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Vet bill too high? How to check it

After the vet visit, a high bill lands in your mailbox, and you wonder whether it is all correct? Vets bill according to a fixed fee schedule (GOT), with some leeway, but not arbitrarily. It is worth checking.

Reach your next steps and the matching ready-made texts in just a few minutes, free of charge:

Check the bill

Your chances of getting your money back

Vets bill according to the fee schedule for veterinarians (GOT). They may apply a fee range (as a rule the single to threefold rate, higher for emergency service), but the amount must be justified by effort and difficulty.
The bill must clearly itemize the individual services and the rate applied to each. You can question lump-sum or double-charged items.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Ask for an itemized bill

    Demand a detailed bill with the individual GOT items and the rate applied to each.

  2. 2

    2. Check the rates

    If an increased rate (for example threefold) is applied, it must be justified by special effort or difficulty.

  3. 3

    3. Note emergency service

    In veterinary emergency service, higher rates and an emergency fee are allowed, but they must be shown.

  4. 4

    4. Dispute it

    If items are not comprehensible or are duplicated, dispute the bill in writing and ask for a correction.

Frequently asked questions

Can the vet charge whatever they want?

No. Vets are bound by the fee schedule (GOT). They may bill within a range (usually the single to threefold rate, higher for emergency service), but must justify an increased rate by effort and difficulty. Arbitrary prices are not allowed.

How do I tell whether the bill is correct?

It must clearly show the individual services with their GOT items and the rate applied. Check whether items appear twice or whether an increased rate was applied without an apparent reason, and dispute anything unclear.

Take action now

We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.

General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.