Which insurance is mandatory in Germany?

Health insurance including long-term care for everyone living here, motor liability for every registered vehicle, dog liability in several states, liability for drones and professional indemnity for some professions. Personal liability is voluntary but almost universal.

Should I choose statutory or private health insurance?

Employees earning below 77,400 euros a year (2026) have no choice and join a statutory fund. Above that, or when self-employed, private cover is possible. Think long term: returning from private to statutory insurance is difficult and after 55 generally impossible.

What is Haftpflichtversicherung and why does everyone have it?

Personal liability insurance pays if you damage someone else's property or injure someone. German law has no upper limit on liability, so one accident can cost millions. It costs little, which is why nearly every household has it.

Can I keep my car insurance from home?

Once your car is registered in Germany it needs German motor insurance. Ask your previous insurer for a claims history letter; some German insurers accept it for a better no-claims class, others start you as a new driver.

Do I need insurance to rent a flat in Germany?

No insurance is legally required for tenants, but many landlords ask for proof of personal liability. It also covers damage to the rented flat, which the deposit alone would not.

Is my insurance from home valid in Germany?

Health cover from another EU country applies only in certain cases, for example posted workers. Contents, liability and motor policies are usually tied to your home country address. Check each contract once you register your address here.

When should I review my insurance?

At each major change: first job, moving in together, children, buying property, going freelance, and before leaving Germany. Older contracts often have weaker terms than current ones at the same price.

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Insurance for Dog or horse owner: what you really need

Dog and horse owners are strictly liable for damage their animal causes, even without fault. Personal liability does not cover this. Berlin, Hamburg, Lower Saxony and other states require liability cover for every dog. Vet bills after surgery quickly reach thousands of euros.

Request quotes All situations at a glance

Essential

Sensible

Pet health insurance

Optional

Legal expenses insurance

Only in certain cases

Full health cover for an older pet
Premiums rise sharply with age and existing conditions are excluded.

Surgery-only cover or savings are often more sensible.

What you really need, policy by policy

Dog liability

In Germany, the keeper of a dog is liable for damage the animal causes, even without doing …

Horse liability insurance

Under German law, the keeper of a leisure horse is liable for the damage it causes, whether or …

Pet health insurance

German vets charge according to a statutory fee scale, the GOT, which was raised substantially …

Legal expenses insurance

Legal expenses insurance pays for lawyers, court fees and experts when you need to enforce …

Why this order

The rule: existential risks first, expensive ones second, comfort last

Insurance for Dog or horse owner: what you really need

What you really need, policy by policy

Other situations