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Travel Insurance for a trip to Germany

What you should consider when buying travel insurance for a trip to Germany

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Often drawn to Deutschland during the summer months, Irish travellers enjoy hiking, biking and even a touch of the fast Autobahn. The Irish are also drawn to Germany’s many castles, its culture, and the scenic countryside. But before you head off and get stuck into it, you may want to consider getting yourself a travel insurance policy in case the unexpected happens during your trip.

A couple hiking
Young couple on a hiking trip in the mountains in Bavaria. Photo credit: Getty images / Westend61

What’s covered?

No matter where in Germany you’re headed, it’s important for a resident of Ireland to be insured in case the unexpected occurs.

World Nomads offers two insurance policies – Standard and Explorer. Each provides different levels of coverage depending on your needs. Coverage provisions for the following:

  • Extended stays.
  • Emergency medical cover.
  • Cover for baggage and personal belongings like tech gear or sports gear
  • More than 150+ activities, sports, and experiences.
  • Trip cancellation (Explorer only).
  • Cover for some Coronavirus-related events.

You can purchase your policy of choice before departing Ireland, or when you arrive, but you’ll only be covered from the date marked on the policy certificate.

Vineyards, Bremm, Germany
The vineyards of Bremm. Photo credit: Getty images / sakchai vongsasiripat

Why should I consider travel insurance when visiting Germany?

Throughout the global Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic nothing is more certain than uncertainty and although we know the Irish usually have luck on their side, that’s often not enough if there’s a protest that derails your plans or you sprain your ankle on a hike through the Sauerland village area in North Rhine-Westphalia, an area renowned for its outdoor activities.

Coronavirus is the latest consideration for travellers no matter how close they are to their home country. Despite vaccinations, it is possible to pick it up or be required to cut your trip off early to tend to a family member, so we factor that into our Explorer policy. For all the details including benefit limits and exclusions under our Coronavirus cover, check out our Coronavirus cover article.

Another reason to consider travel insurance in Germany is if you’re planning a road trip, as the roads can be dangerous, especially the Autobahn. Also, activities such as hiking, biking or skiing obviously come with the risk of injury, which can prove costly and ruin your trip if you’re uninsured.

For those digital nomads who don’t leave home without their tech devices, we can often get distracted by what there is to see and sometimes luggage and tech gear goes missing or is stolen, so World Nomads has cover for that.

Our Emergency Assistance Team is available 24/7 and can assist with letting you know if attending a hospital is medically necessary, help you locate the nearest medical facilities (this can be beneficial in out of the way places), liaise with your treating doctor to make sure that your treatment plan is appropriate, and assist with language barriers you may face.

Row houses in Nuermberg City, Germany
Row houses in Nuermberg City. Photo credit: Getty images / sakchai vongsasiripat

What to look out for when travelling around Germany?

Like any destination that is not your home, there are opportunistic thieves everywhere so it’s vital that you always keep your possessions close and keep your wits about you. Most educated travellers will know that train stations are fair game for pickpockets and rail scams. Political protests and riots can flare up at any time, and given its history, Deutschland is not immune from terrorist attacks, so it is important that travellers keep up to date with the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs website prior to and during your trip.

Here is a brief sample of what we cover and why it could come in handy when travelling around Germany. Please check your Policy Wording for our complete list:

  • The Explorer Plan offers cover for those costs associated with unexpected natural disasters, and as long as there wasn’t a prior warning in place.
  • For loss or theft of personal belongings, both cover levels offer compensation, depending on the circumstances.
  • The Explorer Plan covers rental car excess in the event you have an accident on the Autobahn, but you must hold the correct licence; adhere to local laws; and have the necessary vehicle insurance (mopeds and bicycles are not permitted on this stretch of motorway).
  • Cover for overseas emergency dental. This cover only relates to dental emergencies that occur during your trip. Cosmetic procedures or check-ups will not be covered.
  • Adventure-seekers are advised to list the activities they’re planning to undertake in the policy detail. However, the benefit limits, general conditions and special exclusions will be different for each policy. That’s why you need to read your Policy Wording carefully to make sure your chosen activities will be covered.
  • If you or a member of your travelling party are diagnosed with COVID-19 and you’re forced to cancel your trip, we will pay the non-refundable portion of your pre-paid travel arrangements. The COVID-19 diagnosis must be made after the policy’s purchase date (other COVID-19 provisions apply).

What’s not covered?

Some things we don’t cover include:

  • Travel against medical advice or neglect to adhere to the World Health Organization or Irish Government issued warnings prior to departure.
  • Any pre-existing medical conditions as explained in your Policy Wording.
  • You act irresponsibly or recklessly and injure yourself in the process.
  • Medical expenses incurred within your country of residence, Ireland.
  • Expenses you incur after you return to your home to Ireland.

This is not a full list of what’s covered and what’s not; please check your Policy Wording for a full list of terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions that may apply to your specific plan. If you are unsure of your level of travel cover, please contact us for help.

Traveler Tip: always carry your electronics, passport, and valuables with you or lock belongings securely if you can’t take them with you. Don’t leave them in the car or in your luggage. Use common sense, be aware of your surroundings, and take precautions while exploring to help ensure that your trip to Germany is safe and fun
Traveler Tip: residents from the Republic of Ireland are eligible for a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving Ireland. The GHIC or EHIC entitles you to state provided medical treatment that may become necessary during your trip. The EHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance and doesn’t cover medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment, or treatment of a non-urgent nature. You can apply online.

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Cancellation

Been working hard for your trip?

We'll work hard to protect it.

Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalised?
  • Travel buddy unfit to travel?
  • Been made redundant?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Expenses

Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?

Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.

Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need meds quick?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transportation

Know where the nearest suitable medical facility is?

Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.

Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Banged up abroad?
  • Need a hospital urgently?
  • Medivac home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Love photography, filming or sport?

Cover your bags, tech or gear.

Protect your gear
  • Luggage lost?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • Tech trashed?

Help starts here.

  • Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
  • Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
  • Trip Disruption
  • 24-Hour Medical Assistance Services
  • Baggage
  • And more (depending on your country of residence)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance

Whether you need medical assistance or emergency medical evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.

Are you in need of Emergency Medical Assistance right now?

For policies purchased on or after 27 June 2024:
Phone: +353 4 69 017 022

For policies purchased before 27 June 2024:
+353 (0) 90 640 6460