Last Updated on September 8, 2023 by Rodrigo @ OutofYourComfortZone

 

Embarking on a journey to Germany can be truly remarkable, but it may also bring about some stress!

With a multitude of tasks to handle – from booking plane tickets and accommodations to scheduling activities and planning an itinerary – not to mention preparing for potential jet lag – it’s no surprise that one crucial aspect often slips the minds of many travelers: securing travel insurance.

If you find yourself in this situation, fret not! Continue reading to discover everything you need to know about purchasing travel insurance for Germany, including a comprehensive list of the best and most affordable options!

But first…

 

Do I really need travel insurance for a trip to the Germany? 

 

In brief, absolutely!

Having good travel insurance is of utmost importance, especially for adventurous travelers like myself, who engage in activities where the risk of injury (and the subsequent medical expenses) is higher.

During my trips, I’m always hiking mountains, climbing, jumping, diving, exploring, and indulging in everything that makes a perfect adventure!

Just imagine, while snowboarding in Switzerland without travel insurance, getting injured in the middle of the mountain and needing a helicopter evacuation. The medical bill you’d receive, lying in the hospital bed, would have so many zeros that you’d practically suffer a cardiac arrest just from seeing it!

But the truth is, getting travel insurance is a smart move, no matter where your destination may be.

In my travels, I’ve encountered countless backpackers sporting the infamous “Thai Tattoo” – massive scars on their legs from burns caused by scooter exhaust pipes in Thailand!

And seriously, do you want to find yourself in a public hospital in the heart of Bangkok?!?! With travel insurance, you can opt for a private hospital where they will undoubtedly provide superior care. So, why take unnecessary risks? Make sure you’re covered and enjoy your trip to the fullest!

 

But do I actually need travel insurance? I don’t usually do any extreme activities or sports!

Listen up: regardless of whether you’re planning a shopping spree in Miami or any other trip, having travel insurance is a must!

While health insurance might not be obligatory in Germany like it is in some other countries, there’s always some level of risk when traveling. From simple mishaps like tripping on a street to more serious incidents like getting injured or falling sick, unforeseen circumstances can happen.

Relying on Germany’s health system (or that of many other countries) without any insurance coverage is akin to inviting personal financial disaster.

Moreover, keep in mind that several countries, including Germany, may require you to possess some form of health or travel insurance as a condition for entry.

And let’s not forget, travel insurance isn’t just for medical emergencies. Depending on your plan, it can also assist with compensating for lost luggage, flight delays, adverse weather conditions, and even organizing your evacuation from a country in case of civil unrest.

So, before you set off on your journey, make sure you’re protected with the right travel insurance plan! It’s a wise decision that guarantees peace of mind throughout your adventures.

Update regarding travel insurance and the coronavirus (COVID-19)

Covid isn’t completely eradicated yet. So, you might be wondering if your travel insurance will provide coverage in case you fall sick.

Fortunately, at this stage, nearly every travel insurance plan available includes coverage for sickness caused by Covid-19. However, I strongly advise you to double-check the specifics of your policy before making the purchase. Being aware of the exact coverage will give you the peace of mind you need during your travels.

(Or for more details, you can also take a look at our article here: Does International Health and Travel Insurance cover Coronavirus (COVID-19)?) 

 

Observation: These travel insurance options are tailored for tourists. However, if your purpose of travel to Germany is for studying, then you should consider an international health insurance plan specifically designed for international students. On the other hand, if you are traveling to the US for work or as an immigrant, you will require a health insurance policy for expatriates. You can find some suitable options for these types of coverage at the bottom of the article linked here. Be sure to explore the available choices that best align with your travel and residency needs.

 

How does the health system in the Germany work? 

When planning a trip to Germany, it’s important to know some essential aspects of the country, and health is one of them. Known for its efficiency, Germany’s healthcare system is highly regarded and is an essential part of the lives of German citizens. Let’s explore how the German healthcare system works so that you are prepared and well informed during your stay.

 

1. Universal Access: Care for All

One of the most notable features of Germany’s healthcare system is universal access. All German citizens and legally residing in the country are entitled to medical care, regardless of their financial situation. It is recognized as a fundamental right, and the system is available to everyone, including temporary travellers.

2. Compulsory Health Insurance: The Basis of the System

To ensure universal access to health care, the German system relies on compulsory health insurance, known as “gesetzliche Krankenversicherung” (GKV). Citizens are obliged to have health insurance, which can be purchased through private companies or public insurers, the “Krankenkassen”. The insurance contribution is split between the employer and the employee, and amounts vary based on income.

3. Free Choice of Health Insurance

German citizens are free to choose their public health insurer, and this choice can be changed once a year. Public insurers have very similar coverage standards, but may offer specific additional benefits depending on the region and the plan selected.

4. Quality Medical Care

Germany is known for its high quality medical services. The country’s health professionals are highly trained and the health system is supported by advanced technology. Patients can choose from a wide range of doctors and hospitals, and waiting times for non-emergency treatments tend to be relatively short.

5. Private Sector and Supplementary Health Insurance

While the public health care system is comprehensive, many people also choose to purchase private health insurance, known as “private Krankenversicherung” (PKV). Private insurance is a popular option for those with higher incomes or who want access to additional healthcare services and luxury facilities.

6. Direct Payments and Refunds

When receiving medical care in Germany, patients are often required to prepay for services and then submit receipts to their insurers for reimbursement. Reimbursed amounts may vary depending on the health insurance plan chosen and the treatments performed.

7. Prescription Drugs

For prescription drugs, it is common for patients to pay a portion of the cost, known as “Zuzahlung”. These values are relatively low, but may vary depending on the drug.

 

 

What are the best travel insurance options for a trip to Germany? 

If you delve into online research for travel insurance, you’ll encounter a plethora of options.

However, throughout the years, I’ve extensively researched various travel insurance companies and even personally tried many of them. The list below comprises the travel insurance options I consistently find myself returning to.

Keep in mind that the available options will depend on your country of origin and the extent and type of coverage you desire for your trip.

I highly recommend investing some time to obtain quotes from each of these companies for your specific trip. Although it might take a little effort, the money you can save in the long run makes it truly worthwhile!

Additionally, there are travel insurance aggregator websites that enable you to compare and purchase different plans, making the process more efficient and convenient. Happy travels and may you find the ideal insurance coverage for your journey!

 

   1. The well-known, mid-priced travel insurance company:

IMG Global (accepts citizens from most countries!) 

Indeed, IMG (International Medical Group) is a renowned American insurance company that provides travel insurance to travelers from over 190 countries.

This means, regardless of your country of origin, IMG is an excellent option to consider for securing travel insurance for your trip to Germany!

Their extensive coverage and global reach make them a reliable choice for travelers seeking peace of mind during their journeys. Don’t hesitate to explore the offerings of IMG to find the ideal travel insurance plan that suits your needs for a worry-free adventure in Germany!

They have one travel insurance plan available for Americans only (Patriot Travel Medical Insurance) and one available for non-American travelers (Patriot America Plus).

You have the flexibility to choose your preferred level of coverage, which can range from US$50,000 to US$500,000, with deductible options varying from US$0 to US$2,500.

In terms of pricing, IMG’s rates are typically competitive. However, similar to some other options listed here, certain activities may not be covered under their policies.

To ensure that you have all the necessary coverage for your specific needs, I highly recommend thoroughly reviewing the policy details before making a final purchase. This way, you can have the confidence and assurance that your chosen policy provides the comprehensive protection you require. Happy travels!

Travel insurance for seniors (65+): one thing that makes IMG unique is that they offer a travel insurance plan specifically tailored to travelers aged 65 and over, called GlobeHopper Senior. 

 

IMGlobal travel insurance and COVID-19 coverage

 

   2. The best, most comprehensive travel insurance company for backpackers and adventurous travelers:

World Nomads Travel Insurance

(5% discount coupon comfort5)

I firmly believe that World Nomads stands out as the premier backpacker travel insurance company.

Whenever I embark on a journey involving adventurous or “risky” activities like snowboarding, canyoning, hiking, glacier walking, skydiving, deep-water diving, skiing, climbing, and more, I always opt for a policy with World Nomads.

Their coverage is truly comprehensive, encompassing a wide range of activities. I have yet to come across another insurance company that offers a better deal for ALL the activities covered under World Nomads’ policies. (But if you’ve discovered an alternative, please feel free to share your insights in the comments section below!) With World Nomads, I have the peace of mind that I’m fully protected during my daring expeditions and thrilling adventures.

If you have a particular activity in mind and want to know if it’ll be covered by World Nomads or not, you can take a look at this page here.

You can get a 5% discount code on your World Nomads travel insurance policy by using the coupon code “comfort5″.

(P.S. If you’re anything like me and are also addicted to sports and adventure activities and want to make sure you have good travel insurance that covers them, here are two other articles you might like: 3 Best International Travel Insurance for Extreme Sports and Adventure Activities and 9 Tips to Stay in Shape During Your Travels.) 

 

WorldNomads travel insurance and coronavirus coverage

As of writing this article, World Nomads doesn’t explicitly address whether or not their insurance plans cover Covid-19 treatment. However, you can find their most up-to-date position on the coronavirus on their website here. 

 

   3. One of the cheapest travel insurance companies you’ll find anywhere:

WorldTrips (formerly Atlas Travel)

In my experience, travel insurance plans from WorldTrips have been among the most budget-friendly options available. However, it’s important to consider that the lower price might come with some limitations on coverage compared to companies like World Nomads.

For my trips to “safe” destinations, where I plan to mainly visit cities, such as the United States or Europe, I prefer using WorldTrips.

While I have purchased travel insurance plans from WorldTrips before, I’ve been fortunate enough not to require reimbursement, so I cannot personally vouch for their reimbursement process. Nevertheless, I found reviews from other travelers who did need reimbursement, and they reported positive experiences with WorldTrips.

Overall, WorldTrips is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers seeking affordable travel insurance. They offer plans of various durations and types, accommodating anything from year-long round-the-world backpacking trips to short study abroad programs for university students.

A standout feature of WorldTrips is their flexibility in allowing you to buy or extend your policy even if you’ve already started your trip. So, if you find yourself overseas and in need of coverage, it’s not a problem with WorldTrips.

Moreover, unlike many other insurance companies, WorldTrips has no age limit. Although the price of the plan increases with age, they do offer coverage for seniors, making them a dependable option for senior travel insurance when few other companies provide this service.

 

WorldTrips travel insurance and Covid-19 coverage

In most cases, any medical expenses incurred by Covid-19 sickness will be covered by your WorldTrips policy. However, make sure to double-check the details of your policy before you buy for up-to-date coverage. 

 

   4. The new international travel insurance company for digital nomads and adventure/extreme sports:

 

Safety Wing

One thing that makes Safety Wing stand out is its focus on insurance plans that cover adventure sports and extreme activities. (Like WorldNomads!) 

Plus, their website is fun and allows you to easily and quickly get a quote. 

 

Safety Wing travel insurance and Covid-19 coverage

 

 

   5. The best place to find & compare cheap travel insurance policies:

 

VisitorsCoverage

It’s a bit like Momondo, which lets you compare plane tickets from different companies. Or Rentalcar.com, which does the same rental cars. 

In other words, it makes it much easier to see all your options for travel insurance plans. And then ultimately compare, choose, and buy the best option for your trip. 

VisitorsCoverage offers a comprehensive array of insurance plans, ranging from business travel insurance to student insurance options.

With a decade of experience, this website caters to citizens from over 175 countries. Moreover, based on reviews, VisitorsCoverage boasts a robust and reliable customer service team that is available online seven days a week. This ensures that travelers can receive timely assistance and support whenever needed. Whether you are traveling for business or studying abroad, VisitorsCoverage is a reputable platform to explore and discover suitable insurance plans for your specific travel requirements.

 

VisitorsCoverage travel insurance and COVID-19 coverage

 

 

   6. Another great website to search for and compare cheap travel insurance policies:

 

TravelInsurance.com

One nice feature of TravelInsurance.com is that, beyond travel insurance, they also offer insurance plans for immigrants, international students, and expatriates.

 

TravelInsurance.com and coronavirus coverage

 

 

   7. A final “travel insurance portal” option to search for and compare policies to find the best deal:

AARDY

 

AARDY travel insurance and COVID-19 coverage

Since AARDY itself isn’t a travel insurance provider and is only a portal that lets you compare insurance from many companies, you’ll have to look into the individual insurance company before you buy your plan to see what their position is on Covid-19 coverage. 

 

 

Bonus option to find and compare many different travel insurance plans at once:

 

InsureMyTrip

It’s a lot like Momondo, which is an aggregator for airline tickets, or Rentalcar.com, which is an aggregator for car rentals.

InsureMyTrip stands out with its unwavering commitment to quality. They have a stringent policy of removing any plan or insurance company from their website if it receives less than 4 stars, ensuring that only top-notch options are showcased to users.

Unlike some other options mentioned in this list, InsureMyTrip is exclusively dedicated to travel insurance. As a result, you won’t find insurance plans tailored for expats, immigrants, or international students on their platform. This specialization allows them to provide a focused and comprehensive service, catering specifically to travelers’ needs and ensuring they receive the best travel insurance options available.

But if you’re looking for a plan like this to complement your travel insurance, check out my article on the 5 Best & Cheapest Health Insurances for International Students or 5 Best International Health Insurances for Expats & Immigrants.

 

InsureMyTrip travel insurance and Covid-19 coverage

Since InsureMyTrip itself isn’t a travel insurance provider and is only an aggregator that lets you compare insurance from many companies, you’ll have to look into the individual insurance company before you buy your plan to see what their position is on Covid-19 coverage. 

 

 

But wait….you might not even need to buy travel insurance!

Here are two sneaky ways you might be able to get “free” travel insurance 🙂 

 

   1. Buy your return flight ticket with a credit card to (maybe) get free insurance for your trip.  

Also keep in mind that this won’t work if you’re using miles to buy your plane ticket.* And that the maximum time limit on insurance from these types of credit cards is only 31 days. So if you’re still traveling, you’ll have to buy a regular travel insurance policy to keep yourself covered. 

 

*CORRECTION: As per blog reader Alex’s comment on the Portuguese version of this article, if you possess a Visa Platinum credit card and utilize the miles accumulated through this card to pay for ticket taxes and fees, you may be eligible for their worldwide travel insurance.

However, I recommend personally verifying this information with your credit card provider since the benefits offered by the same credit cards can vary based on the countries they are issued in. Thanks for sharing the insight, Alex!

Additionally, thanks to a comment from reader Ana Luisa, I’ve learned that the Visa Platinum insurance typically provides coverage for 60 days, as opposed to the usual 30-day coverage offered by most other credit cards.

Nevertheless, if your trip exceeds this duration, it is advisable to supplement the remaining portion of your journey with a regular travel insurance policy. At least with the Visa Platinum insurance, you can save some money during the first two months of your trip. Always ensure you have the appropriate coverage for the entire duration of your travels to ensure a worry-free journey.

 

   2. Use your health insurance policy from your home country or country of residence. 

Before we conclude, here’s one more potential option for you to consider. It involves checking with your health insurance plan provider in your home country to see if they offer any international travel insurance options.

Since you are already insured with them, you may have the opportunity to obtain cost-effective or even complimentary coverage for your travels abroad. However, it is essential to verify that their insurance will cover the specific destinations you’ll be visiting and all the activities you plan to engage in during your trip.

By exploring this option, you might find a convenient and budget-friendly way to secure the necessary travel insurance for your journey. Remember to review the terms and coverage thoroughly to ensure you have the appropriate protection for your travel needs. Safe and enjoyable travels!

 

A quick note about travel insurance for cruising: 

Someone recently reached out asking if any of these travel insurance plans could be used for cruise trips, so I did some research. 

And based on what I could find, both WorldNomads and WorldTrips will cover you on a cruise. 

Fraud Warning! As mentioned earlier, both WorldNomads and WorldTrips offer the flexibility of purchasing travel insurance even after you’ve begun your trip. However, it’s crucial to be cautious about potential fraudulent practices.

 

 Can I use traveling insurance while living abroad as an expat or an immigrant? 

If you’re living overseas or traveling in a country for a short period, you might be okay with just travel insurance. 

But you’re looking for more complete coverage (travel insurance usually just covers medical emergencies), if you’re going to be living abroad long-term, or if you need proof of health insurance for immigration purposes, then what you actually need is an international health insurance plan for expats or immigrants. 

If you’d like to learn more about the differences between travel insurance and international health insurance, then you can take a look at our article about the 3 Best International Health Insurance for Expats & Immigrants.

Or, you can quote directly with some of these expat insurance companies here:

   Cigna

   IMGlobal

   Now Health International

 

Can I use travel insurance during my international exchange or while studying abroad?

However, if you’ll be needing a student visa, then you’re going to need a health insurance plan that’s designed just for international students or exchanges. 

If you’re an international student and think you might need one of these special medical insurance plans, then take a look at my page with The 3 Best and Cheapest Health Insurances for International Students & Exchanges to learn more.

Again, you can check out directly some of these international student insurance companies here:

   IMGlobal   

   Cigna for International Students

   Now Health International

 

International travel insurance coverage for terrorism

I’ve had a few comments in both the English and the Portuguese article asking if travel insurance covers acts of terrorism. 

I did  a bit of research, and here’s what I found out: 

Although WorldTrip’s basic travel insurance plan doesn’t cover terrorism, their Atlas Premium plan DOES cover “treatment of injuries and illnesses relating from an act of terrorism, up to the limit set forth in the schedule of benefits and limits.” So yes, they do appear to have terrorism coverage. 

If you ever find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being injured in a terrorist event while traveling, having WorldTrip’s Atlas Premium plan can provide essential coverage. This plan is designed to offer protection during unforeseen circumstances, providing you with a crucial safety net during challenging times.

Additionally, many of WorldTrip’s plans include a valuable “Crisis Response Cover,” which extends protection in the event of civil or political unrest, natural disasters, or other crises that travelers may encounter abroad. This comprehensive coverage even includes scenarios of “express kidnapping,” covering response expenses, ransom, and personal belongings surrendered.

It’s worth noting that while the “Crisis Response” feature is highly beneficial, it may not be available in certain countries. These countries include Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nigeria, Somalia, Venezuela, Iran, Cuba, Sudan, and North Korea. However, in most of these countries, your regular travel insurance coverage will still remain valid, minus the specific “crisis” aspect of the coverage.

As always, carefully review the terms and conditions of your insurance policy to fully comprehend the extent of coverage and any limitations concerning your travel destination. Travel insurance serves as a vital safeguard, offering peace of mind and security throughout your journeys.

 

General tips to help you get back your travel insurance reimbursement

But first, a few insurance terms to cover:

*make a claim: ask an insurance company for reimbursement for medical expenses

*insurer: the travel insurance company

*beneficiary = claimant = the insured: the person (you) who is asking the insurance company for money/reimbursement

 

List of documents usually requested by travel insurance policies when you seek reimbursement for medical expenses (if you were treated by an out-of-network provider): 

• Copy of the claimant’s national ID (driver’s license or other state-issued ID)
• Copy of Proof of Residency (any current proof – from the last 3 months – with the name of the claimant). If you don’t have this, send a declaration of residence that is completed, signed, and notarized by the insurer.
• For minors, a declaration of residence must be completed, signed, and notarized by the respective legal guardian (form provided by the insurer)
• Copy of the claimant’s voucher
• Original registration information form, signed by the beneficiary (form provided by the insurer)
• Copy of passport (ID page + page with entrance and exit stamps from the country where the accident happened) or other documentation that shows beneficiary was outside of habitual domicile when an accident happened (aka your home country) – for example: airplane tickets (by the way, you should always keep your boarding pass until the end of your trip, not only for filing a possible claim but also request your miles!)
• Presentation of the original medical report with descriptions of the procedures, provided by the health professional or medical center with a clear indication of the diagnosis, clinical history, and admission form, in the case of hospitalization
• Original prescription (if the pharmacy still has the prescription, send your x-ray or a document showing you picked up your medicine in exchange for the prescription)
• Invoice of the medical procedures or the pharmacy receipt with medications prescribed, which should match the quality and quantity of the provided prescription
• Report of medical care (explaining the reason, what happened and how the treatment went – both from the travel insurance staff as well the health providers), written by the beneficiary 
• A completed list of expenses (form provided by the insurer)
• Your contact phone number, address, and e-mail
• Proof of bank info (copy of bank statement header, check, or debit card)

 

And here’s the worst part – you’ll likely have to send all of these documents physically by mail!

I understand; it’s an enormous hassle. That’s why it’s so much simpler if you can receive treatment from a medical provider within your insurance company’s network. This way, you can avoid the wasted time and headaches of preparing all the paperwork.

However, if you find yourself with no other option, going through the reimbursement process isn’t the end of the world. With a bit of organization and ensuring that you have all the required documents in order, your chances of successfully filing your claim and receiving a prompt reimbursement are quite promising!

If you’ve had to make a claim before, please share your experience and any helpful tips in the comments section below to assist other readers. Your insights can be valuable in navigating the claims process and ensuring a smoother experience for others.

 

To summarize, these as the best travel insurance companies for the Germany:

1. IMGlobal
2. World Nomads Travel Insurance
3. WorldTrips
4. Safety Wing
5. VisitorsCoverage
6. TravelInsurance.com
7. AARDY
8. InsureMyTrip

 

 

My final advice: Seriously, don’t forget to purchase travel insurance before your trip! If you’re already traveling and haven’t bought insurance, do it as soon as possible. And if you’ve already bought a policy but need to extend it (which WorldNomads and WorldTrips allow), make sure to do so before it expires.

This way, you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing you’re covered for the entirety of your trip to Germany.

Now, it’s your turn. Have you had any experiences with travel insurance? Have you ever needed to use your policy? If so, which company did you use, and how was the reimbursement process? Or do you still have any questions about travel insurance in general?

Let me know in the comments section below, and I’ll be sure to get back to you!

Wishing you safe and happy travels! (And let’s hope you never have to use that travel insurance plan you just purchased!)

 

Planning your next trip?

 

Already reserved your hotel or hostel? If not, we recommend Booking.com. They have a huge selection of hotels and hostels all over the world. Plus, in most cases, you can cancel your reservation without any costs up to a few days before the check-in date! 

 

Still haven’t booked your plane ticket and want to save big? Take a look at Momondo. It’s a flight aggregator that combines several other ticket search websites to make it easier for you to compare prices and make sure you are getting the best deal. 

 

And finally, will you need to rent a car during your trip? Then check out Rentalcar.com to search and compare car rental companies from all over the world in a single website. Then, you can find the cheapest price for the best car!