Pet Insurance in Austria (2026)
Updated: August 12 2026| Found helpful by 18 others
Dog owners
Updated August 2026. Dog liability insurance (Hundehaftpflicht) is mandatory in Vienna with EUR 725,000 minimum cover. Dog health insurance costs EUR 15-40/month, and Petcover from EUR 16 bundles EUR 1 million of liability into the same policy. Surgery bills reach EUR 2,000-5,000, and Petcover carries the highest annual vet-cost limit at EUR 12,000.
Cat owners
Cats need no liability insurance anywhere in Austria, so health cover is the only decision. It costs EUR 10-25/month, from EUR 12 at both Petcover and Uniqa. Insure a kitten early: most insurers stop accepting new cats between age 5 and 9, and pre-existing conditions are excluded permanently.
Petcover Austria
Best Overall. Highest annual vet-cost limit in Austria at EUR 12,000, no waiting period for injuries, and EUR 1 million dog liability bundled in.
Get a Petcover Quote- Monthly premium
- From EUR 16 (dogs), EUR 12 (cats)
- CoverageBest
Coverage
What the policy pays for, and up to how much. Only meaningful read together with the reimbursement rate and the deductible.
- Up to EUR 12,000/yr, up to 100% back
- Waiting periodBest
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.
- None for injuries, 14-28 days illness
- Liability cover
Liability cover
Pays for injury or damage your animal causes to other people or their property. Mandatory for dogs in Vienna, at EUR 725,000 minimum.
- Up to EUR 1 million, bundled
More details
- English support
- English site and Austrian office
- 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.
- EUR 0, 60, or 120 on Mid Range plans
- Underwriter
Underwriter
The insurance company that actually carries the risk and pays the claims. It is not always the brand whose name is on the policy.
- Fortegra Belgium, AM Best A
- Species covered
- Dogs, cats, horses, exotics
- Max join age
Max join age
The oldest the animal can be on the day the policy starts. Past it, no new policy is written at any price.
- 8 years on the top tiers
Prices as of August 2026, verify on the provider site.
Pros
- Highest annual vet-cost limit in Austria at EUR 12,000
- Up to 100% of vet costs reimbursed on Superior plans
- EUR 1 million dog liability bundled into most plans
Cons
- Superior and Mid Range tiers close to new pets from age 8
- Deductible rises 20% at age 8 and 35% at age 10
Best for Dog and cat owners who want the highest vet-cost limit in Austria and health plus liability cover in one policy
Allianz Tierversicherung
Best for Bundling. Comprehensive Austrian pet insurance with strong dog-liability cover and digital claims.
Get an Allianz Pet Quote- Monthly premium
- From EUR 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 EUR 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 EUR 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 EUR 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
Uniqa Tierversicherung
Best Value. Largest Austrian insurer with breed-specific pricing and household-bundle discounts.
Compare Uniqa Pet Plans- Monthly premium
- From EUR 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 EUR 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
Petplan Tierversicherung
Pet-specialist insurer with the broadest vet-bill coverage tiers and unlimited annual cover options.
Explore Petplan Options- Monthly premium
- From EUR 20/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 only, up to 80% back
- 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 EUR 725,000 minimum.
- Not offered
More details
- Claims
- Processed in about 5 days
- Older pets
- Higher premiums over age 8
Prices as of August 2026, verify on the provider site.
Pros
- Specialized pet insurance provider
- Fast claims processing (average 5 days)
- Up to 80% reimbursement
Cons
- No liability insurance option
- Higher premiums for pets over 8 years old
Best for People who want specialized pet-only insurance with fast claims and high reimbursement rates
These four providers cover the great majority of pet insurance sold in Austria. Petcover Austria ranks first because it is the only one of the four that is a pet-only specialist, and it carries the highest annual vet-cost limit at EUR 12,000 against EUR 7,000 at Allianz. It also pays up to 100% of the vet bill on its Superior plans, where the generalist insurers stop at 80%, and it bundles EUR 1 million of dog liability into most plans, which clears the EUR 725,000 Vienna minimum on its own.
The trade-off is age. Petcover closes its Superior and Mid Range tiers to pets from age 8, and the deductible rises 20% at age 8 and 35% at age 10. If you are insuring an older dog or cat, only the Safety Net tiers stay open, and those carry deductibles of EUR 450 or EUR 900. Uniqa has no breed restrictions and is the cheaper route for cats at EUR 12/month. Policies are underwritten by Fortegra Belgium Insurance Company NV under EU freedom of services, not by an Austrian carrier, so there is no branch network. FMA supervision of the Austrian intermediary still applies, and AM Best rates the underwriter A (Excellent).
Is Pet Insurance Mandatory in Austria?
Dog liability insurance (Hundehaftpflicht) is mandatory in Vienna under the Wiener Tierhaltegesetz, with a minimum coverage of EUR 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 EUR 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 EUR 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) | EUR 15-25/month | EUR 10-15/month |
| Health insurance (premium) | EUR 30-40/month | EUR 20-25/month |
| Dog liability | EUR 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 EUR 15-40/month for dogs and EUR 10-25/month for cats. Dog liability insurance costs EUR 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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Cat health cover compared: annual limits, waiting periods, and premiums.
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.