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Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa: A Comprehensive Guide

Updated: September 8, 2023

One of the key requirements of Schengen visa is the travel medical insurance. The travel insurance for Schengen visa must meet certain coverage and must be valid throughout the Schengen region for the entire duration of your stay.

With a myriad of travel insurance options in the market, picking out the right policy for your Schengen visa is difficult. In this article, you will everything about Schengen visa travel insurance and how to choose a policy for your visa.

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What is Schengen Travel Medical Insurance?

Schengen travel insurance is a type of insurance policy for travelers visiting the Schengen area. This type of travel insurance plan is designed specifically to comply with Schengen visa criteria of minimum coverage and validity requirements. Schengen travel insurance is also a mandatory requirement for obtaining a Schengen visa.

Who Requires Schengen Travel Health Insurance?

Visitors from visa-required countries planning to visit any Schengen country must require Schengen travel insurance.

If you are a traveler from a country that requires a visa to enter the Schengen zone, you must have a valid travel insurance policy. You must buy travel insurance not only for your Schengen visa application but also for any or all trips that you take to the Schengen area.

Is Travel Insurance Mandatory for Schengen Visa?

Yes, obtaining travel insurance is mandatory for Schengen visa . The European Commission’s 810/2009 Regulation mandates submitting valid travel medical insurance for Schengen visa applications.

Proof of travel medical insurance is not only mandatory for the first trip, but also for all subsequent trips for multiple-entry Schengen visas.

At the time of application, you would only need to provide proof of insurance for the first entry.

What are the Schengen Visa Insurance Requirements?

As per the Article 15 of REGULATION (EC) No 810/2009 , your Schengen visa travel insurance must meet the following three criteria:

• Must cover medical expenses up to a minimum of €30,000
• Must be valid for the entire duration of your stay
• Must be valid in all 27 Schengen countries

The policy must cover all medical expenses arising from emergency medical attention, treatment, hospitalization, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation due to medical reasons and death.

Let’s look at each of those requirements in detail.

1. Minimum Coverage

Your Schengen visa travel insurance must meet the minimum coverage requirement of €30,000. When purchasing Schengen visa travel insurance in USD, make sure the policy covers at least $50,000.

This minimum coverage is applicable for any medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and repatriation of remains.

This coverage is necessary to financially protect you in case of accidents, unforeseen illnesses, or other emergency situations that may arise during your travels in the Schengen area.

2. Validity Duration

Your travel insurance for the Schengen visa must remain valid for the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen area.

This travel insurance policy should cover you from the day you arrive in the Schengen area until the day you leave.

In terms of a multiple-entry visa, the Schengen visa insurance must be valid for the entire duration of your first entry only.

Here is an example:

You are applying for a multiple-entry visa and your trip is from Jan 01 to Jan 14. Your Schengen visa insurance must be valid from Jan 01 to Jan 14.

If you take another trip on the same visa, say from May 01 to May 14, then you must purchase another Schengen travel insurance at the time of your second trip.

For your visa application, you would only need to provide insurance for Jan 01 to Jan 14.

3. Validity in the Schengen Zone

Lastly, your Schengen visa travel insurance must be valid in all 27 Schengen countries. This is to make sure that you have coverage regardless of which Schengen country you visit during your trip.

Most Schengen travel insurance aggregators such as VisitorsCoverage provide insurances that are valid in the entire Schengen zone.

In fact, any insurance valid globally is acceptable for the Schengen visa. Provided, the the insurance covers at least €30,000 in all medical costs and emergencies.

What Does Schengen Visa Insurance Plan Cover?

In general, any Schengen visa insurance plan covers medical expenses, COVID-19 protection, and trip coverage.

These coverage options are designed not only to provide comprehensive protection but also to meet the Schengen visa insurance requirements.

1. Medical Coverage

Medical coverage is the most important aspect of Schengen travel insurance. It provides coverage for emergency medical expenses, accidents, and unexpected illnesses.

The coverage also includes hospitalization, emergency hospital treatment, doctor visits, prescription drugs, and other necessary medical treatments that are considered emergency and necessary.

The policy must cover at least €30,000 for the visa. But depending on your needs and activities in the Schengen area, you can opt for policies with higher coverage.

2. COVID-19 Protection

COVID protection is not mandatory for Schengen visa. But most Schengen visa travel insurance policies offer coverage for medical treatment and quarantine expenses related to COVID. COVID tests and quarantine must be prescribed by a doctor to be eligible for the coverage.

That being said, you must review the policy details to make sure that COVID protection is included. Even though it’s not mandatory, it can provide peace of mind during your trip.

3. Trip Coverage

Trip coverage is also not mandatory for Schengen visa. But most travel insurance plans provide protection against flight cancellations, delays, and lost luggage during your travels. Trip coverage will help lessen any expenses arising from trip interruptions and baggage delays.

Review the policy details to make sure comprehensive trip coverage is included. This way, you can ensure that your trip goes smoothly, even when faced with unexpected setbacks.

What Does Schengen Visa Insurance Plan Not Cover?

Though Schengen travel insurance plans provide coverage for a wide range of scenarios, there will usually be some exclusions. One common exclusion is the coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.

It’s crucial to understand the limitations and exclusions of your Schengen visa insurance policy. Let’s look into the exclusion of pre-existing medical conditions in detail.

Pre-existing Medical Conditions

Pre-existing medical conditions are generally not covered by Schengen visa insurance plans. If you have a medical condition that was present prior to the purchase of your Schengen insurance policy, any medical expenses related to that condition during the trip will not be covered.

Review the terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to determine if any exclusions apply to pre-existing medical conditions.

Is COVID-19 Coverage Mandatory for Schengen Visa Travel Insurance?

No, COVID-19 coverage is not mandatory for Schengen visa travel insurance. But most Schengen travel insurance companies include COVID coverage in their policy.

Even though it’s not required, having COVID protection in your travel insurance can provide financial security during your Schengen trip.

It is always better to be prepared and have coverage than face challenges during the trip.

How Much Does Schengen Visa Medical Insurance Cost?

The cost of Schengen visa medical insurance varies depending on several factors, such as age, duration of your trip, total coverage amount, and the insurance company.

Schengen travel insurance from IMG Global, through VisitorsCoverage for up to 39 years of age will cost about a dollar a day. For a one-week trip, it would be about $7 USD. The cost goes up with age.

IMG Global is a US-based insurance company offering Schengen visa insurance. If you opt for a Europe-based insurance company such as Europ Assistance, the prices are even higher. A one-week insurance policy can cost about €18.

To find the most affordable insurance policy for the Schengen visa, compare different insurance providers and policies using an insurance aggregator such as VisitorsCoverage .

How to Choose the Right Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa?

With a myriad of options available in the market, choosing travel insurance for your Schengen visa can be a daunting task. To make this process easier, consider factors such as the reputation of the insurance company, coverage limits, and customer reviews.

Let’s look at each of these factors in detail.

1. Reputation of the Company

When selecting a travel insurance provider, it’s important to evaluate their reputation in the market. A reputable insurance company will have a track record of providing reliable and quality coverage, as well as excellent customer service.

You can assess the reputation of an insurance company by looking at its reviews and ratings on sites such as Trustpilot. VisitorsCoverage , for example, has a 4.7 rating on Trustpilot.

If you choose an insurance company with a strong reputation, you will have confidence in the coverage and support they provide throughout your trip.

2. Coverage Limits and Exclusions

Another important aspect to consider is the coverage limit. The policy must be Schengen visa compliant, meaning the policy must meet the minimum coverage requirement of €30,000.

Additionally, it’s important to review if there are any exclusions such as pre-existing medical conditions or other limitations.

By reviewing the coverage limits and exclusions, you can pick out a policy that is Schengen visa compliant and provide enough protection during your trip.

3. Customer Reviews and Ratings

Reviews and ratings can be invaluable resources when evaluating any product or service in the market. Travel insurance is no different. The reviews and ratings provide insight into the insurance provider’s customer service, claims process, and embassy acceptability.

By considering the experiences of other travelers you can assess the quality and reliability of the travel insurance.

4. Schengen Insurance Certificate

Lastly, the insurance company must be able to issue a Schengen insurance certificate, also called a visa letter. Submitting a visa letter along with the policy is a mandatory requirement for the Schengen visa.

This certificate confirms that your insurance policy meets the Schengen visa criteria. The certificate should include:

• Your name (as the policyholder)
• Policy number
• Total coverage amount, which should be no less than €30,000 (or $50,000)
• Dates of validity (must cover the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen area)
• Contact details for the insurance company, in case of emergencies

Where to Purchase Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa?

Travel insurance for Schengen visas can be purchased from online insurance providers, local insurance companies and travel agencies.

Local insurance companies and travel agencies can offer personalized advice. With online platforms, you can compare prices and coverage options from multiple insurers.

Regardless of where you purchase your insurance, it’s important to make sure the insurance policy meets Schengen visa insurance requirements and provides the necessary coverage for your trip.

My recommendation is to buy Schengen visa insurance from VisitorsCoverage. Their Europe Travel Plus policy is specifically designed for the Schengen visa, meeting the minimum coverage requirements and downloadable visa letter. Here is a comparison for a 33-year-old, 7 days trip to the Schengen area.

How to Purchase Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa

To purchase your travel insurance for Schengen visa, go to the VisitorsCoverage’s Europe Travel Plus plan. Enter the following details.

• Destination Country
• Citizenship
• Residence/Home country
• Coverage Start Date
• Coverage End Date
• Arrival Date
• Date of Birth
• Email Address

Click on Continue. In the deductible and policy maximum, select $0 for the deductible and $50K for the policy maximum. Then click on Continue.

In the next steps, enter your details as per your passport. Complete the payment and purchase the policy. Once your purchase is complete, you can download your visa letter.

How To Find Cheap Schengen Travel Insurance?

Finding cheap Schengen travel insurance requires research and comparison of policies and companies. I have done this already for you. VisitorsCoverage was the cheapest in my research. If you are older than 50, then you might want to check other insurance companies to see if you can find a cheaper option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

Do us citizens need schengen insurance.

No. US citizens do not require Schengen insurance when traveling to the Schengen area. This is because Schengen insurance is mandatory for those that require a visa for the Schengen area. And, US citizens do not require a visa for the Schengen area.

Is Schengen travel insurance refundable?

Yes. Most Schengen visa insurance companies offer reimbursement or free cancellation in the event of visa refusal. That being said, review the terms and conditions of the insurance policy before purchasing to make sure the policy is cancellable in case of visa refusal.

Can I purchase travel insurance after obtaining a Schengen visa?

No. You must purchase travel insurance before obtaining the visa. This is because travel insurance is one of the mandatory requirements for obtaining the Schengen visa. Without purchasing travel insurance, you won’t even be able to apply for the Schengen visa.

Are pre-existing medical conditions covered by travel insurance?

Pre-existing medical conditions are usually not covered by Schengen visa insurance plans. This means that any medical expenses arising due to pre-existing conditions will not be covered during your trip. Before purchasing, review the terms and conditions of the policy to determine the exclusions.

Can I extend my travel insurance coverage if my stay in the Schengen area is prolonged?

It may be possible to extend travel insurance coverage if your stay in the Schengen area is prolonged. But it depends on the insurance company and the policy type. Review the terms and conditions and also contact the insurance provider to inquire about extensions.

Obtaining the right travel insurance is a crucial step in your Schengen visa application process. The travel insurance for Schengen visa must provide at least €30,000 coverage and must be valid throughout the Schengen region for the entire duration of your trip.

While purchasing your Schengen visa insurance, consider factors such as the provider’s reputation, coverage limits and customer reviews. Compare different travel insurance providers and policies to pick out the right insurance for your Schengen visa.

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL WITH VISA TRAVELER

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01. Apply for your visa

Get a verifiable flight itinerary for your visa application from DummyTicket247 . DummyTicket247 is a flight search engine to search and book flight itineraries for visas instantly. These flight itineraries are guaranteed to be valid for 2 weeks and work for all visa applications.

02. Book your fight

Find the cheapest flight tickets using Skyscanner . Skyscanner includes all budget airlines and you are guaranteed to find the cheapest flight to your destination.

03. Book your hotel

Book your hotel from Booking.com . Booking.com has pretty much every hotel, hostel and guesthouse from every destination.

04. Get your onward ticket

If traveling on a one-way ticket, use BestOnwardTicket to get proof of onward ticket for just $12, valid for 48 hours.

05. Purchase your insurance

Purchase travel medical insurance for your trip from SafetyWing . Insurance from SafetyWing covers COVID-19 and also comes with a visa letter which you can use for your visas.

Need more? Check out my travel resources page  for the best websites to plan your trip.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

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Top Travel Insurances for Germany You Should Know in 2024

Byron Mühlberg

Monito's Managing Editor, Byron has spent several years writing extensively about financial- and migration-related topics.

Links on this page, including products and brands featured on ‘Sponsored’ content, may earn us an affiliate commission. This does not affect the opinions and recommendations of our editors.

A major destination in the heart of Europe, Germany is a country with a fascination history and culture. It's known for its charming old towns, vibrant modern city life, beer and bratwursts, and world-class museums. Although travelling to Germany can be an accessible holiday destination for many people, out-the-pocket healthcare costs in the country tend to be expensive, so it's a very good idea to arrive there with travel insurance under your belt.

Luckily, online global insurances (known as 'insurtechs') specialize in cost-savvy travel insurance to Germany and other countries worldwide. Our list below explores the four services we believe provide the best deals for young travellers, adventurers, everyday holidaymakers looking for comprehensive but affordable coverage, and longer-term expats.

Germany Insurance Profile

Here are a few of the many factors influencing the scope and cost of travel insurances for Germany:

Best Travel Insurances for Germany

• 01. Should I get travel insurance for Germany? scroll down
• 02. Best medical coverage: VisitorsCoverage scroll down
• 03. Best trip insurance: Insured Nomads scroll down
• 04. Best mix for youth and digitial nomads: SafetyWing scroll down
• 05. FAQ about travel insurance to Germany scroll down

Heading to Germany soon? Don't forget to check the following list before you travel:

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• 🛂 Need a visa? Let iVisa take care of it for you.
• ✈ Looking for flights? Compare on Skyscanner !
• 💬 Want to learn the local language? Babbel and italki are two excellent apps to think about.
• 💻 Want a VPN? ExpressVPN is the market leader for anonymous and secure browsing.

Do I Need Travel Insurance for Germany?

Yes, travel insurance is mandatory when travelling to Schengen countries, including Germany. If you're entering the Schengen Area from a non-Schengen country, you must show a valid passport and travel insurance that covers the duration of their stay and a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros. Being insured is one of the necessary steps to secure a visa and enter the Schengen Area, and failure to comply may result in a denial of entry.

However, regardless of whether or not it's legally required, it's always a good idea to take our health insurance before you travel — whether to Germany or anywhere else. For what's usually an affordable cost , taking out travel insurance will mitigate most or all of the risk of financial damage if you run into any unexpected troubles during your trip abroad. Take a look at the top five reasons to get travel insurance to learn more.

With that said, here are the top three travel insurances for Germany:

VisitorsCoverage: Best Medical Coverage

Among the internet's best-known insurance platforms,  VisitorsCoverage  is a pioneering Silicon Valley insurtech company that offers comprehensive medical coverage for travellers going abroad to Germany. It lets you choose between various plans tailored to meet the specific needs of your trip to Germany, including coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and travel disruptions. With its easy online purchase process and 24/7 live chat support, VisitorsCoverage is a reliable and convenient option if you want good value and peace of mind while travelling abroad.

• Coverage 9.0
• Quality of Service 9.0
• Pricing 7.6
• Credibility 9.5

VisitorsCoverage offers a large variety of policies and depending on your needs and preferences, you'll need to compare and explore their full catalogue of plans for yourself. However, we've chosen a few highlights for their travel insurance for Germany:

• Policy names: Varies
• Medical coverage: Very good. Includes coverage for doctor and hospital visits, pre-existing conditions, repatriation, mental health-related conditions, and many others.
• Trip coverage: Excellent - but only available for US residents.
• Customer support: FAQ, live chat and phone support
• Pricing range: USD 25 to USD 150 /traveller /month
• Insurance underwriter: Lloyd's, Petersen, and others
• Best for: Value for money and overall medical coverage

Insured Nomads: Best Trip Coverage

Insured Nomads is another very good travel insurance option, especially if you're adventurous or frequently on the go and are looking for solid trip insurance with some coverage for medical incidents too. With Insured Nomads, you can choose the level of protection that best suits your needs and enjoy a wide range of benefits, including 24/7 assistance, coverage for risky activities and adventure sports, and the ability to add or remove coverage as needed. In addition, Insured Nomads has a reputation for providing fast and efficient claims service, making it an excellent choice if you want peace of mind while exploring the world.

• Coverage 7.8
• Quality of Service 8.5
• Pricing 7.4
• Credibility 8.8

Insured Nomads offers three travel insurance policies depending on your needs and preferences. We go through them below:

• Policy names: World Explorer, World Explorer Multi, World Explorer Guardian
• Medical coverage: Good. Includes coverage for doctor and hospital visits, pre-existing conditions, repatriation, and many others.
• Trip coverage: Good. Includes coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, lost or stolen luggage (with limits), adventure and sports activities, and many others.
• Customer support: FAQ, live chat, phone support
• Pricing range: USD 80 to USD 420 /traveller /month
• Insurance underwriter: David Shield Insurance Company Ltd.
• Best for: Adventure seekers wanting comprehensive trip insurance

SafetyWing: Best Combination For Youth

SafetyWing is a good insurance option for younger travellers or digital nomads because it offers flexible but comprehensive coverage at a famously affordable price. With SafetyWing, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you're covered for unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. In addition, SafetyWing's user-friendly website lets you manage your policy, file a claim, and access 24/7 assistance from anywhere in the world, and, unlike VisitorsCoverage, you can even purchase a policy retroactively (e.g. during a holiday)!

• Coverage 7.0
• Quality of Service 8.0
• Pricing 6.3
• Credibility 7.3

SafetyWing offers two travel insurance policies depending on your needs and preferences, which we've highlighted below:

• Policy names: Nomad Insurance, Remote Health
• Medical coverage: Decent. Includes coverage for doctor and hospital visits, repatriation, and many others.
• Trip coverage: Decent. Includes attractive coverage for lost or stolen belongings, adventure and sports activities, transport cancellation, and many others.
• Pricing range: USD 45 to USD 160 /traveller /month
• Insurance underwriter: Tokyo Marine HCC
• Best for: Digital nomads, youth, long-term travellers

How Do They Compare?

Interested to see how VisitorsCoverage, SafetyWing, and Insured Nomads compare as travel insurances to Germany? Take a look at the side-by-side chart below:

Data correct as of 4/1/2024

FAQ About Travel Insurance to Germany

Travel insurance typically covers trip cancellation, trip interruption, lost or stolen luggage, travel delay, and emergency evacuation. Some travel insurance packages also cover medical-related incidents too. However, remember that the exact coverage depends on the insurance policy.

Yes, medical travel insurance is almost always worth it, and we recommend taking out travel insurance whenever visiting a foreign country. Taking out travel insurance will mitigate some or all of the risk of covering those costs yourself in case you need medical attention during your stay. In general, we recommend VisitorsCoverage to travellers worldwide because it offers excellent value for money and well-rounded travel and medical benefits in its large catalogue of plans.

Health insurance doesn't cover normal holiday expenses, such as coverage for missed flights and hotels, but in case you run into medical trouble while abroad, it may cover some or all of your doctor or hospital expenses while overseas. However, not all health insurance providers and plans offer coverage to customers while abroad, and that's why it's generally best to take out travel insurance whenever you travel.

Although there's overlap, health and travel insurance are not exactly the same. Health insurance covers some or all of the cost of medical expenses (e.g. emergency treatment, doctor's visits, etc.) while travel insurance covers non-medical costs that are commonly associated with travelling (e.g. coverage for missed flights, stolen or lost personal belongings, etc.).

The cost of travel insurance depends on several factors, such as the length of the trip, the destination, the age of the traveller, and the level of coverage desired. On average, travel insurance can cost anywhere between 3% and 10% of the total cost of the trip.

A single-trip travel insurance policy covers a specific trip, while an annual one covers multiple trips taken within a one-year period. An annual policy may be more cost-effective for frequent travellers.

Yes, you can sometimes purchase travel insurance after starting your trip, but it is best to buy it before the trip begins to ensure maximum coverage. If you do need to buy insurance after you've started your trip, we recommend VisitorsCoverage , which offers a wide catalogue of online trip and medical insurance policies, most of which can be booked with immediate effect. Check out our guide to buying travel insurance late to learn more.

Yes, you can most certainly purchase travel insurance for a trip that has already been booked, although we recommend purchasing insurance as soon as possible aftwerwards to ensure all coverage is in place before your journey begins. Check out our guide to buying travel insurance late to learn more.

See Our Other Travel Insurance Guides

Looking for Travel Insurance to Another Country?

See our recommendations for travel insurance to other countries worldwide:

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What are you looking for?

Medical health insurance.

Information on Medical Health Insurance when applying for a visa.

Every applicant has to submit proof of medical travel insurance covering the entire length of the stay in Europe when applying for a Schengen visa .

There are strict requirements. Please find more information here: Medical Health Insurance PDF / 304 KB

Some medical insurance companies do not cover costs for medical treatment abroad or do not issue letters stating the requirements listed above. In this case, or in the case that you have no medical insurance in the US, you will have to purchase an additional travel insurance

You can find additional insurance companies in your local Yellow Pages or on the internet (search for “health insurance Schengen visa”).

Please bear in mind that some companies offer medical insurance policies only in combination with other kinds of coverage like trip cancellation. Rates depend on the length of the trip, age and number of travelers and the extent of coverage.

Please Note : Although the information on this website has been prepared with utmost care, we can not accept any responsibility for inaccuracies contained herein.

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Travel Insurance for a Germany Vacation (2024)

See how travel insurance for Germany can protect you against financial loss if your trip gets canceled, you incur medical expenses or lose your baggage.

in under 2 minutes

Jessica Bergin is a Barcelona-based Australian writer who has worked in the travel industry for half a decade. Her passion for adventure, travel, culture and lifestyle has helped her navigate a successful career in the writing industry, including for World Words.

Tori Addison is an editor who has worked in the digital marketing industry for over five years. Her experience includes communications and marketing work in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering politics and news in New York’s Hudson Valley. Her work included coverage of local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care legislation.

Whether you’re trekking in the Black Forest or sightseeing in Cologne, unforeseen situations can arise during a vacation to Germany. Travel insurance for Germany can protect you against financial losses if unexpected medical treatment, trip cancellations or travel delays hinder your plans.

We at the MarketWatch Guides Team have researched and reviewed the best travel insurance companies to help you navigate coverage, costs, benefits and insurance requirements for your trip to Germany.

Compare Travel Insurance Companies for Germany

Why trust marketwatch guides.

Our editorial team follows a comprehensive methodology for rating and reviewing travel insurance companies. Advertisers have no effect on our rankings.

Companies Reviewed

Quotes Collected

Rating Factors

Do I Need Travel Insurance for Germany?

Germany travel insurance requirements vary based on where you are traveling from and if you need a visa. Travel insurance is optional for U.S. citizens and other travelers who do not require a visa as long as they stay in Germany for less than 90 days. But if you need a visa to enter Germany or the Schengen Area, then travel insurance is mandatory. Visit the Schengen visa website to learn about Germany visa requirements and applications.

If you have to cancel your trip unexpectedly , Germany travel insurance may cover some of your prepaid, nonrefundable expenses. This could include reimbursements for flights, lodging and travel excursions. Generally, travel insurance covers trip cancellations for the following reasons:

• Jury duty or legal obligations
• Death of an immediate family member or travel companion
• Unforeseen medical injury or a serious health condition
• Natural disasters
• Acts of war or terrorism

Travel insurance can also provide emergency medical coverage if you need health care abroad. Germany ranks among the top countries in the world for its high-quality health care system. Tourists will have to pay for treatment out of pocket, and medical costs can add up if your health insurance does not extend overseas. Purchasing a medical travel insurance plan can offer coverage and ensure peace of mind in case you need medical care while vacationing in Germany.

Cancel for Any Reason Coverage

Cancel for any reason , or CFAR, coverage is an optional upgrade to standard travel insurance policies that covers travel cancellations for any given reason. It is a worthwhile investment if you prefer flexibility, but will increase the cost of your premium.

CFAR coverage extends cancellation benefits beyond the reasons covered by your standard policy. Say you’re planning an anniversary trip to Hamburg and booked a nonrefundable hotel, but decide that Munich is a better option. With CFAR insurance, you can submit a claim for reimbursement of the lost lodging costs — simply because you changed your mind.

Although CFAR coverage offers flexibility, it is subject to deductibles, disclaimers and restrictions. Be sure to review coverage exclusions before you purchase this optional insurance.

Gear Theft Protection

Germany is considered a safe country for U.S. citizens to visit. However, as with every major city in Europe, there may be scams, crime and petty theft. If you’re visiting major cities like Berlin or Munich, you may want to consider gear theft protection.

You may want to bring your valuables to Germany, like a camera to photograph the Bavarian Alps or Oktoberfest. Gear theft protection covers you in case your items are lost or stolen. Coverage may include the following valuables:

• Laptop, mobile phone or tablet
• Professional camera
• Camera equipment, including tripods and stabilizers
• Sporting gear and equipment, like ski helmets, ski poles and snowboards

Most travel insurance plans cover valuable items up to a predetermined cost. But gear theft protection may not include coverage for all of your valuables. Review your policy for limitations and exclusions and consider leaving irreplaceable items at home. Medical Emergency Insurance and Emergency Medical Evacuation

If you have a medical emergency in Germany without travel insurance, you can endure a significant financial setback. While standard travel insurance policies provide some coverage, you are not guaranteed full reimbursement for any treatment you receive.

Medical travel insurance can include coverage for the following:

• Hospital expenses
• Operating room fees
• Ambulance costs
• Dental emergencies
• Lab tests and X-rays

Most travel medical insurance plans also provide emergency medical evacuation and repatriation. This coverage protects you from the cost of medical evacuation to your home country if you can’t receive the required health care in Germany.

Like the neighboring countries of Switzerland and Austria, Germany is considered an adventure aficionado’s haven. But keep in mind that travel medical insurance may not extend to extreme sports. However, some companies offer this protection as a policy add-on.

Rental Car Protection

The public transportation system in Germany is modern, well-connected and runs frequently. While public transit offers a budget-friendly, easy way of getting around, some travelers may prefer to rent a car.

Renting a car allows you more freedom to travel at your own pace, but there is more responsibility involved. Germany legally requires all rental cars to have unlimited third-party liability insurance. While this protection is automatically included when you rent a car, it offers minimum coverage.

Travel insurance with rental car protection can cover you if a rental car is damaged. Although the details differ from policy to policy, most premium rental car insurances include the following:

• Collision damage waiver
• Theft protection
• Windshield and tire protection
• Roadside assistance
• Personal effects and injury insurance

Standard travel insurance policies may only include rental vehicle excess to provide coverage if your rental vehicle is damaged or stolen. This protection can help you recoup financial losses if you’re held liable. Other providers may offer varying rental car coverages as add-ons, which increase your premium.

Trip Cancellation Insurance

Most travel insurance coverage includes nonrefundable and prepaid trip expenses up to a predetermined limit. Trip cancellation insurance can protect you from financial loss by reimbursing a canceled flight, hotel or even travel excursions.

Some of the accepted reasons you can file a claim for trip cancellation insurance include:

• Hospitalization
• Serious injury or unforeseen illness
• Death of a family member or travel companion
• Severe weather conditions
• Military orders (including domestic or international terrorism)

How Much Does Germany Travel Insurance Cost?

Whether you’ve decided on a short-term, single trip or an annual multi-trip policy, travel insurance costs can vary depending on many factors. Coverage costs largely depend on your personal preferences, destination and other travel plans.

To receive an insurance quote, you will need to provide the following information:

• Number of travelers
• Destination country and city
• Country of residence
• Trip length
• Total trip price

To determine the total trip price, factor in flights, accommodation and all nonrefundable and prepaid expenses. Many cheap travel insurance options are available if you are on a budget.

To help you calculate the average cost of protecting a trip to Germany, we gathered quotes from five different travel insurance providers. The following quotes are based on a 32-year-old traveler from California traveling to Germany for two weeks with a total trip cost of $3,500.

*We collected the above quotes from each company’s website in May 2023. 

Although policies differ between each insurance company, the above quotes can help you determine the cost of travel insurance . Each plan includes the following coverage:

• COVID-19 Cancellation
• COVID-19 Medical
• Trip cancellation
• Trip interruption
• Medical evacuation
• Medical costs

How Do I Get Travel Insurance for Germany?

Before planning your vacation to Germany, see what coverage you already have. Contact your current health insurance provider to see if your coverage extends abroad. Some credit card companies include travel health insurance and trip protection, and you can typically purchase flight insurance when booking with an airline.

If you want to purchase travel insurance for your trip to Germany, make sure to compare various plans and policies. We recommend you request quotes from at least three companies before deciding which travel insurance plan is best for you. Consider factors like pre-existing medical conditions and the activities you want to include in your itinerary. Review each policy in detail for exclusions and deductibles before purchasing.

Germany Safety Tips

Germany is considered safe and has low crime rates, but crime can still occur. Before you jet off on your German vacation, here are some safety tips to keep in mind.

Crime and Safety

Germany ranks high for safety in the Global Peace Index (GPI) and crime rates are low by global standards. However, there are recorded scams, petty theft and crime in major cities. Pickpocketing is an issue in Berlin and Munich, so practice general precautions when visiting.

Day Trips, Tours and Excursions

From learning about the history of Hamburg to exploring the Black Forest, Germany is home to many day trip destinations. You can also take a day trip to other European Union member states like Switzerland or Austria. Travel insurance can provide coverage for certain excursions and related costs, including gear rental if you are planning to golf.

Germany has lifted all COVID-19 restrictions as of February 2023. You will no longer be required to present a vaccination passport or negative PCR test if you are entering the Schengen Area. There are also no coronavirus restrictions on German public transport.

Consider a travel insurance policy with extended COVID-19 coverage if you worry the virus could interfere when you visit Germany.

Is Travel Insurance for a Germany Vacation Worth It?

If you have a U.S. passport, you do not need travel insurance to enter Germany, but purchasing an insurance policy can be worth it depending on several factors.

Travel insurance can protect you from financial loss if unexpected circumstances arise, like unexpected flight delays or cancellations, lost baggage and medical emergencies. Purchasing a policy to cover medical costs, trip cancellations and more can provide peace of mind so you can focus on enjoying your vacation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Insurance in Germany

Can i claim flight compensation if my trip to germany gets canceled.

Unless you have travel insurance, refunds for canceled or delayed flights are subject to the airline and not always guaranteed. But purchasing travel insurance can add protection from financial loss if your flight is canceled due to a covered reason.

What type of travel insurance do I need for Germany?

The best travel insurance for you will depend on your personal preferences and coverage needs. If you are concerned about emergency medical events, look into travel insurance plans that offer comprehensive health coverage. Or seek a policy with extended trip cancellation and delay coverage if travel interruptions are your main concern.

Do I need travel insurance with a German visa?

If you are a U.S. citizen, you do not need to fill out a visa application if you plan to visit Germany for less than 90 days. Otherwise, you will need a visa , which mandates you have travel insurance to enter the country.

Is German health care free for visitors?

German public health care is only accessible to residents of the country. Visitors have to pay for treatment upfront. You claim reimbursement later on if your health care offers coverage abroad or you have travel medical insurance. Temporary visitors from other Schengen countries can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for emergency medical treatment.

More Resources:

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