If you are planning a trip to Germany, there is one thing you should take care of before packing your bags: travel health insurance. Whether coming in for a very short vacation, a semester, or a working holiday, you need to consider the right kind of coverage.
Germany holds an exceptional position in the world’s countries with its healthcare facilities. The quality does come with a price tag. Even a snap visit to the doctor can run you quite a few bucks if you’re not insured.
This guide is set to help you understand what kind of insurance your country needs, what it covers, and how to choose the best option for your travel.
Required for Most Travellers
If you’re planning a trip to Germany and you’re not from the EU, having travel health insurance with Germany coverage isn’t just smart, it’s often required. Most non-EU nationals will require evidence of insurance when applying for a visa or, indeed, at border control. Even people from a visa-exempt state must have insurance just to avoid expensive surprises.
An EHIC card can be used in Germany. But then again, it doesn’t cover everything. It sounds good for basic care, but wouldn’t work at private clinics, repatriation, or even some medications. That’s why many EU tourists still buy extra coverage for full peace of mind.
What Makes the German Healthcare System Great But Expensive?
Healthcare in Germany is world-class. However, without insurance, even a simple visit to the doctor can cost hundreds of euros. Hospital stays or surgeries? That could mean thousands. So travel health insurance Germany plans become a must, not only for the sake of health but also as a financial protection.
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What Travel Health Insurance Will Cover?
The majority of travel health insurance plans in Germany include coverage for emergencies, medical consultations, hospital stays, and repatriation. Some might also provide coverage for dental emergencies or disruptions due to unexpected incidents. Due to differing policies, kindly examine your plan’s terms thoroughly.
Travel health plans do not commonly cover long-term treatment or pre-existing conditions, unlike standard health insurance. They aim to provide cover for short stays.
Now that we know what travel health insurance is and what it includes, let’s explore its types.
Types of Travel Health Insurance
There are different types of travel health insurance, and the one you may find suitable would depend on the length of your stay in Germany and what exactly you plan to do during your visit. The following are the main types of travel health insurance in Germany, offered according to various traveling profiles.
Short-Term Travel Plans
These are best suited for tourists or business travellers staying up to 90 days. They fulfill the requirements for a Schengen visa and can be purchased online easily.
Student Insurance
If you’re enrolled in a school or university, student-specific plans provide the coverage you need. Most of the time, it covers primary health care and incidental mental health services.
Working Holiday Insurance
This is the best type of policy if you are going to Germany on a working holiday visa. Health and accident coverage are included so that you will be protected while having fun or working.
Long-Term & International Plans
If you are here for more than a few months or if you are moving, basic travel insurance is not sufficient anymore. You will need international medical insurance, which is usually costly but has much more coverage. This includes ongoing treatments.
Travel Health Insurance Usually Covers:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospital care and surgery
- Ambulance transport
- Medical repatriation
- Prescription medication
Travel Insurance vs Health Insurance
Both types of insurance provide protection; however, the functionalities differ. Travel insurance provides coverage for trip cancellation or lost luggage. The health insurance cover is purely for medical-related issues, such as doctor visits, surgeries, and long-term treatment.
So, if you’re comparing travel insurance vs health insurance, think about your needs. Are you just passing through? Or are you staying for a while and may need full medical services? The answer will help determine your choice.
What Is Working Holiday Insurance?
This insurance is aimed at young travelers temporarily engaged in work while traveling abroad. It protects against medical emergencies plus work-related accidents and sometimes even liability.
Since Germany demands evidence of coverage for a working holiday visa, plans of this type are not just a suggestion; they are deemed necessary. Make sure your policy runs from the day of your arrival in the country till the last day of your stay.
How Much Does It Cost?
The charges depend on the age of the person, the duration of their visit, and the kind of coverage. Tourists may get as low as €10 on a monthly basis, while international medical insurance could go up to €300 a month for exorbitant long-term stays.
Students and working holiday makers usually pay between €30 and €70 every month. The broader the plan, the more it costs, and the better the coverage it provides.
How to Buy a Policy
Buying travel health insurance coverage in Germany is a very easy task. You go online to compare plans, select one that is suitable, pay the premium through a credit card, and get your insurance certificate by email. Ensure that you save a copy on your computer and print one you may be required to present it at the border or during your visa interview.
Don’t forget about the legalization of any kind of documents at every step.
Things to Check Before You Buy
Don’t just get the cheapest travel health insurance Germany plan before knowing the ins and outs of the travel insurance plan. Because the coverage can greatly vary with different insurers, it is best to go to the right source for requesting information so that the plan matches your needs and the legal requirements for your stay in Germany.
Here is a checklist of the most important things you should check before you finalize your policy:
- Does the plan meet visa requirements?
- Are sports or outdoor activities covered?
- Is customer service available in English?
- Are chronic conditions or mental health included?
- Can you extend the plan if your stay gets longer?
A few moments spent on confirmation of these particulars will make a lot of difference regarding stress later on. A good plan will not just satisfy visa rules but will also ensure health, safety, and peace of mind during your stay in Germany.
Wrap Up
Getting travel health insurance for Germany is not only an obligation; it is a smart financial decision. Even a minor doctor’s appointment can cost much if you lack coverage. Thus, choosing the right plan is a must.
Travel insurance vs. health insurance or working holiday insurance depends on how long you are in the country and your lifestyle choices. If you are going for a longer period, especially being a student or an expat, not only expect a higher international medical insurance cost, but also extensive care.
Get your insurance before you travel. Visit EU Info Hub, and get all kinds of insurance information and travel at one place.
FAQs
1. Is it necessary to have travel health insurance for a journey of only a few days?
Yes. If you’re coming to Germany from outside the EU, you need proof of health insurance even for short visits. Emergencies strike at random.
2. Is travel insurance the same as health insurance?
Nope. They have different purposes. Travel insurance versus health insurance: all about the coverage type. One is related to the journey, and the other focuses on health.
3. What is working holiday insurance, and why is it required?
Working holiday insurance consists of medical and accidental cover for travellers on a working holiday visa. It is a visa approval requirement and will protect you while working away from home.
4. How much does international medical insurance cost in Germany?
The international medical insurance costs range from €100 up to €300 per month, depending on the amount of coverage you need and your health profile.
