What is it?

“Reisen ohne Sorgen—traveling without worries”, is a mantra many Germans live by, and travel insurance, or “Reiseversicherung,” plays an essential role in fulfilling this. In a country known for its meticulous planning, the significance of securing the right travel insurance cannot be overstated.

Whether you are globetrotting or vacationing closer to home, travel insurance offers an added layer of financial and medical security. It is not a statutory requirement but is strongly recommended.

The German travel insurance landscape is broad, with options ranging from simple trip cancellation insurances to more comprehensive plans covering medical emergencies, travel disruptions, and even lost luggage. Travel insurance can be purchased for a single trip or as an annual policy covering multiple trips within a year. The flexibility in offerings allows travellers to customize coverage to their specific needs.

What are the benefits?

The scope of benefits in a German travel insurance plan can be quite extensive. At its most basic, a travel insurance policy may cover trip cancellations or delays, offering financial reimbursements that can be a lifesaver in uncertain situations.

For those seeking more complete protection, comprehensive plans can include medical cover for illnesses or accidents abroad, emergency evacuations, and even legal assistance in some cases. Some policies also offer unique add-ons like adventure sports coverage or even pet care in case of your absence.

Some specific coverages that are good to know about:

• Reisekrankenversicherung (Travel health insurance): Covers unplanned medical expenses incurred while traveling. This is particularly important for international travel where your domestic health insurance may not provide coverage.
• Reiserücktrittsversicherung (Trip cancellation insurance): This covers the costs if you have to cancel your trip before departure due to reasons like illness, death in the family, or other specified emergencies.
• Reiseabbruchversicherung (Trip interruption insurance): Similar to trip cancellation but comes into play if you have to cut your trip short after it has already begun.
• Reisegepäckversicherung (Travel baggage insurance): Covers loss, damage, or theft of personal belongings during travel.
• Reisehaftpflichtversicherung (Travel liability insurance): Provides coverage in case you cause injury to someone or damage someone’s property while traveling.
• Reiseunfallversicherung (Travel accident insurance): Provides a lump sum in case of death or permanent disability due to an accident while traveling.

In contrast to health insurance, travel insurance has fewer regulatory restrictions on what can and cannot be included in a package. This allows insurers to offer a variety of specialized benefits tailored to individual travel needs.

Who is it for?

Travel insurance in Germany is for anyone who wants peace of mind during their travels, be it a quick weekend getaway or an extended global expedition.

It is not a one-size-fits-all solution; it serves a diverse range of travelers with varying needs and risk profiles. For example:

• Frequent flyers and business travelers: For those who are constantly on the move for work or leisure, a more comprehensive, annual multi-trip plan is advisable. These policies often come with substantial coverage but make sure to examine the small print for limitations on the length of each trip.
• Families and group travelers: Family or group policies are cost-effective options for those traveling with multiple individuals. However, be cautious of potential coverage gaps, not all family policies will cover stepchildren or in-laws, for instance.
• Adventure seekers: For thrill-seekers planning activities like skiing, mountaineering, or scuba diving, specialized plans are essential. Standard policies often exclude “high-risk” activities, so additional coverage is non-negotiable here.
• Students abroad: Studying overseas comes with its own set of risks, such as academic interruptions due to illness or unforeseen events back home. Specialized student travel plans are designed to address these unique needs.
• Seniors and retirees: Older travelers may face higher premiums and reduced coverage options, especially for pre-existing medical conditions. It’s vital to find a policy that offers adequate health coverage and does not have an age limit that might exclude them.
• Expats and long-term travelers: Those staying abroad for extended periods should consider international health insurance alongside their travel policy. Regular travel insurance plans are generally not designed for long-term overseas residence.
• People with pre-existing conditions: Many travel insurance policies have limitations or exclusions for pre-existing medical conditions. Specialized plans with coverage for these conditions are available but expect higher premiums.

With all of the high level of customization available, it’s crucial to carefully assess your travel patterns and potential risks when selecting a policy. However, the simple travel health insurance is a must-have for everyone, with costs of only 20 € / year and extensive coverage, it should be part of everyones insurance portfolio

Did you know?

~50%

An Estimated number of German residents who purchase some form of travel insurance when going abroad. [1]