What travel insurance do I need when visiting Germany?

_{^{NAME: Axel Strauss 
DATE: Jan 28, 2024}} 

Germany is a top travel destination the world over. From the bright lights and rich history of Berlin to the art galleries and beer halls of Munich. From centuries-old castles (the most in the world), palaces, cathedrals, churches, and monuments to the millenia-old serenity, beauty, awe, and thrills of the German Alps and the Black Forest. From historical metropolises like Hamburg, Bonn, Cologne, and Lubeck to tiny mountain and seaside towns and villages to everywhere in between. It’s no wonder why Deutschland is one of Europe’s richest and most culturally diverse attractions. 

And if you’re planning to be one of the millions of people who visit Germany annually, you may be wondering about travel insurance. In which case, you’ve come to the right place. Because AXA has all you need to know below.

• Is travel insurance mandatory for Germany? 
• I don’t need a Schengen Visa. Do I still need travel insurance?
• What does AXA Schengen travel insurance for Germany cover? 
• What should I do if I am injured or ill while in Germany? 
• What else should I know when prepping for my trip to Germany? 

Is travel insurance mandatory for Germany?

That depends on where exactly you’re coming from and what citizenship you hold. Because — being a founding member of both the European Union and the Schengen Zone — Germany requires that most of its visitors from outside the Schengen zone apply for a Schengen visa for stays of up to 90 days. 

And in order to be granted a Schengen Visa, it is indeed mandatory that you have the proper travel insurance. But more on that below.

Which travelers don’t need a Schengen visa to come to Germany (for stays of less than 90 days)?

First — in terms of the Schengen visa for Germany — you won’t need one if you are: 

• A citizen of one (or more) of roughly 60 non-EU countries and territories that have signed visa exemption agreements with the EU — such as Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, the U.K.,* the U.S., and so on.
• A national of the Schengen area or one (or more) of the European Union member countries. 

*NOTE: If you are a U.K BRP (i.e., biometric residence permit) and/or IRL (i.e., indefinite leave to remain) holder, then whether you need a Schengen visa for Germany or not depends on whether the country where you hold citizenship has signed a visa-free travel agreement with the Schengen Area. So consult the UK Government’s Official Website’s Travel to the EU/Schengen section, the Official Website of the EU, and that of your home country — to make sure you have all the latest info.

Which travelers are required to apply for a Schengen visa for Germany?

On the other hand, passport holders from China, India, Russia, all of Africa — and nearly a hundred other countries — will need a Schengen visa (and, therefore, travel insurance) to go to Germany. And that’s because their home countries have not signed a visa waiver agreement with the EU. 

To save you some time, the European Commission provides a full list of the countries above — i.e., both exempt and not exempt from getting a Schengen visa — here. 

And to save you even more time, AXA can help you figure out whether you need to apply for a Schengen visa for Germany in no time. 

And if you do — we can help you apply for a Schengen Visa for Germany (including a work visa for Germany) in a few simple steps.

I don’t need a Schengen Visa. Do I still need travel insurance?

If you don’t need a Schengen Visa, then travel insurance is not mandatory to travel to Germany. But even though Germany is one of the safest countries in Europe, life can still be full of surprises — both good and bad — especially when you’re abroad. So no matter your destination, your health and safety (and those of your loved ones) should remain priority number one. And being properly insured is the first step. 

Furthermore, medical costs can be surprisingly costly in Germany (especially when it comes to things like prescription drugs). Meanwhile, understanding and navigating the healthcare system of any foreign country can be tedious, often confusing, and almost always time-consuming. And that’s especially when said healthcare system is in such a beautiful and yet difficult language as German. 

In other words, having the proper travel insurance will not only save you time, confusion, and (possibly quite a lot of) money. It will also give you that little bit of extra security and peace of mind — not to mention ensure that you and your family are well taken care of, 24/7, if something does go wrong.

What does AXA Schengen travel insurance for Germany cover?

And here’s why an AXA travel insurance plan for Germany is the way to go. First off, all of our plans meet the requirements for being granted a German Schengen Visa. Just in case, these requirements stipulate that your travel insurance plan: 

• has a minimum coverage of €30,000 (in case of medical care, hospitalization, and/or medical repatriation); 
• is accepted by all countries within the Schengen zone (not just Germany);
• and is valid for the entire duration of your trip/stay. 

AXA offers you three comprehensive plans to choose from — Low-Cost (starting at as little as €22/week), Europe Travel, and Multi-Trip. Along with meeting all the Schengen Visa requirements above, they also offer: 

• Up to €100,000 coverage in medical expenses; 
• Medical repatriation & transport;
• 24/7 medical assistance in English (or French) in case of urgency;
• Up to 180 days of coverage; 
• Coverage in all Schengen and most European Union countries, including the U.K. (depending on the chosen plan, that is). 

Furthermore, our plans go into effect on the day of your purchase. And AXA’s travel insurance certificate — accepted by all Schengen consulates and embassies — can be instantly downloaded (and/or printed) online too. 

There are also no age restrictions with AXA. 

And, finally, in case your Schengen visa for Germany is denied, AXA’s plans are refundable in most cases — so long as you provide the appropriate documentation (i.e., an official explanation as to why your visa was refused by the relevant embassy, consulate, or visa application center). 

You can learn more about and compare our 3 comprehensive plans here. And remember that with AXA, not only will you be one big step closer to getting your German Schengen Visa (if you need one). But, most importantly, you and your family are also guaranteed to be in good hands during your trip to Deutschland itself. Ajouter ici le tableau récapitulatif des 3 formules.

Do you cover emergency medical costs related to COVID?

Yes, we will cover medical costs related to COVID so long as you haven't traveled against World Health Organization advice, personal medical advice from your doctor, and/or the advice/regulations of any other government body in your home country or the country you are traveling to. Emergency and additional travel costs are also covered in this case. To that end, all issued electronic certificates purchased on the AXA-Schengen website include the following disclaimer: “Medical fees related to COVID-19 are covered in the terms, conditions & exclusions established in the insurance policy.” And this, in turn, will satisfy any embassy rules that state you must get an insurance certificate with COVID protection.

What COVID restrictions does Germany have, by the way?

COVID-19 unfortunately seemed to be making a bit of a comeback in Europe in recent years. COVID-19 restrictions in Germany (and the rest of the EU) do remain lifted; however, there is always a chance that the situation might change. Which is just one more reason why having an AXA travel insurance plan is a good call.

IMPORTANT NOTE: And while digital COVID-19 vaccine travel certificates are still a thing of a strange recent past too, we recommend you stay up-to-date regarding COVID-19 in Germany via the World Health Organization, the official website of the EU, and Germany’s official immigration website BAMF. Whether you bring a mask and hand sanitizer, meanwhile, is up to you.

What should I do if I am injured or ill while in Germany?

Again, life can be full of surprises — especially abroad. But whether you’re skiing the German Alps, hiking through the Black Forest, scaling one of the country’s 25,000 castles, or just sampling a brew in a Munich beer hall — fear not. AXA’s Schengen insurance is here for you. 

In case of a medical emergency, contact the AXA Schengen call center at the number provided on your insurance policy. Medical assistance professionals will answer your questions and advise you 24/7, as well as help you find the medical center closest to your location and best suited to your situation. 

Keep in mind that you’ll need to provide the following info to the call center: 

• The number of your policy (which begins with “SCH”); 
• The address and telephone number at which you can be reached (as well as the details of any people that can be contacted locally); 
• Your dossier number (communicated at the time of the first call). 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Remember to always keep bills/invoices and enclose them with your file. And keep your phone charged too. 

PRO-TIP: And here are the emergency numbers to keep on hand when in Germany. 

• General emergency: 112 
• Police emergency: 110 
• Emergency medical service for urgent but not life-threatening situations: 116 and 117 -
• The Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance also has a citizen service, available weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 0228 99 550-3670.

What else should I know when prepping for my trip to Germany?

And here are a few bonus safety tips to ensure that your trip to Germany is a safe one: 

Security 
Crime levels are broadly similar in many Western nations — especially top tourist destinations. So be diligent and take sensible precautions to avoid mugging, purse snatching, and pickpocketing. And be particularly vigilant at airports, railway stations, the metro, crowded public gatherings, and tourist hotspots. Do not leave valuables unattended. 

Public transportation 
Most German cities and towns have efficient systems of public transport. In larger cities — i.e., Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich — they are usually integrated into a single network. There is an extensive high-speed rail network and an excellent road network, meaning longer journeys by road or rail are relatively pain-free. 

Opening hours 
From Monday to Saturday, shops, supermarkets, and so on are usually open between 8, 9 or 10 AM and 8, 9 or 10 PM. Some supermarkets already open their doors at 7 AM. Sunday, however, is usually a day of rest — especially in the smaller towns. 

Driving license
If you wish to drive in Germany, you must carry a valid driving license, insurance, and vehicle documents with you in the car at all times. If you are borrowing a vehicle, you may require written permission from the registered owner. The minimum age for driving a car in Germany is 18. 

Restaurants 
Most restaurants open around midday (between 10:30 AM and 02:30 PM) and again in the evening (from 05:00 PM till 11:00 PM) — although these times may vary greatly between smaller towns and the major cities. 

The Ruhezeit period 
And, finally, while AXA can guarantee that your trip is well ensured for the most part — we can’t guarantee that you won’t get a complaint from a neighbor or two if you choose to party it up. And that’s because many a German still strictly observes what’s known as the Ruhezeit period — i.e., quiet hours. These are typically from 10 pm every day, 6 am to 7 am on weekdays, and all of Sunday. The hours may vary depending on the city. For example, in Hamburg, quiet hours also include 1 pm to 3 pm. So don’t say we didn’t warn you. And safe travels! 

RELATED ARTICLES: 

• How to choose the best Schengen travel insurance 
• What documents do I need to travel to Germany?
• How safe is it to travel to Germany? 
• How safe is it to travel to France? 
• How safe is it to travel to Italy?
• How safe is it to travel to Europe (in general)? 
• How to apply for a Schengen Visa (in general)
• How to track your Schengen visa application

Is Germany part of the EU?

Yes. Germany is one of the members of the European Union. It’s also a member of the Eurozone — and its currency is, therefore, the Euro.

Can I apply for a Schengen Visa online?

Not yet. Although the European Union does plan to fully digitize the process soon. And AXA can tell you all about that.

Can I travel to other European countries with a German visa?

Yes. With your German Schengen visa, you should be able to visit other European countries — in most cases — as long as they are part of the Schengen area.

Can my German visa be extended?

Yes, but only in exceptional cases. You can learn more on the official Berlin Service Portal website.(AXA can tell you more about extending your visa too).

Can I work or study in Germany with a tourist visa?

No. The tourist (or TypeC) allows visitors to enter Germany for a short business trip, a holiday, or to visit family members. However, it cannot be converted into a work or study permit (AXA can tell you more about that as well).