Germany imposes no insurance requirement at the border, but travelling without additional cover leaves you exposed to costs that the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) does not include: medical repatriation, treatment at private clinics, and trip cancellation. Yupwego compares travel insurance policies to find the right protection for your profile and the length of your stay.
Get my quoteIs travel insurance compulsory for Germany?
Travel insurance is not required to enter Germany. The EHIC provides basic cover within the public health network, but it does not include medical repatriation or treatment at private clinics: travel insurance fills these important gaps.
Why take out travel insurance for Germany?
- Repatriation not covered by the EHIC: The EHIC does not cover medical repatriation to France. In the event of a serious hospitalisation, arranging a transfer at your own expense can run to several thousand euros.
- Private clinic costs paid upfront: Outside the public network, consultations and hospital stays are billed at private rates and payment is required on the spot. Travel insurance reimburses these expenses without waiting for your return.
- Cancellation or curtailment: An unexpected event before or during your trip can force you to cancel flights and accommodation. Cancellation insurance reimburses non-refundable costs paid to providers.
- Lost or stolen luggage: Major German railway stations and airports see heavy footfall. Baggage cover reimburses the replacement of your belongings in the event of theft or loss by the carrier.
- Long stays or expatriation: The EHIC is designed for temporary stays. For a stay of more than 3 months or an expatriation, long-stay or expat insurance guarantees continuous cover.
What your Germany travel insurance covers with Yupwego
For a trip to Germany, Yupwego recommends a minimum cover of 80 000 € for medical expenses, repatriation and the main unforeseen events of your stay.
- Medical expenses and hospitalisation: We settle the hospital bill directly; you do not pay upfront, whether you are treated within the public network or at a private clinic.
- Medical repatriation: If your condition requires a transfer back to France, Yupwego arranges and covers the repatriation, whatever the circumstances.
- Cancellation and curtailment: Your flights and accommodation are reimbursed if you need to cancel or return early for a reason covered by your policy.
- Lost and stolen luggage: Your belongings are covered if they are stolen or lost by the carrier, up to the limits of your policy.
- Third-party liability: Certain Yupwego policies cover accidental damage caused to a third party abroad, excluding vehicle-related incidents: check the cover included in your policy.
Healthcare in Germany
Germany has a high-quality public hospital network. With the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), treatment within the public network is accessible without upfront payment, subject to a contribution of 10 € per day of hospitalisation (capped at 28 days). Outside the network or without an EHIC, care is billed at private rates and payment is required immediately: travel insurance covers these costs directly. No vaccinations are required to enter Germany, but France Diplomatie has reported a rise in measles cases since 2025: check your vaccination status before you travel.
Entry requirements for Germany
French nationals can enter Germany with a national identity card or a valid passport: no visa is required for a tourist stay. Since May 2025, border checks have been stepped up, so keep your identity document readily accessible. For stays of more than 3 months, registering your address with the local town hall (Anmeldung) is compulsory: a long-stay travel insurance policy or expat insurance takes over where the EHIC no longer provides sufficient cover.
Car hire and road accidents in Germany
In Germany, your French driving licence is recognised without any additional formalities. If you hire a vehicle, carry out a thorough inspection before driving away and take out a collision damage waiver (CDW) from the rental company: Yupwego travel insurance does not cover material damage to a hired vehicle. If you are injured in an accident, your medical expenses, hospitalisation and repatriation are covered by your travel insurance in accordance with your policy.
