Global Major Cities Guide

Details about important insurances for residents, like health, liability, or housing insurance.

Sections

1. Health Insurance (Krankenversicherung)

Overview:

Health insurance is mandatory in Germany, and you must have either public (statutory) or private health insurance. Nuremberg, as part of Germany, follows the same national regulations.

Types:

Public Health Insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung - GKV):
- Covers basic healthcare needs, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription medications.
- Major providers in Nuremberg include AOK Bayern, TK (Techniker Krankenkasse), and Barmer.
- Premiums are income-based, typically around 14.6% of your gross salary, with an additional 1.3% average surcharge. Employers cover half of the premium.
- Self-employed individuals pay the full premium, with a minimum contribution of around €200–€300 per month.
Private Health Insurance (Private Krankenversicherung - PKV):
- Available to high earners (earning above €66,600 annually in 2023), self-employed individuals, and certain other groups.
- Offers more comprehensive coverage and shorter waiting times but can be more expensive.
- Costs depend on age, health, and coverage level, starting at around €200–€400 per month.

How to Apply:

For public insurance, contact a provider directly or through your employer.
For private insurance, compare plans through brokers or online platforms like Check24.
Documents needed: Passport, proof of residence (Anmeldung), employment contract, and bank account details.

Local Considerations:

Many doctors in Nuremberg accept both public and private insurance, but some specialists may prioritize private patients.
English-speaking doctors are available; check online directories like Doctolib or Jameda.

2. Car Insurance (Kfz-Versicherung)

Overview:

Car insurance is mandatory in Germany, and you cannot register a vehicle without it. There are three levels of coverage:

Liability Insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung): Mandatory and covers damages to others.
Partial Coverage (Teilkasko): Covers theft, fire, and natural disasters.
Comprehensive Coverage (Vollkasko): Includes all partial coverage benefits plus damages to your own vehicle.

Costs:

Liability insurance starts at around €300–€500 per year for a small car.
Partial coverage adds around €100–€200 annually.
Comprehensive coverage can cost €800–€1,500 per year, depending on the car's value and your driving history.

How to Apply:

Compare providers online (e.g., Check24, Verivox) or visit local insurance offices in Nuremberg.
Documents needed: Vehicle registration (Zulassungsbescheinigung), proof of no-claims bonus (if applicable), and personal ID.

Local Considerations:

Nuremberg has a well-connected public transport system, so owning a car may not be necessary unless you live in the suburbs.
Parking in the city center can be challenging and expensive, so consider this when deciding on car ownership.

3. Liability Insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung)

Overview:

Personal liability insurance is not mandatory but highly recommended. It covers accidental damages you cause to others or their property.

Costs:

Premiums are affordable, starting at around €50–€100 per year for basic coverage.

How to Apply:

Compare plans online or visit local insurance offices.
Documents needed: Personal ID and bank account details.

Local Considerations:

Liability insurance is considered essential by most Germans, as it can save you from significant financial burdens in case of accidents.

4. Household Contents Insurance (Hausratversicherung)

Overview:

This insurance covers damages to your personal belongings caused by fire, water, theft, or vandalism.

Costs:

Premiums depend on the size of your home and coverage level, starting at around €50–€150 per year.

How to Apply:

Compare providers online or visit local offices.
Documents needed: Proof of residence and bank account details.

Local Considerations:

If you live in a flood-prone area near the Pegnitz River, ensure your policy includes natural disaster coverage (Elementarschäden).

5. Legal Insurance (Rechtsschutzversicherung)

Overview:

Legal insurance covers legal fees in case of disputes, such as tenancy issues, employment conflicts, or traffic violations.

Costs:

Premiums start at around €150–€300 per year, depending on the coverage.

How to Apply:

Compare plans online or consult a broker.
Documents needed: Personal ID and bank account details.

Local Considerations:

Nuremberg has a strong rental market, so legal insurance can be helpful for resolving disputes with landlords.

6. Travel Insurance (Reiseversicherung)

Overview:

Travel insurance is optional but recommended for trips outside Germany. It covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.

Costs:

Single-trip policies start at around €10–€20, while annual coverage costs around €50–€100.

How to Apply:

Purchase online or through your health insurance provider.

7. Unemployment Insurance (Arbeitslosenversicherung)

Overview:

This is part of the German social security system and is automatically deducted from your salary if you are employed. It provides financial support if you lose your job.

Costs:

Contributions are 2.5% of your gross salary, split equally between you and your employer.

Local Considerations:

If you are self-employed, you can opt into voluntary unemployment insurance.

8. Pension Insurance (Rentenversicherung)

Overview:

Pension insurance is also part of the social security system and ensures you receive a pension upon retirement.

Costs:

Contributions are 18.6% of your gross salary, split equally between you and your employer.

General Tips for Insurance in Nuremberg:

Language Barrier: Many insurance providers in Nuremberg offer services in English, but it’s helpful to learn basic German insurance terms.
Comparison Tools: Use platforms like Check24 or Verivox to compare policies and find the best deals.
Local Brokers: Consider consulting a local insurance broker in Nuremberg for personalized advice.
Bundling Discounts: Some providers offer discounts if you bundle multiple policies (e.g., car and liability insurance).
Legal Requirements: Ensure you meet all legal requirements, especially for health and car insurance.

By understanding these insurance options and their local context, you can make informed decisions and ensure a smooth transition to life in Nuremberg. Let me know if you need further assistance!