Whilst anyone living and working in Germany is obliged to contribute to health insurance and other parts of the German social security system, there are many other types of private insurance that you may wish to take out to cover yourself or your business.
Home / Household insurance
Home and household insurance policies cover you in the case of any damage caused to your property by accidents, burglaries or fires. You can take out a policy with one of the following providers:
- Feather (All in English. All digital. Designed especially for expats.)
- Getsafe (Manage, get help & file claims completely in-app, 100% in English)
- MW Expat (Home insurance broker in English, specialising in expats)
Liability insurance
Liability insurance protects the policyholder from lawsuits or other claims that fall within the coverage of the insurance policy.
- Getsafe (Manage, get help and file claims completely in-app, 100% in English)
- Feather (All in English. All digital. Designed especially for expats)
- MW Expat (Liability insurance broker in English, starting at 29 euros per year)
Income protection insurance
Income protection insurance provides you with a regular monthly salary if you can no longer work for health reasons like burnout, chronic back pain or illness. Packages can be tailored to suit your exact needs.
- Getsafe (English-speaking experts compare hundreds of providers and tailor plans to your life situation)
Occupational disability insurance (Berufsunfähigkeitsversicherung)
If for any reason you are unable to work for six months or more, whether due to illness, injury or some other health reason, occupational disability insurance (Berufsunfähigkeitsversicherung or BU-Versicherung) will step in to provide a monthly disability pension for as long as you are out of work. The occupational disability pension (Berufsunfähigkeitsrente) supplements the income you might receive from the state, which is known as a reduced earning capacity pension (Erwerbsminderung).
Disability insurance isn't mandatory, but many people in Germany choose to take it out as a precaution, since not being able to work not only means a reduction in your income, but also leaves you unable to save for retirement.
Occupational disability insurance can be added onto an existing health insurance or pension insurance scheme, or taken out as a separate private insurance plan. Certain private health insurance companies sometimes combine occupational disability insurance policies with private long-term care insurance, on the basis that inability to work and the need for care are sometimes issues that go hand in hand.
Financemate is a specialist provider of occupational disability insurance for expats, and can help support you through the application process.
Travel insurance
Going on holiday? Make sure you are covered abroad! Purchasing travel insurance means you are covered in the case of missed or cancelled flights, accidents and other unexpected expenses. You can also purchase policies that cover your luggage against theft. Barmenia provides a travel insurance in Germany or you can try SafetyWing, a travel insurance for digital nomads.
Legal expenses insurance
Legal expenses insurance ensures that you always have access to the law and justice by covering legal costs in the case of a dispute, regardless of who brings the case.
- Feather (All in English. All digital. Designed especially for expats.)
- Getsafe (Including direct access to English-speaking legal hotline via app)
- MW Expat (Legal insurance broker in English, specialising in expats)
Pet insurance
If you own a pet in Germany, you should consider taking out some sort of pet insurance to cover veterinary bills and other associated costs. Some insurance companies will even pay out in the event of your pet being lost or stolen.
- Getsafe (Get help, file claims & upload receipts completely in-app, 100% in English)
- Feather (All in English. All digital. Designed especially for expats)
- MW Expat (Pet insurance broker in English, specialising in expats)
Car & Motorcycle insurance
If you own a car in Germany, you are legally obliged to take out car insurance that covers third parties at the very least. Visit our Car insurance in Germany page to find out more and get links to recommended car insurance providers.
Accident insurance
Accident insurance covers you and your family members in the case of either accident or death.
Life insurance
If you hold a life insurance policy, your named beneficiary receives a death benefit upon your death. The amount of the benefit is dependent upon the premium you pay. Providers in Germany include:
- Feather (All in English. All digital. Designed especially for expats.)
Bike insurance
Do you own a bicycle in Germany? Bike thefts are common, so having insurance is a good idea:
- Feather (All in English. All digital. Designed especially for expats.)
Funeral insurance
Funeral insurance covers all the arrangements for your loved one’s send-off, so you don’t have to worry about cost. As an expat, it can also cover the costs of repatriation for those who wish to be buried in their homeland.
Rent guarantee insurance
If you own a house in Germany and are letting it out, you should consider taking out rent guarantee insurance to cover you in the event that your tenants are unable to pay their rent.
Constructions insurance
Constructions insurance is a legal requirement for most kinds of construction work. There are different types of policies, which can provide coverage for construction materials, employees, guard against risks and protect you in the case of natural disasters. See Grundeigentümer Versicherung to find out more.
Electronics insurance
Protect your electronic valuables from accident, theft or loss with electronics insurance! Most policies cover liquid damage, cracked screens and even accidental drops as well.
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