​​​How to get Schengen visa travel insurance for Germany?

That depends on where exactly you’re coming from and what citizenship you hold. Because Germany is a founding member of both the European Union and the Schengen Zone. And as such, it requires most of its millions of annual visitors to have a Schengen visa for stays of up to 90 days.

One of the primary requirements for being granted that Schengen visa, in turn, is having the appropriate Schengen travel insurance.

Which travelers don’t need a Schengen visa to come to Germany (for stays of less than 90 days)?
 

You don’t need a Schengen visa for Germany if you are:

-A citizen of one (or more) of roughly 60 non-EU countries and territories that have signed visa exemption agreements with the EU – such as Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, the U.K., the U.S., and so on;

-A national of the Schengen area;

-A holder of a valid residence permit issued by a Schengen Area member country;

-A national of one (or more) of the non-Schengen European Union member countries.

Which travelers are required to apply for a Schengen visa for Germany?
 

On the other hand, passport holders from China, India, Russia, all of Africa, and most of the Middle East will need a Schengen visa (and, therefore, travel insurance) to go to Germany. And that’s because their home countries have not signed a visa waiver agreement with the EU.

Fortunately, the European Commission provides full lists of both countries exempt and not exempt from the Schengen visa (which should hopefully save you some time).

How do I apply for a visa for Germany?

And if you do need that visa for Germany, fear not! AXA got your back too. In fact, we can gladly help you both answer and do all of the following:

Do I need a Schengen (Type C) or National (Type D) visa for Germany?

How do I apply for a Schengen (Type C) Visa for Germany?

How do I apply for a National (Type D) Visa for Germany?

How do I apply for a work visa for Germany?

So click around and explore!

What are the travel insurance requirements to be granted a Schengen visa for Germany?

So, again, proper travel insurance is one of the primary (and mandatory) requirements for a Schengen visa for Germany. But be aware that it can’t be just any insurance either! Because for your application to even be accepted, your plan must adhere to a certain set of criteria. Namely (and this is according to the European Commission), your travel insurance plan must:

• be purchased from an insurance company validated by the consular authorities of all Schengen countries
• have a minimum coverage of €30,000 in medical expenses (such as hospitalization, emergency treatment, and repatriation — including in case of death);
• cover you in all the Schengen member countries (not just Germany)
• be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen Area.

PRO-TIP: Fortunately, all of AXA’s plans meet all the criteria above. But we can also gladly tell you more about all the specifics of travel insurance requirements for a Schengen visa if you like!

I don’t need a Schengen Visa. Do I still need travel insurance for Germany?

If you don’t need a Schengen Visa, then travel insurance is not mandatory to travel to Germany. But even though Germany is one of the safest countries in Europe, life can still be full of surprises – both good and bad – especially when you’re abroad. So no matter your destination, your health and safety (and those of your loved ones) should remain priority number one. And being properly insured is the first step.

Furthermore, medical costs can be surprisingly costly in Germany (especially when it comes to things like prescription drugs).

Meanwhile, understanding and navigating the healthcare system of any foreign country can be tedious, often confusing, and almost always time-consuming. And that’s especially when said healthcare system is in such a beautiful and yet difficult language as German.

In other words, having the proper travel insurance will not only save you time, confusion, and (possibly quite a lot of) money. It will also give you that little bit of extra security and peace of mind - not to mention ensure that you and your family are well taken care of, 24/7, if something does go wrong.

Why choose AXA Schengen for my German travel insurance?

So, with all that in mind, here are just a few solid reasons why AXA is your best bet for Germany (visa or not). All of AXA’s plans:

• Meet all the criteria required by the EU for being granted a Schengen visa
• Offer quick and easy online subscription
• Provide a certified, world-renowned travel insurance certificate (sent instantly by email)
• Are accepted by all Schengen embassies, consulates, and visa application centers worldwide
• Offer coverage of medical and repatriation costs for up to €2 Million
• Include civil liability and personal liability insurance
• Include death and disability coverage
• Offer baggage insurance (either included or optional - depending on the plan)
• Are tailor-made, offering multiple upgrade options
• Are valid for the Schengen area + the European Union + the United Kingdom (depending on the plan, that is - see below)
• Offer flexibility - i.e., are available for just one day, up to six months, or even as an annual subscription
• Provide 24/7 emergency assistance
• Offer free remote medical consultation - in English and a number of other languages - with our unique Doctor, Please! feature
• Can be purchased on behalf of someone else (without unnecessary complications)

And of course they offer the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re supported by AXA - a world-renowned, decades-trusted Schengen travel insurance brand!

Furthermore, AXA’s plans have no age limit, require no medical exams, and have zero deductibles.

And, finally, if you do need a visa and your application is denied, AXA’s plans are refundable* in most cases!

*We’ll only ask that you provide an official explanation as to why it was refused from the relevant German embassy, consulate, or affiliated German visa application center.

What travel insurance options for Germany (and/or a Schengen visa) does AXA offer?

And now here’s a quick overview of the coverage options you have to choose from with AXA when planning your German adventure:

-AXA SCHENGEN BASIC: our standard coverage that meets all the requirements for your German Schengen visa. Simple, basic, world-recognized, and covering you in Germany + all Schengen countries + European microstates (San Marino, Andorra, Monaco, and Vatican City).

-AXA SCHENGEN ESSENTIAL: complete, reliable, affordable European coverage that meets all EU/Schengen visa requirements and covers you in Germany + all Schengen countries + all EU countries + the European microstates above + the UK.

-AXA SCHENGEN PREMIUM: our all-inclusive, premium plan is the way to go for complete, zero-stress and worry-free travel throughout Germany (and beyond).
It also meets all necessary Schengen visa requirements, and also covers you in Germany + all Schengen countries + all EU countries + the European microstates + the UK.

-AXA SCHENGEN ANNUAL: and our annual plan is designed for frequent travelers and/or holders of multiple-entry visas.
It meets all visa requirements while providing coverage across Germany + all Schengen countries + all EU countries + the microstates + the UK. And yet, it offers a single contract for a full year of German (and European) travel!

Again, that’s just a quick overview - so make sure to click around,
 

Because with AXA’s various comprehensive, adjustable options and countless benefits, you’re sure to find a plan perfectly suited for your upcoming Deutschland adventure!

What should I do if I am injured or ill while in Germany?
 

Again, life can be full of surprises - especially abroad. But whether you’re skiing the German Alps, hiking through the Black Forest, scaling one of the country’s 25,000 castles, or just sampling a brew in a Munich beer hall - fear not. AXA’s Schengen insurance is here for you.

In case of a medical emergency, contact the AXA Schengen call center at the number provided on your insurance policy. Medical assistance professionals will answer your questions and advise you 24/7, as well as help you find the medical center closest to your location and best suited to your situation.

What to Provide When Contacting AXA's Call Center
 

-The number of your policy (which begins with “SCH”);

-The address and telephone number at which you can be reached (as well as the details of any people that can be contacted locally);

-Your dossier number (communicated at the time of the first call).

IMPORTANT NOTE: Remember to always keep bills/invoices and enclose them with your file. And keep your phone charged too.

PRO-TIP: And here are the emergency numbers to keep on hand when in Germany.

-General emergency: 112

-Police emergency: 110

-Emergency medical service for urgent but not life-threatening situations: 116 and 117

- The German Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance also has a citizen service, available weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 0228 99 550-3670.

What else should I know when prepping for my trip to Germany?
 

And here are a few bonus safety tips to ensure that your trip to Germany is a safe one:

Security

Crime levels are broadly similar in many Western nations — especially top tourist destinations. So be diligent and take sensible precautions to avoid mugging, purse snatching, and pickpocketing. And be particularly vigilant at airports, railway stations, the metro, crowded public gatherings, and tourist hotspots. Do not leave valuables unattended.

Public transportation

Most German cities and towns have efficient systems of public transport. In larger cities - i.e., Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich - they are usually integrated into a single network. There is an extensive high-speed rail network and an excellent road network, meaning longer journeys by road or rail are relatively pain-free.

Opening hours

From Monday to Saturday, shops, supermarkets, and so on are usually open between 8, 9 or 10 AM and 8, 9 or 10 PM. Some supermarkets already open their doors at 7 AM. Sunday, however, is usually a day of rest - especially in the smaller towns.

Driving license

If you wish to drive in Germany, you must carry a valid driving license, insurance, and vehicle documents with you in the car at all times. If you are borrowing a vehicle, you may require written permission from the registered owner. The minimum age for driving a car in Germany is 18.

Restaurants

Most restaurants open around midday (between 10:30 AM and 02:30 PM) and again in the evening (from 05:00 PM till 11:00 PM) — although these times may vary greatly between smaller towns and the major cities.

The Ruhezeit period

And, finally, while AXA can guarantee that your trip is well ensured for the most part - we can’t guarantee that you won’t get a complaint from a neighbor or two if you choose to party it up. And that’s because many a German still strictly observes what’s known as the Ruhezeit period — i.e., quiet hours. These are typically from 10 pm every day, 6 am to 7 am on weekdays, and all of Sunday. The hours may vary depending on the city. For example, in Hamburg, quiet hours also include 1 pm to 3 pm. So don’t say we didn’t warn you. And safe travels!

Related articles :
 

• How much does Schengen travel insurance cost?
• How do I choose the best Schengen travel insurance for my trip?
• How much does a Schengen visa cost?

FAQ

Can I take out AXA Schengen travel health insurance on behalf of someone else?

Yes. Purchasing travel insurance for loved ones and/or visiting guests is easy with AXA. All you need to provide is their personal info (i.e., their DOB, address, passport number, and itinerary).

Can I travel anywhere in Europe with a German Schengen Visa?

Not necessarily. Because while you can travel to all other Schengen countries, remember that not all European countries are within the Schengen Area.
FINAL PRO-TIP: And AXA can tell you all about the key differences between Europe, the EU, and the Schengen Zone so you know what’s what too!

Can I work or study in Germany with a tourist visa?

No. The tourist (or Type C) allows visitors to enter Germany for a short business trip, a holiday, or to visit family members. However, it cannot be converted into a work or study permit. AXA can tell you more about that as well.