Life Insurance in Germany 2026
What expats actually need to know about term life insurance, costs, and how to apply online
Getting life insurance in Germany as a foreigner is one of those things that sounds harder than it actually is. The forms are in German, the terminology is confusing, and nobody tells you which type you actually need. We wrote this guide because we kept hearing the same questions from expats who felt lost.
Here is what you will find below: the two types of life insurance Germany offers, what a 30-year-old non-smoker actually pays per month, how health questions work, and a step-by-step walkthrough of the online application. No fluff, no jargon without translation.
Quick context: life insurance (German: Risikolebensversicherung) is voluntary in Germany. Unlike health insurance for expats, there is no legal requirement. But if someone depends on your income, a partner, kids, or a bank that gave you a mortgage, going without it is a risk that costs surprisingly little to eliminate. We are talking single-digit euros per month for most people under 35.
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Types of Life Insurance in Germany
Germany has two types of life insurance, and picking the wrong one wastes money. Here is the short version: get term life, skip whole life. The German consumer protection agency Verbraucherzentrale says the same thing.
Term Life Insurance
Risikolebensversicherung
Pays a lump sum to your beneficiaries if you die during the policy term. No savings component, no investment returns. Just straightforward protection.
A healthy 30-year-old non-smoker pays roughly 5 to 10 EUR/month for 100,000 EUR coverage.
- Affordable premiums
- Fixed monthly cost
- Flexible policy terms (10-30 years)
Whole Life Insurance
Kapitallebensversicherung
Combines a death benefit with a savings component. Returns have been disappointing for years. Consumer watchdog Verbraucherzentrale recommends keeping insurance and investments separate.
Costs significantly more per month and locks you into long contracts.
- Higher premiums
- Long lock-in periods
- Low returns in current market
How Much Does Life Insurance Cost in Germany?
Premiums depend on your age, health, smoking status, occupation, and desired coverage amount. Here are realistic monthly costs for a 20-year term policy in 2026:
| Age (non-smoker) | 100,000 EUR | 200,000 EUR | 300,000 EUR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 years | 4-7 EUR | 7-12 EUR | 10-18 EUR |
| 30 years | 5-10 EUR | 10-17 EUR | 15-25 EUR |
| 35 years | 7-14 EUR | 13-24 EUR | 19-35 EUR |
| 40 years | 11-22 EUR | 20-40 EUR | 30-58 EUR |
Smokers pay more
How to Apply for Life Insurance Online in Germany
The application process is straightforward. Most providers accept online applications, and you do not need to visit a German office.
Choose your coverage
Decide how much coverage your family would need. A common rule of thumb: 3 to 5 times your annual gross salary. If you have a mortgage, add that amount too.
Compare providers
Use the comparison tool on this page to see quotes from multiple German insurers side by side. Pay attention to the total cost over the policy term, not just the monthly premium.
Answer health questions
Every insurer asks about your medical history (German: Gesundheitsfragen). Be honest. Common questions cover chronic conditions, hospital stays, mental health, smoking, BMI, and risky hobbies.
Submit and wait
Most applications are processed within 1 to 3 business days. For straightforward cases with no major health issues, some providers offer same-day approval.
Honesty matters
Life Insurance Health Questions in Germany: What Insurers Ask
The Gesundheitsfragen section makes many expats nervous. Here is what insurers typically ask about:
If you have a pre-existing condition, that does not automatically mean rejection. Many conditions lead to a small surcharge (German: Risikozuschlag) rather than a decline. Conditions like well-controlled high blood pressure, mild asthma, or treated depression are usually insurable with an added premium.
Who Needs Life Insurance in Germany?
You probably need it if
- You have children or a partner who depends on your income
- You have a mortgage or significant debt
- You are self-employed with no access to state survivor benefits (German: Hinterbliebenenrente)
- Your partner would struggle financially without your income
You probably do not need it if
- You are single with no dependents
- You have enough savings to cover all debts and expenses
- Your partner earns enough independently
- You are retired with sufficient pension and assets
How much coverage is enough?
The rule of thumb in Germany: 3 to 5 times your annual gross salary. If you have a mortgage, add that on top. So if you earn 60,000 EUR and owe 300,000 EUR on your apartment, you are looking at 400,000 to 500,000 EUR in coverage. Sounds like a lot of money. It is not a lot of premium though. At age 30, that level of coverage runs about 15-25 EUR/month. For reference, a Netflix subscription in Germany costs 13 EUR/month. Looking for the cheapest option? Try our affordable term life insurance comparison.
Life Insurance in Germany: Three Real Scenarios
Abstract coverage advice is hard to apply to your own situation. Here are three cases that cover the most common expat profiles we see.
Scenario 1: Young couple, first child on the way
Maria (32) and Tom (34) moved from Spain. Combined income: 85,000 EUR. Renting in Munich. Maria is on parental leave soon.
Recommendation: 250,000-400,000 EUR coverage for the primary earner. At age 34, Tom pays roughly 12-20 EUR/month for a 20-year term. That covers living expenses until the child finishes school if something happens.
Scenario 2: Single expat with a mortgage
Priya (38) from India, Blue Card holder, earns 72,000 EUR. She just bought an apartment in Berlin with a 280,000 EUR mortgage. No kids, no partner.
Recommendation: Coverage equal to the mortgage balance (280,000 EUR). Her bank may even require it. At 38, she pays around 18-30 EUR/month. Without a policy, her heirs inherit the debt along with the apartment.
Scenario 3: Freelancer with a family back home
Ahmed (29) from Egypt, self-employed IT consultant in Hamburg. Sends money to his parents and younger sister. Earns about 55,000 EUR.
Recommendation: 150,000-200,000 EUR coverage. As a self-employed person, his dependents have no access to German state survivor benefits (Hinterbliebenenrente). A policy at 29 costs as little as 5-8 EUR/month. That is less than two coffees at the Bahnhof.
Couples: consider a cross-over policy
Life Insurance for Expats: What is Different
Language
Application forms are usually in German, even if you apply through an English-language comparison tool. The contract itself will be in German. If you are not comfortable with legal German, consider having a bilingual friend or professional review the contract before signing.
Residence status
Most German insurers require a valid residence permit. Some may decline applications from people on short-term visas. If you have a Blue Card or permanent residence, this is usually not an issue.
International moves
If you leave Germany, your term life insurance typically stays valid. However, some contracts have exclusions for extended stays in specific high-risk countries. Check your policy terms before relocating.
Existing coverage from home
If you already have life insurance from your home country, check whether it actually covers you while living in Germany. Some policies exclude foreign deaths or pay out in a different currency. A 200,000 USD policy bought in India 10 years ago may not cover your 300,000 EUR mortgage in Berlin after exchange rates shift. Talk to your home insurer before assuming you are covered.
Naming a beneficiary
In Germany, you choose who gets the payout (German: Bezugsberechtigter). This can be anyone: spouse, child, parent abroad, even a company. If you do not name a beneficiary, the payout goes into your estate and may be subject to inheritance tax. Update your beneficiary if your family situation changes.
Need other insurance as a foreigner in Germany? Check our guides on liability insurance for expats and private accident insurance.
Tax Benefits of Life Insurance in Germany
Life insurance premiums in Germany are tax-deductible as part of your Vorsorgeaufwendungen (pension-related expenses). However, the tax benefit is limited. For employees, the deductible amount is capped along with other insurance contributions. In practice, most employees already exhaust this cap through mandatory contributions. Self-employed individuals often have more room and can benefit more.
The payout to your beneficiaries is generally tax-free for term life insurance. Whole life insurance payouts may be partially taxable depending on contract duration and terms.
For detailed tax advice specific to your situation, consult a Steuerberater (tax advisor). Tax rules change, and individual circumstances vary too much for general advice to be reliable.
How Life Insurance Claims Work in Germany
Nobody wants to think about this part. But understanding the process ahead of time makes things easier for your family during a difficult period.
Notify the insurer
The beneficiary (or their representative) contacts the insurance company. Most providers have a dedicated claims phone line. You will need the policy number.
Submit documents
Required: a certified death certificate (German: Sterbeurkunde) from the Standesamt, plus the original insurance policy if available. Some insurers also ask for a doctor's certificate about the cause of death.
Wait for processing
Straightforward cases are typically paid out within 2 to 4 weeks. The insurer may investigate if the death occurs within the first 2 to 3 years of the policy (to check for pre-existing conditions that were not disclosed).
Receive payout
The full coverage amount goes directly to the named beneficiary. For term life insurance, this payout is generally tax-free in Germany.
Practical tip: keep your policy documents somewhere your partner or family can find them. A shared digital folder or a note with your notary works well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about life insurance in Germany for expats
Related Comparisons
If you are settling in Germany and looking at your broader financial setup, these comparisons might help:
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Last updated: April 2026