Compare travel insurance for Germany
Here’s what you need to know about having the best holiday in Germany’s beautiful cities and countryside. But remember to sort out your travel insurance!
Are you planning a trip to Germany? It’s a country rich in history and culture, with mesmerizing landscapes and fascinating cities. Will you be visiting the capital city of Berlin? Or will you sip a refreshing beer in a traditional Bavarian locale?
Whatever your plans, travel insurance for Germany will give you well-deserved peace of mind, allowing you to truly enjoy your vacation. Read MoneySuperMarket’s handy guide to learn how the right travel policy can help you make the most of your trip.
Do I need travel insurance for Germany?
Travel insurance offers valuable protection if you’re planning a holiday in Germany . If you fall ill, have an accident, or your baggage is lost or stolen while you’re on holiday, your travel insurance policy will cover you for the inevitable expense.
Travel cover also provides financial protection if you need to cut short or cancel your trip in an emergency. Knowing you’re covered means that you can relax and enjoy your holiday.
What type of travel insurance do you need for Germany?
Germany will be covered by any European travel insurance policy. When you’re comparing travel insurance policies with MoneySuperMarket, your trip will fall into one of the following categories:
One holiday to Germany only:
If you are only taking one trip, select single-trip travel insurance and put Germany as your destination.
One trip to Germany and other countries:
If you are visiting other countries during the same trip, select multi-trip insurance. Then, you should select each country you plan to visit as multiple destinations. If you are backpacking, select backpackers’ insurance
Several holidays throughout the year that include the USA, Canada, or the Caribbean:
You might be able to save money by selecting an annual multi-trip travel insurance policy. If you plan to visit the USA, Canada, or somewhere in the Caribbean, you need to select a worldwide policy that covers these countries.
Several holidays throughout the year that do not include the USA, Canada, or the Caribbean:
Again, you could save by selecting an annual multi-trip travel insurance policy. If you don’t plan to visit the USA, Canada, or the Caribbean, you can select a worldwide policy that excludes those countries.
What should your travel insurance for Germany include?
A good travel insurance policy for Germany should include the following:
Cover for medical expenses. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and the
Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which is the EHIC’s replacement for UK citizens, will be accepted in German hospitals for Brits needing treatment. This continues to be the case even though Britain is no longer in the EU. However, it only covers emergency healthcare and should not be a substitute for good travel cover.
Cover for the cost of repatriation in the event that you need to be brought back to the UK.
Cover for the cancellation or curtailment of your holiday. This is in case you have to head home earlier than planned or an emergency prevents you from going in the first place.
Delay and missed departure cover, in case events beyond your control (e.g., car breakdown) cause you to miss your flight.
Travel abandonment cover, which protects you from unusual circumstances where the journey to your destination becomes unfeasible.
Baggage cover, in the event that your belongings are lost or stolen during your trip. Make sure you include cover for any particularly costly items you’ll have with you, such as jewellery.
Passport cover, because getting a replacement for a lost or stolen passport while abroad can be both complicated and costly.
Personal liability cover. This protects you in case something you do causes injury to someone else, or results in the loss or damage of their possessions.
When should my travel insurance policy start?
Start your travel insurance policy from the day you book your trip, not from the date when you are planning to travel. If you delay the start of your policy, you will not be covered if you unexpectedly need to cancel.
How much should my travel insurance excess be?
The excess on your travel insurance is the amount you will have to pay before your travel insurance company will pay out on a claim.
A higher excess might reduce the cost of your cover. That said, you shouldn’t increase it to the point that you wouldn’t be able to afford to pay it if you made a claim.
Travel insurance for Germany: Exclusions and what to watch out for
Many standard travel insurance policies won’t include the following:
Cover if you have a pre-existing medical condition or you’ve had one in the past for which you’ve received advice or treatment. In fact, you may find you’re charged a higher premium for your policy if you want your condition to be covered. You might even have to take out a special policy for pre-existing conditions.
Cover for unexpected incidents that may affect your holiday, like civil unrest, war, terrorism, and natural disasters.
Cover for accidents or injuries that can be linked to overconsumption of alcohol. Berlin is well-known for its nightlife and München is famous for the Oktoberfest, a popular beer festival. Be mindful that if you lose something or are injured while intoxicated, your claim will probably be rejected.
Cover for travel to locations that the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has said British holidaymakers should avoid.
Cover for accidents or injuries that happen during high-risk sporting activities, such as skiing and snowboarding. If you know you’ll be doing something adventurous while in Germany, check to make sure you have adventure or winter sports cover in place first.
What are potential travel risks in Germany?
It is fair to say that Germany is one of the safest countries in the world. The likelihood of being victim of a crime is extremely low.
That said, it is always wise to be alert when walking the streets of its busiest metropolises. For instance, pickpockets may operate in major cities and touristy spots. So make sure to keep hold of your belongings and have your wallet in your front pocket.
Ultimately, with a bit of care and common sense, you will feel safe at all times.
How to get emergency assistance in Germany
In the event you need emergency assistance, there are two numbers you may want to keep in mind:
110 – If you have a medical or fire emergency, this is the number to call.
112 – Dial this number to get in touch with the police.
Overall, Germany is home to very friendly people. If you feel unwell or have an issue, just stop someone and ask for help. They will be more than happy to assist you.
Top travel tips for Germany
The UK and Germany have a shared history going back thousands of years. While they might be our near neighbours, there are still many cultural differences. These are our tips on making the most of a trip to Germany:
Cash is king:
While cards are accepted in many places, cash is most commonly used in Germany. So don’t forget to stock up on Euros before you leave! The smaller the denomination, the better.
Recycle:
Germans are very into recycling, in a way that’ll save you money. You get a refund for recycling glass and plastic bottles in a system called ‘Pfand’. Just find the machine at your nearest supermarket and you can make up to 25 cents each time.
Validate your ticket:
Public transport in Germany is excellent, being both cheap and efficient. However, one way tourists can often come a cropper is by forgetting to validate train tickets in machines on the platform. Ticket inspectors will fine you if you don’t, even if you’ve paid.
First the Wurst:
Germany is famous for its sausages for a reason – they’re delicious! You can get them at an ‘Imbiss’, a kind of snack bar found nearly everywhere. And make sure to try the curry sauce too!
English (mostly) spoken:
Most Germans speak good English, so don’t worry too much about making yourself misunderstood. Of course, the locals will love you for having a go at their own language.
Tipping tips:
Tipping is encouraged in bars and restaurants. Your staff will expect something in the region of 10%.
Sleepy Sundays:
Most shops, including supermarkets, close on Sundays. Therefore, make sure you buy your groceries in good time. It’s a cultural move designed to encourage people to relax. Many bars and restaurants will be open, but you should check first to be on the safe side.
Have a beer:
The Germans sure love their beer. It is served by the litre and often drunk in large halls called beer cellars, usually with a pretzel or a sausage. Bavarian beer is rightly famous, but you’ll find good brews all over the country.
Drinking water:
Free water is rare in German restaurants. So if you’re thirsty, you’ll have to be prepared to pay.
Neuschwanstein Castle: Germany is a huge country with many historical treasures. Perhaps one of the most majestic is this 19th century castle on a hill near the town of Fü ssen, which was used as the model for the Disney castle.
Compare travel insurance policies before you buy
While travel insurance for Germany offers great benefits and value, the price of policies can vary. Different companies will sell the same level of cover at completely different prices, so it’s important to compare before you buy.
MoneySuperMarket’s comparison tool asks you a few simple questions about you and your holiday, including where you are going, how long for, and what you want your policy to cover. In just a couple of minutes, you can compare prices from a range of leading travel insurers to find the policy that is best-suited to your needs.