Best Travel Insurance For Germany For Indians

Key takeaways

• You must get a travel insurance for Germany from India
• You should consider getting travel insurance from an insurance company in Germany over an insurance company in India. It’s because German insurers offer cheaper and better services than Indian insurers.
• You can cancel the travel insurance free of charge. Moreover, you can get the premium back if you must return home earlier than planned.

This is how you do it

• Get travel health insurance before the start of your trip to Germany and other Schengen countries.
• We find travel insurance from Dr. Walter* and HansMerkur among the best.

Table of Contents

Best travel health insurance for Indians traveling to Germany

Travel health insurance	Insurance coverage	Trustpilot Rating (as of 5 May 2024)*	Cost
Dr. Walter*	✅ No deductible ✅ Unlimited coverage of medical costs ✅ No age limit ✅ Cancellation and rebooking free of charge ✅ Contract and services in English	3.7 out of 5 (175 reviews)	1.1 € per day (up to 64 years) 6.5 € per day (65 and above) 20 € minimum premium
HansMerkur	✅ No deductible 🟡 The sum insured is limited to a total of 50,000 € per insured person for all insured events within the contract term. 🟡 Covers individuals who are up to 75 years old ✅ Contract and services in English	2.6 out of 5 (4152 reviews)	1.2 € per day (up to 64 years) 2.5 € per day (65 to 75 years) 10 € minimum premium
ADAC	🟡 50 € deductible ✅ Unlimited coverage of medical costs ✅ No age limit 🟡 Cancellation before start of insurance: 8 € of business fee ❌ Cancellation after the start of insurance: a business fee of 15% (max. 50 €). ❌ Contract and services are in German only	1.9 out of 5 (3700 reviews)	97 € for 3 months (under 66 years) 296 € for 3 months (over 66 years) Find the complete cost table here.

*As most companies offer several products, the customer reviews on Trustpilot reflect a mix of those products.

The following is common among all travel health insurance providers.

• ✅ Provides the necessary medical coverage
• ✅ Coverage in Germany and Schengen countries.
• ✅ Travel insurance recognized by the visa authorities 
• ❌ Existing medical issues and foreseeable medical problems are not covered

Other travel health insurance providers are

• Allianz
• Ergo Reiseversicherung

However, they offer services in Germany only.

Verdict

We recommend Dr. Walter’s* travel insurance for people up to 64 years old. However, HansMerkur is significantly cheaper for people 65 and older.

NOTE: Dr. Walter offers unlimited health insurance coverage, but HanseMerkur’s insurance coverage is limited to 50,000 €.

Do Indians need travel insurance to visit Germany?

Yes, as an Indian citizen, you need valid travel health insurance to get a German visa. The German embassy in India accepts only travel insurance that fulfills the following requirements.

• The minimum insured sum is 30,000 €
• Travel insurance must be valid throughout the Schengen area
• You must get travel insurance to cover your entire stay in Germany and other Schengen regions.

If you buy travel insurance from an Indian insurance company, you must use only the approved plans. The complete list is available here.

The German embassy also accepts travel insurance from German insurance companies. Furthermore, getting travel insurance from a German insurer offers several benefits that Indian insurance companies don’t.

Why is getting travel insurance from a German insurer recommended over an Indian insurer?

Every resident in Germany has at least three types of insurance: health insurance (required by law), personal liability insurance, and legal insurance. Thus, the German government regulates the insurance market tightly.

This includes

• Insurance companies must clearly state what is covered and what is not with examples.
• If an insurance clause is too vague, the court usually makes a decision in favor of the customer.
• The insurance company must inform their customer about their rights, like the right to cancel the contract within 14 days free of charge without any reason, how to file a claim, emergency contact number, etc. 
• There are also central bodies like (Verbraucherzentrale and BaFin) that take care of customer issues free of charge. 
• You can even contact the insurance ombudsman if you have disputes with the insurance company. The insurance ombudsman supports you free of charge.

Other reasons for getting travel insurance for Germany from a German insurance provider are as follows:

• Travel insurance from German insurers is cheaper than insurance from Indian companies. As there are several insurance companies active in Germany, the insurance market is very competitive, leading to better services at a lower cost. Dr. Walter* costs 108 € (9700 INR) for a 90-day trip to Germany and the Schengen area. 
• German travel insurance offers better services than Indian travel insurance providers. For example, you can get unlimited coverage, you don’t have to pay when you visit a doctor or go to a hospital in Germany, etc.
• German doctors and hospitals charge the insurance companies directly. In travel insurance from an Indian insurer, you must pay the doctor’s fee yourself and get it reimbursed later. However, you don’t have to pay a cent if you take travel insurance from a German insurer. Most doctors and hospitals in Germany bill the travel insurance providers directly.
• Contracts and information are available in both English and German. The German travel insurance providers offer documents and information in both English and German. When you visit a doctor or hospital in Germany, you can show them the information in German. Many ground-level staff and doctors can’t speak good English. Thus, having information in German makes it easier for them.
• German insurers are regulated by the German authorities. Germany has very strict regulations around insurance. Every insurance company must comply with these rules or may face hefty fines.
• Clearly describe the travel insurance coverage. German insurance companies are required by law to describe the coverage clearly. This means that instead of stating just “dental coverage” on their website, they must describe exactly what it means and the coverage limit. For example, Dental treatment for pain relief, simple fillings (plastic filling material), and repair of existing dentures. 

How much does travel insurance for Germany from India cost?

• Dr Walter costs 1.1 € per day for individuals up to 64 years old. So, you pay 99 € for a 90-day trip.
• HanseMerkur costs 1.2 € per day for individuals up to 64 years old. So, you pay 108 € for a 90-day trip.

The table below summarizes the travel health insurance costs based on age and stay period.

	Dr. Walter	HanseMerkur
30 days	up to 64: 33 € 65 and above: 195 €	up to 64: 36 € 65 and above: 75 €
60 days	up to 64: 66 € 65 and above: 390 €	up to 64: 72 € 65 and above: 150 €
90 days	up to 64: 99 € 65 and above: 585 €	up to 64: 108 € 65 and above: 225 €

What is covered under travel insurance?

• Outpatient medical treatment. In Germany, doctor’s and dentist’s fees are regulated. Doctors must charge their patients according to the fees regulated by law. If they charge more than the regulated fee, they must give a written justification to the patient. The travel insurance we recommend covers the doctor’s regulated fees. If the doctor charges more than the regulated fee, you must pay the difference on your own.
• Inpatient medical treatment, including operations. You had an emergency and must visit a hospital in Germany. Don’t worry, the hospital costs are covered by your travel health insurance. Moreover, if an operation is required, the operation costs are also covered.
• Medicines and remedies: Travel insurance covers the medication, remedies, and dressing material prescribed by a physician.
• Rental costs for medically prescribed aids: Suppose you met with an accident and need medical aids to recover faster. Travel insurance will cover the cost of renting such aids. The insured sum is limited to 500 € per claim.
• Dental treatment for pain relief, simple fillings (filling material: plastic), and repair of existing dentures. 
• Cost of medically necessary transport to the nearest hospital for inpatient treatment and treatment by an emergency physician.
• Medically necessary or prescribed return transport to your home in India.
• Repatriation costs: The cost of bringing the mortal remains to your home country or funeral expenses in Germany. The insured amount is limited to 30,000 €.
• Personal liability insurance: It covers the cost of damage you caused to a third party negligently. It covers bodily injury and property damage. The insured sum is 1 million euros.

What is not covered under travel insurance?

• Pre-existing or known diseases.
• Massages, medicinal baths, and poultices.
• Visual and hearing aids are not covered by travel insurance.
• Travel insurance doesn’t cover the cost of damage caused by the use of a motor vehicle. So, if you rent a car in Germany or the Schengen area, you must get separate car insurance.
• If you cause damage intentionally, travel insurance will not cover the costs.
• Other situations when travel insurance doesn’t cover the costs are
  • accidents caused by driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, 
  • poisoning from food or other substances,
  • intervertebral disc degeneration,
  • active participation in motor racing.

Visiting a doctor in Germany

You fell sick during your Germany trip. What should you do next? How do you find a doctor? How do you file a claim? Let’s have a look.

How do you find a doctor in Germany?

In Germany, there are two types of physicians: general practitioners and specialists. If you catch a cold, fever, or minor injury, you must visit a general practitioner. 

General practitioners are called “Hausartz” in German. Simply enter “Hausartz” in Google Maps, and it’ll show you the doctors near you.

However, suppose you need to visit a specialist, such as a skin doctor or orthopedic surgeon. In that case, it’s better to translate the specialization name into German and then search on Google Maps.

Getting an appointment with a doctor in Germany?

Weekends

Private practices are closed on Saturday and Sunday in Germany. So, if you want to visit a doctor on weekends, you must visit the nearest hospital.

You must go to the hospital’s emergency area and tell them your problem. Depending on your medical condition, you can expect to wait 2 to 8 hours. 

Weekdays

Each private practice in Germany is usually open till 17:00. You can check the opening hours on Google Maps or their website. 

You must call the practice and make an appointment. Most receptionists in Germany don’t speak English, so you must explain your situation in German.

Of course, explaining your issue in German would be tough. So, I recommend you ask your host family or hotel staff to explain your situation to the doctor on your behalf. 

After hours

If a private practice is closed on a public holiday, a weekend, or after working hours, you must go to the emergency room of the nearest hospital.

Visiting a hospital in Germany

In Germany, hospitals are open 24/7. You go to a hospital in two situations: a private practice is closed, or it’s an emergency.

In an accident or emergency, you should call an ambulance. The ambulance number in Germany is 112.

How do you buy medications in Germany?

German pharmacies are called “Apotheke.” You can find them everywhere. However, they are usually open 

• from 08:00 to 18:00 on the weekdays
• 08:00 to 13:00 on Saturday
• closed on Sundays and public holidays.

There are a few 24×7 pharmacies that you can search on Google. You must pay for over-the-counter medicines if you don’t have a doctor’s prescription. 

In Germany, you need a doctor’s prescription to get an antibiotic. The medicine names are also in German, so it’s best to Google what the medicine is called in German before going to the Apotheke.

Pharmacists in big cities usually also speak English. But if they don’t, be prepared with German text.

Always keep the receipts of the pharmacies. You need them when claiming the travel insurance benefits.

How do you file a claim with the German travel insurance provider?

Here is how you file a claim with Dr. Walter.

Doctor’s visit

• Consult a general practitioner before seeing a specialist or going to hospital.
• Show your physician Ärzte-Info-Ticket (medical information card) prior to treatment. When you take travel insurance, Dr. Walter gives you the medical information card.
• Inform your doctor that travel insurance only covers acute medical treatment.
• Usually, the doctor bills the insurance company directly. However, if they don’t, you get an invoice from them.
• Ensure that the invoice contains the following information.
  • your name (treated person),
  • illness,
  • type of medical services performed, and
  • total treatment costs.
• You must pay the doctor and later claim the costs from the travel insurance company.
• To submit the claim, you can use Dr. Walter’s online form. Attach all the invoices to ensure fast processing.

Hospitalization in an emergency situation

The insurance company considers a life-threatening situation that occurred unexpectedly as a medical emergency. In a medical emergency, severe health impairment or death may occur if no immediate medical care is given.

In an emergency situation, you show your Ärzte-Info-Ticket (medical information card) to the hospital. The hospital will contact the insurance company and usually settle the bill directly with them.

Hospital or inpatient treatment in a non-emergency situation

In this scenario, you must contact your travel insurance company before getting the treatment. Check what medical costs are covered to avoid any surprises later.

Can you cancel the travel insurance for Germany?

Yes, you can cancel your travel insurance contract. There are different scenarios, and cancellation works differently for each.

Canceling the travel insurance policy before starting the trip

You can cancel the contract or change the travel dates free of cost. You can do this by emailing or filling out an online form.

Cancelling travel insurance due to visa rejection

You can cancel the travel insurance contract free of charge. You must submit the visa rejection email or letter to the insurer.

Cancelling the travel insurance contract if you returned early from your trip 

You pay for the number of days you were insured under travel insurance. If you must return home earlier than planned, you can get the travel insurance premium back for the remaining days.

You must cancel your contract to get the insurance premium back. The insurer will calculate your exact premium based on the number of days you stayed in Germany or the Schengen area.

You only pay for the actual period of insurance and get the rest back.

NOTE: You must immediately inform the travel insurance company about your changed plans and cancel the contract.

What can you do if the travel insurance provider rejects your claim?

You have three options if you think the insruance cpoomany falsely rejected your claim.

• File a complaint online at Verbraucherzentrale. You must submit the complaint in German language. Google Translate or DeepL works well when translating English to German text. When filing the complaint, you must submit your insurance contract, invoices, email conversation with the insurer, and other relevant documents.
• Another authority to which you can submit a complaint is BaFin. Submit all the documents when filing the complaint.
• You can also contact an insurance ombudsman. They provide support for disputes against insurance companies free of charge.

What should you know about traveling in Germany?

• Safety: Germany is a very safe country. So you don’t have to worry about pickpocketing or traveling alone at night. However, you must avoid going to areas or streets that look sketchy at night alone.
• Transport: Germany is proud of its public transport and railway network. You can buy a 49 € monthly ticket and travel all over Germany using any type of public transport (bus, trains, trams, ferries, etc.) except ICEs (fast trains).
• Language: You should know a few German words before coming to Germany. It’ll make your trip more enjoyable. For example, thank you (Danke), Excuse me (Entschuldigung), please (Bitte), train (Bhan), etc.
• Locals: Locals are usually friendly and open to helping foreigners. However, don’t expect services in a restaurant or hotel like you do in India. Restaurant staff in Germany usually seem cold to foreigners traveling for the first time. But it’s a cultural thing and not racist. 
• Beer: German beer and beer festivals are famous all around the world. So, don’t forget to try a freshly brewed cold beer from the barrel. If you don’t drink alcohol, Germany offers alcohol-free beer for you.

We wish you a great time in Germany and safe travels.