Family and children: starting them off properly protected

Children in Germany are well protected in some areas and surprisingly exposed in others. This page shows where the gaps are — and how to close them without overinsuring.

What cover for children actually includes

Four areas matter for most families. Health insurance covers doctors, hospital and medicine. Accident insurance pays a lump sum or pension if an accident leaves lasting impairment. Liability insurance protects the family if a child damages someone else's property. And long-term saving builds a financial start for education, a first car or a first flat.

With Exparanto KidsProtect, we combine child accident insurance, supplementary health insurance and a junior savings plan in one package, from €50 a month.

Why it matters in Germany specifically

If at least one parent is in the public health system, children are usually insured free of charge through family insurance (Familienversicherung). There is an important exception: if the parents are married and the higher-earning parent is privately insured with an income above the threshold, the children cannot be insured for free and need their own policy.

The state accident insurance covers children only at nursery, school and on the direct way there and back. Accidents during leisure time, at home or on holiday — where most accidents happen — are not covered.

German law also says that children under seven (under ten in road traffic) are generally not liable for damage they cause. That sounds good, but it means the other party may be left without compensation — which can strain relationships with neighbours and friends. Good family liability tariffs cover this situation voluntarily.

What it costs

Family insurance in the public system is free. Child accident insurance often costs around €5–15 a month; supplementary health cover for children is similar. The complete KidsProtect package starts at €50 a month, including a monthly amount invested for your child's future.

What it does not cover

The public system pays for braces only when misalignment reaches a defined severity; milder cases are paid privately. Accident insurance does not pay for illness. Supplementary health insurance does not cover conditions that were diagnosed or treatment that was recommended before the policy started. Savings plans carry investment risk, and projected payouts are not guaranteed.

What expats should watch out for

• Register newborns quickly. Add your baby to your health insurance and liability policy within the deadlines, usually within weeks of birth.
• Take out supplementary dental cover early — before the first orthodontic check, when it is still available without restrictions.
• Check family liability. Make sure children are included and that damage by children under seven is covered.
• Plan for mobility. If you might move again, check whether accident cover and savings plans continue abroad.

Get a quote for KidsProtect

Tell us your child's age — we'll show you what makes sense and what doesn't.