Dear pet owners, today we are talking about 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 be more expensive in the future and some of you will have to think about larger reserves or pet health insurance. In this article, I'd like to explain in more detail what will change as a result of the new veterinary fee schedule and whether pet health insurance may make sense for your pet.

New fee schedule for veterinarians - What changes?

The scale of fees for veterinarians, also known as GOT for short, has now been revised and updated for the first time since 1999. On the basis of a study, new regulations have been established, which 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 level of costs within a certain framework, but they are not allowed to go below this order. They are free to decide whether to charge the single, double or triple rate. This depends on the extent, complexity and duration of the treatment. However, from a rate higher than the triple rate, the price must be agreed in advance of the treatment.

Animal health insurance - sensible or not?

Many pet owners are now asking themselves whether it makes sense to take out pet health insurance. The Bund der Versicherten advises against animal health insurance, as it can often lead to additional costs. However, it always depends on the individual case. It is further advised to build up reserves so that a visit to the vet is not a financially insurmountable hurdle. If an insurance is concluded, this should cover in any case also OP costs. Especially old or pre-diseased animals are difficult to insure, so this can again lead to additional costs. Also with the deductible of insurances there are distinctions between percentage and fixed deductible, because depending upon height of this, the costs can turn out nevertheless very high.

What does this mean for pet owners?

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

At a glance

The veterinary fee schedule has been updated for the first time since 1999, resulting in higher costs for pet owners. Prices for general exams, vaccinations and x-rays are all on the rise. Pet owners should consider setting aside reserves or taking out pet health insurance that also covers surgery costs. However, the Bund der Versicherten advises against animal health insurance, as it can often result in additional costs. However, it depends on the individual case whether insurance makes sense.