Germany Travel Insurance Guide

Germany Travel Insurance

Everything you need to know before your trip

OPTIONAL (but advised)

Travel Insurance for Germany

Travel insurance is optional for Germany because of the country's reciprocal healthcare agreements. If you're an EU citizen, your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) provides access to emergency medical treatment through Germany's excellent healthcare system. However, the EHIC only covers emergency care, not repatriation to your home country or non-urgent treatments. Non-EU visitors have no reciprocal coverage and should definitely purchase travel insurance. Even EU citizens should consider supplemental coverage for repatriation and comprehensive protection beyond basic emergency care.

Healthcare Cost Level
Free Reciprocal
Avg. ER Visit
Free (EHIC)
Recommended Coverage
$100,000
Evacuation Risk
Minimal

Healthcare in Germany

What to expect if you need medical care

Germany offers excellent healthcare quality with widespread English availability, making it one of the easiest destinations for travelers to navigate medical situations. The healthcare system is highly developed and efficient, with modern facilities and well-trained medical professionals. Costs vary depending on the treatment needed, but EU citizens with a valid EHIC card can access emergency treatment through the public healthcare system. English-speaking doctors and staff are commonly available, particularly in urban areas and major hospitals, so language barriers are rarely an issue. While the EHIC covers emergency treatment, you'll still need to pay upfront in some situations and claim reimbursement later. The minimal evacuation risk reflects Germany's advanced medical capabilities and excellent infrastructure.
Reciprocal Healthcare Available Citizens of AT, BE, BG, HR, CY, CZ, DK, EE, FI, FR, GR, HU, IE, IT, LV, LT, LU, MT, NL, PL, PT, RO, SK, SI, ES, SE, GB, CH, NO, IS, LI may have partial coverage through reciprocal agreements. EHIC covers emergency treatment only, not repatriation or non-urgent care

What Your Policy Should Cover

Country-specific considerations for Germany

Since Germany has no specific documented risks or activity warnings, your insurance should focus on filling the gaps left by EHIC coverage. Prioritize medical evacuation and repatriation coverage, as the EHIC explicitly doesn't cover getting you home if you become seriously ill or injured. Trip cancellation and interruption coverage protect your financial investment in flights and accommodations. Baggage and personal belongings coverage provides protection against theft or loss during your travels. Even though healthcare quality is excellent, consider coverage for non-urgent medical care that the EHIC won't cover, such as follow-up treatments or specialist consultations. Personal liability coverage is also valuable in case you accidentally cause injury or property damage during your stay.

How Much Coverage Do You Need?

Our recommendation based on Germany's healthcare costs

The recommended $100,000 coverage amount provides a solid safety net despite Germany's excellent healthcare system and minimal evacuation risk. While emergency treatment costs vary, this amount ensures you're covered for serious medical situations, extended hospital stays, and specialized treatments. The key justification is repatriation coverage—medical evacuation flights can cost tens of thousands of dollars, even from a well-connected country like Germany. The $100,000 level also covers potential complications, multiple treatments, or the need for private medical care if public facilities are unavailable.
Minimum
$50,000
Basic emergencies only

Making a Claim in Germany

Tips for smooth claims processing

Documentation Required: EHIC card required for reciprocal care
  • Always carry your EHIC card if you're an EU citizen, as it's required documentation to access reciprocal healthcare coverage in Germany
  • Keep all medical receipts, invoices, and documentation in both German and English when possible, as claims processing is generally easy but requires proper paperwork
  • Note that EHIC only covers emergency treatment through public healthcare facilities—private clinics and non-urgent care will require out-of-pocket payment or private insurance
  • Germany's healthcare system may require upfront payment even with EHIC, so keep records for reimbursement claims with your national health service
  • Document everything if you need treatment: medical reports, prescriptions, and proof of payment are essential for both EHIC reimbursement and private insurance claims

Get Covered for Germany

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