HanseMerkur accident insurance: Optimising comprehensive protection for leisure and work
01.05.25
5
Minutes
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
An accident happens unexpectedly and can change your life in an instant. Statutory accident insurance often only covers a fraction of the risks, especially in leisure time. A private HanseMerkur accident insurance policy offers important protection against the financial consequences.
The topic in brief and concise terms
A private accident insurance policy such as HanseMerkur's is important, as statutory insurance usually only applies to accidents at work and at school, and around 75 per cent of accidents happen during leisure time.
The HanseMerkur accident insurance offers core benefits such as disability benefit, accident annuity and death benefit, supplemented by high sums for rescue costs and cosmetic surgery.
The amount of benefit depends on the sum insured, the body-part schedule and the progression; costs vary depending on age, occupation and the selected tariff (e.g. adults approx. €7–22/month).
Understanding the need for private accident insurance
The statutory accident insurance primarily provides benefits in the event of accidents at work or at school. Surprisingly, however, around 75 per cent of all accidents happen in the private sphere, where this cover often does not apply. A private HanseMerkur accident insurance policy offers comprehensive cover here. It steps in if an accident results in permanent physical or mental impairment. Many underestimate that benefits may already become payable from as little as one per cent disability. This cover is important for everyone, as the financial consequences of an accident can be considerable. The benefits of private accident insurance are varied. This underlines the importance of additional private provision.
Analyse the range of cover offered by HanseMerkur accident insurance
HanseMerkur personal accident insurance offers a range of plans, such as “Best Gold”. Core benefits include disability benefits, a monthly accident pension from a degree of disability of 40 or 50 per cent, and death benefits. Especially noteworthy are high sums for rescue costs and cosmetic surgery, often up to one million euros. In addition, assistance and care services, hospital cash benefits and convalescence benefits are often included. Accidents resulting from heart attack or stroke can also be covered. For children, there are special additional benefits such as rooming-in or a full orphan’s pension. The accident insurance for adults can therefore be tailored optimally. The exact terms and deadlines, for example for reporting a disability (often 24 to 36 months), can be found in the respective contract details.
Understanding the degree of disability and the disability scale as the basis for benefits
The amount of the disability benefit is based on the sum insured, the degree of disability and any agreed progression. The degree of disability is determined using the schedule of impairments or a medical report. The schedule of impairments is a table that assesses the loss or functional incapacity of parts of the body and sensory organs in percentages. For example: the loss of a thumb can be assessed at 35 per cent according to HanseMerkur's schedule of impairments (Best Gold tariff, Best schedule of impairments), and a hand at 75 per cent. Every insurer uses its own schedule of impairments, so it is important to take a close look at the terms and conditions of HanseMerkur accident insurance. Progression ensures that for high degrees of disability the payout increases disproportionately. With an agreed progression of, for example, 225 per cent and a sum insured of 100,000 euros, 225,000 euros would be paid out in the event of total disability. The taxation of accident annuities may also be relevant.
Calculate the costs and premium factors of HanseMerkur accident insurance
The cost of private accident insurance varies and depends on several factors. For adults, premiums can range from seven to 22 euros per month, for example. Children are often insured more cheaply, with premiums between three and eight euros per month. Seniors tend to pay more due to the statistically higher risk of accidents, at around ten to 38 euros per month. Key factors affecting the premium for your HanseMerkur accident insurance are the selected sum insured, the level of progression, your occupational group and your age. A higher sum insured or a stronger progression generally leads to higher premiums. As a rule of thumb, the sum insured should be at least three times your gross annual income, but not less than 100,000 euros. Consider what costs accident insurance would mean for you. nextsure can help you find the right cover.
The following factors typically influence the premium amount:
Selected sum insured (disability benefit)
Agreed progression scale
Schedule of benefits for the tariff
Occupational risk group of the insured person
Age at the time the contract is concluded
Inclusion of additional benefits (e.g. accident pension, death benefit)
Term of the contract
Health status when applying (although HanseMerkur often waives a health check-up up to the age of 59 )
Careful weighing up of these factors is crucial for needs-based and affordable protection.
Check specific cover for children and seniors
Children and senior citizens have specific needs that a good accident insurance policy should take into account. Statutory accident insurance applies to children only at nursery, school and on direct routes there and back. A private children's accident insurance, which is also available as part of HanseMerkur's accident insurance plans, closes this gap. Important benefits here often include rooming-in (cost coverage for a parent in hospital), school absence benefit or a full orphan's pension. For seniors, HanseMerkur offers the tariff “Premium 60 Plus”, for example. This allows a choice between disability benefit and/or accident pension and covers costs for rescue, cosmetic surgery and convalescence subsidies. Since the risk of accidents statistically increases with age and statutory cover often no longer applies, private cover for seniors is particularly relevant. It is important to check whether accident insurance is really necessary.
Expert knowledge: Pay attention to legal framework conditions and current rulings
In the field of accident insurance, there are several legal aspects and deadlines to observe. For example, disability after an accident must often occur within 24 months and be medically determined and claimed within 36 months, as is the case with HanseMerkur accident insurance Best Gold, for example. Court decisions shape the interpretation of insurance conditions. For example, for the initial assessment of disability, the decisive factor is usually the point in time when the disability period expires. The burden of proof that pre-existing conditions or ailments contributed to the disability usually lies with the insurer. The definition of what exactly counts as “medical treatment” in the context of daily allowance claims can also be clarified by court rulings; it often covers the entire duration of the measures ordered by the doctor. Our expert tip: pay attention to clear wording in the policy and document accidents and their consequences carefully. In case of uncertainty, the tax deductibility of accident insurance may be considered.
Important aspects from case law may include:
Deadlines for reporting and determining disability must be strictly observed.
The interpretation of clauses on the involvement of pre-existing conditions is often crucial.
The term “accident” and its distinction from illness are often examined by the courts.
The requirements for medical expert reports for determining disability are high.
Exclusion clauses, for example for psychological reactions, are regularly reviewed.
These points show how important expert advice and careful review of the policy terms are.
Taking out HanseMerkur accident insurance should be carefully considered. First, it is important to analyse your individual risk situation and your needs carefully. Take into account your age, your profession and your leisure activities. HanseMerkur offers various plans such as „Best Gold“ or „Smart Premium Partner“, which include different benefits packages and disability scales. Compare the insured sums and progression scales on offer – a higher progression can mean a significantly higher payout in the event of severe disability. Also pay attention to any health questions; HanseMerkur waives these for some tariffs up to the age of 59. There is no obligation to have accident insurance in Germany for the private sphere. We at nextsure will be happy to help you find the right cover for you and advise you on the details of HanseMerkur accident insurance. This ensures that you are optimally protected should the worst happen.
Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation checked free of charge and receive concrete suggestions for improvement.
More useful links
The DGUV provides comprehensive figures and facts on workplace accidents and commuting accidents.
A DGUV publication provides detailed information on workplace accidents.
Statista provides statistical data on reported workplace accidents in Germany since 1986.
The Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) provides official data on deaths caused by accidents.
The BAUA (Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) publishes a publication on the prevention of workplace accidents.
Information on the prevention of workplace accidents is available on the DGUV website.
The North Rhine-Westphalia Centre for Health (LZG NRW) offers a PDF analysis of sports accidents.
You can also find specific figures and facts on commuting accidents at the DGUV.
FAQ
How quickly do I need to report an accident to HanseMerkur?
Please refer to your contract terms for the exact deadlines. In general, for disability benefits it is often the case that the disability must have occurred within 24 months of the accident and must be medically diagnosed and claimed within 36 months.
Does HanseMerkur accident insurance also cover sports accidents?
Yes, HanseMerkur accident insurance (e.g. Best Gold tariff) generally covers all sports, provided they are practised as a hobby and you are not a professional, contract or licensed athlete.
What does progression mean in HanseMerkur accident insurance?
Progression means that, at higher levels of disability, the disability benefit increases disproportionately. HanseMerkur offers various progression models (e.g. 225%, 350%, 500%, 1000%), which can apply from a degree of disability of 26 percent.
Do I need a health assessment for HanseMerkur accident insurance?
With HanseMerkur accident insurance, taking out a policy is often possible without a medical examination up to the age of 59. For applications up to the age of 69, health questions may be relevant.
Are accidents caused by a heart attack or stroke also covered by HanseMerkur?
Yes, in plans such as HanseMerkur’s Best Gold accident insurance, accidents resulting from heart attack or stroke are included.
What cover does HanseMerkur accident insurance offer for children?
The HanseMerkur accident insurance offers special benefits for children such as a full orphan's pension, coverage of rooming-in costs, organisation of private tuition and psychological support.
