Accident Insurance for Expats in Germany

Accident Insurance in Germany: What Health Insurance Does Not Cover

Your health insurance, whether public (GKV) or private (PKV), pays for medical treatment. Doctor visits, hospital stays, medication, rehab. But it stops there.

If an accident leaves you permanently disabled, health insurance will not pay your rent. It will not cover the wheelchair ramp you need at home. It will not replace your income if you cannot do your old job anymore.

That is the gap accident insurance (German: Unfallversicherung) fills. A lump-sum payout for permanent disability. Money for home modifications. Financial security for your family.

The 70% Problem

Germany has statutory accident insurance through the Berufsgenossenschaft. It covers workplace and commuting accidents. But according to DGUV (German Social Accident Insurance), roughly 70% of all accidents happen during leisure: at home, playing sports, on vacation, running errands.

Slip in the shower? Not covered. Break your leg skiing? Not covered. Get injured cycling on Saturday? Not covered.

For expats, the risk is often higher. New city, unfamiliar roads, different traffic patterns. Maybe you picked up skiing because you live near the Alps now. Maybe you cycle everywhere because Germany is bike-friendly. More new activities means more exposure.

Accident Insurance vs. Liability Insurance: Different Things

People mix these up constantly. Quick distinction:

• Accident insurance (Unfallversicherung) protects you financially after an accident
• Liability insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung) pays when you accidentally damage someone else or their property

Both are important. They cover completely different situations. If you do not have liability insurance yet, sort that out first, it is arguably more urgent. Then get accident insurance.

Which Providers Offer English Service?

Several German insurers work with expats in English:

• Allianz (international division) offers comprehensive English service
• AXA has dedicated expat packages with multilingual staff
• Getsafe provides a fully English app with digital-first claims
• ERGO offers English documentation and support

These providers handle applications, policy documents, and claims in English. You can manage your insurance without touching German.

How to Pick the Right Coverage Amount

Insurance experts generally recommend coverage of 3 to 5 times your annual gross income. For a single person earning €50,000, that means €150,000 to €250,000 in coverage.

If you have a family, mortgage, or other financial commitments, go higher. The difference in premium between €100,000 and €200,000 coverage is usually just a few euros per month.

Also consider adding progression (Progression). It is a small surcharge that multiplies your payout at higher disability levels. At 225% progression with €100,000 base coverage, a total disability pays €225,000 instead of €100,000. You can compare Unfallversicherung plans in German as well.

Looking for other insurance? Check our insurance comparison overview or explore life insurance options for additional financial protection.