If you’re a frequent traveler, an expat, or planning a short or long stay in Germany, travel insurance is one of those things you don’t want to overlook. In 2025, travel insurance must do more than just cover your medical emergencies—it needs to meet Schengen visa requirements, offer flexibility for long stays, cover adventure activities (if needed), and ideally provide 24/7 support in English.
This guide will help you understand:
- What German & Schengen travel insurance rules require
- The differences between annual vs per-trip plans
- What frequent travellers and expats should look out for
- The best providers/options for 2025
- Common pitfalls & how to avoid them
What Schengen Travel Insurance for Germany Must Cover
For many visitors, especially those needing a Schengen visa, travel insurance isn’t optional—it’s mandatory. Here are the core legal and embassy/consulate-requirements:
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Requirement
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Details
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Also, keep in mind:
- Travel insurance required for short-stay visas (Schengen Type C). Schengen Protect+2VISAGUARD.Berlin+2
- For long-stay visas (Type D) or residence permits, travel insurance is usually not enough; you’ll need health insurance (statutory or private) comparable to what locals receive. Schengen Protect+2How-to-Germany.com+2
Types of Travel Insurance Plans & What Suits Which Traveller
When comparing plans, think through how often you travel, how long per trip, where you go, and what extra risks you might have (skiing, adventure sports, etc.). Here are common plan types:
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Plan Type
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Ideal For
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Pros
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Cons
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Best Travel Insurance Plans in Germany (2025) for Frequent Travelers & Expats
Here are some of the brands/plans currently recommended, their strengths, and approximate costs:
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Provider
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Stand-out Features
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Typical Cost / Notes
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How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost in Germany (2025)?
Here are some general guidelines:
- For a young, healthy person on a short trip (1-2 weeks): expect €15-€35 depending on coverage, deductible, provider.
- For older travellers or those needing high coverage / extras (ski coverage, adventure, evacuation): cost may rise to €50-€100+ for short trips.
- Annual travel insurance: costs vary, but for frequent travellers (say 3-4 trips/year), an annual plan often becomes cheaper compared to multiple single trips. HanseMerkur’s annual plans become worthwhile for such usage. HanseMerkur
What Expats Should Know
- If you stay long-term in Germany (long stay or residence permit), travel insurance is a stopgap; you will likely need statutory health insurance (GKV) or private health insurance. Travel insurance generally does not replace those. How-to-Germany.com+1
- Always check if your policy has coverage for repatriation, emergency evacuation, and 24/7 multilingual assistance.
- Adventure sports or high risk activities often excluded, or require additional premium.
- Claim reimbursement process: some insurers require you to pay up front and submit receipts; others liaise with providers directly.
Common Pitfalls & What To Avoid
- Buying the cheapest policy without checking whether it meets minimum Schengen / visa requirements. If coverage is under €30,000, visa may be denied.
- Failing to check whether medical evacuation/repatriation is included (very important in serious cases).
- Overlooking the time limit per trip in annual policies (some limit number of days per year or per trip).
- Hidden exclusions: pre-existing conditions, sports/activities, natural disasters, pandemics.
- Poor customer support or lack of English service — critical for expats.
- Not having digital or printable proof, which is often required at border crossings or visa applications.
Checklist: What to Look For in a Travel Insurance Plan
- Minimum €30,000 medical coverage + hospitalization + repatriation.
- Valid across all Schengen states + the entire trip duration.
- 24/7 assistance (in English if you don’t speak German).
- Coverage for emergency evacuation and repatriation.
- Optional extras: trip cancellation, luggage loss, adventure sports, dental emergencies.
- Clear deductible/self-risk terms.
- Provider’s legitimacy & reputation (look for Allianz, AXA, DKV, MAWISTA, etc.).
FAQs
Q: How much medical cover does Schengen visa insurance need?
A: At least €30,000 coverage for medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation etc. Schengen Protect+2AXA Schengen+2
Q: Which policies cover skiing and adventure sports?
A: Only some plans or “adventure-sports riders” include these. You’ll have to check policy-by-policy. Many standard travel insurance plans exclude high-risk sports unless you pay extra.
Q: Is travel insurance required for long-stay visas?
A: For long-stay (Type D) visas, travel insurance alone usually isn’t sufficient — you will need full health insurance (public or private) similar to what is required of residents. How-to-Germany.com+1
Recommendations: Best Plans for 2025
- For Occasional Travelers or Vacationers: AXA Schengen’s Basic or Essential plan — meets legal requirements, decent medical + repatriation cover.
- For Frequent Travelers / Multiple Trips Per Year: HanseMerkur’s annual travel plan; MAWISTA Reisecare can be cost-efficient.
- For Expats or Long Stays / Short Visa Entry Phase: A combination plan from MAWISTA or Advigon for initial travel or arrival, then switch to statutory or private health insurance once establishing residence.
- For Adventure / Sports: Seek policies with explicit adventure sports coverage or riders.
Conclusion
Travel insurance in Germany in 2025 is more important than ever—for both visa requirements and personal protection. Knowing what the minimum legal standards are (especially for Schengen), comparing single-trip vs annual plans, and picking providers with strong reputation will help you avoid surprises.
Don’t just settle for a policy that covers “just enough” — ensure you have repatriation, medical evacuation, and reliable support. By doing your homework, you can travel freely, safely, and with confidence.
