Travel Insurance Germany

For UK residents, it's tempting to dismiss the idea of travel insurance for Germany as being unnecessary, for the overly-prudent traveller. You might reason that simply having an EHIC card will be enough to keep you out of trouble. While an EHIC card might allow you some access to state medical care in Germany, it's no substitute for a comprehensive travel insurance policy.

Why do I need Travel Insurance in Germany?

Here are a few reasons why you'll want to take out a proper travel insurance policy for Germany:

• Using the EHIC card will not guarantee all forms of state medical care free of charge. For the most part, the EHIC card entitles you to medical care at a reduced cost when used in Germany. In other words, you may still have to pay if you end up needing medical attention during your trip to Germany.
• A reliable and travel insurance policy will include cover for emergency medical expenses, often within the region of several million pounds. If you were to need any medical assistance during your time in Germany, you won't need to deal with the added worry of footing a huge bill afterwards.

Holiday Extras provide a range of cover options suited to any holiday itinerary. Keep in mind, that you'll need to be a UK resident and have declared any pre-existing medical conditions you have for your cover to be valid.

*Or as specified on your schedule

European Travel Insurance

Germany is classed as within Europe for travel insurance purposes, so when booking your policy, you'll need to make sure it's a European travel insurance policy. It's always advised to make sure that the country you are travelling to is covered under any travel insurance policy you may be considering. Keep in mind that certain destinations like Turkey, Spain, Cyprus and Greece, whilst technically within Europe, may not be classed within Europe by some insurers for their higher cost of national health care.

Medical Insurance for Germany

If you're planning to visit Germany — even for a very short period of time — you should be aware that the German government requires all visitors to have valid travel insurance.

While this requirement is aimed mainly at travellers who would need to apply for a visa to enter the country, it is still just as important for UK residents to take out comprehensive travel insurance with medical cover when travelling to Germany.

Before you decide on a policy, think about the purpose of your trip to Germany and how long you'll be staying in the country. This will greatly influence what sort of policy you should take out.

Places to visit in Germany

Berlin - A city seething with culture, history and diversity - to visit the capital is to visit the birthplace of modern Germany. Take a walk along the infamous Berlin wall, stand in awe of the immense Reichstag building, immerse yourself in the booming art scene, discover the underground nightlife. Berlin is a city of character and contrast - perhaps the only place in the world where you can comfortably have a beer outside a parliament building...

The Black Forest - If you're looking for a more traditional, pastoral German experience, then head on down to the South-west. Here you'll find enchanting forested landscapes, sunlight valleys, tranquil lakes and picturesque villages all like something straight out of Grimm's fairytales. Be sure to visit Neuschwanstein castle, the famous 'fairytale' hilltop castle.

Rugen Island - The largest island belonging to Germany in the Baltic sea, here you'll find idyllic stretches of beach, chalk white cliffs and the famous King's Chair viewing platform. Look out for the white-tailed eagles native to the island.

Zugspitze peak - At 2,962 m above sea level, Zugspitze stands as the tallest peak in Germany and is a popular destination for skiing, hiking, mountaineering and glacier walking.