An overvoltage protection element having at least one overvoltage limiting component in a housing, terminal contacts for electrical connection of the overvoltage protection element to a path to be protected, an electrically conductive connecting element and with a spring system acting on the connecting element, a first terminal contact being directly connected with the first pole of the overvoltage limiting component, the connecting element being in electrically conductive contact with the second terminal contact and the second pole of the overvoltage limiting component via a thermally separating connection. With the thermal connection separated, the connecting element moves out of electrically conductive contact with the second terminal contact and the second pole of the overvoltage limiting component by the force of the spring system an insulating disconnecting element connected to the connecting element is moved between the second terminal contact and the second pole of the overvoltage limiting component.