Term Life Insurance Germany 2026
If you live in Germany and someone depends on your income, term life insurance (German: Risikolebensversicherung) is one of the smartest financial moves you can make. Compare rates from German insurers, in English.
At a Glance
April 2026Key Facts
- German name: Risikolebensversicherung
- Coverage: 3 to 5x your gross annual income
- Cost: 5 to 20 EUR/month (non-smoker, age 25-40)
- Common terms: 10, 15, 20, or 25 years
- Premiums stay fixed for the entire term
Who Needs It
- Mortgage holders (banks often require it)
- Parents with young children
- Single-income households
- Expats supporting family abroad
- Anyone with financial dependents
What Is Risikolebensversicherung?
Germany has two main types of life insurance. Risikolebensversicherung (term life) pays out only if you die during the policy period. Kapitallebensversicherung (endowment/whole life) combines a death benefit with a savings component and costs five to ten times more.
For most families, term life is the better deal. You get high coverage at a low price. The money your family receives is tax-free up to certain thresholds, and the premiums stay fixed for the entire term.
German financial advisors typically recommend coverage of three to five times your gross annual salary. If you have a mortgage, add the outstanding loan amount on top. A family earning 60,000 EUR with a 250,000 EUR mortgage might want 400,000 to 550,000 EUR in coverage. For a broader look at all life insurance types, see our life insurance comparison page.
How Much Does Term Life Insurance Cost in Germany?
Prices depend on your age, health, smoking status, and coverage amount. Here are realistic ranges for non-smokers with 200,000 EUR coverage on a 20-year term:
| Age at start | Monthly premium |
|---|---|
| 25 to 30 | 5 to 10 EUR |
| 30 to 35 | 10 to 18 EUR |
| 35 to 40 | 15 to 30 EUR |
| 40 to 45 | 25 to 50 EUR |
| 45 to 50 | 45 to 90 EUR |
Smokers typically pay 50 to 100 percent more. These are approximate ranges based on current market rates. Your actual rate depends on the insurer and your individual health profile.
Some German insurers known for competitive term life rates include CosmosDirekt, EUROPA, HUK-COBURG, and Hannoversche. Direct insurers (without agents) tend to offer lower premiums. For the lowest rates specifically, check our guide to cheap term life insurance in Germany.
Compare Term Life Insurance Rates
Enter your details to see offers from German insurers. The comparison is free, takes about three minutes, and shows you actual rates. No German language skills required.
After you compare, insurers contact you directly with binding offers. No obligation to accept.
Who Needs Term Life Insurance in Germany?
Mortgage Holders
Most German banks strongly recommend term life insurance when you take out a mortgage (Baufinanzierung). If something happens to you, your family keeps the house. Match your coverage to your outstanding loan amount.
Parents with Young Children
If you are the primary earner, your death would leave your family in financial trouble. Coverage of three to five times your annual income gives your partner time to adjust.
Single-Income Households
When one partner stays home with kids or works part-time, the earning partner's income is the family's lifeline. Term life insurance replaces that income for a set period.
Expats Supporting Family Abroad
Many expats send money home or have financial obligations in their home country. A German term life policy pays out regardless of where your beneficiaries live.
If you are single with no dependents and no mortgage, you probably do not need term life insurance right now. You can always get it later when your situation changes.
How to Get Term Life Insurance as an Expat
Good news: foreigners can get term life insurance in Germany without special hurdles. EU citizens face no restrictions. Non-EU residents with a valid permit (Aufenthaltstitel, Blue Card, or similar) can apply with most insurers.
German address
You need to be registered (Anmeldung) in Germany.
German bank account
Premiums are paid via direct debit (Lastschrift). Banks like N26, ING, or DKB let you open an account online.
Health declaration
Every insurer asks health questions (Gesundheitsfragen). For coverage up to about 300,000 EUR, you usually just answer a questionnaire. No physical exam needed. Be honest, because wrong answers can void your policy.
Valid residence permit
EU citizens face no restrictions. Blue Card and other permit holders can apply with most German insurers. Some are pickier about visa types, which is why comparing multiple providers helps.
Your German term life policy usually stays valid even if you move to another country. The payout goes to your named beneficiary wherever they live. Check the fine print for geographic exclusions, but international validity is standard with major German insurers.
Tax Benefits for Term Life Insurance in Germany
Term life insurance premiums in Germany are tax-deductible as special expenses (Sonderausgaben) under paragraph 10 of the Income Tax Act (EStG). The annual limits:
- Employees: up to 1,900 EUR per year
- Self-employed: up to 2,800 EUR per year
This limit covers all Vorsorgeaufwendungen (pension and insurance contributions), so your actual tax benefit depends on what else you already claim.
The death benefit itself is generally tax-free for the beneficiary. For coverage amounts exceeding the inheritance tax exemption (500,000 EUR for spouses, 400,000 EUR for children), talk to a tax advisor about ownership structures that can reduce the tax burden.
Nachversicherungsgarantie: Increase Coverage Later
Many German term life policies include a Nachversicherungsgarantie (guaranteed increase option). This lets you raise your coverage amount without new health underwriting when certain life events happen:
- Birth or adoption of a child
- Marriage or registered partnership
- Buying a home or increasing your mortgage
- Significant salary increase
You might start with 200,000 EUR coverage at age 28, then bump it to 400,000 EUR when you buy a house at 35, all without new health questions. Check whether your policy includes this before signing. Not all insurers offer it as standard.
Level Term vs. Decreasing Term Insurance
Level Term
Konstante Risikolebensversicherung
- Coverage amount stays the same throughout
- Fixed premiums for the entire term
- Best for general family protection
- Most popular type in Germany
Decreasing Term
Fallende Risikolebensversicherung
- Coverage drops over time (matches mortgage)
- Lower premiums than level term
- Ideal for mortgage protection
- Matches declining debt obligations
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Compare?
Use the free comparison tool above to see actual term life insurance rates from German insurers. Enter your age, coverage amount, and term length. Takes about three minutes.
Sources
- BaFin (Federal Financial Supervisory Authority): Term life insurance consumer information
- German Income Tax Act (EStG), paragraph 10: Sonderausgaben deduction rules
- GDV (German Insurance Association): Industry statistics on life insurance