Whether it happens on a short trip or an extended holiday – if you get sick in a foreign country you must expect high expenses. The statutory health insurance only reimburses treatment costs in a foreign country to a limited extent: If you are travelling in an EU country – or a country that has a social security agreement with Germany. Beyond European borders, for the most part, you are a private patient. In this case you will also have to pay very high physician’s costs or clinic costs completely on your own. Thus if you become ill while travelling, a good international health insurance is indispensable.

International health insurance pays for treatment costs and an emergency flight

International health insurance pays for medical treatment of acute illnesses and accidents abroad. In addition it provides for necessary medication and remedies, as well as pain-relieving dental treatments. If medically necessary, return transport from the holiday destination is also paid for – if need be even with an expensive emergency flight. You can take out your international health insurance for a certain number of travel days or as a low-cost annual insurance policy.

Tip: International health insurance is often included as an additional benefit with automobile club memberships, credit cards or supplemental health insurance policies. Check your contract documents to determine whether you already have international health insurance through such products.