Danger in the Great Outdoors

A walk in the woods or a trip to the lake—when the weather is nice, many people head outside to enjoy nature. But alongside beautiful hiking trails, idyllic meadows and cosy picnic spots, you might also encounter ticks. These tiny creatures can transmit serious diseases, such as Lyme disease or tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). In 2024 alone, 11,040 cases of Lyme disease were reported in Germany. Solveig Haw, physician and health expert at DKV Deutsche Krankenversicherung AG, explains how best to avoid tick bites and what symptoms to look out for if you are bitten. Helena Biewer, accident insurance expert at ERGO, sheds light on how to safeguard yourself against the potential health consequences.

Tick Bites: The Hidden Danger of a Country Walk

Ticks live in grass, undergrowth and shrubs, waiting for humans or animals to pass by. “When a potential ‘host’ brushes against branches or grass, ticks climb aboard, searching for spots like the backs of knees, armpits or the hairline before biting,” says Haw. The problem is that ticks can transmit pathogens while feeding on blood. “The TBE virus is often passed into the human body immediately upon being bitten, as it’s present in the tick’s saliva,” Haw explains. In contrast, the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease typically take 12 to 24 hours to migrate to the salivary glands and be transmitted. “That’s why it’s crucial to remove ticks as quickly as possible,” she adds. After spending time in areas with tall grass or dense undergrowth, it’s best to check yourself thoroughly for ticks. Your choice of clothing can also make a big difference. “Long trousers and closed shoes are simple but effective protective measures,” advises Haw.

TBE and Lyme Disease: Two Infections, Different Risks

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a viral infection transmitted by ticks, most commonly found in southern Germany. “The illness often progresses in two stages. Initially, flu-like symptoms such as fever or aching limbs may appear, which are easy to overlook,” explains Haw. “About a third of pa-tients go on to develop a second phase affecting the brain or meninges.” TBE can be prevented with a vaccine. “Vaccination is recommended for anyone living in risk areas who spends a lot of time outdoors,” she adds. There is no vaccine for Lyme disease, which is caused by the Borrelia bacterium and occurs nationwide. “A classic sign is a ring-shaped rash at the bite site, which can appear days or even weeks after being bitten,” Haw explains. Alongside the distinctive rash, flu-like symptoms such as fever or aching limbs may also occur. If left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to chronic joint inflammation, neurological disorders or, more rarely, heart problems. “That’s why early treatment with antibiotics is essential,” Haw emphasises.

Tick Bites and Their Consequences: Why Private Accident Insurance Matters

Tick bites can not only cause severe illness but also long-term health problems. This can impact your quality of life and result in financial burdens. Here, private accident insurance can be invalua-ble. “Although a tick bite isn’t classically considered an accident, many insurers—including ER-GO—have updated their policies. If you suffer permanent impairment as a result of a tick-borne disease, insurers may provide benefits such as a lump-sum payment, daily hospital allowance, support with rehabilitation, or even a lifelong pension, provided this is covered by your contract,” explains Helena Biewer. The key requirements are a medically documented diagnosis and notifica-tion to the insurer within the specified timeframe. It’s important to seek medical help as soon as symptoms appear and inform your insurer at the same time. “This is especially vital for people in high-risk professions, such as forestry or horticulture,” Biewer stresses. But it applies to anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors: don’t just rely on prevention and the TBE vaccine, but also check whether your insurance covers tick-borne diseases. “That way, you’re financially protected if an infection has lasting effects on your life,” Biewer concludes.