Cosmos Direkt term life insurance: optimise comprehensive protection for your loved ones
12.05.25
12
Minutes
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
Term life insurance provides financial protection for your family if something should happen to you. However, many people underestimate the complexity of choosing the right tariff and the optimal sum insured. This article takes a closer look at CosmosDirekt term life insurance and shows you how to make informed decisions about protecting your loved ones.
The topic in brief and concise terms
Cosmos Direkt term life insurance offers flexible tariffs (e.g. Basic, Comfort) for the financial protection of dependants, often with a guaranteed option to increase cover.
The right sum insured (often three to five times annual gross income) and term (e.g. until the children are 25 years old) are crucial.
Answering the health questions honestly is essential; payment is made in the event of death or very serious illness and is expedited by naming the beneficiaries.
Cosmos Direkt term life insurance: the facts at a glance
Cosmos Direkt’s term life insurance provides cover for dependants at comparatively low premiums. There are various plans, such as Basis and Comfort, which cover different levels of benefits. A guaranteed insurability option often allows the sum assured to be increased without a new medical examination following certain life events. Payment is made in the event of death or, under certain conditions, also in the case of a very serious illness with a life expectancy of no more than twelve months. More than six hundred thousand customers already trust Cosmos Direkt.
These basic details form the basis for a deeper examination of the practical aspects.
Practical guide: choosing the correct sum insured and term
Choosing the correct sum assured is crucial for effective protection. Experts often recommend three to five times gross annual salary as a guideline. For a family with two children and a main earner with an annual income of fifty thousand euros, the amount could therefore lie between one hundred and fifty thousand and two hundred and fifty thousand euros. Ongoing loans, for example for a property, should also be taken into account. The term should be chosen so that the children's financial dependency is covered, often until the youngest child reaches the age of 25. A family cover through term life insurance is an important component. Cosmos Direkt offers terms between five and 45 years, up to a maximum age of 75. [,]
An example to illustrate the costs:
A 30-year-old non-smoker with an office job pays around 2.73 euros per month for a sum assured of one hundred thousand euros over twenty years with Cosmos Direkt on the basic tariff. [24,]
For a doctor (37 years old, non-smoker) with four hundred thousand euros of cover over 22 years, other costs may apply. [24,]
Many underestimate the need to review and adjust the sum assured regularly. The value of term life insurance is particularly evident in details like these. The exact calculation depends on many individual factors. Next, we take a closer look at the conditions for payment.
Understanding payout arrangements: When does Cosmos Direkt term life insurance pay out?
CosmosDirekt term life insurance pays out the agreed sum insured if the insured person dies during the term of the policy. A payout is also possible if a terminal illness with a medically confirmed life expectancy of a maximum of twelve months is diagnosed; this is known as an accelerated death benefit. For the payout, certain documents such as the policy document and the death certificate are required. Naming the beneficiaries in the policy by name significantly speeds up the payout. If no beneficiary has been designated, the sum goes to the statutory heirs, which can delay the process. In the event of suicide within the first three years after the policy is taken out, the benefit may be excluded unless there was a pathological disturbance of mental activity. More information on when term life insurance does not pay out is important. The payout is usually made as a lump sum. After all documents have been received, the time until payment is often around fourteen days in the event of natural death. [,] The exact conditions are crucial in order to be covered in an emergency.
Expert knowledge: legal aspects and optimisation tips
Term life insurance in Germany is subject to the Insurance Contract Act (VVG). This regulates, among other things, the rights and obligations of the insurer and policyholder. An important point is answering the health questions truthfully before the contract is concluded. Incorrect or incomplete information can jeopardise the insurance cover. There is, in all seriousness, no term life insurance without a medical examination. The premiums can, in certain circumstances, be claimed for tax purposes as retirement provision expenses, although maximum limits must be observed. The payout from term life insurance is exempt from income tax. However, inheritance tax may apply, depending on the amount of the sum insured and the degree of relationship.
Our expert tip: the „cross-over model“ for couples can help to avoid inheritance tax. Under this arrangement, each partner takes out a policy on the life of the other and is simultaneously the policyholder and beneficiary. This means the benefit is paid out tax-free to the surviving partner in the event of death. Another optimisation option is the conversion of a term life insurance policy, if needs change, although this is becoming less common. [,] Choosing the right type of life insurance is fundamental. Also note the deadlines, for example how long the payout of a life insurance policy after death takes. When buying a house, life insurance can serve as security. Dealing with these topics early and honestly provides optimal protection. Careful review of all contract details is essential.
CosmosDirekt tariffs: Basic and Comfort cover in detail
Cosmos Direkt offers various tariff options for term life insurance to meet different needs. The Basic cover provides a cost-effective basic level of protection. This tariff already includes important features such as a dynamic adjustment option and a guaranteed insurability option. The Comfort cover extends these benefits and is aimed particularly at families. It includes additional components such as a children's bonus and a building bonus. An immediate emergency benefit may also form part of Comfort cover. The minimum term is often five years, and the maximum term can be up to 45 years. The choice of the right tariff should be made after a thorough analysis of your personal situation and protection needs. Advice from experts, such as that offered by nextsure, can provide valuable support here. The flexibility of the tariffs allows adjustments to changing life circumstances. These tariff details help you to better assess the offers.
Customer reviews and test results for term life insurance CosmosDirekt
Cosmos Direkt term life insurance is regularly tested by independent institutions. Focus Money awarded the Comfort tariff a rating of “excellent” (issue 16/2025). The value for money was also rated “very good” by Focus Money at the end of 2024. In cooperation with Morgen & Morgen, WirtschaftsWoche also awarded top marks for basic cover in two sample cases. Customers report positively on the fast and professional handling of claims. In 2024, Cosmos Direkt supported over one thousand bereaved dependants. Such independent ratings and genuine customer experiences provide important guidance when choosing a provider. The positive feedback underlines the importance of reliable cover. These insights complete the picture of Cosmos Direkt term life insurance.
Careful planning is the key to suitable term life insurance. Determine your individual needs precisely: How high are your liabilities? How long will your children depend on financial support? Compare different offers and pay attention not only to the price, but also to the contractual terms. Take advantage of an anonymous pre-enquiry for risk assessment, especially if you have pre-existing conditions. The experts at nextsure will be happy to support you in analysing your situation and selecting the optimal cover. Professional advice can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure the best possible protection for your family. Remember that good cover can provide a great deal of security for you and your loved ones. Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation checked free of charge and receive specific suggestions for optimisation.
More useful links
The Federal Statistical Office provides comprehensive information on deaths and life expectancy in Germany.
Further data on causes of death in Germany can also be found at the Federal Statistical Office.
The German Insurance Association (GDV) provides a study on demographic change and demand for life insurance.
The Federal Ministry of Health provides information on prevention and early detection in healthcare.
FAQ
Is term life insurance with CosmosDirekt worthwhile?
Yes, term life insurance is particularly useful for families, main earners and borrowers, to provide financial security for surviving dependants. Cosmos Direkt is a major provider with flexible plans.
Does CosmosDirekt offer term life insurance without health questions?
No, there is no term life insurance without health questions at Cosmos Direkt, as with other reputable providers. The health questions are necessary for fair premium calculation. However, when exercising options such as the guaranteed insurability option, a new assessment can be waived.
How high should the sum insured be for CosmosDirekt term life insurance?
The sum insured should cover your financial obligations (loans, living costs, children’s education). A rule of thumb is three to five times your annual gross income.
Can I cancel the term life insurance policy with Cosmos Direkt?
Yes, you can cancel your term life insurance with Cosmos Direkt. However, please note that if you cancel, no surrender value is usually paid out, as this is purely risk protection.
What happens to the CosmosDirekt term life insurance in the event of inheritance?
The payout from term life insurance is exempt from income tax, but may be subject to inheritance tax. The amount depends on allowances and the degree of relationship. The cross-over model can help avoid inheritance tax.
What documents does Cosmos Direkt require for the payout?
For the payout, the original insurance policy, an official death certificate and, if applicable, a medical certificate stating the cause of death are usually required.
