Key Takeaways:
- Your German health insurance card includes an EHIC for necessary medical care during temporary EU stays.
- The EHIC does not cover private treatment, repatriation, or non-medical travel risks like trip cancellation.
- Non-EU nationals in Germany cannot use their EHIC in Denmark, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland.
- Travel insurance, while not legally required for residents, is strongly recommended to fill the gaps.
Many people assume that simply living in an EU country means they are automatically insured for any problems they might face while travelling elsewhere in the EU. The assumption may be widespread, but it’s only partly true.
Understanding Your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
All residents of Germany with statutory health insurance (GKV) are entitled to a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). In Germany, this is known as the Europäische Krankenversicherungskarte and is usually automatically printed on the reverse side of your electronic health insurance card (eGK).
To check your EHIC is valid, turn your card over and look for the dedicated section, which typically includes:
- A German flag or “DE” country code
- Your name
- A specific EHIC card number
- An expiry date (validity can be up to five years)
These details confirm that you’re entitled to medically necessary state-provided healthcare during temporary stays in other EU countries, as well as in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
When travelling, you should always carry your physical eGK or a digital version via your insurer’s app, along with a valid form of ID. In many countries, healthcare providers require the EHIC to be presented at the point of treatment.
The Critical Limitations of the EHIC
While the EHIC is extremely useful, it is only designed for temporary stays such as holidays or short trips. It is not a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance.
The EHIC does not apply in the following situations:
- If you move to another country
- If you travel specifically for medical treatment
- For private healthcare
- For medical repatriation to Germany
- For private ambulance transfers
- For additional co-payments charged in some countries
As a result, even with an EHIC, serious illness or injury abroad can still lead to significant out-of-pocket costs.
Do German Residents Need Additional Travel Insurance?
For residents of Germany travelling within the EU, travel insurance is not legally required but it is widely recommended. The EHIC only applies to healthcare. It offers no protection against non-medical travel risks.
Travel insurance can therefore act as a safety net, covering both:
- Medical costs that fall outside the public system.
- Non-medical issues like trip cancellations, theft, lost luggage, or delays.
Special Rules for Non-EU Nationals in Germany
If you are a non-EU national legally residing in Germany and covered by statutory health insurance, you are still eligible for an EHIC. However, there is a crucial restriction.
Non-EU nationals cannot use their EHIC for medical treatment in Denmark, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. If you fall into this category and plan to travel to any of those countries, you will need separate insurance that includes health coverage.
Visitors, Visas, and the ETIAS System
The situation is different for people who do not live in Germany.
- If you’re visiting the EU and need a Schengen visa, travel insurance is a legal requirement and must provide at least €30,000 in medical coverage.
- For travellers who can enter the EU visa-free under the upcoming ETIAS system, travel insurance is not mandatory. However, ETIAS guidance explicitly recommends it, noting that it provides valuable protection beyond public healthcare.
Choosing Travel Insurance from Germany
If you decide to take out travel insurance as a resident of Germany, ensure the policy is designed for people living here. Policies from insurers in countries you previously lived in may not be valid once you are a resident.
Well-known providers that offer travel insurance to Germany-based residents include:
- HanseMerkur
- ADAC
- Allianz
- AXA
- ERV
- DKV
Prices vary but for most EU travel, policies often cost around €1.50 to €5 per day. Investing in this coverage can provide peace of mind and financial protection, ensuring your European travels are secure from unexpected setbacks.