Imagine you need to cancel your long-planned vacation due to a severe car accident, a fire at home, or because your child needs surgery. In such cases, travel cancellation insurance is here for you. It reimburses the cancellation fees that the tour operator charges if you need to cancel a booked trip. You can also secure yourself financially in case you have to return home early, for instance, if a close family member becomes seriously ill or passes away.

Additionally, it covers unexpected complications during pregnancy, reactions to vaccinations, or if you need to return home due to burglary, fire, severe weather damage, or other critical events.

Sometimes troubles begin as soon as you arrive at your destination - like when your suitcase gets stolen. With luggage insurance, I can protect you from such surprises. Tour operators' liabilities are often insufficient, but with this insurance, you can safeguard against financial losses from lost, destroyed, or damaged personal property. Luggage insurance is available as weekly, monthly, or annual policies.

This insurance provides worldwide protection and covers all personal travel needs, including the items you wear or carry, checked or carry-on luggage, souvenirs, and gifts. It also covers sports equipment with accessories and protective clothing.

It reimburses the current value or repair costs
The usual coverage is based on the item's current value—that is, the purchase price minus a reasonable deduction for wear, age, and use. In case of damage, repair costs are covered up to that value.

When traveling beyond German borders, I recommend securing yourself with private foreign travel health insurance. Your statutory insurance may only cover costs if you are traveling within the EU or a country with which Germany has a social security agreement.

But remember, even then, the cost reimbursement is limited to the amounts customary in Germany. Outside Europe, you often become a private patient, bearing substantial medical expenses. For instance, in the USA, these costs can easily exceed a year's income. Furthermore, statutory health insurers do not cover repatriation costs.

Even medical transport home is covered
This insurance pays for necessary medical treatment in case of acute illness or accidents, covering in-patient emergencies, pain-relief dental treatments, and medications.

Additionally, it includes medically necessary repatriation to Germany and covers transfer costs in case of death or local burial expenses.

You can opt for a short-term policy for specific travel days or an annual insurance for unlimited trips throughout the year.

Exploring with a rental car
If you want to discover your holiday destination independently, a rental car might be your choice. However, rental vehicles in places like Southern Europe often possess lower insurance coverage than those in Germany.

Incurring an accident can be costly if claims exceed the minimum amounts, leaving you to pay the difference.

Secure yourself affordably with the "Mallorca Policy"
Stay safe by arranging for rental car liability insurance, commonly known as the "Mallorca policy," before your departure. Obtainable for just a few euros from your local auto insurers, it covers European travel and can be purchased for weeks or even several months.

Check if this policy is already included in your existing motor vehicle insurance by consulting with your insurer or reviewing your contract.

For worldwide coverage, consider a "traveller contract".

Tip: Always contact the police and inform the rental agency immediately after an accident. If you don't document your injuries medically, you risk them being unrecognized by the liable party's insurance.

Maximize Coverage
If you are driving your own car abroad, I suggest securing the appropriate insurance coverage. Ensure you have the highest possible coverage on your motor liability insurance.

Consider supplementing with a comprehensive policy. Partial coverage compensates for theft, fire, storms, wildlife collision, and glass breakage. Full coverage handles your accident damages and covers situations where you suffer damages from an uninsured party abroad.

Always carry your green insurance card as proof and a "European accident statement" when driving internationally, offering completion assistance in multiple languages.

Affordable and helpful: auto protection card
An auto protection card is both useful and economical. Should an incident occur, it covers costs up to certain limits for recovery, towing, vehicle storage, part shipment, driver illness return transport, necessary accommodation, and potentially a rental car.

These cards are available from all major German motor insurers and automobile clubs.