Insurances
In Germany some insurances, e.g. for health, cars or pets, are mandatory.
Here is a quick primer on what you will need.
Health Insurance
The European Social Agreement, by now extended world wide, provides a customer orientated procedure to facilitate all matters concerning health care and insurances. This means in general, you will get a document issued by your health insurance of your native country, either document E106 or E111.
E106
- For people living in a foreign country for a longer period, more then 3 months.
- Covers any kind of treatment.
E111
- Used for short term stays, like holidays etc.
- Covers any kind of emergency treatment.
Both documents guarantee treatment free of charge, the complete payment will be done between the doctor, the German insurance and your insurance at home.
Accident and Disability Insurance
Most accident insurance will pay protection in case of death or a daily sum if you are hospitalised or written sick. It may even pay damages in case of injury and any cost relating to cosmetic surgery. Disability insurance pays a lump sum, the size of which depends on the degree of injury. The least expensive version is the 'reine Risiko-Unfallversicherung', which has a low premium and pays a large lump sum in the event of disability. But it does not pay for lesser injuries, such as a broken arm or leg.
Liability Insurance
Cars:
An unlimited third party liability insurance policy (Haftpflichtversicherung) is compulsory for all automobiles entering Germany. As a proof of insurance, the owner must present an international motor insurance certificate (green insurance card) showing that the vehicle is insured in Germany. If you apply for a German license plate, you have to take a German insurance and, as a consequence, you will have to pay German vehicle tax. Safe drivers are rewarded in Germany by having their premiums steadily reduced if there is no claim against the policy. If you want to benefit from this you must provide proof of your previous insurance record. Try to have your former insurance company (not your agent) send you a letter confirming your insurance record.
Personal:
You can also get insurance covering other cases of liability for injury or damage to other persons or their property. You are covered whether the negligence was yours or that of a family member or even your pet. It is highly recommended, especially if you have children.
Legal Insurance
A legal insurance (Rechtschutzversicherung) covers any legal costs you encounter, up to €150,000. And, if you want to counter sue, it will pay as long as there is a reasonable chance of winning. A legal insurance can be purchased for the entire family, for the job (Arbeitsrechtschutz) and for traffic infractions (Verkehrsrechtschutz). If you are renting an apartment or house, it is an advantage to have rental insurance (Mietrechtschutzversicherung), which can cost up to €60 per year.
