Travel health insurance for trips abroad: your indispensable protection for worldwide travel
04.05.25
5
Minutes
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
A medical emergency abroad can quickly cost thousands, or even tens of thousands, of euros. Private overseas travel health insurance protects you from these financial risks. Find out how you can travel with peace of mind with the right policy.
The topic in brief and concise terms
Travel health insurance for abroad is essential, as statutory health insurance often provides only inadequate cover overseas and the costs of treatment or repatriation can quickly become ruinously high.
Annual policies for overseas travel health insurance are often available for under 20 euros and cover medical treatment, medication and the important repatriation transport.
When choosing, pay attention to the scope of cover (Europe/worldwide, possibly USA/Canada), the maximum trip duration per trip, medically appropriate repatriation, and whether an excess applies.
Travel health insurance: The essentials at a glance for your safety
An overseas travel health insurance policy is your financial shield in the event of illness or an accident abroad. It covers costs that your statutory health insurance often does not cover, or only partially covers, such as medical treatment, hospital stays and medicines. Protection is particularly important when travelling outside the EU, where treatment costs can quickly reach several thousand euros. Good annual policies are often available for less than fifteen euros. A key advantage is the cover of costs for medically appropriate repatriation, which can quickly cost five- to six-figure sums without insurance. There are policies for individual trips or annual contracts for any number of trips up to a certain duration, often six to eight weeks per trip. These basic facts already show how important good cover is before we delve deeper into practical examples.
Practical examples and costs: how travel health insurance offers concrete protection
Imagine you suffer a skiing accident in Austria with a complicated fracture; treatment costs can quickly amount to several thousand euros. Or an acute appendicitis during a trip to the USA, where an operation and hospital stay can easily cost fifty thousand US dollars or more. Without overseas travel health insurance, you would have to cover these costs yourself. Statutory health insurance often reimburses only the amount that would have been incurred for comparable treatment in Germany – and even then only within the EU or in countries with social security agreements. Medical repatriation, for example by air ambulance from North America, can cost over one hundred thousand euros and is generally not covered by statutory health insurance (GKV). Good overseas travel health insurance covers these costs. Tariffs for individuals are already available from around ten euros per year. Families can often be insured for less than thirty euros a year. When comparing overseas travel health insurance, look for benefits such as cover for outpatient and inpatient treatment, medicines and dressings, as well as medically sensible repatriation. The following checklist will help you choose:
Sum insured: Unlimited or at least one million euros.
Area of cover: Worldwide or specific to your travel destinations (Europe or worldwide).
Length of trip: Suitable for the duration of your trips (e.g. up to 56 days or annual travel cover).
Repatriation: Medically sensible repatriation must be included, not just medically necessary repatriation.
Excess: Policies without an excess are often the better choice, even if they cost a few euros more.
Exclusion clauses: Look out for exclusions for pre-existing conditions or certain activities.
Emergency service: A 24-hour hotline is very helpful.
These practical considerations highlight the benefits and lead on to the more in-depth legal aspects and expert tips.
Expert knowledge: Legal basics and pitfalls of overseas health insurance
The statutory health insurance scheme (GKV)’s obligation to provide benefits abroad is regulated by the Fifth Book of the Social Code (SGB V). Within the EU and the EEA, as well as in countries with social security agreements, there is a claim to benefits for medically necessary treatment, but only in accordance with the rules and rates of the respective country of travel. This often means lower reimbursement than the costs actually incurred, especially in private clinics or for expensive treatment. A crucial point is that medical repatriation to Germany is almost never covered by statutory health insurance. Private travel health insurance policies close precisely this gap. When reviewing the policy terms, make sure that “medically appropriate and reasonable” repatriation is insured, and not only “medically necessary” repatriation. Courts have repeatedly ruled in favour of policyholders that repatriation must also be covered if medical care on site is possible but does not meet German standards, or if communication difficulties make treatment more difficult (see, for example, rulings by the Higher Regional Court of Hamm). Our expert tip: check the policy terms carefully for exclusions. Treatments that were the sole reason for the trip, or foreseeable treatment for pre-existing conditions, are often not covered. The duration of cover per trip is also relevant; annual policies usually cover trips of up to 42, 56 or even 70 days. For longer stays, you need special long-term travel health insurance policies. Knowing these details helps you choose the cover that is right for you.
Choosing the right plan: How to find the right travel health insurance
Choosing the right overseas travel health insurance depends on your individual travel plans and needs. Do you travel only once a year for two weeks within Europe, or are you on the road worldwide several times a year, perhaps also for longer periods? For short single trips, a policy per trip can make sense, and it is often available from just one euro and eighteen cents. If you make several trips a year, an annual travel health insurance policy is usually cheaper, often from just nine euros. Consider which regions you are travelling to: a tariff with worldwide cover is more expensive than one that applies only to Europe. Trips to the USA and Canada often require a special tariff or surcharge because of the extremely high healthcare costs there; some policies cover these countries as standard, while others offer it as an option. Pay attention to the maximum travel duration per trip, which in annual policies is often limited to six to eight weeks. For longer stays, such as a semester abroad or a round-the-world trip, there are special long-term tariffs that can apply for up to one year or even five years. Families should check up to what age children are covered; this is often the case up to the age of 21 or 25. Retirees can also find special tariffs, as the risk may increase with age; some providers offer tariffs with no age limit. Read the small print on pre-existing conditions: some tariffs exclude benefits for chronic illnesses completely, while others provide cover in the event of an acute, unforeseeable deterioration. Careful consideration of these factors will lead you to the best possible protection for your next trip.
Special cases and long-term stays: Special features of overseas health insurance
For people spending longer than the usual six to eight weeks abroad, standard overseas travel health insurance is not sufficient. Students spending a semester abroad, au pairs, world travellers or professionals on long-term assignments need long-term overseas travel health insurance. These policies provide cover for stays of several months up to five years. Costs vary greatly depending on the provider, length of travel, destination region (with or without the USA/Canada) and age. Cover for one year without the USA/Canada can cost between four hundred and nine hundred euros. For pensioners who often travel for longer periods or spend the winter abroad, adapted policies are also available. Some insurers offer policies with no age limit or have special senior policies that apply from an age of, for example, 66 years. Pregnant women should clarify before departure which benefits related to pregnancy and childbirth abroad are covered; routine check-ups are often not covered, whereas emergency treatment for complications usually is. Chronically ill people need to pay particular attention to the terms and conditions: many policies exclude treatment for pre-existing conditions unless there is an acute, unforeseen worsening. Our expert tip: before taking out a policy, be sure to clarify how pre-existing conditions are handled and whether there are waiting periods. Careful planning and the right insurance cover are crucial to be able to enjoy longer stays abroad without worry. This leads us to the question of what to do in the event of a claim.
What to do in an emergency: What to do if the worst happens abroad?
If you need medical assistance abroad, stay calm and contact the emergency helpline of your travel medical insurance as soon as possible. This is usually available 24 hours a day and can often communicate directly with doctors or hospitals locally to clarify cost coverage. Have your policy number ready. For minor treatment, you may need to pay the costs upfront; keep all original invoices and receipts carefully. These must include detailed information about the diagnosis and the services provided. For later reimbursement from your insurer, these documents are essential. For inpatient stays or expensive treatment, the hospital should be able to bill your insurer directly; clarify this via the emergency helpline. Also inform your insurer if medical repatriation could become necessary. Document everything carefully: medical reports, prescriptions and proof of payment. Good preparation also includes carrying a emergency checklist with the most important telephone numbers and information. Remember that some insurers have deadlines for reporting a claim or submitting invoices. Correct procedure in an emergency makes the process considerably easier and ensures that you receive the benefits to which you are entitled. With this knowledge, you are well prepared to make full use of the benefits of your insurance.
An overseas travel health insurance policy as an annual contract is usually extended automatically by a further year if it is not cancelled within the required notice period. The notice period is usually one to three months before the end of the policy year. The policy year begins on the date agreed in the contract. A special right of cancellation often applies in the event of premium increases. Cancellation must be made in writing; it is best to send it by registered post or by email with a read receipt. Check whether your policy includes an excess. Tariffs without an excess are often only slightly more expensive, but they save you additional costs in the event of a claim. The maximum insured travel duration per individual trip under an annual contract is an important point – 42, 56, 60 or 70 days are common here. Don't forget to adjust your insurance cover if your travel plans change (e.g. longer stays). The question of whether you can deduct overseas travel health insurance from tax is also relevant for many; this is possible as a precautionary expense under certain conditions. A precise understanding of your contract details protects you from surprises and ensures you have the cover you want. You are now fully informed to make the right decision for your travel protection.
Conclusion: Why travel health insurance is indispensable
A illness or accident while travelling can, without appropriate cover, lead to a significant financial burden that can quickly amount to several tens of thousands of euros. Statutory health insurance often only provides basic cover, which does not cover many risks, especially costly repatriation. A private international travel health insurance policy is therefore not a luxury, but a necessity for every traveller, whether it is a short trip within Europe or a months-long trip around the world. For an annual premium often of less than twenty euros, you receive comprehensive cover. It not only covers the costs of medical treatment, but also offers important assistance services such as a 24-hour emergency hotline. Choosing the right tariff does require some attention to details such as area of validity, duration of travel and scope of benefits, but the effort is worthwhile. With the right cover, you can enjoy your trips with peace of mind, knowing that you will be well cared for in the event of an emergency. Remember: the low cost of a good policy is no match for the potential financial consequences of an emergency abroad. We at nextsure will be happy to help you find the insurance cover that best suits your needs.
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More useful links
Federal Foreign Office provides comprehensive information on travel health and important advice for stays abroad.
Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) publishes current press releases that may also contain relevant statistics on tourism and travel behaviour.
German Liaison Office for Health Insurance Abroad (DVKA) is the central liaison office for statutory health and long-term care insurance abroad and provides detailed information on entitlement to benefits.
Federal Ministry of Health provides information on the rules governing health insurance abroad and the role of statutory health insurers.
Consumer Advice Centre explains why travel health insurance for trips abroad is essential and what consumers should look out for.
Federal Foreign Office provides general travel and safety advice for all countries worldwide, including important health recommendations.
Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) provides detailed statistics on tourism and travel behaviour in Germany and internationally.
Consumer Advice Centre provides comprehensive information on the insurance cover required for trips abroad, beyond health insurance.
FAQ
Why do I need travel health insurance abroad at all?
Statutory health insurance (GKV) often only covers part of the costs abroad, and important benefits such as medical repatriation are usually not covered at all. A private travel health insurance policy protects you against high financial burdens in the event of illness or an accident while travelling, which can quickly amount to several tens of thousands of euros.
What benefits are typically included in overseas travel health insurance?
Core services include the assumption of costs for outpatient and inpatient medical treatment, prescription medicines, pain-relieving dental treatment and medically necessary repatriation. Search and rescue costs and repatriation costs in the event of death are often also included.
Is my overseas travel health insurance valid worldwide?
That depends on the selected plan. There are policies with Europe-wide cover and others with worldwide cover. For worldwide plans, it is often important to check whether travel to the USA and Canada is included, as surcharges or special plans are sometimes necessary because of the high healthcare costs there.
What should I do in the event of a claim?
Contact your insurer’s emergency hotline immediately. Have your insurance policy number ready. Keep all original invoices, medical reports and receipts safe and submit them to your insurer when you return. For major procedures or hospital stays, the clinic should bill the insurer directly, which can be arranged via the hotline.
Can I still take out travel health insurance shortly before departure?
Yes, you can also take out many travel medical insurance policies online on the day you depart, as long as the trip has not yet begun. However, for long-term policies, earlier planning is recommended.
What happens if I don’t cancel my annual overseas travel health insurance?
Annual contracts for overseas travel health insurance are usually automatically renewed for a further year if they are not cancelled in time (usually one to three months before the end of the insurance year).
