Comparison Table: Dalma vs. Uelzener at a Glance
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
Dalma and Uelzener in Direct Comparison
Uelzener is tradition, Dalma is digital. Both focus on comprehensive cover – but with different priorities. Six decisive differences emerge in cancellation protection, dental cover, price, GOT rate, illness exclusions, and complementary medicine.
1. Cancellation Protection: Clear Waiver or Terms & Conditions Reservation?
Dalma clearly and without restriction waives the extraordinary right to cancel following a settled claim from the 2nd contract year onwards. This is contractually anchored and gives you long-term security – especially for chronic conditions.
With Uelzener, according to the terms and conditions, both parties have a right to cancel following a claim event. In practice, Uelzener appears to rarely exercise this right – numerous customer reviews confirm this. Nevertheless: the right is contractually reserved. With Dalma, the waiver is binding. If long-term contract security is particularly important to you, Dalma offers the clearer arrangement here.
2. Dental Cover and Complementary Medicine: Included or Extra Cost?
With Dalma, FORL, gingivitis, and periodontitis are automatically included in the health cover after a 12-month waiting period. Additionally, alternative therapies (physiotherapy, osteopathy, acupuncture, homeopathy) are included without a session limit, provided they are vet-prescribed.
With Uelzener, the dental add-on is only available at an extra cost (€14.95/month) and is capped at a maximum of €1,000/year. Tooth extractions due to illnesses are, however, included in the basic tariff. Physiotherapy and rehabilitation are only available via the separate rehabilitation add-on (€3.95/month, max. €1,000/year). Homeopathy is included, provided it is administered by the vet.
Concrete example: Your dog needs 12 physiotherapy sessions after a knee operation (at €80 each = €960) and your cat needs FORL treatment costing €1,200.
- With Dalma: Both are included in the health cover – physiotherapy unlimited, FORL after 12-month waiting period. No surcharge.
- With Uelzener: For physiotherapy you need the rehabilitation add-on (€3.95/month extra). For the FORL treatment you need the dental add-on (€14.95/month extra). That is almost €19 extra per month combined.
3. Price: Digital Newcomer vs. Premium Traditional Insurer
The two providers are far apart here. Dalma starts from approx. €15.99/month for health cover (surgery from approx. €4.99). The Uelzener Premium Plus tariff – the only one with unlimited reimbursement and no excess – starts from approx. €96 to €128/month. Additional surcharges may apply for the dental add-on (€14.95) and rehabilitation add-on (€3.95).
The cheaper Uelzener basic tariff is lower, but only offers €1,500 annual maximum benefit. With Dalma, you can flexibly choose the annual maximum benefit (€1,500 to unlimited) and thus adjust the price to your budget – with dental cover and complementary medicine already included.
4. GOT Rate and Illness Exclusions: Uelzener's Strongest Arguments
This is where Uelzener scores clearly. GOT-independent reimbursement means that invoices above the 4-times rate of the fee schedule are also reimbursed in full. Dalma reimburses up to the 4-times rate – which is sufficient for most treatments, but in rare cases (specialist clinics, emergency services with high surcharges) may leave a difference.
In addition: Uelzener insures all illnesses without exclusion – including brachycephaly (airway operations in pugs, French bulldogs), epilepsy, and disc herniation. Dalma excludes some congenital and hereditary conditions. This is a particularly relevant difference for owners of breeds with known genetic risks.
5. Admission Age and Pre-existing Conditions: Uelzener's Openness
Uelzener has no age limit for admission – even dogs and cats over 10 years old can be insured (with a health certificate). Uelzener also insures animals with pre-existing conditions after review (affected treatments are excluded). With Dalma, the age limit is 9 years, and pre-existing conditions are not insurable.
However: the Premium Plus tariff (unlimited, no excess) cannot be taken out after the 6th birthday. In the Basic and Premium tariffs, dogs enrolled from their 6th birthday onwards are subject to a €150 excess per year.
6. Digital vs. Tradition: Reimbursement, Telemedicine, and International Cover
Dalma relies on fully digital processes: 48-hour reimbursement target, unlimited FirstVet telemedicine, and worldwide international cover for the entire contract duration. Uelzener, in return, offers direct billing at the vet, unlimited clinic stay (including dietetic food), personal advice, and the experience of over 150 years. Uelzener's international cover is limited to a maximum of 12 months.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
Who Does Each Provider Suit?
Dalma may be particularly well-suited to you if you:
- Want clear cancellation protection from the 2nd contract year (Uelzener: cancellation right following a claim event)
- Want dental cover and physiotherapy included in the package without surcharge
- Are looking for a lower price level (Dalma from €15.99 vs. Uelzener PP from €96)
- Need behavioural therapy (up to 5h/year) and prosthesis reimbursement (up to €500)
- Want worldwide international cover without a time limit
- Value unlimited telemedicine (via FirstVet) and 48h reimbursement
- Want to insure multiple animals (15% multi-pet discount)
Uelzener may be right for you if you:
- Have a dog with breed-specific risks (brachycephaly, epilepsy, disc herniation – insured by Uelzener, excluded by Dalma)
- Want to insure an older animal (no age limit)
- Want to insure an animal with pre-existing conditions (possible after review)
- Need direct billing at the vet and unlimited clinic stay
- Value the tradition and stability of a mutual insurance association (since 1873)
If clear cancellation protection, automatic dental cover, a lower price, and included complementary medicine matter more to you, Dalma can be the more coherent choice. If GOT-independent reimbursement, no illness exclusions, and maximum openness regarding age and pre-existing conditions matter more to you, Uelzener is a strong option.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
Quick Test: Dalma or Uelzener?
If the following points matter to you:
This decision aid does not replace individual advice, but gives you quick orientation.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
What Makes Dalma Special?
Dalma is a fully digital pet insurer with over 60,000 insured animals in Europe:
✓ Cancellation waiver: From the 2nd contract year, no cancellation right following a claim – clearly contractually anchored.
✓ 80% or 100% reimbursement: Permanently selectable, flexible annual maximum benefit (€1,500 to unlimited).
✓ Dental cover included: FORL, gingivitis, periodontitis automatically in health cover after 12 months – no surcharge.
✓ Alternative therapies unlimited: Physiotherapy, osteopathy, acupuncture, homeopathy – included, not as an add-on.
✓ Preventive care budget from day 1: Up to €100/year for vaccinations, deworming, descaling, castration.
✓ Behavioural therapy: Up to 5h/year, vet-prescribed (health cover).
✓ Prostheses/implants: Once-only up to €500 per animal.
✓ 48h reimbursement: Operational target: reimburse approved invoices within 48 hours.
✓ GOT up to 4-times rate: Clearly communicated – also for emergency service fees.
✓ Telemedicine included: Unlimited video consultations via FirstVet – voluntary and free of charge.
✓ Worldwide international cover: Entire contract duration, not limited to 12 months.
✓ Low entry price: Health cover from approx. €15.99/month – with dental cover and complementary medicine already included.
✓ Liability insurance available.
✓ 15% multi-pet discount for multiple animals.
✓ Approx. 4.6 stars on Trustpilot (3,800+ reviews).
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
Conclusion: Dalma or Uelzener?
Uelzener is a cornerstone of pet health insurance with a scope of benefits that is almost unmatched on the market: unlimited reimbursement, GOT-independent, no illness exclusions, no age limit. Direct billing, unlimited clinic stay, and the ability to insure animals with pre-existing conditions are clear strengths. At the same time, you should be aware that the Premium Plus tariff starts from approx. €96–128/month, dental cover and physiotherapy are only available as add-ons, and both parties have a right to cancel following a claim event.
Dalma is the more suitable choice for many pet owners when clear cancellation protection, automatic dental cover, included complementary medicine, and a lower price are the priority. The combination of permanently selectable 100% reimbursement, flexible package design, 48-hour reimbursement target, worldwide international cover, and FirstVet telemedicine makes Dalma a compelling option – especially for dogs and cats without known hereditary predispositions.
Dalma and Uelzener are two of several strong options on the German market. A complete overview with all providers, tariffs, and benefit differences can be found in our dog health insurance comparison and cat health insurance comparison.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
Frequently Asked Questions: Dalma vs. Uelzener
Can Uelzener cancel after a claim event?
Yes. According to Uelzener's terms and conditions, both parties have a right to cancel following a claim event. In practice, Uelzener appears to rarely exercise this right, but the right is contractually reserved. With Dalma, the waiver of the cancellation right from the 2nd contract year is clearly contractually anchored.
Is dental cover included with Dalma?
Yes. FORL, gingivitis, and periodontitis are automatically included in the health cover after a 12-month waiting period. With Uelzener, tooth extractions due to illnesses are included in the basic tariff, but the extended dental add-on (bite correction, dental prosthesis, teeth cleaning) costs €14.95/month extra.
What does "GOT-independent" mean at Uelzener?
Uelzener reimburses independently of the rate of the veterinary fee schedule – i.e. also invoices that exceed the 4-times GOT rate. Dalma reimburses up to the 4-times rate. For most vet visits, the 4-times rate is sufficient, but at specialist clinics or with emergency services, higher invoices can occur.
Is Dalma or Uelzener more affordable?
Dalma is significantly more affordable. Health cover starts from approx. €15.99/month. The comparable Uelzener Premium Plus tariff starts from approx. €96–128/month. In return, the Premium Plus tariff offers unlimited reimbursement without excess and GOT-independent billing. When comparing prices, you should bear in mind that Dalma includes dental cover and complementary medicine without surcharge, while these cost extra with Uelzener.
How do the waiting periods differ?
Dalma: 14 days (surgery), 30 days (illness), 2 days (accident), 12 months (HD/ED/FORL), 18 months (patellar luxation). Uelzener: 30 days general, 12 months for congenital conditions/developmental disorders, 6 months for castration. A particular advantage of Uelzener: initial symptoms may occur within the waiting period and are still covered thereafter.
Does Uelzener insure brachycephaly and epilepsy?
Yes. Uelzener insures all illnesses without exclusion, including brachycephaly (airway operations in pugs, French bulldogs), epilepsy, and disc herniation. Dalma excludes these congenital/hereditary conditions. For owners of such breeds, Uelzener may therefore be the better choice.
Is there an age limit with Uelzener?
No. Uelzener has no age limit for admission. From the 10th year of life, a health certificate from the vet is required. However, the Premium Plus tariff (unlimited, no excess) can only be taken out up to the 6th birthday. With Dalma, the age limit is 9 years.
Can I insure physiotherapy with Dalma?
Yes – without surcharge and without a session limit. Physiotherapy, osteopathy, acupuncture, and homeopathy are included in Dalma's health cover, provided they are vet-prescribed. With Uelzener, you need the rehabilitation add-on for this (€3.95/month extra, max. €1,000/year).
How quickly does Dalma reimburse?
Operational commitment: 48 hours after approval of all documents. Submission fully digitally via the Dalma app.
Which provider offers better international cover?
Dalma offers worldwide international cover for the entire contract duration. Uelzener also offers worldwide cover in the Premium Plus tariff, but limited to a maximum of 12 consecutive months.
Can I only take out surgical insurance with Dalma?
No, Dalma offers a pure surgical insurance, comprehensive health cover, and the option of liability insurance – for dogs and cats.
Is there a multi-pet discount?
With Dalma, you receive a 15% discount on the cheapest contract. Uelzener offers combination discounts when taking out multiple insurance policies simultaneously ("Hunde sicher plus").
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
Sources and Further Links
Dalma
- dalma.co/en-de – Calculate your quote
- dalma.co/en-de/blog/dog-health-insurance-comparison
- dalma.co/en-de/blog/cat-health-insurance-comparison
- de.trustpilot.com/review/dalma.co
Uelzener
- uelzener.de – Homepage & tariff overview
- tierversicherung-uelzener.de/hund/hunde-kranken-versicherung – Tariff details dog health insurance
- verbraucherforum-info.de/hundekrankenversicherung-uelzener – Independent test report
- dogvers.de/hundekrankenversicherung-uelzener – Tariff analysis
- de.trustpilot.com/review/uelzener.de – Trustpilot reviews
- tierversicherung-uelzener.de (Uelzener T&Cs surgical insurance Premium Plus, PDF) – Insurance conditions
Note: This comparison refers to publicly communicated product information and documents from Uelzener and Dalma. Contributions and benefits may vary depending on age, breed, health status, and package choice. As of: 11 March 2026.
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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