Health insurance in Germany for Indian citizens
Quick answer: Indian citizens applying for a German visa need health insurance with at least €30,000 medical cover that is valid in all Schengen states and includes repatriation. Care Visa Protect (from €0.85/day) is accepted by the German missions in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru and Kolkata for Schengen visas; Care Expatriate (from €58/month) is accepted for national D-visas (study, work, family).
“PDF in minutes, Ausländerbehörde accepted it on the spot.” — R. K. (Berlin), EU Blue Card
Quotes from internal customer feedback, anonymised and shortened.
Popular with travellers from India and neighbours — show country list
Pakistan (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore), India (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai), Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Türkiye, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, China, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Ukraine, Russia, Kosovo, Serbia, Bosnia, North Macedonia and Albania.
Used since 2009 by applicants worldwide — typically accepted nationwide in Germany by the Ausländerbehörden (incl. LEA Berlin, KVR Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Cologne, Stuttgart, Düsseldorf) and the German embassy network under § 5 AufenthG.
No commitment · monthly cancellation · confirmation by email (typically immediate).
Trusted Providers
Care Concept · HanseMerkur · DAK-Gesundheit · BASTI
Proof for Your Situation
Visa, enrollment, residence, employer or blocked-account documents
Online Process
Apply online and receive the available confirmation after successful completion
Over 10,000 policies issued · Since 2009
Get accepted German health insurance — recommended for Indian citizens
Every year more than 200,000 Indian nationals apply for a German visa — most often for short business trips, a Schengen Bummel, a national D-visa for study at a German university, or an EU Blue Card / employment visa. The German missions in India (New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata) follow the same proof rules as every other German consulate worldwide: § 5 AufenthG for residence permits, EU Regulation 810/2009 (Visa Code) for Schengen visas.
What this means in practice: your travel insurance from an Indian provider (Bajaj Allianz, ICICI Lombard, Tata AIG, HDFC ERGO) is sometimes accepted for Schengen visas if it meets the €30,000 minimum, valid in all Schengen states, and includes repatriation. For national D-visas it is almost never accepted — you need a policy issued by an insurer recognised in Germany. Care Concept policies (Care Visa Protect, Care Expatriate) are issued by HanseMerkur/Advigon, fully recognised by every German Ausländerbehörde, and the confirmation arrives by email within minutes.
Avoid the mistakes that can delay your application
Schengen proof missing?
For short Schengen stays, choose insurance that meets the €30,000 minimum-coverage requirement.
Short stay or longer stay?
Care Visa Protect fits many 1–92 day Schengen visits; Care Economy may fit longer or more flexible stays.
Wrong insurance can cost time
Before your embassy appointment, check that the proof matches your visa type, dates and destination.
Multiple entries planned?
If you travel more than once, check the multiple-entry option and the annual day limit before applying.
One wrong insurance choice can cost you money, time and your application deadline
A medical incident can become expensive fast — but the wrong certificate can also delay your visa, enrollment, residence permit or work start.
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€500–€1,500
Emergency doctor visit
One urgent doctor or emergency-room visit can already create a painful bill — before tests, medication or follow-up treatment are added.
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€2,000–€10,000+
Hospital treatment
If observation, surgery, overnight stay or specialist treatment is needed, costs can quickly move from hundreds to thousands of euros.
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1 wrong certificate
Visa appointment at risk
Wrong dates, missing coverage details, unclear validity area or missing repatriation wording can delay your documents exactly when time matters.
- Wrong or incomplete proof can delay your visa, enrollment or authority process.
- Cheap home-country policies may miss the exact coverage, dates or repatriation wording required.
- The cheapest policy can become expensive if it is the wrong proof for your situation.
Before you apply, check: coverage amount, validity dates, destination area and repatriation cover.
What German embassies typically check for Indian applicants
- All five German missions in India explicitly check for the Schengen €30,000 minimum, repatriation cover, and validity in all Schengen states (EU Visa Code Art. 15).
- Indian travel-insurance policies are sometimes rejected because they exclude pre-existing conditions or have a deductible higher than allowed.
- For study (D-visa, § 16b AufenthG) and Blue Card (§ 18b AufenthG) applications, German consulates in India typically require a policy issued in Germany — not an Indian provider.
- Family reunification visas (Familiennachzug, § 27 ff. AufenthG) require continuous private health insurance until the sponsor's GKV family insurance kicks in.
- Indian citizens do NOT have an EHIC / European Health Insurance Card; reciprocal social-security agreements do not cover acute healthcare for tourists.
Embassy practice can vary case-by-case (Einzelfallprüfung) — not legal or medical advice. Final acceptance always rests with the responsible authority.
Why act before the visa appointment
Visa appointments can be hard to reschedule. Missing or unsuitable insurance proof can create avoidable delay exactly when time matters.
Appointment pressure
If your documents are incomplete, you may need extra time to prepare corrected proof.
Certificate must fit
Check coverage amount, validity dates, destination area and repatriation wording before the appointment.
PDF proof after application
Several online tariffs provide a PDF certificate after successful application.
Avoid last-minute panic
Choose the right insurance before submitting your visa file, not after a document problem appears.
Schengen-ready in 3 steps
Proof of insurance for Schengen visa applications, including the €30,000 minimum-coverage requirement.
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Pick the right plan
Care Visa Protect for short Schengen stays · Care Economy for the Opportunity Card or longer visitor stays.
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Apply online
Enter passport, travel dates and destination. For Care Visa Protect, purchase before entry when required.
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Submit your proof
Receive the PDF certificate after successful online application and submit it with your visa or authority documents.
Recommended plans for Indian citizens
Care Visa Protect
from only €0.85 / day (1–92 days possible)
For Schengen visas, tourists, family visits & business travel
- Proof of insurance for visas & immigration authorities quickly available (PDF)
- Meets Schengen visa insurance requirements
- Affordable coverage from €0.85/day (minimum premium applies)
- Doctor, hospital, prescription medication & dental emergency coverage
- For Germany, Austria, the EU/Schengen Area, Liechtenstein or Switzerland
- Ideal for short stays, family visits, tourists & business travelers
- Multiple-visa option: several trips up to a total of 92 days/year
- Must be purchased before entry
- Age-based rates: from €0.85/day up to age 64 · from €2.60/day for ages 65–74
- Coverage term: 1–92 days · entry age 0–74
Why Care Visa Protect?
For foreign visitors with a Schengen visa who need fast, affordable proof of insurance for an embassy, visa office or immigration authority — suitable for tourists, family visits and short business trips.
Why a 92-day coverage term?
Ideal for typical short stays and Schengen trips: enough coverage for a visit, vacation or business trip — without buying long-term insurance.
- 🏛️ HanseMerkur Travel Insurance AG, Hamburg
- 📄 Instant proof of insurance for visas & immigration authorities (PDF)
- 🔒 Doctor, clinic, dental emergency & repatriation coverage
- 🏷️ From €0.85 / day · coverage up to 92 days
→ Complete the application, receive your instant PDF, submit your proof
Care Expatriate
from only €58.00 / month (coverage up to 5 years)
For foreign nationals with longer stays: expats, self-employed professionals, freelancers, employees on assignment without German statutory insurance, retirees & seniors up to age 74
- Proof of insurance for visas & immigration authorities quickly available (PDF)
- Coverage up to 5 years – less renewal stress
- Doctor, hospital, prescription medication & dental treatment coverage
- For longer stays in Germany, Austria, the EU/Schengen Area, Liechtenstein or Switzerland
- Suitable for expats, self-employed professionals, freelancers, employees on assignment without German statutory insurance, retirees & seniors
- More planning security for residence permits, projects or jobs
- 24/7 assistance + digital insurance card
- Age-based rates: from €58/month ages 13–40 · from €68 ages 41–60 · from €246 ages 61–74
- Coverage term: 3 months to 5 years · entry age 0–74
- Reputable insurance carrier
Why Care Expatriate?
For foreign nationals with longer stays who need solid health insurance and proof of coverage for authorities — suitable for expats, freelancers, self-employed professionals, employees on assignment without German statutory insurance, retirees & seniors up to age 74.
Why a 5-year coverage term?
More planning security: less renewal stress and a lower risk of a coverage gap if your stay lasts longer.
- 🏛️ HanseMerkur Insurance Group Hamburg – Advigon Insurance AG
- 📄 Instant proof of insurance for visas & immigration authorities (PDF)
- 🔒 Doctor, clinic, dental treatment & repatriation coverage
- 🏷️ From €58 / month · coverage up to 5 years
→ Complete the application, receive your instant PDF, submit your proof
Care Visa Protect — all prices by age & duration
| Care Visa Protect | Daily premium | Multiple Visa (annual contract) |
|---|---|---|
| up to age 64 | €0.85/day | €110/year |
| 65 – 74 years | €2.60/day | €215/year |
Prices per person. Minimum premium €8.50 per trip. Maximum benefit €50,000 (well above the Schengen minimum of €30,000). Deductible €0. Must be purchased before travel. As of 2026.
Staying longer than 92 days in Germany? See Care Expatriate (study, work, Chancenkarte, family)
| Care Expatriateworldwide without USA, Canada and Mexico |
Basic
|
BestsellerComfort
|
Premium
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Deductible / yr
150,–
|
Deductible / yr
150,–
|
Deductible / yr
500,–
|
Deductible / yr
0,–
|
Deductible / yr
500,–
|
Deductible / yr
1.000,–
|
|
| Entry age:0–12 (€ / month) | 64,– | 104,– | 81,– | 191,– | 149,– | 117,– |
| Entry age:13–40 (€ / month) | 58,– | 84,– | 63,– | 181,– | 141,– | 109,– |
| Entry age:41–60 (€ / month) | 68,– | 103,– | 77,– | 256,– | 201,– | 156,– |
| Entry age:61–74 (€ / month) | 246,– | 322,– | 248,– | 432,– | 336,– | 263,– |
All prices per month/person in euros. Deductible applies per insurance year. As of 2026.
Prices indicative, as of 2026. Individual underwriting applies; declare all conditions honestly.
What Indian citizens say about German visa & long-stay cover
“My biggest worry was that the embassy wouldn't accept the insurance.
The proof was accepted immediately — no questions asked.
That saved me a lot of stress.”
Georges
Cameroon
“I needed proof of insurance urgently for my visa appointment.
The confirmation arrived within minutes by email.
Everything worked first time at the embassy.”
Olga
Russia
“Found the best solution and best service for health insurance for foreign visitors and guests in Germany.
Fast, simple and affordable.
Highly recommended!”
Michael
Germany
“The online sign-up was done in just a few minutes.
When I actually had to see a doctor, the billing went smoothly.
I was really covered — not just on paper.”
Yunhee
Australia
Indicative: around €1,000 in lost gross weekly wages at the German median per week of residence-permit delay (source: Destatis median earnings 2024) — Care Expatriate premium for the same week: about €14.
More questions Indian citizens ask about German health insurance
Is German healthcare free for Indian citizens? No. Statutory health insurance (GKV) is funded by income-based contributions (~14.6% + supplementary rate), and private insurance (PKV) by age-rated premiums. Visitors and visa holders must arrive with their own cover — there is no public safety net for uninsured foreigners (indicative, as of 2026).
Krankenkasse in English: "Krankenkasse" is the German term for a statutory health insurance fund (e.g. TK, AOK, Barmer, DAK-Gesundheit). Once a Indian citizen signs a German employment contract above the marginal-earnings threshold, statutory membership is mandatory under § 5 SGB V (Einzelfallprüfung applies).
GKV vs PKV for Indian citizens: employees under the income threshold (Jahresarbeitsentgeltgrenze 2026 ≈ €73,800) must join GKV. Above the threshold, freelancers and high earners may choose PKV. For the visa stage, private incoming cover (Care Visa Protect / Care Expatriate) bridges the period before GKV starts — embassy practice can vary case-by-case.
How to apply for German health insurance from India: choose a recognised provider (Care Concept policies are issued by HanseMerkur/Advigon in Germany), submit name + date of birth + entry date online, pay by card or SEPA, and receive the PDF certificate by email within minutes — accepted by every German Auslandsvertretung. Not legal advice.
What is the €30,000 minimum? EU Visa Code Art. 15 (Regulation 810/2009) requires Schengen visa applicants to hold travel medical insurance with at least €30,000 cover, valid in all Schengen states, including emergency hospital treatment and repatriation. Care Visa Protect covers €50,000 — well above the legal minimum (Source: EU Reg. 810/2009).
Do Indian citizens need health insurance for the Anmeldung (city registration)? Not for the Anmeldung itself, but the Ausländerbehörde requires continuous private or statutory cover for every residence-permit step that follows. Gaps between visa and Anmeldung are the single most common rejection reason — final acceptance always rests with the responsible authority.
Switching from visa cover to GKV after Anmeldung: once a Indian citizen signs an employment contract subject to social-security deductions, statutory health insurance starts on day 1 of employment under § 5 SGB V. The visa-stage incoming policy can usually be cancelled mid-term with proof of GKV membership (check your AVB cancellation clause — typical refund is pro-rata, indicative).
What if a Indian citizen's visa is rejected? Most reputable incoming insurers — including Care Concept — refund the full premium when a confirmed embassy rejection letter is submitted before the policy start date. Always read the cancellation clause in the AVB before purchase. Refund timing typically takes 5–15 working days (indicative; verify with the insurer).
Family reunification cover for Indian citizens: spouses and children joining the resident family member need recognised health insurance from day 1 of entry under § 5 AufenthG. Care Expatriate is commonly used during the bridging period before GKV family insurance starts. The Ausländerbehörde verifies cover at the residence-permit appointment — gaps trigger rejection.
Indian citizens — top questions about German health insurance
Is Indian travel insurance accepted for a German Schengen visa?
Sometimes — only if the policy explicitly states €30,000 minimum medical cover, validity in all Schengen states, and repatriation cover. Many Indian providers (Bajaj Allianz, ICICI Lombard, Tata AIG, HDFC ERGO) issue Schengen-compliant policies, but the German missions in India can still reject them if any required field is missing. Care Visa Protect (from €0.85/day, issued by HanseMerkur/Advigon) is recognised by every German mission worldwide and never rejected on a technicality.
Which insurance do I need for a German student visa from India?
For a national D-visa for study (§ 16b AufenthG) you need a recognised health insurance valid for the entire planned stay (up to 5 years). Care Expatriate (from €58/month) or Care College (from €27.50/month) are accepted by all German consulates in India and convert seamlessly to DAK/TK statutory insurance once you enrol at the university and turn out to be under 30.
How much does health insurance for a German visa cost for Indian citizens?
Schengen visa: from €0.85/day (Care Visa Protect, minimum €7.50). National D-visa for study: from €27.50/month (Care College Basic, under 30) or €58/month (Care Expatriate, ages 18–29). EU Blue Card / employment: typically €700–€1,000/month for statutory GKV (TK, AOK, Barmer, DAK) split 50/50 with the employer once your German contract starts.
Do I need health insurance before my visa appointment at VFS Global in India?
Yes — VFS Global and the German consulate require the original insurance certificate at the appointment itself.
Can I use my company's group insurance from my Indian employer?
For Schengen business trips: usually yes, if it meets the €30,000 minimum and is valid in all Schengen states. For an EU Blue Card or longer assignment: no — German law (§ 5 AufenthG) requires cover that meets German statutory standards, which most Indian group plans do not.
What happens to my insurance once I arrive in Germany and register (Anmeldung)?
Care Visa Protect ends after maximum 92 days. For longer stays you switch to Care Expatriate (private) or to GKV (TK, AOK, Barmer, DAK) once you have an employment contract or student status. Do this within 2 weeks of Anmeldung to avoid a coverage gap.
Does Care Visa Protect cover medical emergencies in India before I fly?
Schengen cover: €30,000 minimum sum insured (EU Reg. 810/2009, Art. 15). No. Care Visa Protect only starts on your entry date into the Schengen Area. For cover during your stay in India before departure, use your Indian provider.
Are pre-existing conditions covered for Indian applicants?
Care Expatriate excludes pre-existing conditions for the first 6 months unless a medical underwriting is completed. Care Visa Protect covers acute, unexpected exacerbations of pre-existing conditions. For chronic conditions (diabetes, hypertension), declare them honestly when applying.
Can my family (spouse, children) join me on the same German visa insurance?
Care Visa Protect and Care Expatriate price by age — children under 18 are significantly cheaper. Each family member needs their own policy. Family reunification visas require continuous private cover until you can be added to a German GKV family insurance free of charge.
What is the difference between the Schengen visa and the German D-visa for Indian travellers?
Schengen C-visa: up to 90 days in any 180-day period, all 26 Schengen states. German national D-visa: stay longer than 90 days, only for Germany initially, converts to a residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) at the Ausländerbehörde. Different insurance products: Care Visa Protect for Schengen, Care Expatriate or Care College for D-visa.
Which German consulate in India handles my visa application?
The 2026 rate applies from January 1, 2026; check § 13a AufenthV / § 5 SGB V for the current thresholds. Jurisdiction follows your registered Indian address: New Delhi (North & East India), Mumbai (West India), Chennai (Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka south), Bengaluru (Karnataka), Kolkata (East India). All use VFS Global for biometric appointments. Insurance proof requirements are identical at every mission.
Will my Indian PAN, Aadhaar or passport details be needed for the insurance application?
No — Care Concept policies require only your name (as in passport), date of birth, entry date and intended duration. Payment is by credit/debit card or SEPA. The confirmation PDF is emailed within minutes.
Over 10,000 policies issued · Since 2009
Apply for Care Visa Protect — get your insurance confirmation today
Related guides
Sources: § 5 AufenthG · § 193 VVG · EU Reg. 810/2009 (Visa Code) · BAMF · German Missions Worldwide
YMYL notice: this page is editorial information for Indian citizens, not legal or medical advice. Verify current visa and insurance rules with the German mission in India and your insurer's AVB before making a decision.