Frequently Asked Questions About Your Insurance
Short questions deserve clear answers. Here you will find the questions our clients ask most often – from liability through accident and travel insurance to cover abroad. Each question also exists as its own page with a fuller answer and further links.
Insurance in Germany
- Is private liability insurance mandatory? – legally no, practically the most important voluntary cover there is.
- What is the difference between statutory and private accident insurance? – when the employers' liability insurance pays and when nobody does.
- A friend's phone is broken – does liability insurance pay? – the keyword is damage during a favour.
- Which insurance do I need as an expat in Germany? – mandatory, sensible and unnecessary, cleanly separated.
- What is the 50-30-20 rule? – a simple framework for budgeting and reserves.
Germans abroad
- Does my liability insurance apply abroad? – temporarily usually yes, after a change of residence often not.
- Who pays for an accident abroad? – the order in which cost bearers step in.
- Legal protection without German residence – is it possible? – residence is the decisive hurdle with most insurers.
- How long is international health insurance valid? – duration limits and what comes next.
- Is my family covered abroad? – family insurance often ends at the border.
Where to read on
Detailed guides on individual topics are available at private liability insurance, international liability insurance, accident insurance, travel insurance, legal protection for expats and health insurance abroad.
If you would rather talk directly: we are available on WhatsApp (+49 151 28937141), via the contact form or by video call – in German and English.
The most common questions at a glance
Is private liability insurance mandatory in Germany?
It is not legally required for private individuals in Germany. In practice it is still the most important voluntary cover, because you are liable without limit and with your entire assets for personal injury and property damage you cause to others – with personal injury, also with your future income.
Does my German liability insurance apply abroad?
For temporary stays generally yes – within Europe often without a time limit under good plans, worldwide usually one to five years. If you move your residence abroad permanently, cover under many contracts ends entirely or after a transitional period.
What is the difference between statutory and private accident insurance?
Statutory accident insurance covers accidents at work and on the way to work as well as occupational illnesses. The majority of all accidents happen during leisure time, however, where there is no statutory cover. Private accident insurance closes exactly that gap.
Who pays for an accident abroad?
That depends on the country, the type of accident and your insurance status. Within the EU the European Health Insurance Card covers acute treatment, but only at the local benefit level. Repatriation is generally not covered by it – that requires travel health insurance.
Is my family covered abroad?
The free family insurance of the German statutory health system is tied to a residence in Germany and ends with a permanent move abroad. Partners and children travelling with you then need their own arrangement in the international plan.
What does advice from Spreefinanz cost?
The advice is free for you. We are remunerated by the insurance companies as part of the brokerage. As an independent broker we are not tied to any single provider.
Your question is not listed? Write to us on WhatsApp or book a free initial consultation.
Why SpreeFinanz?
We answer insurance questions so that they make sense without the policy wording – and we say where the answer may differ in an individual case.
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We are quickly
reachableShort question, short answer: via WhatsApp, video call or phone – across time zones too.
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We work
transparentlyWe also tell you when a policy is unnecessary. That is the difference between advice and selling.
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We think
situation-basedThe same question has different answers for expats, freelancers and families. We tell you which applies to you.
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We stay with you
after signingIn a claim the question suddenly becomes concrete. Then we guide you through reporting and settlement.