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Au Pair Insurance in Germany: What Host Families Must Arrange

Auost Team 8 Aug 2026 59 likes

Host families in Germany must arrange adequate health and accident insurance for their au pair and pay the premiums. The protection must also account for pregnancy and childbirth. Suitable private liability insurance is strongly recommended because neither a standard family policy nor every au pair package automatically covers damage involving the host family or childcare duties.

A short-term travel policy may not be sufficient for a several-month stay involving residence in a private home and regular childcare. Before buying, check whether the policy covers the entire contract from arrival, is accepted for the visa or residence process, includes outpatient and hospital treatment, deals clearly with pre-existing conditions, covers pregnancy and childbirth, and includes accident and liability protection.

Read exclusions, deductibles, maximum benefits, dental rules, psychotherapy provisions, repatriation, and waiting periods. The cheapest policy is not necessarily suitable.

Liability questions require special attention: personal injury, property damage, rented-property damage, damage to the host family’s belongings, childcare-related incidents, and lost keys may be treated differently. Obtain written confirmation where possible. If the au pair will drive the family car, notify the motor insurer, confirm the permitted driver group and licence validity, and agree who pays deductibles or fines.

Cover should begin no later than arrival or the contractual start. Visa applicants may need evidence earlier, so avoid any gap between entry and the insurance start date.

Frequently asked questions

Who pays for the insurance? The host family pays for the required cover.
Can the au pair join the family’s public health insurance? Usually not simply because of the au pair relationship.
Is liability insurance mandatory? Official rules particularly emphasise health, accident, pregnancy, and childbirth cover. Appropriate liability cover remains strongly recommended.
What happens if the au pair changes families? Contact the insurer immediately to confirm whether the policy continues, must be amended, or must be replaced.

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