Travel insurance for Germany: when is it required, rules for different visa categories, and where to buy it?

According to German law, foreigners entering the country are required to have an appropriate insurance policy. However, different categories of citizens have different requirements. Find out when and what kind of insurance is required to enter Germany

An insurance policy is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside Ukraine

BUY

In accordance with German law, travelling to the country requires compliance with the requirements for obtaining a visa and taking out an appropriate health insurance policy. When planning your trip to the country, find out what type of visa you need to enter the country and what insurance requirements apply. By following these rules, you will be able to visit Germany with ease.

Protect yourself while travelling!

Apply for travel insurance online in 5 minutes on Visit Ukraine!

Do I have to take out an insurance policy before travelling to Germany?

According to the law, all German residents must have health insurance. Foreigners also need to take out an appropriate insurance policy to obtain a visa. Similarly, to obtain a residence permit, you must provide proof of adequate health insurance for the entire period of your stay. Therefore, when preparing for a trip or relocation, it is very important to find out about the requirements for travel, private and public health insurance in Germany.

Categories of persons for whom health insurance is mandatory:

- Tourists. If you are planning to visit Germany as a tourist, you will need to have an insurance policy if you are applying for a visa. If you are travelling on a visa-free regime, insurance is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended, as medical services in Germany are expensive and lack of insurance coverage can lead to significant financial costs in the event of an illness or accident.

- Students. Health insurance is compulsory for international students studying in Germany. They can choose either public or private insurance. Public health insurance is usually a favourable option for students, as it offers affordable rates and a wide range of medical services.

- Employees. Foreigners who are officially employed in Germany are required to have health insurance. The employer automatically registers the employee in the system of compulsory health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung), or, if the income exceeds a certain threshold, it is possible to take out private insurance (private Krankenversicherung).

Do I need insurance when travelling to Germany on a visa-free regime?

Although health insurance is not mandatory for visa-free travel to Germany (Ukrainian citizens with a biometric passport are allowed to stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days without a visa), it is still recommended to take out an insurance policy. This will help to avoid significant medical expenses in case of a sudden illness or accident.

Health insurance for refugees in Germany

Asylum seekers in Germany receive medical care through the state insurance system. In the first months after arrival, their medical expenses are covered by the social security system, and after receiving refugee status, they can be included in the public health insurance under the same conditions as German citizens.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

Green Card for entry to Germany

If you are planning to travel to Germany with your own vehicle, you need to take out an international insurance policy - a Green Card. This document is an international analogue of the Ukrainian CTP insurance policy and provides insurance coverage for damages that may be caused to third parties in the event of a road traffic accident in Germany.

The Green Card insurance policy is not only a mandatory legal requirement, but also provides the necessary financial protection. In the event of an accident in Germany without a valid insurance policy, you will have to cover all material and medical expenses of the victims on your own, which can lead to serious financial losses, taking into account European tariffs.

You can apply for an international insurance policy Green Card for travelling to Germany online on the Visit Ukraine portal in just a few minutes.

Take care of your safe stay in Germany in advance!

What requirements does the insurance policy have to meet depending on the category of visa that the traveller is applying for?

Germany offers different visa categories depending on the purpose of your visit. Each type of visa has its own eligibility criteria, application procedure and insurance requirements:.

- Tourist visas

Travel insurance is one of the required documents when applying for a visa.

Before travelling, check the insurance requirements of the particular embassy you are going to visit to obtain a visa. However, in most cases, your health insurance policy should meet the following requirements:

1. Minimum coverage of 30,000 euros.

2. Coverage area - not only Germany, but all Schengen countries.

3. Additional coverage for medical expenses related to repatriation for medical reasons, emergency medical care or death.

- Student visas

International students are also required to take out a health insurance policy before travelling to Germany. Of course, most university students are eligible to apply for state student health insurance, but those who come for preparatory courses, language courses, postgraduate students, students over 30 years old, and visiting scholars should take care of a private health insurance policy before moving.

- Visas for employment in Germany

When considering employment in Germany, keep in mind that expats have several visa options adapted to different situations:

1. Employment visa - it is granted to foreigners who have a job offer from a German employer. The permit is issued specifically for your position and requires proof of qualifications.

2. Freelance visa - designed for self-employed persons and suitable for independent work in Germany. It is usually granted to expats who can provide their own business plan or provide for themselves while living in Germany.

3. Job seeker visa - suitable for those who intend to find a job in Germany, but do not yet have a specific offer from a German employer. Please note that the visa provides a limited period for job search and receipt of an offer from an employer.

Obtaining a work visa and a residence permit is subject to providing proof of health insurance. Applicants for any category D visa must have health insurance.

Foreign health insurance is a type of private health insurance. It is a temporary solution for people moving to Germany. It has much better coverage than travel insurance. In particular, it covers more diseases, often covers dental care, and has a longer validity period.

However, when you start working in Germany, you should switch to public or private health insurance because:

1. All foreign employees whose annual income is below 66 thousand euros are obliged to obtain a public health insurance policy. Its cost is 14.6% of the salary. The employer covers half of this amount.

2. If your salary is higher or you are self-employed, you can consider private health insurance policies in Germany.

Healthcare system in Germany: 5 facts you should know before travelling

1. Germany has a public health insurance plan that covers 92% of the population. The remaining 7.5% are covered either by employers or by private insurance companies, the use of which is regulated by the government. Only 0.5% of the population is uninsured.

2. There are public hospitals, private non-profit hospitals and private for-profit hospitals throughout Germany. Of these, there are two categories: general hospitals and psychiatric hospitals.

3. Patients can expect to receive high quality medical care anywhere in Germany.

4. Most often, patients receive all the necessary medical care from a general practitioner at the initial appointment. If the patient has complications or needs to consult a specialist, the general practitioner will issue a referral.

5. In most cases, in order to get a doctor's consultation, you need to make an appointment. This can be done by phone or online.

What kind of insurance is available in Germany?

There are two main ways to get insurance while in Germany: purchase local health insurance or take out a policy through Ukrainian insurers.

Local insurance in Germany

Germany has a compulsory health insurance system (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) and private insurance (private Krankenversicherung). However, local insurance has certain disadvantages:

- Cost. Insurance premiums in Germany can be quite high, especially for those who take out a private policy without an employer.

- Limited coverage. German insurance usually does not cover travel outside the country, so you will have to take out an additional policy when travelling to other Schengen countries.

- Complexity of registration. It often requires a lengthy registration process, especially for those who do not have permanent residence in Germany.

Insurance through Ukrainian insurers

An alternative is to obtain travel or health insurance through Ukrainian companies, for example, on the Visit Ukraine portal.

- Affordable price. Ukrainian insurers offer favourable rates that are significantly cheaper than their German counterparts.

- Coverage outside Germany. Most of these insurances are valid throughout the Schengen area, which is convenient for travellers.

- Fast processing. Insurance policies can be obtained online in a few minutes without complicated bureaucratic procedures.

What does the insurance cover that can be issued at Visit Ukraine?

When choosing an insurance policy for a trip to Germany, it is important to understand what risks are covered by different insurance options. Visit Ukraine offers both medical and travel insurance policies that meet all the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and provide financial protection in case of unforeseen circumstances during your stay in Germany.

Health insurance on the Visit Ukraine portal

The health insurance policies available on Visit Ukraine provide comprehensive protection during your stay in Germany, including emergency medical care, COVID-19 treatment, and reimbursement of transportation costs in case of emergency.

The Europe Classic policy provides basic coverage:

- Emergency outpatient and inpatient care.

- Diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 if medically indicated.

- Coverage for medical transportation to the nearest medical facility.

- Insurance in case of an accident.

- Emergency dental care.

- Costs of repatriation of the body in case of death abroad.

The Europe Classic Plus policy provides extended coverage, including all the benefits of the Classic policy with additional services, such as

burial arrangements abroad and extended protection in case of emergency.

Travel insurance on the Visit Ukraine platform

If you are planning a short-term trip to Germany, you can choose from a variety of travel insurance options with different levels of protection.

The Europe Basic policy includes:

- Treatment and diagnosis of COVID-19.

- Medical assistance in case of an accident.

- Repatriation of the body in case of death.

- Emergency medical, obstetric and dental care.

- Medical evacuation in case of emergency.

Europe Comfort policy provides extended insurance coverage and additionally includes:

- Expenses for defence of the insured person's rights and legal advice.

- Compensation in case of flight delay or cancellation.

- Coverage of expenses for restoration of documents in case of their loss or theft.

- Protection in case of loss of luggage.

The most comprehensive coverage is offered by the Europe VIP policy, which, in addition to all the above services, includes

- Legal protection in the event of an accident.

- Organisation of delivery to the destination in case of car breakdown.

- Comprehensive support in case of loss or theft of documents.

How much does insurance cost on Visit Ukraine?

Health insurance

Travel insurance

Why is it worth taking out travel insurance for a trip to Germany on Visit Ukraine?

- A wide range of insurance programmes adapted to the different needs of travellers - from tourist trips to long-term stays.

- Instant online registration.

- Affordable tariff plans with transparent pricing conditions and no hidden fees.

- Round-the-clock customer support to help you solve any situation during your stay in Germany.

- Guaranteed quality of insurance services from trusted companies.

Choose the optimal insurance package on Visit Ukraine portal according to your needs - from basic coverage for short-term travel to programmes with extended insurance.

Online registration, fair conditions and prompt support will ensure your comfort and confidence during your stay in Germany.

Take care of your peace of mind in advance - take out insurance online and travel without any worries!

Just to remind you! Germany is a leading country in the European Union that can guarantee a high standard of living not only to its citizens, but also to expats and migrants. Germany is chosen for temporary or permanent relocation for its strong economy, developed infrastructure, rich culture and stability. Find out how much it costs to live in Germany here.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

We recommend purchasing it for a safe and comfortable trip to Ukraine: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance – insurance covering military risks for entry and travel in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Car Insurance – car insurance with extended coverage in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Legal Advice – comprehensive legal support on entry to Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tickets – bus and train tickets to/from Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tours – the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;

Visit Ukraine Hotels – hotels for a comfortable stay in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Merch – patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2025, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.