Travel Insurance for a Germany Vacation (2024)

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:

• Jewelry
• 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
• Anesthesia
• 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)
• Jury duty

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:

• Age
• 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.

We requested quotes from ten travel insurance companies for their most affordable plan for a trip to Germany. The below quotes are for a 30-year-old traveler from Florida, traveling to Germany for ten days in September 2024, with a total trip cost of $4,000. Policies include coverage for cancellations, interruptions, delays, medical care and evacuation.

These quotes were collected in April 2024 for a trip in September 2024.

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

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 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.

COVID-19

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.

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.