Comparison at a glance: Dalma vs. Allianz
What makes Dalma special?
Dalma is a pet specialist insurer with its own animal-health expertise and more than 60,000 insured animals in Europe:
- Flexible tariff design: You choose the reimbursement rate (80% or 100%) and the annual benefit limit (1,500 euros up to unlimited) yourself and adapt the cover to your budget and your animal's profile.
- Full annual benefit limit from day 1: The chosen annual volume is available from the start of the policy (after the respective waiting periods). No tiering by policy year.
- GOT 4x including emergency service as standard: In both tariffs, with no surcharge, with no obligation to move up a tariff tier.
- Waiver of termination after a claim: From the 13th policy month, Dalma contractually waives its right to terminate after a claim, regardless of the policy year or the amount of the benefit.
- 15% multi-pet discount: In both tariffs from the 2nd animal.
- Preventive care budget up to 100 euros per year from day 1: In the health cover from an annual benefit limit of 1,500 euros, with no waiting period.
- Integrated dental cover: FORL, gingivitis and periodontitis after a 12-month waiting period in the health cover, with no paid add-on module.
- Alternative healing methods unlimited: Acupuncture, homeopathy, chiropractic, osteopathy, laser and magnetic field therapy and others in the health cover.
- Telemedicine unlimited: Free access to FirstVet around the clock.
- Behavioural therapy up to 5 hours per year in the health cover, vet prescribed.
- Emergency boarding up to 250 euros per year if the owner is hospitalised for more than 3 nights.
- Prosthetics contribution one-off up to 500 euros in both tariffs.
- Reimbursement usually within 48 hours after invoice approval (operational service target; contractually 5 working days).
- 100% digital: Fully digital submission via the Dalma app, no paperwork.
- Worldwide international cover for the entire policy term, in both tariffs.
- Around 4.5 stars on Trustpilot with more than 4,000 reviews.
- Focus Money 2026: Award for high customer satisfaction.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
What to pay particular attention to with the Allianz tariff
The Allianz tariff landscape was relaunched on 4 February 2026 and has some strengths (AI-supported reimbursement, direct billing with the clinic, no maximum age limit). Before you decide, however, a few points are important:
1. The Basis tariff is significantly stripped down
The Allianz Basis tariff reimburses only 2x the GOT rate in the surgery cover and completely excludes breed-specific conditions such as HD, ED, patellar luxation and eyelid anomalies. The annual benefit limit is 2,500 euros.
What this means for you: If you want genuine complete cover, the Basis tariff is not sufficient. You have to take out at least the Smart tariff (or higher) to have the 4x GOT rate and breed-specific conditions co-insured. With Dalma, the 4x GOT rate in emergency service is standard in both tariffs, and breed-specific conditions are reimbursed in full within the chosen annual benefit limit after a 12-month waiting period.
2. HD, ED and patellar luxation only once per diagnosis over the entire insurance period
Hip dysplasia (HD), elbow dysplasia (ED), patellar luxation and eyelid anomalies are reimbursed by Allianz only once per diagnosis over the entire insurance period, with tiered limits: Basis excluded, Smart 500 euros, Komfort 2,500 euros, Premium 5,000 euros.
What this means for you: A TPLO operation for a cruciate ligament tear in a medium-sized dog quickly costs 3,500 to 4,500 euros. In the Allianz Smart tariff, only 500 euros of that is covered. In the Komfort tariff 2,500 euros. If your dog later develops the same problem in the other leg, the reimbursement for this diagnosis is exhausted. With Dalma, the full chosen annual benefit limit applies per policy year in the health cover (after a 12-month waiting period), with no lifelong per-diagnosis limit.
3. Symptoms in the first 3 months permanently excluded
With Allianz, a general waiting period of 3 months applies. If the first symptoms or diagnoses of a condition appear during this phase, the respective condition is permanently excluded from cover.
What this means for you: If your dog or cat falls ill in, say, policy month 2 with otitis, an allergy, gastrointestinal problems or another condition requiring treatment, this diagnosis is not insured for the entire policy term. With Dalma, cover starts after 14 days (for operations) or 30 days (for medical treatments); conditions that first appear after the waiting period has elapsed are fully covered.
4. Waiver of termination only from the 4th policy year
Allianz waives the right to terminate after a claim only from the 4th policy year and only up to a total insurance benefit of 20,000 euros per contract. In the first 3 policy years, the contract can be ordinarily terminated after a regulated claim.
What this means for you: In the first 3 years, you bear a cancellation risk after a claim with Allianz. With Dalma, the waiver of termination applies from as early as the 13th policy month, so around two years earlier.
5. Multi-pet discount only in the higher tariffs
The 5% multi-pet discount with Allianz applies only in the Komfort and Premium tariffs from the 2nd animal. In the Basis and Smart tariffs there is no multi-pet discount. With Dalma it is a 15% multi-pet discount from the 2nd animal in both tariffs.
Claims in direct comparison
Scenario 1: Cruciate ligament operation (TPLO) for a 4-year-old Labrador
Vet invoice for a TPLO operation including diagnostics and aftercare: 3,500 euros.
- With Allianz Basis: No reimbursement (breed-specific conditions excluded).
- With Allianz Smart (with 20% deductible): 500 euros limit for HD/ED/patellar luxation once per diagnosis, of which 80% = 400 euros reimbursement. Own share: 3,100 euros.
- With Allianz Komfort (with 10% deductible): 2,500 euros limit once per diagnosis, of which 90% = 2,250 euros reimbursement. Own share: 1,250 euros.
- With Dalma at the 100% tariff with a 5,000-euro annual benefit limit (dog insured for more than 12 months): 3,500 euros full reimbursement. Own share: 0 euros.
Scenario 2: Dog eats chocolate, acute poisoning with surgery at the weekend
Emergency vet invoice (4x GOT rate): 800 euros.
- With Allianz Basis (GOT 2x): Reimbursement up to 2x the GOT rate; for an invoice at the 4x emergency service rate, part remains uncovered.
- With Allianz Smart, Komfort, Premium (GOT 4x in emergency service): Full reimbursement possible, less the chosen deductible (0%, 10% or 20%).
- With Dalma (GOT 4x in emergency service as standard in both tariffs): Full reimbursement at the 100% tariff, no percentage deductible.
Scenario 3: Multi-pet household, insuring a dog and a cat
You insure a dog and a cat together:
- With Allianz Basis or Smart: No multi-pet discount (only from Komfort/Premium).
- With Allianz Komfort or Premium: 5% multi-pet discount from the 2nd animal.
- With Dalma: 15% multi-pet discount from the 2nd animal in both tariffs (surgery insurance and health insurance).
Scenario 4: Otitis diagnosis in policy month 2
Your dog develops a chronic middle ear infection (otitis) in month 2 after the start of the policy. Treatment costs in later years: approx. 200 to 600 euros per flare-up.
- With Allianz: The diagnosis falls within the general 3-month waiting period. The otitis is permanently excluded from cover; all future treatments must be borne yourself.
- With Dalma: Medical treatments are insured after 30 days. If the otitis first appears after day 30, it is fully covered within the chosen annual benefit limit.
Direct comparison in 5 categories
1. Tariff structure and configuration
Dalma offers 2 clear tariffs with an individually selectable reimbursement rate (80% or 100%) and annual benefit limit (1,500 euros up to unlimited). Allianz has 4 product lines each as a surgery cover or comprehensive health cover, plus 3 selectable deductible tiers (0%, 10%, 20%, each max. 1,500 euros per invoice).
What this means for you: If you want a lean configuration without tariff hopping, Dalma is simpler. Allianz has more tiers, but the Basis tariff has serious gaps (no 4x GOT, no breed-specific conditions), so that in practice only the Smart tariff or higher comes into question as full cover.
2. Waiting periods
Dalma: 2 days accident, 14 days operations, 30 days medical treatments, 12 months breed-typical, 18 months patellar luxation. Allianz: accident immediately, 3 months for illness in general; for puppies and kittens under 6 months no waiting period.
What this means for you: For an accident, Allianz is faster (immediately instead of 2 days). For general illnesses, Dalma is considerably faster (30 days instead of 3 months). Above all, though: with Dalma, conditions that first appear after the waiting period has elapsed lead to full reimbursement. With Allianz, symptoms from the waiting period are permanently excluded.
3. Reimbursement in old age
With Dalma, the reimbursement rate stays constant up to the 9th year of life. From the 10th year of life, the cover rate for conditions falls by 5 percentage points per year from the original value. Example: at an original reimbursement rate of 100%, the animal receives 90% reimbursement for illness in the 12th year of life. Accident benefits are not affected by this. With Allianz, cover applies for life with no automatic benefit reduction; the premium adjusts to age and benefit development.
What this means for you: The two providers have different mechanisms for reflecting the cost of insurance in old age. With Dalma, the reimbursement rate falls step by step; the premium stays within the contractual adjustment clauses. With Allianz, the scope of benefits stays constant; the premium can adjust accordingly.
4. Fast reimbursement and service
With Dalma, reimbursement is usually in your account within 48 hours after approval of all receipts (operational service target; contractually 5 working days). Submission is fully digital via the Dalma app. Allianz has used AI-supported checking since 4 February 2026; according to Allianz, more than 40% of digital invoices are processed in under 4 hours. Optionally, billing can be done directly with the animal clinic or vet practice.
What this means for you: Both providers are above average in speed in the market. With Dalma, you receive the reimbursement amount in your account. With Allianz, you can alternatively choose direct billing with the clinic, so that you do not have to pay up front in the first place, less your deductible.
5. International cover
With Dalma, worldwide international cover for the entire policy term in both tariffs. With Allianz, 12 months worldwide for dog and cat.
What this means for you: If you are planning longer stays abroad (e.g. several months travelling with the dog or a semester abroad), you are insured with no time limit with Dalma. With Allianz, cover ends after 12 months abroad.
Conclusion: Dalma as the clear choice if flexibility and transparent cover matter to you
If the following points matter to you, Dalma is the suitable choice:
- You want a lean tariff structure with just 2 tariffs and free configuration of reimbursement rate and annual benefit limit
- You expect GOT 4x including emergency service as standard, without having to move up to higher tariff tiers
- You value a waiver of termination after a claim from the 13th policy month (instead of only from policy year 4)
- You insure several animals and want a multi-pet discount of 15% from the 2nd animal (instead of 5% only in top tariffs)
- You need integrated dental cover, alternative healing methods and a preventive care budget in one tariff
- You are planning longer stays abroad with your animal
- You want conditions that appear after the waiting period to be fully insured (instead of permanently excluded)
- You prefer fast digital reimbursement to your account (operational target: 48 hours after approval)
- You want an insurance with lifelong cover from enrolment before the 9th birthday
Allianz can be an alternative if:
- Your animal is already 9 years or older and you want to take out insurance for the first time (Allianz has no maximum age limit for enrolment; Dalma up to the day before the 9th birthday)
- You want direct billing with the animal clinic and do not want to pay up front
- Your animal is a horse (Dalma insures dogs and cats only)
- You are deliberately looking for a very cheap pure surgery cover in the Basis tariff and consciously accept the limitations (2x GOT, no breed-specific conditions, 2,500 euros annual limit)
If you are still unsure, compare the most important packages in detail with the Dalma tariff calculator. You will find more about the competitor on the Allianz pet insurance website or in the dog health insurance comparison in the Dalma magazine.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
Frequently asked questions: Dalma vs. Allianz
Which provider has the shorter waiting periods?
With Dalma: 2 days accident, 14 days operations, 30 days medical treatments, 12 months breed-typical, 18 months patellar luxation. With Allianz: accident immediately, 3 months for illness in general; puppies and kittens under 6 months with no waiting period. For an accident, Allianz is faster. For general illnesses and operations, Dalma is faster. In addition, with Allianz: symptoms from the 3-month waiting period are permanently excluded from cover.
Which tariff reimburses breed-specific conditions such as HD or patellar luxation?
With Dalma, these conditions are eligible for reimbursement in the health cover after a 12-month waiting period (patellar luxation 18 months) within the chosen annual benefit limit, with no per-diagnosis limit. With Allianz, HD, ED, patellar luxation and eyelid anomalies are reimbursed only once per diagnosis over the entire insurance period, with tiered limits (Basis: excluded, Smart: 500 euros, Komfort: 2,500 euros, Premium: 5,000 euros).
How high is the multi-pet discount?
Dalma grants a 15% multi-pet discount from the 2nd animal in both tariffs. Allianz grants a 5% multi-pet discount from the 2nd animal only in the Komfort and Premium tariffs.
When does the insurer waive its right to terminate after a claim?
With Dalma, the insurer contractually waives its right to terminate after a claim once the first 12 months have elapsed. With Allianz, the waiver of termination applies only from the 4th policy year and is capped at a total insurance benefit of 20,000 euros per contract.
Which provider reimburses the 4x GOT rate?
With Dalma, in both tariffs (surgery insurance and health insurance) including emergency service as standard. With Allianz, only in the Smart, Komfort and Premium tariffs 4x in an emergency. The Allianz Basis tariff reimburses only up to 2x the GOT rate.
How long is the international cover?
With Dalma, worldwide for the entire policy term in both tariffs. With Allianz, 12 months worldwide for dog and cat.
What happens to the reimbursement rate in old age?
With Dalma, the reimbursement rate for conditions falls from the 10th year of life by 5 percentage points per year from the original value. Example: at an original reimbursement rate of 100%, the animal receives 90% reimbursement for illness in the 12th year of life. Accident benefits are not affected by this. With Allianz, the scope of benefits in the tariff stays the same; the premium adjusts to age and benefit development.
Are alternative healing methods and dental treatments co-insured?
With Dalma, alternative healing methods (acupuncture, homeopathy, chiropractic, osteopathy, laser, magnetic field and others) are included without limit in the health cover. Dental treatments for FORL, gingivitis or periodontitis are automatically insured in the health cover after a 12-month waiting period. With Allianz, both benefits are included only in the comprehensive health cover (tiered by tariff); not in the pure surgery cover.
Which provider is suitable for an older animal?
If your dog or cat is already 9 years or older and you want to take out insurance for the first time, only Allianz is possible (no maximum age limit). With Dalma, enrolment is possible up to the day before the 9th birthday; animals once insured enjoy lifelong cover.
How fast is reimbursement?
With Dalma, the operational target is a payout within 48 hours after approval of all receipts (contractually 5 working days). Submission is fully digital via the Dalma app. With Allianz, since 4 February 2026, according to Allianz, more than 40% of digital invoices are processed in under 4 hours (AI-supported checking). Optionally, billing can also be done directly with the animal clinic, so that you do not have to pay up front.
Sources and further information
Allianz pet insurance overview
Dog health insurance comparison in the Dalma magazine
