Veterinary costs for horses: what the GOT 2022 really means — and how to protect yourself

Veterinary costs for horses: what GOT 2022 really means

Intro: "You start wondering how much longer you can actually afford to keep a horse." — That’s how one horse owner put it in a forum. Since November 2022, new veterinary fees apply. What’s behind them?

What is the GOT and why was it reformed?

• Last update before 2022: 1999 (!)

• Goal: fair compensation for veterinarians who were underpaid for 23 years

• Problem: the costs hit horse owners hardest (horses = pet rates)

The multiplier system, explained simply

• 1x rate: straightforward treatment, regular office hours

• 2x rate: increased effort

• 3x rate: difficult case

• 4x rate: emergency service (at night, weekends, holidays)

• → Your vet must list the rate on the invoice

Concrete price examples (before vs. after)

• Basic exam: 19.24 € → 30.78 €

• Farm visit fee: NEW, 34.50–103.50 €

• Injection: previously ~10 € → now ~13.69 € (plus supplies)

• Colic emergency at night: realistically 500–1,500 € (4x rate + supplies)

How to check veterinary invoices

• Every item must be listed separately

• GOT rate must be shown

• If unclear: contact the veterinary chamber

• → ManeMap logs all veterinary costs and helps you keep track

Protecting yourself financially — 3 concrete steps

• Surgery insurance: from ~10 €/month (→ Link: insurance article)

• Emergency fund: at least 2,000–3,000 € (→ Link: cost article)

• Preventive care: sticking to the vaccination schedule saves emergency costs

The GOT 2022 makes transparency more important than ever. ManeMap logs every invoice, tracks your spending per horse, and shows you where your money goes — so there are no surprises on the next vet bill.