Insurance to Enter Germany

Nope. Just a valid passport. Money also helps.

I have traveled to Germany times and have never had insurance, not required.
Mike

Travel insurance is not compulsory to enter Germany or other EU countries (AFAIK), but it's a good idea to have at least travel medical insurance when travelling anywhere.

While there have been no reports of immigration officers actually asking for proof of insurance, Schengen regulations require the equivalent of 30,000 euros worth of coverage that includes medical expenses, and evacuation/repatriation.

But regardless of whether it's required or not, is smart of have coverage. A broken leg or hip overseas that requires special seating on an airplane to get you back home can cost over $50,000. For a seven day trip a policy will only cost you about $20 bucks.

It should probably be the reverse, since most Europeans have no concept of the cost of medical care in the USA.

Ken and Michael made very good points. Unless you are among the very few whose medical insurance at home is good overseas, you should always consider getting medical insurance at least. You might also want to look into medical evacuation insurance. Of course the cost depends upon you age and the length of the trip, but, as a general rule it is very small compared to the overall cost of the trip.

I had a small injury in Germany requiring EMT care, an ambulance ride and sutures. Due to that cursed socialized medicine, the bill only came to ~$150. I filed a claim with my travel insurance. The process was daunting. They might be good for replacing lost luggage but were a pain for medical. The good part was that my wife's employer insurance reimbursed us for the claim. Perhaps the claim process on something major would have made it worthwhile.

Thank you so much for all of your responses, I really appreciate it!

It should probably be the reverse, since most Europeans have no concept of the cost of medical care in the USA.

Oh we do, that's why we're so thankful four our healthcare system and why travel to the US would be ludicrous without insurance.

Never have been asked by anyone if I had any sort of insurance, especially travel insurance, in Germany in all my trips there.

If you enter from a Schengen treaty country the German authorities would have no contact with you to determine your insurance or financial status.

And if you do need medical care, cost with or without travel insurance would be minimal in comparison to cost of care in the States. A friend needed emergency quintuple (5) bypasses while traveling in Germany. The before insurance bill from the German providers was about $6,000 USD. While his Medicare supplemental would have covered the $6,000 US he had bought travel insurance for the first time and the travel insurance covered the bypasses.