A skiing accident in Austria, a scooter crash in Thailand, a work accident during a posting to Sweden: whether and who pays after an accident abroad depends on your status – tourist, posted worker or emigrant. We bring order to the systems and show you how to be seamlessly covered worldwide.
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German statutory accident insurance basically ends at the border – with one important exception: the posting. Coverage continues for anyone who is "posted abroad within the framework of an employment relationship existing within the scope of this Code" where the posting is limited in time (source: Section 4 SGB IV, gesetze-im-internet.de, translated). Within the EU, Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 additionally coordinates the systems: employees are "subject to the legislation of a single Member State only" (source: eur-lex.europa.eu, translated) – with postings of up to 24 months, that generally remains Germany (verified via the A1 certificate). Important: even during a posting, statutory protection only covers work and commutes – not leisure time in the host country.
If you are hired directly by the foreign employer or you emigrate, you switch into the destination country's social security system – with sometimes much weaker accident benefits. German entitlements no longer arise. This is exactly where private provision becomes your main protection.
Good private accident insurance applies worldwide and around the clock – at work, in leisure time, on holiday. In the event of permanent disability, it pays a lump sum, regardless of which country the accident happened in. Decisive for Germans abroad: the contract must continue even after relocation (worldwide validity without a residence clause), benefits should flow in euros to any account, and assistance benefits (search, rescue and recovery costs, repatriation) should be generously sized. We check policy terms specifically for these expat criteria.
Leisure accidents abroad (never covered by the statutory system) → private accident insurance · illness costs after an accident → international health cover in travel insurance (see TravelSecure travel insurance) · loss of income → occupational disability insurance with worldwide validity · damage caused by others → claims under local law, supported by legal protection (see Legal Protection International).
Posting, workation or emigration? We build your accident protection concept: Insurance Check or WhatsApp (+49 151 28937141).
Almost all policies apply worldwide – what matters is whether the contract survives a permanent relocation. We check this clause before your move.
The proof that you remain subject to German social security law during temporary work in another EU country. It should be carried on every professional activity within the EU.
Workation is legally complex: without a posting constellation and A1 certificate, you risk losing German coverage. Clarify this in advance with employer and health insurer – and cover your leisure time privately.
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Sources: Section 4 SGB IV – "Ausstrahlung" (extension of coverage), gesetze-im-internet.de · Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 on the coordination of social security systems – EUR-Lex · Updated: 2026
We advise Germans abroad on accident risks. You get a clear recommendation on accident insurance abroad – worldwide leisure protection and statutory gaps explained clearly.
When something happens abroad, every hour counts. We are available via WhatsApp, video call or phone – across time zones.
You see what really matters: coverage scope, limits, exclusions and how claims are handled – compared clearly side by side.
Posting, workation or permanent move: we check whether your existing cover is enough – or which international solution fits.
From claim reporting to settlement – we guide you through the process, regardless of which country the incident occurred in.
Answer a few questions and get a suitable recommendation in under 30 seconds.
