insurance in Germany

There are a number of types of insurance in Germany for expatriates to consider, some mandatory and some optional. Here is an overview of the country's insurance coverage.

Insurance is key when moving to a new country. When considering insurance in Germany, you'll need to decide what types of insurance you'll need as well as shop to find the best deals.

This useful guide provides everything you need to know about German insurance.

Insurance Overview in Germany

Germans tend to take insurance seriously. There are many different forms of insurance that cover pretty much every risk you can think of.

Thus, it may be difficult for new arrivals to the country to determine how much insurance they should take. Many people are ultimately either uninsured or over insured.

The key to buying insurance in Germany is shopping. In this case, you will find the right solution for your own situation. There are many different insurers to choose from, all of which offer different packages.

The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) regulates the German insurance market.

Most companies belong to the German Insurance Association (Die Deutschen Versicherer - GDV), which has about 460 members.

Monitor the media and sites related to insurance, as well as consumer guides. Check out consumer comparison tools to make sure you're getting the best deal.

Many insurance companies, including German and international insurers, offer packages to expatriate residents tailored to their specific needs.

Expatriate-friendly insurance brokers such as Feather provide expert advice to ex-pats in Germany. They will help you find and manage your insurance packages in a language you understand.

What is insurance in Germany necessary?

1-Health Insurance

Health insurance is mandatory in Germany if you live or work there.

There is a dual public and private health insurance system.

You will be automatically covered by state health insurance (if you work in Germany and earn between €4,950 and €59,400 per year before taxes unless you are self-employed.

It also usually includes nursing care insurance. Employers cover half of the costs of health insurance (bass)(excluding supplementary fees) up to a maximum of Euro323.03 per month for health care and Euro56.42 per month for nursing care.

Private health insurance is also there for those who are not entitled to GVK and those who prefer to take a special plan.

Among Germany's largest insurers

Allianz Care.
Global Senna.
ARAG.

2-Employment Insurance

If you work in Germany, you automatically pay about a few additional forms of insurance besides health insurance through social security contributions. These steps consist of:

Unemployment insurance payments are divided between employer and employee. This entitles you to unemployment benefits if you are out of work and meet certain criteria.

Legal pension insurance German state pension. See Germany's pension manual for more information.

Legal accident insurance This is paid in full by the employer and covers the costs of treatment after accidents or work-related illnesses.

For more detailed information on these forms of insurance in Germany, see our guide to German Social Security.

3- Vehicle Insurance

Car insurance in Germany is mandatory for all drivers in Germany. You'll need to show proof of the latest car insurance to register a car in Germany.

In fact, this is necessary to get a valid license plate. Car insurance in Germany is one of three types:

Third-party liability minimum legal requirements, covering all damage to third parties and other vehicles in the event of an accident. It does not cover damage to your own car if the accident is your fault.
Partial coverage This covers third-party liability as well as damage to your vehicle caused by things such as attempted theft, fire damage, and storm damage.
Comprehensive coverage covers everything above in addition to the damage to your own car, even in cases where the accident was your fault.

Insurance costs increase in line with the amount of coverage you choose. it depends on several factors including age, driving experience, driving record, and the value of your car.

Germany, like many other countries, runs a no-claims bonus system which means that insurance costs reduce the longest go without an accident. Car insurance providers in Germany include:

AXA
Bafaryadirkat

Human Development Index

To ensure you get the best deal on car insurance, it is advisable to use a comparison site, such as Verivox.

You will be able to compare insurance premiums from Germany's largest insurers.. For more information on this subject and more, read our guide to car insurance in Germany.

4-Liability Insurance

Anyone living in Germany should consider taking personal liability insurance. This includes injuries or damage to other persons or their property. You can get one person covered or choose to cover additional members of your family. This insurance does not cover damage caused by your car, however; You need to take a separate vehicle insurance for this.

In general, costs are not too expensive for this type of insurance. In fact, you'll be able to find good comprehensive coverage for less than 100 euros a year, so shop around for the best coverage for you.

Insurance in Germany on the contents of the house

Insurance in Germany on the contents of the house is not mandatory in Germany. However, you may find it a requirement in rental contacts, especially in furnished properties.

This insurance covers damage to the contents of your home due to such things as fire, main water, storms, theft, and vandalism.

The cost depends on the value of your belongings and how much coverage you choose.

Basic policies are available for less than 50 euros per year. In Germany, the average cost of replacing all household goods is approximately 650 euros/m2; It is advisable to at least secure this if you have valuable goods.

Try to keep a list of all insured items (and receipts if possible) along with photos of the most valuable items. In major cities, bike theft can be a problem. If you own an expensive bike, check if it can be included or if you need to take an additional policy.

5-Property insurance in Germany

If you own or buy a house in Germany, build insurance is recommended to protect property from damage caused by accidents such as fire, water, storms, or vandalism. If you rent a property, this insurance should be taken by the owner.

Property insurance usually covers building walls, floors, ceilings, basement, and windows (check it because windows are not always covered). You can also include garages, barns, compact kitchens, or mailboxes for an extra cost.

Obtaining premises insurance involves providing the insurer with a lot of information about things such as construction measurements, the history of your home construction, and the construction materials used. It is therefore advisable to arrange an appointment with your insurance provider so that they can gather the correct information.

6-Insurance in Germany against personal accidents

The State pays Germany's compulsory accident insurance to workers in Germany. However, coverage is limited to accidents occurring in (or on the way to/from) work. To insure against injuries occurring outside work, many people take out private accident insurance.

This ensures that in the event of a personal accident that limits your long-term capabilities, all costs resulting from the accident are covered. These costs can include, for example, care costs or alterations to your home or car. It does not include loss of income, which falls under occupational disability insurance.

When working on the amount of coverage to be obtained with personal accident insurance, there are different insurance firms that pay different amounts depending on the extent of your disability in the event of an accident.

Different body parts have different values when calculating any payment, from finger loss (10%) to sight loss in both eyes (100%). Your insurance company will be able to explain the entire different options. Insurance is paid either as a lump sum, in monthly installments, or a combination of the two depending on your tariff.

7-Germany's occupational disability insurance

Occupational disability insurance covers the loss of income if you can no longer earn a living due to an accident or injury.

If you live in Germany for a while and pay in the pension, You will be able to claim low statutory salary ability to a pension but this covers only a small fraction of your income loss.

Private occupational disability insurance provides more comprehensive coverage, although costs are high due to large numbers of people's inability to work.

Premiums are based on age and risks associated with employment (for example, roofers and aircraft pilots pay higher rates). Insurance companies also consider high-risk hobbies.

8-Life insurance in Germany

Life insurance protects those left behind if you die. Usually, this is your immediate family but it doesn't have to be. You can choose who you want to be the beneficiary of this policy.

The money is usually paid in a lump sum and will take care of those who depend financially on you, as well as cover outstanding payments such as mortgages and bank loans.

Costs are calculated on the basis of age, medical condition, date, insurance period (you can choose payments to cover specific periods), and the amount of insurance itself.

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