Pet Insurance Austria 2026: Dogs, Cats & Coverage Guide
Pet insurance in Austria 2026: Vet costs, liability, health coverage for dogs and cats. Compare the best providers and find the right policy.
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Why Get Pet Insurance in Austria?
4.3 million pets live in Austrian households – including 2.1 million cats and 800,000 dogs. Veterinary costs can quickly reach thousands of euros: A cruciate ligament surgery for dogs costs up to €3,000, cancer treatment for cats up to €5,000.
Pet insurance protects you from financial surprises and ensures the best treatment for your beloved companion.
Types of Pet Insurance
1. Pet Health Insurance (Full Coverage)
| Coverage | What's Included? | Typical Reimbursement |
|---|---|---|
| Surgeries | All necessary operations including anesthesia | 80–100% |
| Outpatient Care | Examinations, medications, bandages | 60–80% |
| Hospitalization | Clinic stays, monitoring | 80–100% |
| Preventive Care | Vaccinations, deworming, dental cleaning | Optional add-on |
Cost: from €25–70/month (dogs), from €15–40/month (cats)
2. Surgery-Only Insurance (Basic)
Covers only surgical procedures – the more affordable option:
- Accidents (fractures, bite wounds)
- Illnesses (tumors, joint problems)
- Emergency surgeries
Cost: from €8–25/month (dogs), from €5–15/month (cats)
3. Pet Liability Insurance (Dogs Only)
Mandatory in Austria for certain dog breeds! Covers damages your dog causes:
- Personal injury (bites, falls)
- Property damage (furniture, clothing)
- Financial losses
Cost: from €4–10/month
Important: Listed Dog Breeds in Austria
Vienna, Lower Austria, and Vorarlberg have breed-specific legislation. For these breeds, liability insurance is legally required: Rottweiler, Pit Bull, Dogo Argentino, American Staffordshire Terrier, and others.
Pet Insurance Comparison 2026
Best Providers for Dogs
| Provider | Plan | Surgery Coverage | Premium/Month* | Deductible |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allianz | TierBest Exklusiv | 100% | from €45 | €0 |
| Uniqa | Pet Protect Premium | 90% | from €38 | €100 |
| Generali | Tierschutz Komfort | 80% | from €32 | €150 |
| BAWAG | Tierfreund Basis | 70% | from €22 | €200 |
*Example: Mixed breed, 3 years old, no pre-existing conditions. As of February 2026
Best Providers for Cats
| Provider | Plan | Surgery Coverage | Premium/Month* | Outdoor Cats? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allianz | KatzenBest | 100% | from €28 | ✓ Yes |
| Uniqa | Cat Care Plus | 85% | from €22 | ✓ Yes |
| Merkur | Samtpfote | 80% | from €18 | Indoor only |
Compare Pet Insurance Now →
What Do Veterinary Treatments Cost?
Typical Costs Without Insurance
| Treatment | Dog | Cat |
|---|---|---|
| Cruciate Ligament Surgery | €1,500–3,000 | – |
| Tumor Removal | €800–2,500 | €600–2,000 |
| Bone Fracture (Surgery) | €1,000–2,500 | €800–1,800 |
| Gastric Torsion (Emergency) | €2,000–4,000 | – |
| Kidney Disease (Treatment) | €500–1,500/year | €400–1,200/year |
| Chemotherapy | €2,000–5,000 | €1,500–4,000 |
Key Terms for Expats
| German Term | English | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tierkrankenversicherung | Pet health insurance | Full coverage |
| OP-Versicherung | Surgery-only insurance | Cheaper option |
| Tierhaftpflicht | Pet liability insurance | Dogs only |
| Selbstbehalt | Deductible/Excess | Your portion to pay |
| Wartezeit | Waiting period | Before coverage starts |
| Freigänger | Outdoor cat | Higher risk = higher premium |
What to Consider When Choosing
1. Age Limits
Most insurers only accept pets up to a certain age:
- Dogs: Maximum entry age 7–10 years
- Cats: Maximum entry age 8–12 years
Tip: The younger the pet at enrollment, the lower the premium!
2. Waiting Periods
Typical waiting periods after signing up:
- Accidents: 0–14 days
- Illnesses: 1–3 months
- Surgeries: 1–3 months
3. Pre-existing Conditions
Already known conditions are typically excluded from coverage. Chronic diseases like diabetes or allergies are often not insurable.
FAQ
Are vaccinations covered?
Usually not in standard plans. Some premium plans offer a preventive care budget (€50–150/year) for vaccinations, deworming, and dental care. Check the policy details.
Can I choose any veterinarian?
Yes, in Austria you typically have free choice of veterinarian. You can visit any vet or animal clinic. Some plans may reimburse higher amounts at partner clinics.
Do I need liability insurance for my cat?
No, separate pet liability insurance is only required for dogs. Damages caused by cats are usually covered under your personal liability insurance (Privathaftpflicht).
Is dog liability insurance mandatory?
It depends on the state. In Vienna, Lower Austria, and Vorarlberg, liability insurance is mandatory for certain listed breeds. Even where not required, it's strongly recommended for all dog owners.
Conclusion: Insure Early, Save More
Pet insurance is especially valuable for dog owners: Surgeries can cost thousands of euros, and liability insurance is mandatory in some states. For cat owners, at least a surgery-only policy is recommended.
Our Tips:
- Sign up while your pet is young and healthy
- Choose a plan with at least 80% surgery reimbursement
- Look for low or no deductibles
- Don't forget liability insurance for dogs!
Compare Pet Insurance at durchblicker.at →
Updated: February 2026 | All information without guarantee
Disclaimer and Legal Information
No Financial or Legal Advice: The information provided on this website is for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. It does not replace individual consultation with a professional expert.
No Warranty for Accuracy and Timeliness: Despite careful research, we cannot guarantee the completeness, accuracy, and timeliness of the information. Prices, terms, and services may change at any time. Please verify all information directly with the respective provider.
No Recommendations: The mentioned products, services, or providers do not constitute a personal recommendation. The selection was made for informational purposes. Every decision is your own responsibility.
Liability Disclaimer: We assume no liability for damages or losses that could arise from the use of the information provided. This applies in particular to financial decisions based on this information.
External Links: For content of external websites we link to, their operators are exclusively responsible.
Information as of: November 2024. All information without warranty. Changes and errors excepted.
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