Which Insurances are necessary in Germany for Expats?[In 2024] 

insurances for expats in Germany
insurances for expats in Germany

If you’re an expat living in Germany or planning to become one in 2024, it’s time to talk about something super important – insurance! We know, we know, it’s not the most exciting topic, but trust us, having the right coverage can save you from a lot of headaches down the road. So, let’s dive into the must-have insurances for expats in Germany and how they can protect you and your dreams.

The Expat Life in Germany

So, you’ve made the brave decision to live the expat life in Germany – a country known for its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and mouthwatering pretzels! But, amidst all the excitement, don’t forget to take care of the practical stuff too. Being far away from home can be both thrilling and daunting, but having the right insurance can provide that much-needed safety net. Here we will try and list out which insurances are necessary for expats in Germany in 2024.

Health Insurance

Alright, let’s start with a hot topic – health insurance! In Germany, it’s mandatory to have health coverage, and as an expat, you have a couple of options: 

  • This is the basic health insurance option(Public health Insurance) that covers all essential medical services. It’s required for employees earning up to a certain income threshold. While it’s a good starting point, keep in mind that it might not cover everything you need. 
    We have covered the best insurance providers in Germany in detail, in this article.
    Although there are many providers, in Germany for Public health Insurance like Tk, BarmerDAKAOK etc our favourite and recommended provider is Tk*. 
  • Private Health Insurance (Private Krankenversicherung) PKV

If you earn above the income threshold or work as a freelancer, you can opt for private health insurance. It offers more extensive coverage and allows you to tailor your plan to fit your needs. Plus, you get access to private doctors and clinics, which can be pretty handy. Some of the more popular providers, especially with Expats in Germany are, GetSafeOttonova and Feather. All of these providers, give full English customer support, which can be very helpful, especially in the initial days in the country, when one is probably still not very fluent in the German language. In fact, Ottonova even provides some special packages for expat students.

PKV Expat Banner (300x250) male: ottonova Health Insurance for Expats

Here’s a related article where we cover this topic, in detail: Private Health Insurance vs Public Health Insurance in Germany

  • Expat-Specific Health Insurance Plans

Some insurance providers offer plans designed specifically for expats. These plans often cover language assistance, international coverage, and other expat-friendly perks. They understand the challenges you might face, so they have your back! Ottonova and Feather would be options for these kinds of plans, for example.

Household Insurance: Protecting Your Belongings

Moving into a new place? Awesome! But don’t forget to protect your belongings and yourself from unexpected incidents. This is also referred to as Hausratversicherung. The popular providers, for your peace of mind, for this service are GetSafe and Feather. Again since both providers are supporting their customers with ease of plans and English support, we would suggest going with either of them

  • Understanding household insurance in Germany Renters’ insurance, or Hausratversicherung, covers your personal belongings in case of theft, fire, or other mishaps. Think about it – replacing all your stuff can be expensive, but with renters’ insurance, you won’t have to worry. 
  • Coverage for Personal Belongings and Possessions Imagine this – you come home after a long day exploring castles, and your apartment’s been burglarized! With household insurance, you can get reimbursed for your stolen belongings and start exploring again without a heavy heart. 

Liability Insurance

  • Liability Coverage for Accidents and Damages Oops! You accidentally flooded your neighbour’s apartment by leaving the tap running while dancing to German techno. Or your child broke someone’s window by accident. Liability coverage has your back in situations like these, so you won’t have to tap into your travel fund to pay for damages.Also commonly referred to as Haftpflichtversicherung. Some traditional providers for this service are Gothaer, and AragModern-age providers would be Feather and GetSafe. We would recommend these providers to Expats mostly because of the ease of use of the app and full English support 

Homeowners’ Insurance for Expats

All right, homeowners, this one’s for you! If you’re lucky enough to own property in Germany, congratulations! But remember, with great property comes great responsibility – and homeowners’ insurance can be your superhero. This is generally also called wohngebäudeversicherungAdam Reise could be your partner in this journey of securing your dream home.
  • Owning Property in Germany as an Expat Owning a piece of Germany can be a dream come true, but you need to safeguard your investment with homeowners’ insurance. 
  • Coverage for Property Damage and Loss Storms, fires, and other unexpected events can cause damage to your property. Homeowners’ insurance helps cover the repair costs, so you can focus on rebuilding your dream home. 
  • Protection against Natural Disasters As much as we love Germany, it’s not immune to natural disasters. Homeowners’ insurance can provide peace of mind by offering protection against floods, earthquakes, and other acts of nature. 
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Car Insurance for Expats Living in Germany

Ready to hit the Autobahn? Hold your horses! Before you zoom off, you need to sort out car insurance. Who can provide you with these services, you ask yourself?  AdmiralDirektDaDirekt and Verti are the ones that you could look at, although DaDirekt  is our recommended provider based on personal experience.
  • Mandatory Car Insurance Requirements in Germany In Germany, having liability insurance for your car is mandatory. It covers damages to other people’s property or injuries in case of an accident you’re at fault for. 
  • Types of Car Insurance Coverage While liability insurance is mandatory, you can also consider additional coverage, like partial or full coverage for your own car. Remember, the more coverage, the more protection. 
  • Additional Coverage for Expats If you’re planning road trips beyond Germany’s borders, check if your car insurance covers you in other countries. Road tripping through Europe can be epic, but you don’t want any roadblocks. 
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Legal Protection Insurance for Expats

Nobody wants to end up in a legal battle, but hey, life happens, right? Legal protection insurance can be your shield when things get legally messy. Also, remember that the providers will cover a situation which is non-existing, that is the coverage must have started before legal assistance is required, and not when the situation arises. So, if you have not taken any legal insurance as yet, then definitely take one NOW! Also remember that most Germans have this insurance and use it quite freely, and their assumption is that you must have taken one as well. Who can help you out with this? FeatherGetSafe and  AdmiralDirekt are your go-to providers, but our favourites remain Feather and GetSafe, for ease of use, and since all the fine print is provided in English, you have no surprises later, especially during a claims process.
  • Understanding Legal Protection Insurance (Rechtsschutzversicherung) Legal disputes can happen to anyone, and as an expat, navigating the German legal system can be overwhelming. Legal protection insurance offers support and covers legal expenses when you need it most. 
  • Coverage for Legal Disputes and Court Proceedings From contract disputes to landlord-tenant disagreements, legal protection insurance can cover the costs of hiring a lawyer and going to court. 
  • Specifics for Expats in Germany as an expat, you might encounter unique legal situations that locals wouldn’t. Legal protection insurance designed for expats can help you deal with these specific challenges.  

Life Insurance for Expatriates 

Life insurance isn’t the most fun topic, but it’s essential to ensure your loved ones are taken care of no matter what. Allianz and GetSurance can help you out in achieving this personal goal. Modern-day provider Feather with its full English support also can help you out with their plans here.
  • Ensuring Financial Security for Your Loved Ones Life insurance provides a financial safety net for your family in case the unexpected happens. It’s a way to show them you’ve got their back even if you’re not physically present. 
  • Term Life vs. Whole Life Insurance Term life insurance covers you for a specified period, while whole life insurance provides lifelong coverage. Choose the one that aligns with your future plans and financial goals. 
  • Factors to Consider as an Expat As an expat, your life insurance needs might be different from those of a local. Factors like your international lifestyle and your family’s location can influence your coverage decisions. 
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Disability Insurance: Safeguarding Your Income

Life can take unexpected turns, and being prepared for the worst-case scenario is always a good idea. Feather has plans in English to support you, if you hit such turbulent times. GetSurance would be a good traditional provider for this Insurance, for the coverage they provide and quick claims procedures.
  • The Importance of Disability Insurance What if you’re unable to work due to an illness or injury? Disability insurance replaces a portion of your income, ensuring you can still pay your bills and focus on recovery. 
  • Coverage for Temporary and Permanent Disabilities Disability insurance covers both short-term and long-term disabilities, offering financial protection regardless of the duration of your inability to work. 
  • Supplementing Workplace Coverage Your employer might offer disability insurance, but it might not be sufficient. Supplementing it with your own policy can ensure you have adequate coverage.
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Travel Insurance for Expats

As a jet-setting expat, you’re always on the go! But before you hop on your next adventure, make sure you’re covered by travel insurance. You could reach out to Allianz or Hepster, to help you along the way.
  • The Necessity of Travel Insurance while Living Abroad
Whether you’re exploring the European wonders or flying back home for a family reunion, travel insurance protects you against unexpected events like medical emergencies or trip cancellations. 
  • Coverage for Medical Emergencies and Trip Cancellations Getting sick or injured while abroad can be a nightmare, but travel insurance ensures you receive medical care without draining your savings. Additionally, if your trip gets cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, you won’t lose your hard-earned money. 
  • Single-Trip vs. Annual Policies If you plan to travel frequently, an annual travel insurance policy might be more cost-effective than buying a separate policy for each trip.
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Expatriate Personal Liability Insurance

Nobody wants to be responsible for causing harm or damage, but accidents can happen, and personal liability insurance can help you deal with the consequences. There are multiple providers of this service in the market such as Arag, Gothaer or GetSafe. We believe that GetSafe is a good provider especially for expats as they have 24×7 support in English and easy-to-use plans.

  • Understanding Personal Liability Insurance for Expats Personal liability insurance covers you in case you unintentionally cause bodily injury or property damage to others. 
  • Coverage for Accidents and Damages From accidentally bumping into someone on the busy streets of Berlin to breaking a neighbour’s window with your Frisbee, personal liability insurance has you covered. 
  • Limits and Exclusions It’s essential to understand the limits and exclusions of your personal liability policy to avoid any surprises when you need to make a claim.

Supplemental Dental Insurance for Expats

All right, let’s talk about that charming smile! Your dental health matters and having supplemental dental insurance can keep your pearly whites shining. A traditional service provider who can help you out here is Hallesche. But as an Expat if you are looking for support in English, thenFeatherGetSafe and Ottonova are all good options to go for.

  • The Importance of Dental Insurance Coverage Regular dental check-ups, cleanings, and unexpected treatments can add up quickly. Supplemental dental insurance helps cover these costs, ensuring you maintain that million-dollar smile. 
  • Coverage for Routine Check-ups and Dental Treatments Don’t skip those dental appointments! With supplemental dental insurance, you can stay on top of your dental health without breaking the bank. 
  • Dental Insurance Options for Expats Explore different dental insurance plans to find one that suits your needs and budget. You’ll be ready to flash your smile with confidence in no time! 
 
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Pet Insurance for Your Furry Friends 

Your pets are part of your family, and their well-being matters too! As an expat in Germany, considering pet insurance can provide essential coverage for your furry companions. So which service providers can assist you to protect your pets? Let’s say one of your pets gets a little naughty and causes some damage, then you could look up Pets liability insurance and this can be provided by for example Feather, GetSafe or Adam Reise. This in fact is mandatory insurance in a few states such as Berlin, Brandenburg, Lower Saxony, Hamburg and a few more. For covering your pet’s health needs and also saving up on heavy Vet costs, one can opt for Animal health insurance with GetSafe or with Feather. Let’s dive into the details of why pet insurance is worth considering: 
  • The Importance of Pet Insurance Just like humans, pets can also face unexpected health issues or accidents. Pet insurance helps cover veterinary expenses, ensuring that your four-legged friends receive the necessary medical care without putting a strain on your finances. 
  • Coverage for Medical Treatments Whether it’s routine check-ups, vaccinations, or more serious treatments, pet insurance can help offset the costs of veterinary care. This means you can give your pets the care they deserve without worrying about the financial burden. 
  • Accident and Illness Coverage Pet insurance often includes coverage for accidents and illnesses. In case your pet gets injured or falls sick, you won’t have to hesitate to provide them with prompt medical attention due to cost concerns. 
  • Peace of Mind Knowing that you have pet insurance in place offers peace of mind. You can focus on creating wonderful memories with your furry companions instead of worrying about potential medical expenses by 
  • Tailored Plans Pet insurance policies can be tailored to suit your pet’s specific needs and your budget. Whether you have a dog, a cat, or another furry friend, you can find a plan that aligns with their health requirements. 
  • Navigating Veterinary Care in Germany Being in a new country might mean navigating a different veterinary care system. Pet insurance can provide guidance on reputable veterinarians and clinics, making your pet’s healthcare journey smoother.
Tierkrankenversicherung

Insurance Tips for Expats in Germany

You’ve got the lowdown on various insurances, but here are some extra tips to navigate the insurance landscape like a pro! 

  • Understanding the Local Insurance System Germany’s insurance system can be quite different from what you’re used to in your home country. Take the time to understand how it works to make informed decisions. 
  • Dealing with Language and Cultural Barriers Don’t be shy to ask for help! Language barriers can make insurance jargon sound like a foreign language. Seek assistance from bilingual experts to clear things up. 
  • Seek Professional Advice for Complex Insurance Matters When in doubt, consult insurance experts who specialize in helping expats. They can guide you through the intricacies and find the best coverage for your unique situation. 
  • Maintaining Adequate Coverage Throughout Your Stay As your life in Germany evolves, your insurance needs might change too. Regularly review your policies to ensure you’re adequately covered at all times.

Some ‘Nice to Have’ Insurances

In Germany, insurance isn’t just a financial safeguard; it’s a way of life. Beyond the mandatory basics, there are ‘nice to have’ options that offer additional layers of protection and peace of mind. Here are a few of them, as we explore these supplementary insurance choices, providing insights on how they can enhance your quality of life.

Some insurance providers offer plans designed specifically for expats. These plans often cover language assistance, international coverage, and other expat-friendly perks. They understand the challenges you might face, so they have your back! Ottonova and Feather would be options for these kinds of plans, for example.

Accident Insurance

Unforeseen Events and Protection

Life is full of unexpected twists and turns. Accident insurance ensures you’re financially prepared when the unexpected happens.

Not all accident insurance policies are created equal. Discover the key factors to consider when selecting accident coverage in Germany, ensuring it aligns with your lifestyle and budget. Service providers like Adam Reise and Gothaer, can provide the necessary plans, for covering this aspect of life.


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Work Loss Insurance

Safeguarding Your Income

Your ability to earn a living is one of your most valuable assets. Work loss insurance steps in to provide financial stability during challenging times. And this insurance can be a lifeline in such times.

Work loss insurance policies come in various forms so one should select the coverage that aligns with your occupation and financial goals.

GetSurance as a provider has helped many residents, both locals as well as Expats, overcome the challenge of losing one’s job.

Cancer Insurance

Facing a Health Challenge

A cancer diagnosis is life-altering, and the last thing you need to worry about is the financial burden. Cancer insurance offers crucial support during this difficult journey. So one needs to  break down the benefits to make an informed decision about the coverage.

Not all cancer insurance policies are the same. GetSurance can be your partner to guide you through the intricacies of cancer coverage in Germany, ensuring you choose a policy that provides the support and peace of mind you deserve.

Krebsversicherung Getsurance


 

Funeral Insurance

Preparing for the Inevitable

Thinking about your own funeral is never easy, but it’s a responsible choice. Funeral insurance eases the financial burden on your loved ones during a challenging time. 

Funeral insurance policies vary in terms of coverage and costs which can go to a few thousand Euros, in Germany. Bvag can help you understand the factors to consider when selecting funeral insurance, ensuring your final journey is a smooth one for your family.

FAQs about Insurance In Germany [Must-Haves For Expats In 2024]

Before we sign off, let’s tackle some frequently asked questions to clear up any lingering doubts.                                                                         

Living in Germany requires mandatory health insurance. You can choose between statutory health insurance or private health insurance, depending on your income and employment status.

As an expat, you can obtain German health insurance by either enrolling in the statutory health insurance system or opting for private health insurance. Make sure to check eligibility and coverage options before deciding. 

For travel to Germany, it’s essential to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen events. Look for policies specifically tailored to international travellers.                         

For travel to Germany, it’s essential to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen events. Look for policies specifically tailored to international travellers. 

Determining the best private health insurance company in Germany depends on your individual needs and preferences. Research different providers, compare their offerings, and read customer reviews to find the right fit. An online tool that could help you out is Check24

Renters’ insurance is not legally required, but it’s highly recommended. It protects your personal belongings and provides liability coverage in case of accidents or damages in your rented home. 

Most likely not. German law usually requires drivers to have insurance coverage provided by a German-based insurer while driving within the country. Check with your insurer for specific details. 

While not mandatory, legal protection insurance can be beneficial for expats facing legal issues. It covers legal expenses and provides support in case of disputes, helping you navigate the German legal system. 

As an expat, factors such as your family’s location, financial goals, and future plans should be considered when selecting life insurance coverage. Consult insurance experts to find the best-suited policy for you. 

Yes, freelancers in Germany can obtain disability insurance to protect their income in case of temporary or permanent disabilities. Explore different policies to find one that meets your specific needs. 

Yes, many insurance providers offer specialized plans catering to expats’ unique needs. These plans often include additional services and support to make your life as an expat smoother and more secure

Conclusion: Safeguarding Your Life in Germany

Congratulations, savvy expat! You’ve reached the end of this insurance adventure. Now that you know the ins and outs of insurances, you can embark on your journey in Germany with confidence. Accidents and unexpected events can happen, but with the right coverage, you can focus on making unforgettable memories and living your best expat life! Safe travels

 

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