Health insurance while traveling within the European Union (EU)
This is a highly important topic—especially if you live in Germany and plan a holiday or business trip to another European country. Here is a comprehensive guide explaining what this insurance covers, its types, and when you need additional insurance:
First: What is the legal basis for coverage within the EU?
Anyone insured under Germany’s statutory health insurance (GKV) has the right to receive necessary medical treatment while traveling in EU countries via:
the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
It is part of the regular insurance card issued by your Krankenkasse.
What does the EHIC cover while traveling?
It covers only medically necessary, urgent treatment during the trip, including:
| Covered | Not covered |
|---|---|
| Visiting a GP or emergency services | Cosmetic or elective treatment |
| Hospital admission in an emergency | Full costs of private treatment |
| Prescriptions for urgent medication | Repatriation home (medical air evacuation) |
| Care due to a sudden accident | Costs outside the public healthcare system |
You are treated like a local resident in terms of costs, meaning you:
pay the same share locals pay
may have to pay upfront and claim reimbursement from your insurer later
Do I need additional travel health insurance (Reisekrankenversicherung)?
Yes, it is always recommended because the EHIC does not cover:
repatriation in case of illness or death (Rücktransport)
treatment in private hospitals/clinics outside the public system
full costs of treatment in countries outside the EU
extra services such as a single room or a private doctor
The cost of additional insurance starts from €10/year, offered by:
TK, AOK, DAK (as add-on insurance)
companies such as HanseMerkur, Allianz, Debeka
Does it include countries outside the EU?
No. The EHIC does not cover countries such as Turkey, Ukraine, Egypt, or Switzerland (except under special agreements).
In that case, you need fully international travel health insurance.
Important steps before traveling:
Check that your EHIC is valid (expiry date)
Carry copies of your insurance card and your Krankenkasse contact details
Buy private travel health insurance if you:
will travel outside Europe
have a chronic condition
want full coverage including repatriation
Summary:
| Situation | Is the EHIC enough? | Additional insurance recommended? |
|---|---|---|
| Short holiday in France | Yes | Recommended |
| Business trip in Italy | Yes | Recommended |
| Vacation in Turkey | No | Very necessary |
| Long stay or private treatment | No | Necessary |
— The website’s writers and editors aim to provide accurate information through extensive research and multiple sources. However, errors or unconfirmed information may occur. Please treat the information in the articles as initial reference and always consult the competent authorities for confirmed details.
