HanseMerkur Accident Insurance: Optimise comprehensive protection for leisure and work
1 May 2025
9
Minutes
Katrin Straub
CEO at nextsure
An accident occurs unexpectedly and can change your life in an instant. Statutory accident insurance often covers only a fraction of the risks, especially in leisure activities. A private accident insurance policy from HanseMerkur provides important protection against the financial consequences.
The topic in brief and concise terms
A private accident insurance policy like that offered by HanseMerkur is important, as statutory insurance usually only covers work and school accidents, and around 75 percent of accidents happen during leisure time.
The HanseMerkur accident insurance provides core benefits such as disability payment, accident pension, and death benefit, complemented by substantial amounts for rescue costs and cosmetic operations.
The amount of benefit depends on the sum insured, the scale of benefits, and progression; the costs vary depending on age, occupation, and chosen tariff (e.g., adults approximately €7-22 per month).
Understanding the need for private accident insurance
The statutory accident insurance primarily provides benefits for accidents at work or school. Surprisingly, however, around 75 percent of all accidents occur in private settings, where this protection often does not apply. A private HanseMerkur accident insurance offers comprehensive protection in this regard. It steps in if an accident leads to permanent physical or mental impairments. Many underestimate that benefits can be due from as little as one percent disability. This coverage is important for everyone, as the financial consequences of an accident can be significant. The benefits of a private accident insurance are diverse. This highlights the importance of additional private provision.
Analyse the range of services of HanseMerkur accident insurance
HanseMerkur Accident Insurance offers various plans, such as 'Best Gold'. Key benefits include disability benefits, a monthly accident pension from a disability level of 40 or 50 percent, and death benefits. Particularly noteworthy are high sums for rescue costs and cosmetic operations, often up to one million euros. Additionally, help and care services, daily hospital allowance, and convalescence benefits are often included. Accidents resulting from heart attacks or strokes can also be insured. For children, there are special additional benefits like rooming-in or an orphan's pension. The accident insurance for adults can be optimally tailored. The exact conditions and deadlines, for example, for reporting a disability (often 24 to 36 months), can be found in the respective contract details.
Understand the degree of disability and dismemberment scale as a basis for benefits
The amount of the disability benefit is determined by the insured sum, the degree of disability, and any agreed progression. The degree of disability is determined using the schedule of injuries or a medical report. The schedule of injuries is a table that rates the loss or dysfunction of body parts and sense organs in percentages. For example: the loss of a thumb, according to the schedule of injuries of HanseMerkur (Best Gold tariff, Best schedule), can be rated at 35 percent, a hand at 75 percent. Each insurer uses its own schedule of injuries, so it is important to carefully check the terms of the HanseMerkur accident insurance. A progression ensures that payouts increase disproportionately in cases of high degrees of disability. For an agreed progression of, say, 225 percent and an insured sum of 100,000 euros, a total of 225,000 euros would be paid out in the event of total disability. The taxation of accident pensions may also be relevant.
Calculate costs and contribution factors of the 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. Children are often insured more cheaply, with premiums between three and eight euros per month. Seniors tend to pay more due to statistically higher accident risk, around ten to 38 euros monthly. Key factors influencing the premium of your HanseMerkur accident insurance include the chosen sum insured, the level of progression, your occupational group, and your age. A higher sum insured or stronger progression generally leads to higher premiums. A rule of thumb for the sum insured is at least three times the 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 optimal coverage.
The following factors typically influence the premium amount:
Chosen sum insured (disability benefit)
Agreed progression scale
Schedule of benefits according to the tariff
Occupational risk group of the insured
Age at the time of contract conclusion
Inclusion of additional benefits (e.g. accident pension, death benefit)
Duration of the contract
Health status at application (although HanseMerkur often waives a health check up to age 59)
A careful consideration of these factors is crucial for tailored and affordable protection.
Check specific insurance for children and seniors
Children and seniors have specific needs that a good accident insurance policy should consider. Statutory accident insurance for children only applies in daycare, at school, and on direct routes. A private children's accident insurance, as offered within the HanseMerkur accident insurance tariffs, fills this gap. Important benefits often include rooming-in (coverage for a parent in the hospital), school absence allowance, or a full orphan's pension. For seniors, HanseMerkur offers the “Premium 60 Plus” plan. This allows for a choice between disability benefit and/or accident pension, covering costs for rescue, cosmetic surgery, and spa allowances. Since the risk of accidents statistically increases with age and statutory protection often lapses, private coverage for seniors is particularly important. It is important to assess whether accident insurance is truly necessary.
Expert knowledge: Observe legal frameworks and current judgments
In the field of accident insurance, there are several legal aspects and deadlines to be aware of. For instance, disability must often occur within 24 months after an accident and be medically diagnosed and claimed within 36 months, as is the case with HanseMerkur Unfallversicherung Best Gold. Court decisions shape the interpretation of insurance terms. Typically, the time point for the initial assessment of disability is the end of the disability period. The burden of proof for the contribution of pre-existing conditions or infirmities to the disability usually lies with the insurer. Furthermore, the definition of what exactly counts as "medical treatment" in the context of daily allowance claims can be clarified by judgments; it often includes the entire duration of doctor-ordered measures. Our expert tip: Pay attention to clear wording in the contract and document accidents and their consequences meticulously. In case of uncertainties, the tax deductibility of accident insurance may be examined.
Important aspects from case law can include:
Deadlines for reporting and assessing disability must be strictly adhered to.
The interpretation of clauses regarding the involvement of pre-existing conditions is often crucial.
The definition of an "accident" and its distinction from illnesses is frequently examined in court.
The requirements for medical assessments for determining disability are high.
Exclusion clauses, such as those for psychological reactions, are regularly reviewed.
These points highlight the importance of expert advice and a thorough examination of insurance conditions.
Design the path to your optimal HanseMerkur accident insurance
Concluding a HanseMerkur accident insurance should be well considered. Initially, a precise analysis of your individual risk situation and your needs is important. In doing so, take into account your age, your professional activities, and your leisure activities. HanseMerkur offers various plans such as "Best Gold" or "Smart Premium Partner," which include different service packages and dismemberment schedules. Compare the insurance sums and progression scales offered – a higher progression can mean a significantly higher payout in case of severe disability. Also pay attention to any health questions; HanseMerkur waives these in some plans up to the age of 59. There is no obligation for private accident insurance in Germany. We at nextsure are happy to assist you in finding the right coverage and advise you on the details of HanseMerkur accident insurance. This ensures that you are optimally protected in the event of a claim.
Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation checked free of charge and receive concrete optimisation suggestions.
More useful links
The DGUV offers comprehensive statistics and facts about work-related and commuting accidents.
A DGUV publication provides detailed information on work-related accidents.
Statista provides statistical data on reported work-related accidents in Germany since 1986.
The Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) provides official data on deaths from accidents.
The BAUA (Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) publishes a report on the prevention of work-related accidents.
Information on the prevention of work-related accidents is available on the DGUV website.
The North Rhine-Westphalia Health Center (LZG NRW) offers a PDF analysis on sports accidents.
Specific statistics and facts about commuting accidents can also be found at the DGUV.
FAQ
How quickly do I need to report an accident to HanseMerkur?
Please refer to your terms and conditions for the exact deadlines. In general, it often applies to disability benefits that the disability must occur within 24 months after the accident and be medically diagnosed and claimed within 36 months.
Does the HanseMerkur accident insurance also cover sports accidents?
Yes, the HanseMerkur accident insurance (e.g., Best Gold tariff) generally covers all sports as long as they are pursued as a hobby and you are not a professional, contractual, or licensed athlete.
What does progression mean in the 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%) that can apply from a disability level of 26 percent.
Do I need a health check for the HanseMerkur accident insurance?
With HanseMerkur accident insurance, you can often take out a policy without a health check up to the age of 59. For policies taken out up to the age of 69, health questions may be relevant.
Are heart attack or stroke accidents also covered by HanseMerkur?
Yes, in policies such as the Accident Insurance Best Gold from HanseMerkur, accidents due to heart attack or stroke are included.
What protection does the HanseMerkur accident insurance provide for children?
The HanseMerkur accident insurance offers special services for children, such as an orphan's pension, coverage of rooming-in costs, the organization of private tutoring, and psychological support.
