Travel Health Insurance: Your Essential Protection for Worldwide Travels
4 May 2025
5
Minutes
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
A medical emergency abroad can quickly cost you four- or even five-figure sums. A private international travel health insurance protects you from these financial risks. Find out how you can travel worry-free with the right plan.
The topic in brief and concise terms
Travel health insurance is essential, as statutory health insurance often provides insufficient coverage abroad, and costs for treatments or repatriation can quickly become threateningly high.
Annual policies for travel health insurance abroad are often available for under 20 euros and cover medical treatments, medications, and the crucial return transport.
When making your selection, pay attention to the coverage area (Europe/Worldwide, possibly USA/Canada), the maximum duration per trip, the medically necessary repatriation, and whether there is a deductible.
International health insurance: The essentials in brief for your safety
A travel health insurance is your financial safeguard against illness or accidents abroad. It covers costs that your statutory health insurance often does not or only partially covers, such as for medical treatments, hospital stays, and medication. Protection is especially important when travelling outside the EU, where treatment costs can quickly reach several thousand euros. Good annual policies are often available for under fifteen euros. A crucial advantage is the coverage of costs for a medically reasonable repatriation, which without insurance can quickly cost five to six-figure sums. There are policies for single trips or as an annual contract for an unlimited number of trips up to a certain duration, often six to eight weeks per trip. These basic facts already show how important good coverage is, before we delve into practical examples.
Practical examples and costs: How international health insurance provides concrete protection
Imagine having a skiing accident in Austria with a complicated fracture; the treatment costs can quickly amount to several thousand euros. Or an acute appendicitis during a trip to the USA, where surgery and hospital stay can easily cost fifty thousand US dollars or more. Without international travel health insurance, you would have to bear these costs yourself. Statutory health insurance often only reimburses the amount that would have been incurred for comparable treatment in Germany – and even then only within the EU or in countries with a social security agreement. 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. A good international travel health insurance covers these costs. Rates for individuals are already available from around ten euros per year. Families can often be insured for less than thirty euros annually. When comparing international health insurance, pay attention to services such as coverage for outpatient and inpatient treatments, medicines and medical supplies, as well as medically advisable repatriation. The following checklist helps with the selection:
Coverage amount: Unlimited or at least one million euros.
Coverage area: Worldwide or specific to your travel destinations (Europe or worldwide).
Travel duration: Suitable for the length of your trips (e.g., up to 56 days or annual travel cover).
Repatriation: Medically advisable repatriation must be included, not just medically necessary.
Deductible: Plans without a deductible are often the better choice, even if they cost a few euros more.
Exclusion clauses: Watch out for exclusions for pre-existing conditions or specific activities.
Emergency service: A 24-hour hotline is very helpful.
These practical considerations illustrate the benefits and lead into the deeper legal aspects and expert tips.
Expert knowledge: Legal foundations and pitfalls of international health insurance
The obligation of statutory health insurance (GKV) abroad is regulated by the Fifth Social Code Book (SGB V). Within the EU and the EEA, as well as in countries with social security agreements, there is an entitlement to medically necessary treatments, but only according to the rules and rates of the respective destination country. This often means lower reimbursement than the actual costs incurred, especially in private clinics or with expensive treatments. A crucial point is that medical repatriation to Germany is almost never covered by the GKV. Private travel health insurance exactly fills this gap. Pay attention to the contractual conditions to ensure that the "medically reasonable and justifiable" repatriation is covered and not just the "medically necessary" one. Courts have repeatedly ruled in favour of insured persons, stating that repatriation must also be covered when medical care on site is theoretically possible but does not meet German standards or communication difficulties complicate the treatment (see, e.g., judgments of the OLG Hamm). Our expert tip: Carefully review the insurance conditions for exclusions. Treatments that were the sole purpose of the trip, or foreseeable treatments of pre-existing conditions, are often not covered. The duration of cover per trip is also relevant; annual contracts usually cover trips of up to 42, 56, or even 70 days. For longer stays, you need special long-term travel health insurance. Knowing these details will help you choose the optimal protection for you.
Choosing the Optimal Plan: How to Find the Right Travel Health Insurance
The choice of the right international 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 traveling worldwide several times a year, possibly for longer periods? For short single trips, a policy per trip may be sensible, often available from as little as one euro and eighteen cents. For multiple trips per year, an annual travel health insurance is usually cheaper, often starting from nine euros. Consider which regions you will visit: A worldwide coverage tariff is more expensive than one that only applies to Europe. Travel to the USA and Canada often requires a special tariff or supplement due to 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 is often limited to six to eight weeks for annual contracts. For longer stays, such as a semester abroad or a world trip, there are special long-term tariffs, which can be valid for up to one year or even five years. Families should check up to what age children are insured; often this is up to the age of 21 or 25. Retirees will also find special tariffs, as the risk may increase with age; some providers have tariffs with no age limit. Read the fine print regarding pre-existing conditions: Some tariffs completely exclude benefits for chronic conditions, while others provide coverage for acute, unforeseeable deterioration. A careful consideration of these factors will lead you to the best possible protection for your next trip.
Emergency behaviour: What to do if an emergency occurs abroad?
Should you require medical assistance while abroad, remain calm and contact your overseas travel insurance emergency hotline as soon as possible. This is usually available 24 hours a day and can often communicate directly with local doctors or hospitals to confirm coverage. Have your insurance number ready. For minor treatments, you may need to pay upfront; carefully keep all original invoices and receipts. These must contain detailed information about the diagnosis and the services provided. These documents are essential for later reimbursement with your insurance. For inpatient stays or expensive treatments, the hospital should be able to bill your insurance directly; clarify this via the emergency hotline. Inform your insurance if a medical repatriation might be necessary. Document everything precisely: medical reports, prescriptions, and proof of payments. Good preparation also includes carrying an emergency checklist with the most important phone numbers and information. Remember that some insurers have deadlines for reporting a claim or submitting invoices. Correct procedures in an emergency greatly facilitate handling and ensure that you receive the benefits to which you are entitled. With this knowledge, you are well-equipped to fully take advantage of your insurance benefits.
Cancellation and Contract Details: What You Should Know About Your Policy
A foreign travel health insurance as an annual contract usually extends automatically for another year if it is not terminated in a timely manner. The notice period is typically one to three months before the end of the insurance year. The insurance year begins on the date agreed in the contract. A special right of termination often exists in the case of premium increases. The termination must be in written form; it's best to send this by registered mail or email with a read receipt. Check if your policy includes an excess. Tariffs without an excess are often only slightly more expensive, but save you additional costs in the event of a claim. The maximum insured travel duration per individual trip within an annual contract is an important point – the usual durations are 42, 56, 60 or 70 days. Do not forget to adjust your insurance coverage if there is a change in your travel plans (e.g., longer stays). The question of whether a foreign travel health insurance can be deducted from taxes is also relevant for many; this is possible under certain conditions as a special expense. A precise knowledge of your contract details protects you from surprises and ensures you have the desired protection. With this information, you are fully equipped to make the right decision for your travel protection.
Conclusion: Why international health insurance is essential
An illness or accident while travelling can lead to a significant financial burden without appropriate cover, quickly reaching several tens of thousands of euros. Statutory health insurance often only provides basic protection, which does not cover many risks, particularly expensive repatriation. Therefore, private travel health insurance is not a luxury, but a necessity for every traveller, whether it's a short trip within Europe or a months-long world tour. For an annual fee often under twenty euros, you receive comprehensive protection. It not only covers the costs of medical treatment but also offers important assistance services like a 24-hour emergency hotline. Choosing the right tariff requires some attention to details such as scope of coverage, travel duration, and range of services, but the effort is worthwhile. With the right protection, you can enjoy your travels without worry, knowing that you are well covered in case of an emergency. Remember: The low cost of a good policy is incomparable to the potential financial consequences of an emergency abroad. At nextsure, we are happy to assist you in finding the optimal insurance cover for your needs.
Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation checked for free and receive concrete suggestions for optimisation.
More useful links
Auswärtiges Amt offers comprehensive information on travel health and important advice for stays abroad.
Statistisches Bundesamt (Destatis) publishes current press releases, which may also include relevant statistics on tourism and travel behaviour.
Deutsche Verbindungsstelle Krankenversicherung Ausland (DVKA) is the central liaison office for statutory health and nursing care insurance abroad, providing detailed information on entitlement to benefits.
Bundesgesundheitsministerium provides information about the regulations on health insurance abroad and the role of statutory health insurance funds.
Verbraucherzentrale explains why travel health insurance is essential and what consumers should pay attention to.
Auswärtiges Amt offers general travel and safety advice for all countries worldwide, including important health recommendations.
Statistisches Bundesamt (Destatis) provides detailed statistics on tourism and travel behaviour in Germany and internationally.
Verbraucherzentrale provides comprehensive information about the necessary insurance cover for international travel, beyond health insurance.
FAQ
Warum brauche ich überhaupt eine Auslandsreise-Krankenversicherung?
Die gesetzliche Krankenversicherung (GKV) übernimmt im Ausland oft nur einen Teil der Kosten und wichtige Leistungen wie der medizinische Rücktransport sind meist gar nicht abgedeckt. Eine private Auslandsreise-Krankenversicherung schützt Sie vor hohen finanziellen Belastungen bei Krankheit oder Unfall auf Reisen, die schnell mehrere zehntausend Euro betragen können.
Welche Leistungen sind typischerweise in einer Auslandsreise-Krankenversicherung enthalten?
Zu den Kernleistungen gehören die Übernahme von Kosten für ambulante und stationäre Heilbehandlungen, ärztlich verordnete Medikamente, schmerzstillende Zahnbehandlungen und der medizinisch sinnvolle Krankenrücktransport. Oft sind auch Bergungskosten und Überführungskosten im Todesfall enthalten.
Gilt meine Auslandsreise-Krankenversicherung weltweit?
Das hängt vom gewählten Tarif ab. Es gibt Policen mit europaweiter Geltung und solche mit weltweiter Geltung. Bei weltweiten Tarifen ist oft zu beachten, ob Reisen in die USA und Kanada eingeschlossen sind, da hierfür aufgrund der hohen Gesundheitskosten manchmal Zuschläge oder spezielle Tarife nötig sind.
Was muss ich im Schadensfall tun?
Kontaktieren Sie umgehend die Notfall-Hotline Ihrer Versicherung. Halten Sie Ihre Versicherungsnummer bereit. Bewahren Sie alle Originalrechnungen, Arztberichte und Belege sorgfältig auf und reichen Sie diese nach Ihrer Rückkehr bei der Versicherung ein. Bei größeren Eingriffen oder Krankenhausaufenthalten sollte die Klinik direkt mit der Versicherung abrechnen, was über die Hotline geklärt werden kann.
Kann ich eine Auslandsreise-Krankenversicherung auch noch kurz vor Reiseantritt abschließen?
Ja, viele Auslandsreise-Krankenversicherungen können Sie auch noch am Tag des Reiseantritts online abschließen, solange die Reise noch nicht begonnen hat. Für Langzeittarife empfiehlt sich jedoch eine frühere Planung.
Was passiert, wenn ich meine Jahres-Auslandsreise-Krankenversicherung nicht kündige?
Jahresverträge für Auslandsreise-Krankenversicherungen verlängern sich in der Regel automatisch um ein weiteres Jahr, wenn sie nicht fristgerecht (meist ein bis drei Monate vor Ablauf des Versicherungsjahres) gekündigt werden.
