Germany has an insurance for almost everything, and it is easy to end up over-insured on small things and under-insured on the ones that matter. Here is how to prioritise.
Near-essential
- Health insurance (mandatory): public or private, you cannot live in Germany without it.
- Private liability (Privathaftpflicht): covers the costly everyday accidents, often around €30 to €70 a year, and landlords frequently ask for proof.
- Disability insurance (Berufsunfähigkeit) if you rely on your salary, which is almost everyone. Your ability to earn is usually your biggest asset.
Worth considering
- Household contents (Hausrat) for your belongings, against fire, water and burglary.
- Legal protection (Rechtsschutz) for tenancy, work and contract disputes.
- Term life cover if a partner, children or a mortgage depend on your income.
Usually skippable
- Standalone gadget, phone or extended-warranty policies: the premiums rarely pay off.
- Cover for small items you could comfortably replace from savings.
- Bundled extras a salesperson adds that you did not ask for.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Buying disability cover late: it gets pricier and harder to qualify for as you age.
- Skipping liability because it feels minor, then paying a five-figure accident yourself.
- Over-insuring cheap, replaceable things while leaving your income unprotected.
- Auto-renewing policies for years without checking the price or the cover.
General information, not advice. Not sure where you stand? Our free insurance-needs check gives you a prioritised list in under a minute.