What Insurance You Need in Germany: My Top 5 Must-Haves
Hey friends! After a decade in Germany, I wanted to let you in on my top 5 insurance picks. Keep in mind, that I'm not an insurance broker; I'm just sharing what's been working for me and the approximate cost of the insurance in Germany.
1. Public vs. Private Health Insurance in Germany:
Public health insurance is the usual go-to for most people employed in Germany, but as a self-employed person, I'm contemplating a switch to private this year for some cost savings. A quick tip: You can only get onto private insurance if you make over 60k or are self-employed. There are many different benefits to being on public or private - but that could be its own post. If you are interested in private health insurance in Germany, scroll to the end of the article and talk to my recommended insurance professional.
I’ve been using Barmer Gek for the last 10 years as my public health insurance in Germany, they are friendly, have great English customer service, and an easy app. Here you can find an overview of Barmer Gek.
2. Private Pension in Germany
For all you freelancers or those planning a retirement outside Germany, private pension plans are a nice way to keep extra savings for yourself. The German government won’t have access to it, and it's even tax-deductible. It’s up to you how much you want to contribute each month as is completely flexible. If you are interested in this insurance, scroll to the end of the article and talk to my recommended insurance professional.
3. Disability Insurance in Germany - A Safety Net:
This is not a must, but disability insurance is a financial safety net if you can no longer work due to illness or injury. Unemployment and health insurance can only do so much, and this will kick in after that. It can be quite pricey, I pay over 80 EUR per month, but it could be less depending on your situation and income needs. If you are interested in this insurance, scroll to the end of the article and talk to my recommended insurance professional.
4. Liability Insurance in Germany:
Liability insurance is a must-have here in Germany. It's like having a guardian angel for around 7 EUR a month. If you accidentally break something or bump into someone, lose a friend’s keys etc, it's got your back. If you are interested in this insurance you can find more info HERE and/or scroll to the end of the article and talk to my recommended insurance professional.
5. Dental Insurance in Germany:
Dental insurance is a game-changer for those who want to have regular teeth cleanings in Germany without burning a hole in their pocket. Its 10 - 12 EUR per month and can cover two free cleanings a year + other procedures which would normally cost you an arm and a leg. The average cost for teeth cleaning in Germany is 100 EUR per session, and you’ll pay about 144 EUR in dental coverage. Already over 55 EUR in savings! Click HERE for more information
To conclude, these are my top 5 insurances to have in Germany, but there are tons of other insurances out there, like legal coverage or extra health insurance to cover things like Chinese medicine - the list goes on. But these five are solid choices and are my go-to for a basic insurance plan in Germany. Just remember, pick what suits you, and talk to a professional first.
Recommended insurance broker/professional in Germany
Of course, you can easily buy some of these insurances online, and I’ve provided some links above. However, I think it’s great to have a person who is your go-to for all insurance and financial questions in Germany. I’ve been using a financial consultant for the last two years, who speaks perfect English - and it’s been super helpful! If you’re interested in getting advice on insurance in Germany, you can email him HERE, his name is Henri - and tell him you came from Hannah!
I hope this article helped you at least understand the basics of insurance in Germany!
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Hannah
P.S. This article contains affiliate links and affiliate contacts, by using them - you support my channel! I am also not liable for any purchases of insurance or insurance claim outcomes.