Travel Insurance for Germany

Nestled in the heart of Europe, Germany is a country that waltzes between medieval charm and cutting-edge innovation. From the iconic Brandenburg Gate in Berlin to the enchanting Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, every corner tells a story steeped in history and culture.
Before you pack your bags and set off for your adventure, let's talk about something important – your travel insurance for Germany. From health coverage to travel hiccups, here's everything you need to know about a travel protection plan to Germany.

1. What should your Travel insurance cover for a trip to Germany? 
2. How does Travel Insurance work for Germany?
3. Do I need Travel Insurance for Germany? 
4. How much does Travel Insurance cost for Germany? 
5. Our Suggested AXA Travel Protection Plan
6. What types of medical coverage does AXA Travel Protection plans offer?
7. Are There Any COVID-19 Restrictions for Travelers to Germany?
8. Traveling with pre-existing Medical Conditions? 

What should your travel insurance cover for a trip to Germany?

At a minimum, your travel insurance to Germany should cover trip cancellation, trip interruption and emergency medical expenses. When it comes to international travel, the US Department of State outlines key components that should be included in your travel insurance coverage.

AXA Travel Protection plans are designed with these minimum recommended coverages in mind.

• Medical Coverage – The top priority is making sure your health is in order. With AXA Travel Protection, you can have access to quality healthcare during your trip overseas in the event of unexpected medical emergencies.  
   
• Trip Cancellation & Interruptions – Assistance against unexpected trip disruptions can dampen the mood, AXA Travel Protection offers coverage against unforeseen events. 
   
• Emergency Evacuations and Repatriation – In situations where transportation is dire, AXA Travel Protection offers provisions for emergency evacuation and repatriation. 
   
• Coverage for Personal Belongings – AXA offers coverage for your belongings with assistance against lost or delayed baggage. 
   
• Optional Cancel for Any Reason – For added flexibility, AXA offers optional Cancel for Any Reason coverage, allowing you to cancel your trip for non-traditional reasons.  Exclusive to Platinum Plan holders. 

In just a few seconds, you can get a free quote and purchase the best travel insurance for Germany.

How does Travel Insurance for Germany work?

Imagine this:
You're exploring the scenic beauty of the Rhine River when, unfortunately, you fall ill unexpectedly. In need of medical attention, you're relieved to have AXA Travel Protection with the "Emergency Medical Expenses" coverage. The policy offers care for your medical costs, including hospital stays and doctor's fees so you receive the necessary care.

In challenging circumstances, AXA stands ready to assist you in developing a strategic course of action. Here’s how travelers can benefit from an AXA Travel Protection Plan:

Baggage Benefits: 

• Luggage Delay: If the airline delays your checked baggage, your policy might offer reimbursement for essential items like clothing and toiletries. 
• Lost or Stolen Luggage: In the unfortunate event of permanent loss or theft of your luggage, your policy may offer reimbursement for its value, assisting you in replacing your belongings. 

Medical Benefits: 

• Emergency Medical Expenses: Should you fall ill or have an accident during your trip, your policy may offer coverage for medical expenses, including hospital stays and doctor's fees. 
• Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation: In case of a serious medical emergency, your policy may include provisions for evacuation to the nearest appropriate medical facility or repatriation. 
• Non-Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation: In non-medical crises (e.g., political unrest), your policy may cover evacuation or repatriation, subject to policy terms. 

Pre-Departure Travel Benefits: 

• Trip Cancellation: You may be eligible for reimbursement if you cancel your trip due to a sudden illness or injury. 
• COVID-19 Travel Insurance: Coverage is available for trip cancellation and medical expenses related to COVID-19, subject to policy terms and conditions. 
• Trip Delay: If your flight faces delays due to unforeseen circumstances, you may have coverage for additional expenses such as meals and accommodations. 

Post-Departure Travel Benefits:

• Trip Interruption: In case of an unexpected event, you could be eligible for reimbursement for the unused portion of your trip.
• Missed Connection: If you miss a connecting flight due to delays or cancellations, this coverage may help with expenses like rebooking fees and accommodations.

Additional Optional Travel Benefits: 

• Rental Car (Collision Damage Waiver): Exclusive to Gold & Platinum plan policy holders, this optional benefit gives travelers extra coverage on their rental car against damage and theft. 
• Cancel for Any Reason: Exclusive to Platinum plan policy holders; this optional benefit gives travelers more flexibility to cancel their trip for any reason outside of their standard policy. 
• Loss Skier Days: Exclusive to Platinum plan policy holders, this optional benefit offers reimbursement to mitigate some costs associated with pre-paid ski tickets that you or your traveling companion cannot use due to specified slope closures. 
• Loss Golf Days: Exclusive to Platinum plan policy holders, this optional benefit offers reimbursement to mitigate the expenses linked to prepaid golf arrangements that you or your travel companion are unable to utilize due to specified golf closures. 

Do I need Travel Insurance for Germany?

Citizens from non-EU/non-EFTA states like the U.S., Canada, and New Zealand, can enter Germany without a visa, and are not obligated to have travel insurance.

Even if you're not required to secure travel insurance, it is still highly recommended.
Why? There are several reasons:

1. Medical Emergencies: Given the diversity of activities in Germany, from exploring historic sites to enjoying outdoor adventures, having coverage for unexpected medical expenses allows you to travel with coverage and assistance. This benefit becomes especially crucial in case of illness or accidents, allowing you to access necessary medical care without hurting your pocket.
    
2. Lost Baggage: Airlines sometimes mishandle baggage, and the last thing you want is to be without your essentials in an unfamiliar place. Travel insurance offers to cover the cost of replacing necessary items, allowing you to continue on.
    
3. Lost or Stolen Luggage: While generally safe, tourist destinations in Germany may pose a risk of theft. The "Lost or Stolen Luggage" benefit is important in the unfortunate event of permanent loss or theft of your belongings. It offers reimbursement for the value of your lost items and essential possessions.

How much does Travel Insurance cost in Germany?

In general, travel insurance costs about 3 – 10% of your total prepaid and non-refundable trip expenses. The cost of travel insurance depends on two factors for AXA Travel Protection plans:

• Total Trip cost: The total non-prepaid and non-refundable costs you have already paid for your upcoming trip. This includes prepaid excursions, plane tickets, cruise costs, etc. 
• Age: Like any other insurance type, the correlation is rooted in increased health risks associated with older individuals. It's important to note that this doesn't make travel insurance unattainable for older individuals. 

With AXA Travel Protection, travelers to Malaysia will be offered three tiers of insurance: Silver, Gold and Platinum. Each provides varying levels of coverage to cater to individual's preferences and travel needs. 

Our Suggested AXA Travel Protection Plan

AXA presents travelers with three travel plans – the Silver Plan, Gold Plan, and  Platinum Plan, each offering different levels of coverage to suit individual needs. Given that United Kingdom hospitals often do not accept U.S. health insurance or Medicare, we genuinely recommend travelers consider purchasing any of these plans, particularly for the crucial coverage they offer for emergency accident and sickness medical expenses.

The Platinum Plan is your go-to choice if you're looking for extra coverage for Germany’s experience. "Cancel for Any Reason" offers greater flexibility for those unexpected twists in your travel plans and the "Rental Car (Collision Damage Waiver)" offers assistance when you're out exploring Germany's stunning landscapes in a rental car.

Whether you're navigating the slopes of the Bavarian Alps or exploring the ski trails in the Black Forest, AXA Travel Protection's "Loss Ski Days" benefit may offer reimbursement for pre-paid ski tickets in the event of specified slope closures, so you can make the most of your skiing experience in Germany's world-class ski resorts.

What types of medical coverage do AXA Travel Protection plans offer?

AXA covers three types of medical expenses:

• Emergency Medical
• Emergency evacuation & repatriation
• Non-medical emergency evacuation & repatriation

Emergency medical: Covers unforeseen events such as fractures, burns, sudden illnesses, and allergic reactions.
Emergency evacuation and repatriation: can cover your immediate transportation home in the event of an accidental injury or illness.
Non-medical emergency evacuation and repatriation: Extends coverage to situations where immediate departure from a destination is necessary for reasons unrelated to medical issues. This can include events such as natural disasters or civil unrest, providing assistance and support during non-medical emergencies.

Are there any COVID-19 restrictions for Travelers to Germany?

Currently, all the COVID-19 entry restrictions for traveling to Germany have been removed. You can now enter Germany for any reason, including tourism and visits, without needing to show proof of vaccination, recovery, or a negative test result.

Traveling with pre-existing Medical Conditions? 

Traveling with pre-existing medical conditions can complicate your plans, but with AXA Travel Protection, we're here to support you during your trip.  
Our Gold and Platinum plans offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.  The Platinum plan, in particular, is our highest-offered choice for travelers who want our highest coverage limits and optional add-ons, 

What does this mean for you? If you've got a medical condition that's been hanging around, you can qualify for coverage under our Gold and Platinum plans with a pre-existing medical condition, so long as it’s within 14 days of placing your initial trip deposit and in our 60-day look-back period. We're here to ensure you travel easily, no matter your health situation. 

FAQ

1. Can you buy travel insurance after booking a flight?

You can buy travel insurance even after your flight is booked.

2. When should I buy Travel Insurance to Germany?

It is advisable to purchase travel insurance for your trip as soon as you have made your initial trip deposit (prepaid and non-refundable trip costs.)
AXA Travel Protection offers coverage as soon as you purchase your protection plan. We can give coverage against unforeseen events before you leave for your trip.
Additionally, our policies offer coverage for preexisting medical conditions and Cancel for Any Reason if you purchase your protection within 14 days of making your initial trip deposit.

3. Do Americans need travel insurance in Germany?

No. Travel insurance is not mandatory for U.S. citizens staying in Germany for less than 90 days. Nonetheless, securing travel insurance is highly advisable. Medical expenses can be significant for non-residents, and having travel insurance is important when you consider the potential costs of prescriptions.

4. What is needed to visit Germany from the USA?

To enter Germany, US passport holders need a valid US passport issued within the last ten years, with at least three months of validity after leaving Germany and two blank pages. Additionally, make sure to have proof of a return ticket.

5. What happens if a tourist gets sick in Germany?

If you become sick in Germany, travelers with AXA Travel protection can contact the AXA Assistance hotline at 855-327-1442. Contact information is typically provided within the insurance documentation. Please ensure to read through your policy details and information.

Disclaimer: It is important to note that Destination articles are for editorial purposes only and are not intended to replace the advice of a qualified professional. Specifics of travel coverage for your destination will depend on the plan selected, the date of purchase, and the state of residency. Customers are advised to carefully review the terms and conditions of their policy. Contact AXA Travel Insurance if you have any questions. AXA Assistance USA, Inc.© 2023 All Rights Reserved.