Why a Comparison is Sensible for Cat Health Insurance
They come on soft paws and take our hearts by storm: cats are among the most popular pets worldwide. But even if they proverbially have nine lives – these acrobatic climbers can get injured or fall ill. As a cat owner, you naturally want to do everything in such a case so that your animal feels better again quickly. To ensure that this does not fail due to the costs of veterinary treatment, there are insurance policies from various providers. But which health insurance for cats is the best?
In fact, they differ. One cat insurance may be cheap but does not cover the full costs. Another might not cover your pet's specific illness or has a very long waiting period before coverage begins. Therefore, it is difficult to determine a single "test winner" for cat health insurance. We present ten health insurance policies for cats in comparison and look closely at what each of them offers.
In addition to price, the speed of reimbursement is a decisive criterion. While many providers carry out a lengthy review, we at Dalma usually reimburse costs within 48 hours directly via our app – so you can concentrate fully on your pet's recovery.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
Cat Insurance in Comparison: Health Insurance or Surgery Insurance?
Cats don't even have to be sick: since the veterinary fee schedule (GOT) was adjusted in 2022, even the annual check-up costs quite a bit, not to mention preventive services like vaccinations and deworming. Therefore, you should pay close attention when choosing the best insurance model for your pet to avoid unpleasant surprises at the vet. Let's first look at surgery insurance for cats in comparison with full health insurance:
- Surgery Insurance: This cat insurance covers the costs of medically necessary operations as well as follow-up care and necessary medication in connection with the procedure.
- Full Insurance: This policy is the best cat health insurance if the animal is to be protected all around. It covers veterinary treatments and medication for illnesses and injuries, the costs of surgeries and their follow-up care, and also offers preventive benefits such as vaccinations.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
Comparison of Benefits for Full-Protection Cat Health Insurance
Have you decided on full protection for your animal companion? Congratulations, that's a good choice. However, when you compare the full-protection pet insurance policies offered for cats, you will certainly notice some differences. What should you look out for so that the supposedly cheap cat health insurance actually pays off?
- Reimbursement Level: Does the insurance cover 100% of the costs, or does it only pay a portion of the treatment costs?
- Deductible: Does the insurance require a deductible?
- Insured Benefits: Which benefits are insured? Important are: preventive check-ups , dental treatments , vaccinations , MRI, CT, and X-ray examinations , surgery costs , treatment of illnesses , and medication.
Some insurers also offer telemedicine.
- Fee Rates: Are higher fee rates also covered, for example, for emergency services or difficult treatments? Section 2 (1) sentence 1 of the GOT provides for double the fee rate for treatments at night, on weekends, or holidays, and four times the rate for nightly weekend assignments. There is also an emergency service fee of 50 €.
- Waiting Period: When is the cat insured – immediately or only after a waiting period? Sometimes longer waiting periods apply for certain diseases.
- Exclusion of Certain Animals: Does the insurance accept all cats regardless of age, breed, and pre-existing conditions, or does it require a particularly expensive tariff for such animals?
- Free Choice of Vet: Does the insurance allow treatment by the veterinarian of your choice?
- Freedom of Therapy: Are only conventional treatment methods covered, or also alternative healing methods?
- Foreign Health Insurance: Is the cat also insured while on holiday abroad?
- Terms and Deadlines: How long does the contract run and what are the notice periods? Does the insurer reserve the right to cancel the insurance themselves in the event of a claim?
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
Cat Health Insurance: Comparison of Providers
To help you find the best health insurance for your cat, we only list full-protection cat insurance policies here and compare them according to the criteria listed above.
Dalma Cat Health Insurance
Since October 2023, the company Dalma, founded in France, has been shaking up the landscape of cat insurance and is at the forefront of price comparisons. Dalma offers a particularly large number of inclusive benefits and can be expanded with additional services. In the comparison of health insurance for cats, this provider stands out with its modular system, allowing you to choose exactly the protection your animal needs. And since one cat rarely comes alone, Dalma offers a discount for every additional animal. Furthermore, the provider promises reimbursement within 48 hours.
Agila Cat Health Insurance
The provider has been on the market for more than 30 years. Agila offers three tariffs to choose from:
- Tierkrankenschutz 24
- Tierkrankenschutz
- Tierkrankenschutz Exklusiv
The benefits of the individual tariffs differ, as does the level of reimbursement. Coverage for surgeries ranges from €2,500 to unlimited depending on the tariff, while outpatient and inpatient medical treatments are reimbursed at either €500 to €1,100.
Cat Health Insurance with Uelzener
Cat owners have been able to take out cat health insurance with Uelzener since the mid-1980s. There is only one tariff for cats, but there is the optional "Gesundheit PLUS" module. Without this, the benefits of this otherwise quite affordable cat health insurance are modest compared to other providers. However, in our insurance comparison, it is one of the few cat health insurance policies that insure animals of all ages. The breed also plays no role—though monthly contributions increase for certain breeds and with the age of the animal.
Gothaer Cat Health Insurance
Actually, Gothaer's pet health insurance is not a classic full protection, as only treatments in the context of surgeries are covered. There are also subsidies for preventive care. Additional protection for medical treatments is possible but costs more.
Cat Health Insurance with Allianz
Allianz offers four tariffs, but only the Premium tariff is a full protection that covers medical treatments and preventive care in addition to surgery costs. This tariff is one of the most expensive full-protection cat health insurance policies in comparison but offers extensive benefits. An optional "Medical Treatment and Preventive Protection" module can be added to any tariff except Premium (where it is included). Price calculations vary based on deductible, breed, age, housing (outdoor/indoor), pre-existing conditions, payment method, and zip code.
Barmenia Cat Health Insurance
Barmenia cat health insurance is possible in four tariffs, each with or without a deductible. Insured benefits differ, and except for the Basis tariff, additional modules can be added. The company offers an app for submitting invoices.
Helvetia Cat Health Insurance
The Swiss company is represented in Germany with a large range of products. There are three tariffs with increasing benefits. Only in the most expensive tariff is the 20% deductible waived—but only until the animal's 4th birthday. After that, 20% applies there too. The benefit spectrum of the three tariffs is quite similar, differing mainly in the annual coverage of €2,000, €4,000, or unlimited.
Other Providers
Some providers currently do not offer cat health insurance, making comparison impossible. AXA cooperates with Uelzener. Ergo cooperates with HanseMerkur, Uelzener, and Helvetia. DEVK also redirects to Uelzener. HUK only offers cat health insurance through Gothaer. You can request an offer from HUK, but little info on benefit scope is available beforehand.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
Cat Insurance in Tests
Determining a test winner among the examined cat health insurance policies is not easy. To provide necessary treatment without breaking the budget, certain benefits should be insured:
- Surgeries with pre- and post-care
- Medical treatments and medication
- Preventive care and vaccinations
- Multiple fee rates
Treatments for typical feline infectious diseases are often only covered if vaccination protection exists. Since Panleukopenia, Cat Flu, Leucosis, etc., are chronic diseases requiring regular treatment, you should vaccinate your cat at recommended intervals. Check if preventive services are included or subsidized.
Dental diseases are a major topic: tartar, gingivitis, periodontitis. One in three cats develops FORL symptoms in the first 5 years; half of cats over 5 years fall ill with it. It is extremely painful; affected teeth must be surgically removed. Check if and which dental treatments are covered.
Important: Most providers reserve the right to cancel the contract unilaterally once you use benefits. This could leave a chronically ill cat without cover. Dalma is the only one that waives this right after a claim.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
Comparison of Cat Health Insurance – The Best Providers
Which cat health insurance is the best? Here are some noteworthy aspects:
Dalma stands out for multi-cat households with a 15% discount for the second and every further animal. It has an outstanding price-performance ratio and offers very fast reimbursement.
Providers like Allianz insure animals of all ages, though it is very expensive for old animals.
Most insurers have a maximum entry age of 6 to 8 years. There are no policies without a waiting period in this comparison. Most cover after 1 month/30 days, excluding accidents. Dalma's waiting period for surgeries is only 14 days. Outdoor cats have a higher risk for accidents and infections, needing more protection than indoor cats.
Conclusion: Which cat health insurance is the best in comparison?
An extensive benefit package, fair conditions, flexible options, and an affordable price make Dalma the best cat insurance in comparison. The modular system allows you to find exactly what makes sense for your cat and budget. The multi-pet discount is another plus.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
FAQ: Cat Insurance Comparison
Which cat insurance is the best?
There is no single winner; the best choice depends on age, breed, and budget. Look for no-deductible tariffs and high annual limits.
When should I insure my cat?
As early as possible! Younger cats have cheaper premiums and lower risk of exclusions.
Does insurance pay for neutering and vaccines?
Many full-protection policies offer a preventive budget. At Dalma, you can choose this budget flexibly.
Can the insurance cancel my contract after a claim?
Legally possible for many providers. Dalma explicitly waives this right.
Which insurance do vets recommend?
Usually those with free vet choice, high reimbursement, and multiple GOT rate coverage.
Is there a policy without a waiting period?
No. Many have short wait times for accidents (Dalma: 2 days).
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
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