Living in Germany often means traveling frequently, whether for business, visiting family back home, or exploring Europe. But did you know that your German health insurance (especially public) often provides limited or no coverage outside the EU? Travel Health Insurance is the most affordable way to ensure you're protected against massive medical bills worldwide.
Key Facts at a Glance
| What is covered | Doctor and hospital costs when travelling abroad and medically appropriate repatriation to Germany. |
|---|---|
| What is not covered | Treatment you travel for, known conditions depending on the tariff, trips beyond the maximum duration, and dentures beyond pain relief. Details |
| Who needs it | For everyone with public health insurance who travels abroad, because the fund only pays to a limited extent there and not for repatriation. |
| What does it cost | Annual contracts for holiday trips are available from a few euros to around €30 per year; long-term cover costs considerably more. Non-binding guide value (as of 2026); your premium depends on your situation. You can calculate your exact premium in the comparison calculator on this page. |
| What to look out for | Repatriation when medically appropriate, a sufficient trip duration, cover for the USA and Canada and no deductible. |
The Story of Maria: A Quick Trip and a Huge Bill
Fictional example for illustration; all persons and events are invented.
Maria, an expat from Spain living in Rheine, went on a dream holiday to the USA. She thought her German public health insurance (GKV) would cover her. While hiking, she had a minor accident that required a hospital visit and a few stitches.
Back in Germany, she was shocked: the US hospital bill was over $4,000. Her public insurance only reimbursed a tiny fraction, the amount the treatment would have cost in Germany. Maria was left with over €3,500 in remaining costs.
"I didn't realize how small the cost of a travel policy was compared to the risk," Maria says. For less than €15 a year, she could have had 100% coverage and a stress-free recovery.
Why you need Travel Health Insurance
- Worldwide Coverage: Protection in almost every country, including the USA and Canada.
- Emergency Repatriation: Covers the cost of bringing you back to Germany if medically necessary (this is NEVER covered by public insurance).
- Private Patient Status: You are treated as a private patient abroad, ensuring better care.
- Extremely Affordable: Comprehensive annual plans for individuals often cost less than €15 per year.
- Short & Long Trips: Most annual plans cover every trip up to 8 weeks (56 days) in duration.
Requirements for Expats
- Main residence in Germany (Anmeldung)
- Existing German Health Insurance (recommended)
- German Bank Account (IBAN)
What Is Not Covered
Travel health insurance is cheap, but it has clear limits. Typical exclusions:
- Planned treatment: If you deliberately travel abroad for treatment, it is not covered.
- Maximum trip duration: Annual contracts usually apply to trips of up to 6 or 8 weeks at a time. Longer stays need a long-term tariff.
- Dentures: Usually only pain-relieving treatment is covered, not new dentures.
- Known conditions: Some tariffs exclude treatment of known chronic conditions.
How I Help You When You Need to Claim Benefits
Here you deal with the insurer directly for everyday matters, which is usually the fastest way. As your broker, I am legally on your side, not the insurer's, and I step in as soon as something gets stuck:
-
1. Keep the emergency number handy
The emergency number and the address for invoices are on your insurance card or in your policy document. Save the number on your phone before you travel.
-
2. Keep your records
Keep invoices, letters and decisions until the money has arrived. If there are queries or a dispute, they are your proof.
-
3. Use the insurer's emergency line
In an emergency, call the insurer's 24-hour emergency line, especially before a hospital stay or repatriation. Keep all original invoices.
-
4. I help when it gets stuck
If the insurer refuses, cuts benefits or takes too long, contact me. I check the settlement and the policy conditions and follow up with the insurer. What to do after a denial.
Compare Rates Yourself
Use our comparison tool to calculate premiums and find the best rates for your situation. You can sign up directly online.
Comparison calculator by Covomo Versicherungsvergleich GmbH
To protect your data, the calculator only loads after you click. Your IP address is then transmitted to Covomo Versicherungsvergleich GmbH, which may also set cookies. Details in the Privacy Policy.
Please note: this calculator is provided by a German platform and is only available in German. If you need help filling it in, I am happy to go through it with you in English.