Cancer
The most common reason for a payout under this cover.
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Most expat families in Germany are underinsured for dread disease (critical illness) cover — not because they don't care, but because no one ever explained the options clearly. A 30-minute conversation changes that.
If a serious illness or accident hit your family tomorrow
Without protection
€0
With Dread Disease cover (€50k)
€50,000
Paid out
Tax-free, one-time
Time to payout
Typically weeks
The reality
These aren't rare, distant risks
Cancer, heart attack, stroke and serious accidents are the leading reasons families suddenly lose income in Germany. Standard health insurance covers treatment — it does not replace lost income, cover a mortgage, or fund the adjustments a family needs after a diagnosis. That is the gap dread disease cover is designed to fill.
Heart Attack
Sudden, and one of the most common triggers of a claim.
Stroke
Can affect anyone, often without warning signs.
Severe Accident
Not just illness — serious accidents are covered too.
Type 1 Diabetes — included, no extra cost
Included among the 80 pre-defined diseases covered by the policy, already built into the pricing below. (Type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes and LADA are not covered.) Your advisor walks through the complete list on the call.
Pricing
What does dread disease cover cost?
Example premiums for a 25-year term, office-based IT professional, non-smoker, Multi-Pay option included. Pricing covers the whole family — 2 adults plus children under one policy. Your personal quote may differ based on age, health and cover amount.
Basic
Dread Disease €50,000
- Entry age 30€37.50 / mo
- Entry age 35€52.76 / mo
- Entry age 40€74.38 / mo
Comfort
Dread Disease €100,000
- Entry age 30€66.68 / mo
- Entry age 35€96.90 / mo
- Entry age 40€139.68 / mo
Premium
Dread Disease €100,000 + Term Life €100,000
- Entry age 30€82.64 / mo
- Entry age 35€117.98 / mo
- Entry age 40€169.70 / mo
Illustrative example only — actual premium depends on age, health, smoker status and coverage chosen. Not a binding offer. Full terms in the product's Erstinformationsblatt, provided before any contract is signed.
How it works
Simple by design
Critical illness cover with a clear payout, family protection built in, and a fixed premium — explained in English even when the contract is in German.
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One-time, tax-free lump sum Not a slow monthly payout — a single sum paid when a covered condition is diagnosed, yours to use however you need. Multiple payouts included: more than one disease is covered, and more than one person on the policy with a covered disease is also covered.
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Family protection built in Children are automatically covered up to €35,000 at no extra cost. Partners can be added to the same policy. Children and partner are already included in the pricing at no additional cost.
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Use it however you need Treatment, replacing lost income, paying down debt, home adjustments — the money is yours, even if you fully recover.
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Fixed premium, no surprises Your monthly cost is locked in for the life of the contract unless you choose to increase cover.
Why Canada Life
Germany's market leader for dread disease cover
Independently rated, fast claims, and worldwide coverage — with an advisor who walks you through every German clause in English.
A+ financial strength rating
Independently rated as a superior, financially strong insurer.
Fast claims
Payouts are typically processed within weeks, not months.
We handle the German
Contracts are in German — your advisor guides you through every clause in English.
Worldwide coverage
Even if you move out of Germany, you're still secured — your policy travels with you, wherever life takes your family next.
80
Defined conditions covered
20+
Years in the German market
€250M+
Paid out to clients
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Clear answers on dread disease and critical illness cover for expats in Germany.
Dread disease insurance (also called critical illness cover) pays a one-time, tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with a covered severe condition — such as cancer, heart attack, stroke or a serious accident. You can use the money however you need: treatment, replacing lost income, mortgage payments or home adjustments.
German statutory or private health insurance covers medical treatment. Dread disease cover does not replace it — it fills the financial gap after a diagnosis: income you may lose, costs health insurance does not pay, and flexibility for your family. You need to be a resident in Germany to take out the policy.
80 pre-defined diseases are covered, including cancer, heart attack, stroke, severe accidents and Type 1 Diabetes. Your advisor will walk through the full list relevant to your situation on the call.
Premiums depend on your age, health, smoker status and the cover amount. As an example, a non-smoker office worker at entry age 30 can start around €37.50 per month for €50,000 cover. See the pricing section above for Basic, Comfort and Premium examples, then get a personal quote on the free call.
Yes — the lump sum is paid tax-free in Germany, and is yours to use as you choose, even if you make a full recovery.
Yes — children are automatically covered up to €35,000 at no extra cost, and partners can be added to the same policy. Children and partner are already included in the pricing at no additional cost.
The policy covers you worldwide, so you stay protected after a move. If you no longer need the cover, you can cancel with one month's notice.
Canada Life is a market leader for this type of cover in Germany, with strong financial ratings, typically fast claims and worldwide coverage. We explain every German contract clause in English so you know exactly what you are signing.
A licensed advisor reviews your family situation, explains what is and isn't covered, and gives you a personal quote. There is no obligation to proceed.
You can cancel anytime with one month's notice. Your monthly premium stays fixed for the life of the contract unless you choose to increase cover.
Get your personal quote
Answer 3 quick questions, then pick a time
This helps your advisor prepare for your specific situation, so the call is worth your 30 minutes.
Step 1 of 3
What's your age range?
Premiums change with entry age — this helps us prepare a realistic quote.
Step 2 of 3
Do you already have dread disease cover?
Critical illness / dread disease insurance — even if you're not sure.
Step 3 of 3
What's your family situation?
Family cover can include a partner and children under one policy.
You're all set
Pick a time that works for you
Choose any 30-minute slot — you'll get a confirmation email immediately.
Ready to protect your family?
Book a free 30-minute call. We'll walk through your situation, explain the cover in plain English, and give you a personal quote — no obligation.
This page is marketing material and does not constitute insurance advice or a binding offer. Premiums shown are illustrative examples for a 25-year term, non-smoker, office-based IT professional, covering 2 adults (policyholder and partner) plus children under one family policy, and vary by individual health, age and coverage selected. Final terms, exclusions and waiting periods are set out in the insurer's policy conditions and Erstinformationsblatt (§15 VersVermV), provided before any contract is concluded. Finance for Expats GmbH acts as an independent insurance intermediary (Versicherungsvermittler with Erlaubnis gem. § 34d Abs. 1 GewO).