Personal Accident Insurance
Around 8 million accidents happen in Germany every year. Nearly 70% of them during leisure time, at home, playing sports. Your employer's insurance? It only covers you at work. Personal accident insurance fills that gap, starting from about 5 euros a month.
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What Personal Accident Insurance Covers
Personal accident insurance (German: private Unfallversicherung) is one of those products that sounds complicated but is actually pretty simple. You pay a monthly premium. If an accident causes lasting physical damage, you get a lump sum. The amount depends on how severe the injury is.
Germany's statutory accident insurance (German: gesetzliche Unfallversicherung) through the DGUV only covers accidents at work or on your commute. According to DGUV data from 2024, that accounts for roughly 928,000 reportable incidents per year. But the BAuA estimates another 7 million home and leisure accidents on top of that. If you fall off a ladder at home, slip on ice while jogging, or get hurt playing football with friends, the statutory system pays nothing.
That gap is what personal accident insurance fills. And here is what most people miss: the payout goes directly to you, not to a hospital or doctor. You choose what to do with the money. Need to compare different coverage levels? Our free tool above shows personalized quotes.
Disability lump sum
One-time payment based on disability percentage. Lump-sum payouts are tax-free.
Accident pension
Monthly payments for severe disabilities (50%+). The income portion of pensions is taxable.
Hospital daily allowance
Cash payment for each day in hospital. Typically 10 to 100 euros per day.
Rescue and rehab costs
Mountain rescue, helicopter transport, physiotherapy, occupational therapy.
How Payouts Are Calculated (Gliedertaxe)
German accident insurers use a scale called Gliedertaxe to determine your disability percentage. Each body part has a fixed value. If you lose full function of that body part, you receive that percentage of your coverage amount. Partial loss means partial payout.
| Body part | Disability % |
|---|---|
| Arm (at shoulder) | 70% |
| Hand | 55% |
| Thumb | 20% |
| Index finger | 10% |
| Leg (above knee) | 70% |
| Leg (below knee) | 50% |
| Foot | 40% |
| Eye (one) | 50% |
| Hearing (one ear) | 30% |
These are standard Gliedertaxe values. Many insurers offer improved scales with higher percentages, especially in comfort and premium plans. With progression (for example 500%), a 50% disability on a 100,000 euro policy could pay out 250,000 euros instead of 50,000.
Statutory vs Private Accident Insurance
If you work in Germany, you are already covered by statutory accident insurance through your employer. But that coverage has some real limitations. Here is how the two compare:
Statutory (gesetzliche Unfallversicherung)
- Covers work and commute accidents only
- Paid by your employer, costs you nothing
- Covers medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Pension for severe work-related disability
- No coverage during leisure, sports, or travel
- Self-employed must opt in separately
Private (personal accident insurance)
- 24/7 worldwide coverage, all situations
- You pay the premium (from ~5 euros/month)
- Lump-sum payout goes directly to you
- You choose coverage amount and extras
- Covers home, sports, leisure, travel
- Available to everyone, no employer needed
Most financial advisors recommend private accident insurance alongside statutory coverage. If you are self-employed or a freelancer, it becomes even more relevant since you may not have statutory coverage at all. Budget-friendly plans start from around 5 euros.
Typical Coverage Levels
Actual prices depend on your age, occupation, and chosen extras
Basic
- Death and disability benefit
- Standard Gliedertaxe
- Germany-wide coverage
- Basic rescue costs
Comfort
- Improved Gliedertaxe (225%)
- Worldwide 24/7 coverage
- Hospital daily allowance
- Rehabilitation costs
- Cosmetic surgery
Premium
- Best Gliedertaxe (up to 500%)
- High hospital allowance
- Full rehabilitation coverage
- Accident pension option
- Search and rescue up to 50,000 euros
Source: market comparison of major German insurers as of 2026. Individual pricing may vary.
Who Should Get Personal Accident Insurance?
Short answer: almost everyone living in Germany benefits from it, simply because statutory coverage has that massive leisure-time gap. But some people need it more than others.
Kids have accidents constantly. Playgrounds, bikes, sports. Coverage from about 3 euros a month per child.
Skiing, cycling, climbing. Any hobby with injury risk. Check out our bicycle accident insurance page.
You probably lack statutory accident coverage entirely. An accident could mean zero income.
DIY projects, garden work, home repairs. Falls from ladders are among the most common serious accidents at home.
Already living in Germany and wondering about broader accident insurance options? Our Germany-specific guide covers the full picture, including tips for cyclists and workplace coverage.
Common Questions About Personal Accident Insurance
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