Dear pet owners, today we are addressing an important topic: a new fee schedule for veterinarians, which has been updated for the first time since 1999. This change means that veterinary visits will become more expensive in the future, and some of you may need to consider larger savings or pet health insurance. In this article, I would like to explain in more detail what changes with the new fee schedule for veterinarians and whether pet health insurance can be sensible for your pet.

New Fee Schedule for Veterinarians - What Changes?

The fee schedule for veterinarians, also known as GOT, has now been revised and updated for the first time since 1999. Based on a study, new regulations have been established that will lead to significant price increases for pet owners. For example, the costs for general examinations and vaccinations, as well as for X-ray examinations, are increasing. Veterinarians can determine the amount of the costs within a certain framework, but they may not undercut this schedule. They have the freedom to decide whether to charge the simple, double, or triple rate. This depends on the scope, complexity, and duration of the treatment. However, for any rate that exceeds the triple rate, the price must be agreed upon in advance of the treatment.

Pet Health Insurance - Sensible or Not?

Many pet owners are now wondering whether it makes sense to take out pet health insurance. The Association of Insured advises against pet health insurance, as it can often lead to additional costs. However, it always depends on the individual case. It is still recommended to build up savings so that a visit to the veterinarian does not become a financially insurmountable hurdle. If insurance is taken out, it should definitely cover surgical costs. Especially older or pre-existing condition animals are difficult to insure, which can lead to additional costs again. There are also differences in the deductibles of insurances between percentage and fixed deductibles, as depending on the amount, the costs can still be very high.

What Does This Mean for Pet Owners?

The new fee schedule for veterinarians is expected to lead to higher costs for pet owners. This can be a financial burden, especially for owners of multiple pets. It is therefore advisable to think early about savings or pet health insurance to be prepared in case of an emergency. Pet health insurance can be sensible if your pet is frequently ill or requires expensive treatment. 

In Summary

The fee schedule for veterinarians has been updated for the first time since 1999, leading to higher costs for pet owners. Prices for general examinations, vaccinations, and X-ray examinations are increasing. Pet owners should consider building up savings or taking out pet health insurance that also covers surgical costs. However, the Association of Insured advises against pet health insurance, as it can often lead to additional costs. Whether insurance is sensible depends on the individual case.