Travel Insurance for Germany

Thinking of swapping your flat white for some seriously good beer? Germany offers an epic mix of history, culture, and – did we mention – seriously good beer? Before you hit the autobahn, let’s unpack how you can keep your holiday stress-free with travel insurance.

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Written by

Tina Sendin

Edited by

Ellie Garran

Reviewed by

Adrian Bennett

Last Updated 16/09/2025

Fact checked

Written by

Tina Sendin

Last Updated 16/09/2025

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Do I need travel insurance for Germany?

What popular activities in Germany can travel insurance cover?

What does travel insurance for Germany typically cover?

How much does travel insurance for Germany typically cost?

Travel tips for Germany

Frequently asked questions

Why meander through options when you can cruise with iSelect?

Long story short

Travel insurance is smart for any trip

Even for shorter stays, travel insurance is a good idea as it can cover medical bills, lost luggage, and those unexpected curveballs.

Basic travel insurance could cost around $50 per week

Add-ons like snow sports cover can increase the price.

There’s no free healthcare for Aussies in Germany

Australia doesn’t have a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) with Germany. Without insurance, medical bills can quickly pile up.

A Schengen visa and insurance are required for longer stays

Planning to stay in Germany (or the Schengen Area) for over 90 days in any 180-day period? You’ll need a visa and proof of travel insurance.

Do I need travel insurance for Germany?

It’s a good idea to get travel insurance when planning to go to Germany. It’s your plan B for when the unexpected stuff happens – like a sudden dash to the hospital or your luggage taking a detour to another country (yes, unfortunately without you).

But technically speaking, if you’re wondering whether you’re required to get travel insurance, here’s what the go is.

If you don’t need a Schengen visa

Those with Australian passports are lucky – they don’t need to apply for a Schengen visa if they’re planning to stay for 90 days or less.

That said, even if you don’t need a visa to get in, it’s still a smart move to organise travel insurance before you go. Australia doesn’t have a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) with Germany; that means if something goes wrong, you’re on your own for hospital bills, ambulance rides, or any other emergency treatments. There’s no access to free or subsidised public healthcare, so those costs can stack up fast – think eye-watering bills that could put a major dent in your holiday plans.

If you need a Schengen visa

If you don’t have an Australian passport or you’re planning to stay for longer than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a Schengen visa. This is an entry pass for the Schengen Area, which comprises 29 European countries.

Getting a Schengen visa requires a proof of health insurance with at least €30,000 (or approximately $50,000) in coverage for the unfortunate stuff you’d rather not think about – urgent medical treatment, hospital stays, getting you back home if something serious happens, or (in really tough situations), costs for the funeral and bringing the insured’s remains back to Australia.

All this to say, it’s worth getting travel insurance either way. It’s a solid backup so you can stick to the fun stuff and let someone else handle the unexpected. Especially if you’re planning to gallivant around the Schengen Area, travel insurance for Europe is key to making your big Euro trip one for the books!

What popular activities in Germany can travel insurance cover?

From summer to winter, Germany’s got a bit of everything – history, adventure, and a whole lot of schnitzel. You can literally choose your own adventure! Here’s how travel insurance can step in while you’re living your best holiday life.

Soaking up summer at Lake Constance

Lake Constance is the ultimate summer escape, with its charming towns and epic views of the Alps. Whether you’re sailing along the crystal-clear waters, cycling the scenic lakeside paths, or soaking up the vibes at a local festival, travel insurance has got you in case of a slip, spill, or other unexpected hiccups.

Exploring castles and historic sites

Germany’s castles are pure fairytale magic. (Look up Neuschwanstein and you’ll see – it inspired Sleeping Beauty’s castle in Disneyland!) But those cobblestone paths can be a bit tricky. If you take a tumble while living your best Disney princess or Prince Charming moment, travel insurance can take care of sudden hospital costs.

Hiking in the Bavarian Alps

The Alps are a hiker’s dream, with trails for all levels. But if you’re planning to go off the beaten path or try something adventurous like rock climbing, you might need to add adventure sports cover to your policy. It’s worth it, especially when those views are epic (but a broken ankle isn’t).

Driving on the autobahn

For many travellers, renting a car and cruising the autobahn is a bucket-list experience. With no speed limits on most of it, the thrill of driving as fast as you dare is hard to beat. But accidents can happen, and if you have a little fender bender, travel insurance with rental vehicle excess cover can help you dodge a hefty bill.

Sipping gluhwein at Christmas markets

The spiced mulled wine and the twinkling fairy lights – they’re giving Harry Potter vibes. But with big crowds come sneaky pickpockets. If your wallet (or worse, passport) cops it, travel insurance can help sort out the mess. But if you’ve had one too many and something goes wrong, claims related to alcohol might not be covered.

Hitting the slopes in the Black Forest

The snow-covered trails and stunning alpine views in Black Forest make it a top spot for winter sports. But before you strap on your skis or snowboard, it’s worth making sure your travel insurance includes ski cover. It’s a handy add-on that can cover things like damaged gear if you take a spill on the slopes.

‘Free walking tours are absolute manna from heaven when you’re exploring a new city. I remember signing up for one that promised to show off Banksy’s street art all around Berlin. It was a solo trip and it was my first time there. So I figured, why not?

The guide was a local who knew all the hidden gems. I mean, with Banksy, you’ve gotta know where to look, right? We wandered through quirky laneways and admired some incredible street art (how Banksy got up some buildings is beyond me). We even tucked into an unforgettable currywurst just a stone’s throw from Alexanderplatz.

Towards the end, if you walk away from your free walking tour feeling like a freshly minted local, then it’s a good idea to tip your guide.‘

Tina Sendin
Digital Writer, iSelect

What does travel insurance for Germany typically cover?

Travel insurance isn’t just about covering medical costs – it’s got your back for heaps of other worries too. That said, there are a few things it usually won’t cover, so it’s worth getting your head around the details before you lock in a policy. While the specifics can vary between insurers, here’s a general idea of what’s usually covered – and what’s not.

What’s typically included
What’s not typically included

How much does travel insurance for Germany typically cost?

And how many sausages fit on a bratwurst platter? Some questions, like the cost of travel insurance, can only really be answered with an ‘it depends’. Your premium can shift depending on a few things:

the insurer and level of cover you go with
how long you’re heading to Germany for
your age and health (plus any pre-existing conditions)
what you’re packing and how much it’s worth
the excess amount you choose
any extras like snow sports or adventure packages.

If you’re planning a week-long trip to Germany, as of August 2025 you might be looking at around $50 for a basic policy.¹

But if you’re planning to carve up the slopes in the Bavarian Alps or try some adrenaline-pumping activities, you’ll probably need extra coverage – and pay more.

Travel tips for Germany

Visa and entry requirements

You can visit for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without needing a Schengen visa, but make sure your passport has at least three months’ validity after the date you plan to leave the EU. It must also have been issued within the last 10 years.

There’s a bit of a shake-up happening with Europe’s border rules. They’re rolling out the Entry/Exit System (EES), an automated set-up to track non-EU travellers (like Aussies) visiting for short stays of up to 90 days in a 180-day period. The rollout kicks off in October 2025 and will gradually be in full swing by April 2026. You might hit some longer queues at the border around this time, so pack a bit of patience and go with the flow.

On top of that, there’s a new bit of admin to sort before you fly – the ETIAS travel authorisation. It’s not a visa, just an online form Aussies will need to fill out and get approved before heading to Europe. It’s expected to kick in about six months after the EES starts. While it’ll eventually be mandatory, there’ll be a transition period where you won’t be turned away if you don’t have one.

It’s worth staying on top of these changes so you’ll have a great start to your German holiday!

Best time to visit

Germany’s a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on what you’re after. Summer (June to August) is perfect for outdoor adventures, beer gardens, and festivals, while winter (December to February) is about Christmas markets and snow sports. Spring and autumn are quieter, with mild weather and fewer crowds – ideal for exploring cities and countryside alike. Although if you’re after the Oktoberfest in Munich, you know when to go!

Safety

There’s a bit of a risk of terrorism in Germany, with attacks possible anytime, anywhere. Recently, there’ve been a few incidents involving vehicles or knives, so it’s worth staying alert while you’re out and about. Pickpockets can be sneaky in busy areas like train stations and tourist hotspots, so keep your valuables close. For the latest safety advice, check out Smartraveller before you go.

Transport

Germany’s public transport is a dream – the trains and buses are efficient, clean, and easy to navigate. If you’re planning to travel between cities, it’s worth considering a Eurail Pass or booking tickets in advance for cheaper fares. And if you’re driving, remember to stick to the right side of the road!

Language

Especially if you’re going to big cities like Frankfurt, you won’t have to cram your Duolingo lessons, because most Germans speak English. But learning a few basic German phrases can go a long way. Even a simple danke (thank you) and auf wiedersehen (goodbye) – thanks Sound of Music! – are appreciated.

Tipping

Just like most of Europe, rounding up the bill to the nearest euro is the norm in German restaurants and cafes. Or if it’s a nicer sit-down resto, leaving 10% will likely warrant a smile from the wait staff. Also, in some parts of Germany, most establishments still prefer cash. So don’t forget to get your euros ready!

Frequently asked questions

Which companies offer travel insurance for Germany? 

Germany might be the land of castles and culture, but it’s also packed with so many options – just like travel insurance! It feels like there are almost as many insurers out there as there are cobblestone streets in its charming towns. To get you started, here are a few names.

Some insurers that iSelect can help you compare include:

Other travel insurers in the market include:

1Cover
Allianz
Blue Insurance
Budget Direct
Bupa Travel Insurance
Cover-More
Everyday Travel Insurance
Medibank
Nib
RACV Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance Direct

Note: iSelect does not compare all travel insurance providers in the market, or all products offered by our partners in your area.

What travel insurance do I need for Germany?

If Germany’s one of the many stops on your backpacking adventure, you’re probably looking to save a few bucks where you can. While you don’t want to skimp on protection, sometimes a medical-only or basic travel policy can do the trick to keep you and your budget in check. These usually cover emergency medical costs and might offer optional extras for your luggage, depending on the insurer.

For a more well-rounded holiday – like exploring the fairytale castles of Bavaria or renting a car for a scenic drive to the Black Forest – a comprehensive policy could be a good option. It’ll cover more than just medical emergencies and lost luggage, with extras like cancellation cover, rental vehicle excess, and more.

If you’re planning some adrenaline-packed fun, like skiing in the Bavarian Alps or cycling along the Moselle River, you might want to add extra coverage to your policy. Most insurers offer snow sports and adventure sports add-ons, but it’s worth making sure you know exactly what’s covered so you’re not hit with any surprise bills later.

Will I be covered for COVID-19? 

The pandemic might feel like a thing of the past now, but let’s be real – it’s still sitting in the back of most of our minds.

While pandemics are usually a no-go when it comes to travel insurance, COVID-19’s a bit of an exception. You might be able to find cover for it, whether you catch it mid-trip or need to cancel before you even leave for the airport. To get the full picture of what’s covered, it’s worth having a squiz at your policy’s product disclosure statement (PDS).

Having cover is awesome, but dodging COVID-19 altogether is even better. So, make sure you pack that hand sanitiser and practice thorough handwashing before flying out! 

Why meander through options when you can cruise with iSelect?

If you’re already practising your German phrases, it’s worth adding travel insurance to your pre-trip prep (try saying that five times – it’s as easy as speaking German, isn’t it?). Travel insurance can be your safety net if things go sideways, and your future self will be saying a big danke schön for sorting it out.

iSelect makes it super easy to explore options and compare travel insurance policies from different providers. We’ll handle the admin so you can focus on the fun stuff – like deciding whether to wander through Berlin’s history, cruise the Rhine, or soak up the charm of Heidelberg.

Easily compare Travel insurance quotes

Save time and effort by comparing a range of travel insurance policies with iSelect

Compare policies

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