BSH Health Profile: What the “Robust Breed” Actually Costs at the Vet
The BSH is considered robust, yet “robust” does not mean “cost-free.” Two genetic conditions are particularly relevant:
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): thickened heart muscle, disproportionately common in BSH. Diagnosis via cardiac ultrasound approx. €150–400, lifelong medication €300–800/year (Sources: GOT 2022, German veterinary practice). Note: HCM is excluded at Dalma as a genetic feline condition.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): inherited kidney cysts that often only appear between ages 3–10. Ultrasound diagnosis approx. €100–300. Note: PKD is excluded as an inherited condition.
Beyond these, BSH are prone to:
- Dental diseases (FORL, gingivitis, periodontitis): cleaning approx. €150–350, extractions approx. €500–1,200. Covered after 12 months.
- Urinary tract diseases (FLUTD, urinary stones): diagnosis + treatment approx. €200–800, surgery for blockage approx. €800–2,000. Covered.
- Gastrointestinal diseases: approx. €80–300 per treatment. Covered after 30 days.
- Obesity and secondary conditions: BSH are prone to weight gain. Diabetes treatment approx. €300–800/year.
- Eye inflammations: from drafts or external causes. Treatment approx. €50–300.
The cost ranges listed above are based on the German Veterinary Fee Schedule (GOT 2022) and typical market prices in German veterinary practices. Actual costs may vary depending on the practice, the scope of treatment and the chosen GOT rate (1x to 4x). Sources are listed at the end of this page.
Our claims data shows how costs develop over life stages:
Kittens (0–1 year): Musculoskeletal dominates at 41.7%. Dental treatments already average €299.
Adults (2–7 years): Musculoskeletal remains at 36.7%. Dental costs rise to €490 per case.
Seniors (8+ years): Musculoskeletal drops slightly to 29.3%. Dental treatments peak at €633 per case.
What Dalma Actually Reimburses for BSH: Data from 2,241 Claims
2,241 BSH claims at Dalma (January 2024 – December 2025). Source: Dalma claims database, March 2026.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
Surgery Insurance or Full Cover: Which Plan Suits the BSH?
1. Surgery insurance for British Shorthair
Covers costs for surgical procedures – e.g. urinary blockage, fractures or tumour removal. Dalma includes:
- Surgical procedures for illness or accident
- Pre-op diagnostics up to 30 days before surgery
- Post-op clinic stays up to 30 days after surgery
- Medication, bandages and aftercare
- Physiotherapy and alternative treatments up to 30 days post-op
- Dental surgery after waiting period
- Emergency accommodation up to €250 per year
2. Cat health insurance (full cover) for British Shorthair
Covers diagnostics, treatments, medication and preventive care. 80–100% reimbursement, annual limit from €1500 to unlimited. Includes:
- Diagnostics and medical examinations
- Prescribed medication and treatments
- Unlimited physiotherapy
- Alternative treatments such as homeopathy or acupuncture
- Behavioural therapy up to 5 hours per year
- Telemedicine via FirstVet
- Preventive care budget for vaccinations, dental care, deworming (from €1,500 annual limit)
Assessment: BSH benefit particularly from full cover, as the most common costs – dental treatments, gastrointestinal issues, skin problems – are outpatient and only covered under full protection.
What Does BSH Insurance Cost at Dalma?
- Cat health insurance: from approx. €16 per month
- Surgery insurance: from approx. €8 per month
As of April 2026. Dalma offers 15% discount when insuring multiple pets. Neutering/spaying claimed via the preventive care budget.
From age 10, the reimbursement rate for illnesses decreases by 5% annually. Accident reimbursement remains unchanged.
Waiting Periods for British Shorthair
- 2 days for accidents
- 14 days for surgeries
- 30 days for medical treatments
- 12 months for FORL, gingivitis and periodontitis
- 12 months for HD/ED
- 18 months for patellar luxation
Pre-existing conditions are excluded. Preventive care budget is available from day 1.
What Is Not Covered for British Shorthair
Certain genetic conditions are excluded by all insurers:
- HCM (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy) – the most common genetic heart disease in cats
- PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease) – inherited kidney cysts
- PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) – inherited retinal disease
- Congenital eye diseases
- Persistent deciduous teeth
- Epilepsy
- Osteoarthritis
- Diseases preventable by vaccination (cat flu, feline distemper, leukaemia, rabies)
Acquired heart conditions (non-HCM), acquired kidney, eye and joint problems are covered after the waiting period.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
Claims Process at Dalma
100% digital. Upload invoice via app, 8-day deadline. Reimbursement target 48 hours (contractually up to 5 working days). Up to 4x GOT rate including emergency surcharges. Free choice of vet worldwide. Telemedicine via FirstVet free and unlimited. Neutering and spaying can be claimed via preventive care budget.
BSH Insurance: Who Benefits Most
Insure early: Ideally as a kitten. Many conditions – dental problems, urinary stones, joint wear – develop later and are then considered acquired. The 12-month waiting period for FORL starts from contract beginning.
Less value: If your BSH already has HCM, PKD or dental diagnoses before contract start. Or if you primarily seek HCM cover – this is excluded as genetic.
Frequently Asked Questions About BSH Insurance
Is cat health insurance worthwhile for British Shorthair?
Yes. Although the BSH is considered robust, our 2,241 claims show that dental diseases, gastrointestinal problems and joint issues regularly cause high costs.
Is HCM covered for British Shorthair?
No. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is classified as a genetic feline condition and is excluded at Dalma – as with all insurers. Acquired heart conditions that are not HCM may be covered.
Is PKD covered for British Shorthair?
No. PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease) is an inherited condition and therefore excluded. Acquired kidney problems that are not PKD are covered after the waiting period.
Are dental treatments covered for BSH?
Yes. FORL, gingivitis and periodontitis are covered after a 12-month waiting period. Dental surgery also falls under the surgery plan. Routine dental cleaning can be claimed via the preventive care budget.
Are urinary tract diseases covered for BSH?
Yes. Urinary stones, cystitis and FLUTD are covered, provided they occur after contract start. Diagnostics and surgery costs for urinary blockage are covered under the chosen plan.
Are cat flu and feline distemper covered?
Yes, provided recommended vaccination coverage is in place. Without vaccination, these conditions are excluded.
Is there a deductible at Dalma for cats?
No. Dalma has no deductible. Depending on the plan, 80–100% of eligible costs are reimbursed.
Can I insure my BSH as an adult?
Yes. Insurance can be taken out at Dalma up to an age of under 9 years. Pre-existing conditions are excluded.
Is neutering covered?
Neutering and spaying can be claimed via the preventive care budget (€70 or €100 per year, depending on the plan).
Does my BSH stay insured after an expensive treatment?
Yes. Dalma waives the right to cancel after a claim.
Sources and Further Information
The veterinary costs mentioned in this article are reference values. Actual costs are governed by the German Veterinary Fee Schedule (GOT) and may vary depending on the practice, the scope of treatment and the chosen GOT rate (1x to 4x).
Official sources on the German Veterinary Fee Schedule (GOT 2022):
- Full text of the GOT 2022: https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/got_2022/
- German Veterinary Association (BTK): bundestieraerztekammer.de – official body with information on GOT, emergency service and billing
- German Federal Ministry of Agriculture (BMLEH): bmleh.de/DE/themen/tiere/got.html – background on the 2022 GOT amendment
Claims data:
The claims data used in this article is based on 2,241 British Shorthair illness cases from the Dalma claims database between January 2024 and December 2025.
Sources and Further Information
The veterinary costs mentioned in this article are reference values. Actual costs are governed by the German Veterinary Fee Schedule (GOT) and may vary depending on the practice, the scope of treatment and the chosen GOT rate (1x to 4x).
Official sources on the German Veterinary Fee Schedule (GOT 2022):
- Full text of the GOT 2022: https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/got_2022/
- German Veterinary Association (BTK): bundestieraerztekammer.de – official body with information on GOT, emergency service and billing
- German Federal Ministry of Agriculture (BMLEH): bmleh.de/DE/themen/tiere/got.html – background on the 2022 GOT amendment
Claims data:
The claims data used in this article is based on 2,241 British Shorthair illness cases from the Dalma claims database between January 2024 and December 2025.
