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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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Germany has long been a popular travel destination for British tourists. More than two million make the trip annually, drawn to Deutschland’s verdant forests, historic castles, and fast autobahn. But before you jet off to try Germany’s world-famous ale and Bratwurst sausages, you may want to consider buying travel insurance just in case the unexpected occurs.

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

What’s covered?

Let’s face it, most of us are busy planning our next trip even before our last one has ended. As important as the itinerary is, so too is travel insurance.

World Nomads offers two plans – Standard and Explorer – each provides different levels of coverage depending on your Country of Residence and what level of cover you need. World Nomads offers cover for the following:

  • Extended stays if you choose to stay longer
  • Overseas emergency medical cover
  • Cover for baggage and personal belongings like tech equipment or sports gear
  • More than 150+ activities, sports, and experiences.
  • Trip cancellation
  • Cover for some Coronavirus-related events

You can purchase a World Nomads policy before leaving the United Kingdom, or while you are en route, but do note that coverage is only available from the date marked on the policy certificate.

Why should I consider travel insurance when visiting Germany?

As picturesque as this part of Europe is, Germany’s Alpine region is prone to avalanches and wild weather which can derail a winter holiday. Also, the roads across Germany can be dangerous, especially the very fast Autobahn motorway. Also, activities such as hiking, biking, or skiing come with the risk of injury, which can prove costly and ruin your trip if you’re uninsured.

With Coronavirus (COVID-19) as a consideration, it’s possible that you may contract the virus mid-trip and need to alter or cancel your plans. World Nomads’ Explorer plan factors in provisions for some COVID19-related events (terms and exclusions do apply). For all the details including benefit limits and exclusions under our Coronavirus cover, check out our Coronavirus cover article.

Our Emergency Assistance Team is available 24/7 and can help you know if attending a hospital is medically necessary, help you find 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, any assist with language barriers you may face.

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

What to look out for when travelling around Germany?

Always be aware of your surroundings and always remain vigilant about your possessions.

If you’ve done your research, you’ll know that pickpockets are active across Germany, you may encounter political protests or, although unlikely, find yourself caught up in a terrorist attack, so it’s important to keep up to date with the UK Government’s Travel Advisory page.

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:

  • Explorer Plan holders can take advantage of provisions for those costs associated with unexpected natural disasters 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.
  • If you’re planning to drive on the Autobahn, the Explorer Plan covers rental car excess in the event you have an accident, 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.
  • In the case of Coronavirus, if you or a member of your travelling party are diagnosed with COVID-19 and you must cancel your trip, we will pay the non-refundable portion of your pre-paid travel arrangements. The COVID-19 diagnosis must be made after policy purchase (other COVID-19 provisions apply).
Row houses in Nuermberg City, Germany
Row houses in Nuermberg City. Photo credit: Getty images / sakchai vongsasiripat

What’s not covered?

Some things we don’t cover include:

  • Pre-existing medical conditions as explained in your Policy Wording.
  • Travelling to, planning to travel to, or choosing to remain in a country or region that is the subject of a government ‘Do Not Travel’ or ‘Avoid Non-essential Travel’ warning.
  • Illness associated with a failure to comply with preventative measures for the travel region, as outlined by the World Health Organization.
  • Loss or damage to luggage due to age, wear and tear, loss of value. Damage to sporting equipment caused while in use.
  • Participation in a sport or activity not listed in the Policy Wording or agreed by World Nomads where you haven’t paid the required additional premium.
  • Costs arising from refusal to be repatriated back to the UK once declared medically unfit to continue a trip but fit for repatriation.

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: British residents are eligible for a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK. 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 that considered non-urgent.

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Cancellation

Protect your trip from unexpected cancellation.

  • Explorer Plan: £5,000
  • Standard Plan: £3,000
Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalised?
  • Travel buddy unfit to travel?
  • Been made redundant?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Abroad Medical Expenses

Take the pain out of medical costs while traveling abroad.

  • Explorer Plan: £10 million
  • Standard Plan: £5 million
Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need meds quick?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transport

Expenses included in Emergency Medical limits.

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

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Cover your lost, stolen or damaged gear and tech.

  • Explorer Plan: £3,000
  • Standard Plan: £1,500
Protect your gear
  • Luggage lost?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • Tech trashed?

Help starts here.

  • Emergency Medical Expenses
  • Baggage & Personal Belongings
  • Cancellation
  • Trip Curtailment
  • Personal Accident
  • Loss of Passport or travel documents
  • Personal Liability
  • Legal Expenses (Personal Liability)
This is a general summary for United Kingdom residents only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Check the plan documents for full details.
Pre-existing medical conditions

You are not eligible to buy a policy if you travel against medical advice, travel with the intention of receiving medical treatment, or have a terminal illness. World Nomads policies cannot cover claims due to Pre-Existing Medical Conditions (PEMC), regardless of whether the condition is serious or not. You can still purchase a World Nomads policy, but the PEMC exclusion cannot be removed, and you will be responsible for any related costs.

For information on travel insurance providers that offer cover on PEMC, visit Money Helper or call 0800 138 7777.

24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance

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

Wherever you are, we’re here 24/7 to help you in any emergency.

Are you in need of Emergency Medical Assistance right now?

For policies purchased on or after 27 June 2024
+44 (0) 144 444 2021 (Call via an operator reverse charges. Not toll free.)

For policies purchased before 27 June 2024:
Phone: +44 (0) 203 093 1750 (Call via an operator reverse charges. Not toll free.)

Contact the team