The Best Travel Insurance Plans for Germany in 2025
- The best travel insurance plans for Germany
- Current travel safety in Germany
- Is travel insurance required by law to enter Germany?
- Why take out travel insurance for Germany?
- What travel insurance for Germany should cover
- The cost of travel insurance for Germany
- How to pay less for your travel insurance to Germany
- Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Germany?
- FAQ
Travel insurance for Germany: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Germany covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and lost luggage for Australian travellers.
2. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory for Australians, but it is highly recommended for financial protection.
3. Healthcare cost: German healthcare is excellent but expensive; a hospital night can cost over AUD 1,500.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for Germany typically costs between AUD 40 and AUD 80.
5. Good to know: Always carry your passport or photo ID, as German authorities can request it anytime.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analysing 38 travel insurance policies available in Australia, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Germany.
The best travel insurance plans for Germany
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | AUD 1.6M | Our top pick for travel to Germany. - high medical ceiling - repatriation covered - extra cover for pandemics and terrorism |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | AUD 1.6M | Very strong for short trips in Germany. - 24/7 helpline - covers cancellations - no excess |
| Tourist Card | AUD 800K | Recommended for tourists seeking simplicity. - clear emergency care - good evacuation support - value pricing |
| Travel Pass Monde | AUD 1.1M | A balanced contract for Australia to Germany. - high hospital limit - support in English - personal liability included |
| Globe Partner | AUD 480K | Solid core protection for international stays. - medical care in Germany - repatriation guarantee - simple claims process |
| Globe Traveller | AUD 800K | An affordable, essential insurance for simple trips. - medical included - rapid refund - limited extras |
- high medical ceiling
- repatriation covered
- extra cover for pandemics and terrorism
- 24/7 helpline
- covers cancellations
- no excess
- clear emergency care
- good evacuation support
- value pricing
- high hospital limit
- support in English
- personal liability included
- medical care in Germany
- repatriation guarantee
- simple claims process
- medical included
- rapid refund
- limited extras
Current travel safety in Germany
As of June 2025, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade recommends travellers to exercise normal safety precautions in Germany. The general situation is stable, but attention to situational risks remains important.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: the risk of terrorism persists, with incidents like the knife attack in Mannheim in March 2025. Remain vigilant in crowded areas such as central train stations and Christmas markets.
- Health risks: tick-borne encephalitis is present in forested regions including Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, especially from spring to autumn. Thoroughly check for ticks after outdoor activities and seek prompt medical care if bitten.
- Legal requirements: always carry your passport or photo ID, as German police can request it for identity checks at any time, particularly near border regions.
- Urban safety: pickpocketing and theft occur at major transport hubs such as Berlin Hauptbahnhof and on public transport. Keep luggage secured and stay alert to common scams in large cities.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in Germany.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter Germany?
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for Australian citizens to enter Germany for short stays of up to 90 days.
Travel insurance is still strongly recommended because medical treatment can be expensive and most hospitals require up-front payment without cover. Insurance also provides support for emergency repatriation and assistance during travel disruptions or unforeseen events.
According to our data, 50% of travelers purchase travel insurance before going to Germany due to the high cost of health care and the preference for peace of mind during travel.
Why take out travel insurance for Germany?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Germany.
Medical care in Germany is of high standard, but costs can be substantial for international visitors. In major cities like Berlin or Munich, private hospitals such as Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Schön Klinik München Schwabing require upfront payment, and a short hospital stay or emergency surgery can become very expensive.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalisation, medication, ambulance transport and emergency repatriation to Australia in the event of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Germany.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 2,000 € (approx. AUD 3,200) | up to 100% |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 1,300 € (approx. AUD 2,100) | up to 100% |
| I need to be repatriated | 35,000 € (approx. AUD 56,500) | up to 100% |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 7,000 € (approx. AUD 11,300) | up to 100% |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
What travel insurance for Germany should cover
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Reimbursement of hospital and doctor bills in case of illness or accident, including private clinics in Berlin or Munich. Recommended limit: AUD 500,000. |
| ✈️ Repatriation | Coverage for evacuation to Australia if necessary due to serious illness or injury. Recommended minimum: AUD 200,000. |
| 🏨 Hospitalisation | Payment for extended stays, surgery, and intensive care in German hospitals. Recommended minimum: AUD 100,000. |
| 💊 Medications | Covers prescribed medicines during your trip. Recommended minimum: AUD 2,000. |
| 🚑 Ambulance | Cost of emergency transport within Germany, including air ambulance if needed. Recommended minimum: AUD 10,000. |
| 🛄 Luggage protection | Compensation for loss, theft, or damage to baggage and personal items. Recommended minimum: AUD 5,000. |
| ❌ Trip cancellation | Refund of pre-paid travel and accommodation costs if your trip must be cancelled for a valid reason. Recommended minimum: AUD 10,000. |
| 🦷 Dental emergencies | Emergency dental care for accidental injury. Recommended minimum: AUD 2,000. |
Recommended limit: AUD 500,000.
Recommended minimum: AUD 200,000.
Recommended minimum: AUD 100,000.
Recommended minimum: AUD 2,000.
Recommended minimum: AUD 10,000.
Recommended minimum: AUD 5,000.
Recommended minimum: AUD 10,000.
Recommended minimum: AUD 2,000.
Travel insurance offered by local providers or credit cards often includes low reimbursement limits and numerous exclusions. It is safer to choose a comprehensive policy from a recognised insurer. Take time to compare leading options on HelloSafe and subscribe online for instant certification.
The cost of travel insurance for Germany
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | AUD 39 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | AUD 59 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | AUD 95 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | AUD 215 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
Your travel insurance cost for Germany depends on several factors: your age, the length of your stay, your chosen level of cover, and any pre-existing medical conditions. Optional extras like cancellation cover also influence the price. Keep these in mind to select a suitable policy and avoid unexpected costs on your trip.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow to pay less for your travel insurance to Germany
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Germany while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 👤 Traveller's age | Age can affect premiums, especially for senior travellers in Germany. | Compare providers as pricing varies. Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62. |
| ✈️ Trip duration | Longer trips usually result in higher overall insurance costs. | Select only the days needed for your insurance period to avoid unnecessary extra costs. |
| 🧳 Type of travel | Adventure, sports or business travel can raise premiums due to extra risk. | Choose basic coverage if you plan a standard tourist visit without risky activities in Germany. |
| 🏥 Level of coverage | Higher medical limits and more features increase the price, especially in European countries. | Balance your coverage by excluding non-essential extras you do not need for Germany. |
| 👨👩👧👦 Number of travellers | Family or group policies can be more economical than insuring each person separately. | Select family/group plans if travelling with others to benefit from reduced average price per person. |
| 💰 Excess/deductible | A higher excess lowers premiums but increases your share per claim. | Consider a higher excess to pay less upfront, but ensure you can manage the higher cost if you need to claim. |
| 🌏 Worldwide vs Europe | Some insurers price Europe-only coverage lower than worldwide coverage. | Choose Europe-only cover if you are not visiting other continents during this trip to Germany. |
Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Germany?
It’s completely legitimate to wonder whether your existing coverage—such as credit card insurance or your public health system—can protect you during a trip to Germany. Unfortunately, this coverage is often limited or insufficient. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Germany? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance | Never | Covers nothing overseas. No hospital care, no emergency repatriation, no benefits in Germany. | Travel insurance covers up to AUD 1.6M for medical emergencies, hospital fees, repatriation, and 24/7 multilingual help. |
| Private health insurance | Limited coverage | May reimburse some hospital costs (limit: AUD 20k–150k), but often no repatriation, limited to emergencies. | Travel insurance guarantees higher medical limits, repatriation, trip cancellation, baggage loss, and no up-front payments. |
| Classic credit card (e.g. Visa Classic, Mastercard Standard, ANZ First) | Limited coverage | Medical: up to AUD 2k–5k. Delay and lost luggage. Usually excludes winter sports, pandemics, pre-existing conditions. | Travel insurance covers more activities, up to AUD 1.6M medical, and civil liability, plus natural disaster incidents. |
| Premium credit card (e.g. Westpac Altitude Platinum, NAB Platinum, American Express Explorer) | Limited coverage | Medical emergency: up to AUD 250k. Baggage: up to AUD 10k. No cover for pandemics or adventure sports. | Travel insurance includes much higher caps, evacuation, pandemics, travel interruption, and comprehensive 24/7 claims assistance. |
Example
While hiking in Bavaria, Liam contracted tick-borne encephalitis, resulting in a AU$35,000 hospital bill. His CommBank card's complimentary insurance only covered AU$5,000, and his standard Aussie health policy offered no overseas cover. Liam was left to pay the remaining AU$30,000 himself, a devastating financial blow.
Expert advice
Don't assume your bank card or health fund covers trip interruptions for a relative's illness or death, as these are often excluded. Read your policy's conditions carefully to avoid nasty surprises overseas. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to subscribe a dedicated travel insurance tailored to the trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Germany?
Australian citizens do not need a visa for short stays in Germany of up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism or business. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date and should have at least two blank pages. Always check for current regulations before travel.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Germany?
First, compare travel insurance offers by using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Next, check the coverage details and any exclusions, especially those relating to travel in Germany. Then buy your chosen plan conveniently online and, finally, receive your insurance certificate by email for your records and any border requirements.
Are healthcare costs high in Germany compared to Australia?
Yes, treatment in German hospitals or clinics can be expensive, often higher than in Australia. Public hospitals may ask for up-front payment if you do not have valid travel insurance. This applies to routine emergency care and extended hospitalisation, so adequate coverage is important for all visitors.
What risks should Australians be aware of when travelling to Germany?
Australians should be alert to pickpocketing and theft, especially at train stations and busy tourist sites. There is also an increased threat of terrorism in major cities. If you visit rural or forested areas, be aware of ticks, as tick-borne encephalitis is a health risk in some regions.
Is travel insurance available for activities like skiing or hiking in Germany?
Yes, many travel insurance policies include coverage for activities such as skiing, snowboarding, or hiking, common in Bavaria and other German regions. However, always check for any exclusions or coverage limits related to adventure sports, and declare planned activities when purchasing your insurance to ensure you are fully protected.
Do I need a visa to travel to Germany?
Australian citizens do not need a visa for short stays in Germany of up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism or business. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date and should have at least two blank pages. Always check for current regulations before travel.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Germany?
First, compare travel insurance offers by using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Next, check the coverage details and any exclusions, especially those relating to travel in Germany. Then buy your chosen plan conveniently online and, finally, receive your insurance certificate by email for your records and any border requirements.
Are healthcare costs high in Germany compared to Australia?
Yes, treatment in German hospitals or clinics can be expensive, often higher than in Australia. Public hospitals may ask for up-front payment if you do not have valid travel insurance. This applies to routine emergency care and extended hospitalisation, so adequate coverage is important for all visitors.
What risks should Australians be aware of when travelling to Germany?
Australians should be alert to pickpocketing and theft, especially at train stations and busy tourist sites. There is also an increased threat of terrorism in major cities. If you visit rural or forested areas, be aware of ticks, as tick-borne encephalitis is a health risk in some regions.
Is travel insurance available for activities like skiing or hiking in Germany?
Yes, many travel insurance policies include coverage for activities such as skiing, snowboarding, or hiking, common in Bavaria and other German regions. However, always check for any exclusions or coverage limits related to adventure sports, and declare planned activities when purchasing your insurance to ensure you are fully protected.
