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 should travel insurance for Germany cover?
- The cost of travel insurance for Germany
- How can you 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 baggage during your stay.
2. Key protection: Travel insurance is not mandatory for Canadians, but it is highly recommended for financial protection.
3. Healthcare cost: German healthcare is excellent but expensive; a hospital night can cost over CAD $1,500.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for Germany typically costs between CAD $30 and CAD $60.
5. Good to know: Ensure your policy covers lost or stolen documents, as passport theft on trains is increasing.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analyzing 41 travel insurance policies available in Canada, 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 | 1.5M CAD | Our recommendation for comprehensive protection in Germany. - very high medical cover - repatriation - modern support services |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 1.5M CAD | An effective plan for Canadian travellers to Germany. - reliable 24/7 assistance - good cancellation cover - no deductible |
| Tourist Card | 750K CAD | Simple solution for typical tourism needs. - solid medical coverage - rapid emergency support - transparent pricing |
| Travel Pass Monde | 1.1M CAD | Good coverage for extended stays abroad. - high medical limit - includes repatriation - worldwide presence |
| Globe Partner | 450K CAD | Suitable for longer visits to Germany. - hospital expenses - civil liability - essential guarantees |
| Globe Traveller | 750K CAD | Balance between affordability and coverage. - emergency care included - fast claim processing - capped medical benefit |
- very high medical cover
- repatriation
- modern support services
- reliable 24/7 assistance
- good cancellation cover
- no deductible
- solid medical coverage
- rapid emergency support
- transparent pricing
- high medical limit
- includes repatriation
- worldwide presence
- hospital expenses
- civil liability
- essential guarantees
- emergency care included
- fast claim processing
- capped medical benefit
Current travel safety in Germany
As of June 2025, the Government of Canada advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution when visiting Germany, given the ongoing threat of terrorism and increased border checks in certain regions.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: public areas and transport hubs such as Berlin Hauptbahnhof and Christmas markets remain at heightened risk for terrorism, with regular police patrols and security checks. Petty crime including passport theft on trains is also reported, especially between Frankfurt and Munich.
- Health risks: while Germany maintains excellent healthcare, costs for non-residents are high and require upfront payment. There are active health advisories for measles, COVID-19, and polio. Tick-borne encephalitis occurs in certain forested areas such as Bavaria from April to November.
- Legal constraints: travellers must carry valid identification at all times and comply with local police checks. Working without authorization is prohibited and can lead to fines or deportation. Carrying or using certain medications, like strong painkillers without prescription, can result in questioning at customs.
- Transport and urban risks: border controls may occur at any time, leading to delays at land crossings with Poland or Austria. Demonstrations in urban centres such as Hamburg may disrupt subway or taxi services, requiring route adjustments.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the Government of Canada, 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 legally mandatory for Canadian citizens to enter Germany for tourism or short stays of up to 90 days.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended because private healthcare in Germany can be extremely expensive, and payment is often required upfront. Even though it is not required for entry, insurance helps cover unforeseen medical expenses, hospitalizations, or emergency repatriation that can result in high costs.
According to our data, 50% of travelers purchase travel insurance before going to Germany. This rate reflects Germany’s reputation as a safe destination in Europe, but also the high cost of healthcare for foreign visitors.
Why take out travel insurance for Germany?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Germany.
Healthcare costs in Germany can be high, especially for non-residents who may only have access to private hospitals such as Charité Berlin or Asklepios Klinik Hamburg, where consultation and hospitalization fees are significant. Even public hospitals like Klinikum rechts der Isar in Munich require immediate payment from foreigners, with no reimbursement possible without insurance.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalization, medication, ambulance transport and emergency repatriation to Canada in the event of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Germany.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Charité Berlin | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | €2,000–€3,500 (CA$2,900–CA$5,100) | up to 100% |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | €1,800 (CA$2,600) | up to 100% |
| I need to be repatriated | €15,000–€40,000 (CA$21,500–CA$57,000) | up to 100% |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | €6,500 (CA$9,300) | 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 should travel insurance for Germany cover?
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers urgent care, hospitalization, surgery, and outpatient visits, including emergencies such as appendicitis or fractures. We recommend a minimum reimbursement limit of CA$500,000. |
| 🚑 Medical evacuation | Repatriation to Canada or transfer to another hospital if needed, critical for medical emergencies. Recommended minimum reimbursement limit: CA$200,000. |
| 💊 Prescription drugs | Covers medication required during your stay if you become ill or have an accident. We suggest at least CA$10,000 of coverage for medicines. |
| 🧳 Baggage loss | Compensation for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage and belongings, very useful if travelling by train or through major airports. Recommended minimum: CA$2,000 per person. |
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Refunds for prepaid, non-refundable trip costs if travel has to be cancelled due to illness, accident, or an emergency. Recommended minimum: CA$5,000 per traveler. |
| ⚖️ Personal liability | Covers damages you may cause to third parties or their property during your trip. Suggested minimum: CA$1,000,000. |
| 🦷 Dental emergency | Covers urgent dental care needed for pain relief or infections during the trip. Advisable minimum: CA$2,000. |
We recommend a minimum reimbursement limit of CA$500,000.
Recommended minimum reimbursement limit: CA$200,000.
We suggest at least CA$10,000 of coverage for medicines.
Recommended minimum: CA$2,000 per person.
Recommended minimum: CA$5,000 per traveler.
Suggested minimum: CA$1,000,000.
Advisable minimum: CA$2,000.
Travel insurance from local providers or bank cards is often limited, with low coverage caps and many exclusions. For peace of mind, compare the best options on HelloSafe and subscribe online to get your certificate instantly.
The cost of travel insurance for Germany
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | CA$26 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | CA$38 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | CA$54 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | CA$115 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The cost of travel insurance is influenced by several key factors: your age, the duration of your trip, your destination, the amount of coverage, and any optional add-ons like trip cancellation. Keeping these elements in mind is crucial for selecting a policy that fits both your needs and your budget.
💡 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 can you 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 🕑 Trip duration | Longer trips mean higher premiums, especially since daily rates can add up. | Choose insurance only for the dates you are abroad to avoid overpaying. Adjust the end date if your return is flexible. |
| 🧑🤝🧑 Number of travelers | Family/group insurance can save money compared to individual policies. | Compare group or family policies for better deals. Children may be included for free with some providers. |
| 🏥 Level of medical coverage | Germany has high-quality healthcare but it is expensive for non-residents. | Select a reasonable reimbursement cap (CA$500,000). This is generally enough for Germany and keeps premiums lower. |
| 🚴♂️ Planned activities | Adventure sports and risky activities increase insurance costs. | Opt for basic plans unless you plan hazardous activities. Add extra options only if needed for activities like skiing or hiking. |
| 💳 Deductible | Higher deductibles lower the premium but mean higher out-of-pocket costs. | Choosing a CA$75–CA$150 deductible is a good balance for Germany. Avoid zero-deductible plans which cost considerably more. |
| 📱 Digital insurer | Newer insurers often offer better pricing and instant policy delivery online. | Compare digital-first insurers for lower costs. Online comparison platforms can highlight competitively priced options quickly. |
| 🎂 Traveller’s age | The price rises with age for most insurers. | If you are 62 or older, check Heymondo which maintains the same pricing across age groups. Compare several offers before choosing. |
Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Germany?
It is completely reasonable to consider whether your current coverage, such as public or private health insurance or credit card coverage, will protect you during a trip to Germany. Unfortunately, these options often offer limited or inadequate protection outside Canada.
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 (Canada Health Transfer) | Never | No overseas medical or hospital costs, no repatriation, no emergency assistance. | Travel insurance offers up to CA$1,000,000+ for care, hospitalization, and repatriation, plus 24/7 support. |
| Private health insurance (Manulife, Sun Life, Blue Cross) | Limited coverage | Some outpatient care after you return, excludes hospital stays and repatriation. Coverage may be CA$10,000–CA$50,000. | Travel insurance covers up to CA$1,000,000+ for hospital and medical, evacuation, and on-the-spot support. |
| Classic credit card (TD Classic, RBC Visa Classic) | Limited coverage | Medical emergencies up to CA$15,000, no trip cancellation or luggage. | Travel insurance typically covers CA$1,000,000+ medical and includes baggage, trip interruption, and more. |
| Premium credit card (Visa Infinite, ScotiaGold, Amex Platinum) | Limited coverage | Medical emergencies up to CA$100,000, travel delay, some luggage protection, limited trip interruption. | Travel insurance can reimburse CA$1,000,000+ for medical, CA$5,000+ trip cancellation, plus full assistance. |
Example
After a serious cycling accident in Berlin, Liam's hospital bill for a broken femur was CA$35,000. His provincial health plan covered a minimal daily rate, and his RBC Avion card's travel insurance capped out at CA$5,000. He was left personally responsible for the remaining CA$30,000, a staggering and unexpected debt.
Expert advice
Your credit card or provincial health plan often excludes trip interruption due to a relative’s illness. Always read your policy’s fine print to avoid surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to subscribe to a dedicated travel insurance plan tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Germany?
Canadian citizens do not need a visa for tourist or business trips to Germany of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area. Special rules apply if you plan to work or stay longer.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Germany?
First, compare available policies using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Next, carefully review the cover amounts, guarantees, and specific exclusions, especially for medical care and hospital costs in Germany. Buy your chosen policy securely online. After purchase, you will receive your insurance certificate by email, usually within minutes.
Should I get travel insurance if it is not mandatory for Germany?
Yes, travel insurance is still strongly recommended for Germany. Medical treatment and hospitalization can be very costly for non-residents, and you will need to pay in advance. Insurance protects you from unexpected fees and can provide important support in emergencies.
What should I look for when choosing travel insurance for Germany?
Look for coverage for emergency medical expenses, hospitalization, repatriation, and personal liability. Ensure your planned activities are covered and that there are no significant exclusions. A minimum coverage of CA$1,000,000 for medical expenses is often advised due to the high cost of care in Germany.
Are pre-existing medical conditions covered by travel insurance for Germany?
Most standard travel insurance policies do not automatically cover pre-existing medical conditions. You should always declare any medical conditions during your application. Some insurers offer special coverage for pre-existing conditions, but this may increase your premium or come with conditions.
What documents do I need to make a travel insurance claim while in Germany?
You should keep your insurance certificate, policy number, and the insurer’s emergency contact details with you. To file a claim, collect all medical bills, detailed doctor’s reports, receipts, and proof of incident (such as police reports for theft). Submit these to your insurer as soon as possible for assessment.
Do I need a visa to travel to Germany?
Canadian citizens do not need a visa for tourist or business trips to Germany of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area. Special rules apply if you plan to work or stay longer.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Germany?
First, compare available policies using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Next, carefully review the cover amounts, guarantees, and specific exclusions, especially for medical care and hospital costs in Germany. Buy your chosen policy securely online. After purchase, you will receive your insurance certificate by email, usually within minutes.
Should I get travel insurance if it is not mandatory for Germany?
Yes, travel insurance is still strongly recommended for Germany. Medical treatment and hospitalization can be very costly for non-residents, and you will need to pay in advance. Insurance protects you from unexpected fees and can provide important support in emergencies.
What should I look for when choosing travel insurance for Germany?
Look for coverage for emergency medical expenses, hospitalization, repatriation, and personal liability. Ensure your planned activities are covered and that there are no significant exclusions. A minimum coverage of CA$1,000,000 for medical expenses is often advised due to the high cost of care in Germany.
Are pre-existing medical conditions covered by travel insurance for Germany?
Most standard travel insurance policies do not automatically cover pre-existing medical conditions. You should always declare any medical conditions during your application. Some insurers offer special coverage for pre-existing conditions, but this may increase your premium or come with conditions.
What documents do I need to make a travel insurance claim while in Germany?
You should keep your insurance certificate, policy number, and the insurer’s emergency contact details with you. To file a claim, collect all medical bills, detailed doctor’s reports, receipts, and proof of incident (such as police reports for theft). Submit these to your insurer as soon as possible for assessment.
