How much does dog health insurance cost per month?

How much does dog health insurance cost? — The factors that determine the price

The short answer: it depends

Dog health insurance costs anywhere from a few euros to significantly more per month — depending on breed, age, chosen tariff, and provider. You can see the exact price for your dog in the quote calculator. This article explains what actually determines the final price.

Factor 1: Breed and genetic risk

Breed is one of the biggest price drivers. Breeds with known genetic conditions — like German Shepherds and hip dysplasia, Bulldogs and breathing problems, or Dalmatians and kidney stones — cost more to insure than robust mixed breeds.

This isn't arbitrary on the insurer's part — it's statistics: certain breeds statistically need veterinary care more often and incur higher costs. If you have a dog from a predisposed breed, factor that into your choice of tariff.

Factor 2: Your dog's age

Younger dogs are cheaper to insure than older ones. That's because the risk of illness increases with age — a puppy is statistically healthier than an eight-year-old Labrador.

There's another reason to insure early: pre-existing conditions that developed before your policy started are generally excluded. Enrolling your dog as a puppy means you're unlikely to run into this problem.

Factor 3: The tariff — Mini, Midi, or Maxi?

The tariff mainly determines how much you get reimbursed if your dog falls ill. Tariff Mini covers treatment costs up to €1,000 per year. Tariff Midi starts at €1,000 in the first year and €2,000 in the second, with unlimited reimbursement from the third year onward. Tariff Maxi is unlimited from day one. Surgery costs are unlimited on all three tariffs.

Independent of your tariff, you can also choose your deductible: 0%, 20%, or 40% — the same options apply to Mini, Midi, and Maxi alike. It directly affects your monthly rate: a higher deductible means a lower premium, and vice versa.

Every tariff also comes with an annual prevention budget for things like vaccinations, parasite protection, or teeth cleaning: €35 on Mini, €100 on Midi, and €140 on Maxi.

As a rule of thumb: if your dog is a breed with known health risks, or you want everything covered in a worst-case scenario, Midi or Maxi is worth it. For a genuinely healthy young mixed breed, Mini can be a good starting point.

What the price is actually worth

Compare your monthly premium to real veterinary costs. A single slipped-disc surgery can cost €3,000–6,000. Cancer treatment can cost significantly more. Paying a manageable monthly amount protects you from these sums — and lets you make medical decisions without having to worry about the cost.