Pet Insurance in Austria (2026)
Updated: August 12 2026| Found helpful by 18 others
Dog owners
Dog liability insurance (Hundehaftpflicht) is mandatory in Vienna with €725,000 minimum cover. Dog health insurance costs €15-40/month, and Allianz from €18 is the one provider here that bundles liability into the same policy. Surgery bills reach €2,000-5,000, and Allianz carries the highest published annual vet-cost limit at €7,000.
Cat owners
Cats need no liability insurance anywhere in Austria, so health cover is the only decision. It costs €10-25/month, from €12 at Uniqa. Insure a kitten early: most insurers stop accepting new cats between age 5 and 9, and pre-existing conditions are excluded permanently.
| Term | AllianzRated 4.3 | UniqaRated 4.1 | HelvetiaRated 3.4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| From, per month | €18 dogs | Best €12 cats | €13.80 to 63.70 |
| Annual vet limit | Best €7,000 | Not published | Unlimited on Komfort only at €63.70 a month |
| Reimbursement | Not published | Not published | 80%, after 20% deductible |
| Wait before you can claim | 12 months, hip and joint | Best 30 days illness 3 months for surgery | 3 months |
| Dog liability | Best Included with health | Separate policy | Optional extension |
| Breed surcharge | Large breeds pay more | Best No restrictions | Best Same premium, every breed |
| Deductible | Not published | Not published | 20%, minimum €150 |
| English support | Best Yes | Not published | Not published |
| Visit provider | Get a quote | Compare plans | Explore PetCare |
Scroll sideways to see every provider
Gold cells are the best value in that row. Not published means the provider does not state it publicly: it is never an assumed number. Checked August 2026. Verify on the provider site: breed, age and postcode all move the premium.
Sorting changes the order of the provider cards below.
Our overall pick below is Allianz, from €18 a month for dogs.
The only insurer here that bundles dog liability into the health policy, paying surgery to €7,000 a year with a 24/7 vet line.
- Monthly premium
- From €18/month (dogs)
- Coverage
Coverage
What the policy pays for, and up to how much. Only meaningful read together with the reimbursement rate and the deductible.
- Health, surgery to €7,000/yr
- Waiting period
Waiting period
The gap between signing and the day cover starts. Anything that appears during it is never paid, not even later, so shorter is better.
- 12 months (hip/joint)
- Liability cover
Liability cover
Pays for injury or damage your animal causes to other people or their property. Mandatory for dogs in Vienna, at €725,000 minimum.
- Included with health
More details
- English support
- Yes
- Vet hotline
- 24/7 emergency line
- Large breeds
- Higher premiums
Prices as of August 2026, verify on the provider site.
Pros
- Combined health and liability plans
- 24/7 emergency vet hotline
- Covers surgery up to €7,000 per year
Cons
- Higher premiums for large dog breeds
- 12-month waiting period for hip and joint conditions
Best for People who want comprehensive pet health and liability coverage from a single provider with English support
Cheapest route for cats at €12 a month, and the only insurer here that applies no breed restrictions or listed-dog surcharges.
- Monthly premium
- From €12/month (cats)
- Coverage
Coverage
What the policy pays for, and up to how much. Only meaningful read together with the reimbursement rate and the deductible.
- Health, three tiers
- Waiting period
Waiting period
The gap between signing and the day cover starts. Anything that appears during it is never paid, not even later, so shorter is better.
- 30 days illness, 3 months surgery
- Liability cover
Liability cover
Pays for injury or damage your animal causes to other people or their property. Mandatory for dogs in Vienna, at €725,000 minimum.
- Separate policy
More details
- Breed restrictions
- None
- Annual limit
Annual limit
The most the insurer pays out across one policy year. Once you reach it, every further cost that year is yours.
- Lower on the basic plan
Prices as of August 2026, verify on the provider site.
Pros
- Flexible coverage tiers from basic to premium
- Competitive pricing for cats
- No breed restrictions
Cons
- Dog liability must be purchased separately
- Annual limit lower than competitors on basic plan
Best for Budget-conscious people who want solid pet health coverage with flexible plan options
Austrian carrier charging one premium for every breed, though Austrian reviewers rate its claims handling poorly.
- Monthly premium
- €13.80 to 63.70
- Reimbursement
Reimbursement
The share of an approved bill the insurer pays back, after the deductible. 100% returns the whole bill; 80% leaves a fifth with you.
- 80% of the vet bill
- Deductible
Deductible
The part of every claim you pay yourself (Selbstbehalt). The insurer covers the rest, so a lower deductible means more money back on each bill.
- 20%, minimum €150
- Breed pricingBest
- Same premium, every breed
More details
- Territory
- Worldwide cover
- Preventive care
- Insurable as an add-on
- Liability cover
Liability cover
Pays for injury or damage your animal causes to other people or their property. Mandatory for dogs in Vienna, at €725,000 minimum.
- Optional dog extension
Prices as of August 2026, verify on the provider site.
Pros
- One premium for every breed, so listed dogs pay no surcharge
- Worldwide cover rather than Austria only
- Castration and preventive treatment can be added
Cons
- 20% deductible with a €150 floor on every claim
- Premiums only quoted through the online calculator, not published
- Claims handling is the weak point: Austrian reviewers report refused operations and a cancelled policy after ten years
Best for Owners of large or listed breeds, who pay a surcharge almost everywhere else
These three providers cover the great majority of pet insurance sold in Austria. Allianz carries the highest published annual vet-cost limit at €7,000 and is the only one of the three that bundles dog liability with health cover, which is what a Vienna dog owner needs to satisfy the €725,000 statutory minimum in one policy. Uniqa is the cheapest entry at €12 a month for cats and applies no breed restrictions.
The trade-off is what each will not tell you. Uniqa and Allianz publish no reimbursement percentage and no deductible, so the figure that decides what a claim actually pays is only visible on a quote. Helvetia publishes both, 80% after a 20% deductible with a €150 minimum, and charges the same premium for every breed, but its claims handling is the weakest of the three, so it suits a healthy pet in a listed breed rather than one likely to claim often.
Which Recommended Providers Are Not Actually Available in Austria?
| Provider | Home market | Austrian site | Stated territory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dalma | France, sells into Germany | No Austrian site | Germany |
| Lassie | Sweden, German branch in Berlin | No Austrian site | Germany |
Ask an AI assistant for the best pet insurance in Austria and two names come back often that you cannot actually buy here. Dalma is a French company selling into the German market, and Lassie is Swedish with a German branch in Berlin. Both are genuinely good products. Neither publishes an Austrian site, and Lassie names Germany as the coverage territory in its own policy conditions.
Checked in August 2026: the Austrian addresses for both resolve to nothing, and their published pricing (Dalma from €7.99 for surgery-only and €15.99 for full cover) is quoted for Germany. That does not make a cross-border policy impossible, since EU insurers can write under freedom of services, but it does mean you should confirm they will accept an Austrian address and an Austrian vet before you spend time on an application. Verify on the provider site.
Check the address field before you compare
The quickest test is to start a quote and enter your Austrian postcode. If the form will not accept it, the comparison you just read does not apply to you. The providers ranked above all sell in Austria.
Is Pet Insurance Mandatory in Austria?
Dog liability insurance (Hundehaftpflicht) is mandatory in Vienna under the Wiener Tierhaltegesetz, with a minimum coverage of €725,000 and proof required at dog-tax registration. All dog owners in Vienna must carry liability coverage for damage their dog may cause to people or property. Other provinces (Bundeslaender) do not currently mandate dog liability insurance, but it is strongly recommended everywhere. If your dog bites someone or damages property, you are personally liable under Austrian civil law. For the full Vienna requirement, providers, and costs, see our dog liability insurance guide, or our liability insurance guide for general cover.
Pet health insurance is optional throughout Austria. It covers veterinary treatment costs for illness and injury, including surgery, medication, and hospital stays. While not legally required, it is increasingly popular as vet costs continue to rise.
Vienna Dog Owners
In Vienna, you must register your dog with the city (MA 60), carry dog liability insurance, and complete a Hundefuhrschein (dog license) course for certain breeds. Fines for non-compliance start at €100.
What Does Pet Insurance Cover?
Pet Health Insurance
- ✓ Vet consultations and examinations
- ✓ Surgery and hospital stays
- ✓ Medication and treatments
- ✓ Diagnostic imaging (X-ray, ultrasound)
- ✓ Emergency and after-hours care
- ✓ Some plans cover annual check-ups
Dog Liability Insurance
- ✓ Bodily injury caused by your dog
- ✓ Property damage caused by your dog
- ✓ Legal defense costs
- ✓ Damage while off-leash (most policies)
- ✓ Coverage typically €3-5 million
- ✓ Covers dog walkers and pet sitters
Usually NOT Covered
- • Pre-existing conditions
- • Routine vaccinations and deworming (basic plans)
- • Breeding-related costs
- • Cosmetic procedures
- • Dental cleaning (unless on premium plan)
How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost in Austria?
| Insurance Type | Dogs | Cats |
|---|---|---|
| Health insurance (basic) | €15-25/month | €10-15/month |
| Health insurance (premium) | €30-40/month | €20-25/month |
| Dog liability | €5-10/month | Not applicable |
Pet insurance costs vary based on the species, breed, age, and coverage level. Larger dog breeds and older pets are more expensive to insure. Here are typical monthly costs as of 2026:
Insure Your Pet Early
Premiums are significantly lower for younger pets, and there are no pre-existing condition exclusions when your pet is healthy. Enrolling a puppy or kitten can save hundreds of euros over the pet's lifetime.
What Are the Differences Between Dog and Cat Insurance?
Dog insurance is generally more expensive than cat insurance because dogs are more prone to injuries, larger breeds have higher vet costs, and dog liability insurance is an additional requirement. Dogs also need more coverage for conditions like hip dysplasia, ACL tears, and breed-specific health issues.
Cat insurance is simpler and cheaper. Cats are less likely to cause third-party damage (no liability insurance needed), but they still benefit from health coverage for dental disease, kidney issues, and emergency surgeries. Indoor cats generally have lower premiums than outdoor cats due to reduced accident risk.
Breed-Specific Pricing
Some breeds cost more to insure due to known health issues. For dogs, breeds like French Bulldogs, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers typically have higher premiums. For cats, purebred cats like Persians and Maine Coons may cost more than mixed breeds.
Pet Insurance in Austria: Frequently Asked Questions
Is pet insurance mandatory in Austria?
Dog liability insurance is mandatory in Vienna. Other provinces do not require it, but it is strongly recommended. Pet health insurance is optional everywhere in Austria.
How much does pet insurance cost in Austria?
Pet health insurance costs €15-40/month for dogs and €10-25/month for cats. Dog liability insurance costs €5-10/month. Costs depend on breed, age, and coverage level.
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
No, most providers exclude pre-existing conditions. Some may cover them after a 12-24 month waiting period. Insure your pet when they are young and healthy for the best coverage.
Related Guides
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Dog Insurance
Dog health cover compared: annual limits, waiting periods, and premiums.
Dog Liability Insurance
Vienna's mandatory Hundehaftpflicht: coverage, cost, and top providers.
Liability Insurance
Personal liability coverage and Haushaltsversicherung for residents.
Health Insurance
Public and private health insurance options in Austria.
Cost of Living
Monthly expenses and budgeting tips in Austria.