assistance for financially disadvantaged pet owners during a transition period, such as through vouchers.

Is Pet Insurance Worth It?

Despite rising veterinary costs, the Association of Insured (BdV) advises against pet health insurance. Its chairwoman Bianca Boss categorizes them as generally less important to unimportant insurances. Priority for pet owners should always be personal liability and pet owner liability insurance.

The animal welfare foundation Four Paws sees it differently: Whether insurance for veterinary costs is sensible should always be considered on a case-by-case basis. “Insurance for an animal that already has an extensive medical history is certainly more worthwhile than for a perfectly healthy dog,” says Karina Omelyanovskaya. For the pet expert from Four Paws, it is always sensible to have money available for emergencies—whether in a separate savings account or in the form of insurance.

“Even if the visit to the practice can now generally become a bit more expensive, one should never hesitate during a veterinary visit, especially in an emergency,” Omelyanovskaya continues. Preventive examinations and regular vaccination updates should not be skimped on either, as the treatment costs of an illness are usually much higher.

For Which Animals Should You Get Insurance?

Thomas Steidl from the Veterinary Association also advises pet owners to inform themselves about insurance, which may be particularly useful for younger animals to cover cost peaks.

Due to their breeding, some dog and cat breeds are predisposed. “For example, dachshunds tend to have herniated discs due to their long backs, Labradors to elbow and hip dysplasia, French Bulldogs to respiratory and eye problems,” Omelyanovskaya lists. As a rule of thumb: A dog that has neither too short nor too long legs, ears, nose, or back and also has a healthy weight has a lower risk of becoming ill.

The Consumer Center NRW has another rule of thumb: The larger the animal, the more sensible health insurance is. This is partly due to the higher costs incurred during operations on larger dogs.

What to Consider with Insurance

“If you decide to take out health insurance, coverage of possible surgery costs is indispensable,” says Omelyanovskaya. Post-operative care should also be included, according to the expert. Because in the event of an operation, costs can skyrocket. Annual vaccination updates, on the other hand, can be paid for out of pocket. Regular preventive examinations usually don’t weigh heavily financially.

According to the Consumer Center NRW, only healthy animals are usually insured, with the premium largely depending on the breed and age of the animal. There is often a minimum and maximum age for the animal to be insured. Insurance options become scarce for older or pre-existing condition animals. Therefore, you shouldn’t wait too long to take out insurance.

1. Pitfall: Deductible

There is also a pitfall with the deductible: It ranges from no contribution, fixed amounts, or certain percentages. Depending on the tariff and treatment, this can become costly. Philipp Opfermann, insurance expert at the Consumer Center NRW, gives an example: If a treatment costs 4,000 euros and you have a 20 percent deductible, you would still have to pay 800 euros yourself despite insurance. A fixed deductible, such as 250 euros, is more calculable.

• 2. Pitfall: Exclusion from Insurance Coverage

One should also pay attention to exclusions from insurance coverage. A classic example is hip dysplasia, which is often excluded for certain breeds, says Opfermann.

• 3. Pitfall: Cancellation by Both Sides

Pet health insurance can be canceled by both sides. If you’re unlucky, the young and healthy animal is insured for a long time and then dropped when age-related ailments and illnesses occur. Only a few insurers waive their right to cancel, says Opfermann.

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Survey on the new schedule of fees Due to increased costs, many dog owners are waiting longer before going to the vet

Do Veterinary Practices Have Flexibility with the Fee Schedule?

Veterinarians can decide for each treatment whether to charge the simple, double, or triple rate, explains Karina Omelyanovskaya from Four Paws. Ideally, they would decide this based on how challenging, extensive, or time-consuming the treatment is.

The value of the animal or the time of day can also play a role. Only if it is to exceed three times the fee rate must the practice and pet owner explicitly agree on this before the treatment, explains Philipp Opfermann.

Veterinarian Thomas Steidl advises: “Talk to your veterinary practice, which will gladly make the individual fee items transparent for you and may also offer alternatives.”

What Happens If You Can No Longer Afford Your Pet?

“Then it is always worthwhile to seek a conversation with your veterinarian: Perhaps an individual agreement can be reached in the specific case,” advises Karina Omelyanovskaya. More important than the price is whether the animal and owner are well advised and feel comfortable in the veterinary practice.

Those who want to reduce expenses for their pet can save on accessories and toys, according to the advice from Four Paws. Priorities must be set. A new leash, a new basket, or toys are not as vital as medical care or suitable food for an animal. “A dog doesn’t care what color its collar is or if the sleeping place has worn corners,” says Karina Omelyanovskaya.

If there’s money left at the end of the month, she would rather set it aside for veterinary emergencies. Instead of investing in new toys, you can plan to play more with your pet. Small search games or learning new tricks challenge dogs mentally and strengthen the bond between humans and animals.

With material from dpa