--- title: "From €58/mo – expat health insurance Germany" description: "Health insurance for expats in Germany: § 5 AufenthG residence permit proof, JAEG €77,400 GKV/PKV split, Care Expatriate from €58/month — bilingual certificate by email." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "Krankenversicherung-Auslaender.de", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/", "logo": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/images/logo.jpg", "contactPoint": { "@type": "ContactPoint", "telephone": "+49-228-97735-44", "contactType": "customer service", "availableLanguage": [ "German", "English" ] } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "WebSite", "name": "Krankenversicherung-Auslaender.de", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/", "inLanguage": [ "de", "en" ], "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Krankenversicherung-Auslaender.de" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "InsuranceAgency", "name": "Krankenversicherung für Ausländer", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de", "alternateName": [ "Krankenversicherung Ausländer Deutschland", "Krankenversicherung für Ausländer", "Health insurance for foreigners in Germany", "Insurance for expats in Germany", "Insurance for international students in Germany" ], "logo": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/images/logo.jpg", "image": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/images/og/og-krankenversicherung-auslaender.webp", "areaServed": [ "DE", "AT", "EU" ], "audience": { "@type": "Audience", "audienceType": "Foreigners, expats, international students and visa applicants in Germany", "geographicArea": { "@type": "Country", "name": "DE" } }, "knowsAbout": [ "Krankenversicherung Ausländer Deutschland", "Schengen-Visum Krankenversicherung", "Studentische Krankenversicherung", "Expat Krankenversicherung", "Incoming-Versicherung", "Sperrkonto Deutschland" ], "contactPoint": { "@type": "ContactPoint", "telephone": "+49 228 97735-44", "contactType": "customer service", "availableLanguage": [ "German", "English" ] }, "sameAs": [ "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q316831", "https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krankenversicherung", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_insurance" ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Person", "name": "Steffan Grund", "jobTitle": "Versicherungsexperte für Krankenversicherung Ausländer", "knowsAbout": [ "Krankenversicherung für Ausländer in Deutschland", "Schengen-Visum Krankenversicherung", "GKV-Befreiung Studenten", "Aufenthaltstitel Krankenversicherung", "Incoming-Versicherung" ], "worksFor": { "@type": "InsuranceAgency", "name": "Krankenversicherung für Ausländer", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de" }, "url": "/impressum/", "sameAs": [ "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/impressum/" ] }, [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "headline": "Expats in Germany — health insurance, residence permit and the Ausländerbehörde file", "description": "Health insurance for expats in Germany: § 5 AufenthG residence permit proof, JAEG €77,400 GKV/PKV split, Care Expatriate from €58/month — bilingual certificate by email.", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Steffan Grund", "sameAs": [ "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/impressum/" ] }, "reviewedBy": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Steffan Grund", "sameAs": [ "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/impressum/" ] }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Krankenversicherung für Ausländer", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/images/logo.jpg" }, "sameAs": [ "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q316831", "https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krankenversicherung", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_insurance" ] }, "datePublished": "2026-08-29", "dateModified": "2026-08-28", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/" }, "image": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/assets/expat-health-insurance-germany-hero-BrUyIkfW.webp", "about": [ { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Health insurance for expats in Germany" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Residence permit under § 5 AufenthG" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "EU Blue Card health-insurance proof" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Freelancer visa health insurance (§ 21 AufenthG)" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Family reunification visa insurance (§ 28 AufenthG)" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "GKV vs PKV — JAEG €77,400 (2026)" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Care Expatriate, Care Economy, DAK-Gesundheit" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Anmeldung and Krankenkasse Mitgliedsbescheinigung" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Elektronische Gesundheitskarte (eGK)" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Pflegeversicherung (long-term care insurance)" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Familienversicherung (family co-insurance)" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "EHIC and S1 form (EU Regulation 883/2004)" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Sickness fund choice — TK, AOK, Barmer, DAK-Gesundheit" } ], "mentions": [ { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Care Expatriate", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/overview/" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Care Economy", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/insurance-plans/care-economy/overview/" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "DAK-Gesundheit (employees)", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/insurance-plans/dak-gesundheit-angestellte/overview/" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "§ 5 AufenthG", "url": "https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__5.html" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "§ 21 AufenthG (self-employment)", "url": "https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__21.html" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "BAMF", "url": "https://www.bamf.de/EN/" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Federal Foreign Office — visa service", "url": "https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/visa-service" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "BAMF (Wikidata)", "url": "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q318564" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "HanseMerkur (Wikidata)", "url": "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1576548" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Statistisches Bundesamt (Wikidata)", "url": "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q349952" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung (Wikidata)", "url": "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1622659" } ], "wordCount": 2400, "timeRequired": "PT10M", "inLanguage": [ "en" ], "speakable": { "@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": [ "[data-aeo='answer-lead']", "[data-aeo='answer']", "h1" ] } } ], { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Guide to health insurance in Germany", "item": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Health insurance for expats in Germany", "item": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Person", "name": "Steffan Grund", "jobTitle": "Insurance broker for German expat residence-permit health cover", "knowsAbout": [ "Expat residence permit health insurance (§ 5 AufenthG)", "EU Blue Card insurance proof", "Self-employment / freelancer visa (§ 21 AufenthG)", "GKV vs PKV decision (JAEG €77,400 in 2026)", "Care Expatriate, Care Economy, DAK-Gesundheit" ], "worksFor": { "@type": "InsuranceAgency", "name": "Krankenversicherung für Ausländer", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de" }, "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/impressum/", "sameAs": [ "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/impressum/", "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/ueber-uns/" ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "InsuranceAgency", "name": "Krankenversicherung für Ausländer", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de", "alternateName": [ "Krankenversicherung Ausländer Deutschland", "Krankenversicherung für Ausländer", "Health insurance for foreigners in Germany", "Insurance for expats in Germany", "Insurance for international students in Germany" ], "logo": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/images/logo.jpg", "image": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/images/og/og-krankenversicherung-auslaender.webp", "areaServed": [ "DE", "AT", "EU" ], "audience": { "@type": "Audience", "audienceType": "Foreigners, expats, international students and visa applicants in Germany", "geographicArea": { "@type": "Country", "name": "DE" } }, "knowsAbout": [ "Krankenversicherung Ausländer Deutschland", "Schengen-Visum Krankenversicherung", "Studentische Krankenversicherung", "Expat Krankenversicherung", "Incoming-Versicherung", "Sperrkonto Deutschland" ], "contactPoint": { "@type": "ContactPoint", "telephone": "+49 228 97735-44", "contactType": "customer service", "availableLanguage": [ "German", "English" ] }, "sameAs": [ "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q316831", "https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krankenversicherung", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_insurance" ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "speakable": { "@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": [ "[data-aeo=\"answer\"]", ".faq-answer" ] }, "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "How much does health insurance for expats in Germany typically cost?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "For shorter bridges (1 day to 2 years) Care Economy starts at €30 per 30 days. As a rule, from €58/month for Care Expatriate (ages 13–40) — the standard long-stay Incoming product recognised by the Ausländerbehörde for the residence permit, the EU Blue Card and family reunification. Once the employer has filed the new hire, the statutory rate is 17. 8% of gross salary, split evenly between employer and employee (about 8. 9% each)." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does the Ausländerbehörde accept Care Expatriate for the residence permit?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Care Expatriate is regularly recognised under § 5 AufenthG as proof of health insurance for the Aufenthaltstitel, EU Blue Card, freelancer permit (§ 21 AufenthG) and family reunification visa. Yes — as a rule. The bilingual certificate (German + English) issued after the online application is the document caseworkers expect to see. Individual case review applies; not legal advice." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "GKV or PKV — which is right for the expat employee in Germany?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Expats pay from €58/month (13–40) via Care Expatriate; SB 150 €, worldwide including home country. It depends on gross income. Below the 2026 JAEG threshold of €77,400 per year, GKV with one of the major Krankenkassen (Techniker Krankenkasse, AOK, Barmer, DAK-Gesundheit) is compulsory and family members can be co-insured free of charge. Above the JAEG line, the employee may switch to private cover (PKV) or stay in GKV voluntarily — age, health status and family planning typically decide the call. Care Expatriate covers the gap between entry and the first GKV payroll." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When must the cover already exist for the expat moving to Germany?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Care Expatriate and Care Economy issue the bilingual certificate by email within minutes after the online application — most expats book the cover 2 to 4 weeks before the flight. From the date of entry. The Ausländerbehörde, the embassy and the employer all expect the start date on the Krankenversicherungsnachweis to be no later than the day the expat crosses the German border." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does the family — spouse, child, parent — need separate insurance?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes — Care Expatriate per family member is the standard route until the resident relative is on a German payroll, at which point statutory family cover via the Krankenkasse usually takes over free of charge for spouse and children. Individual case review applies." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What changes if the expat is self-employed or a freelancer?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Expats pay from €58/month (13–40) via Care Expatriate; SB 150 €, worldwide including home country. Self-employed and freelance expats (visa § 21 AufenthG) are not GKV-compulsory and most stay on Care Expatriate as the long-term Incoming cover — the bilingual certificate is the document the Ausländerbehörde, the Finanzamt and the IHK file expect. Voluntary GKV membership is possible but usually more expensive than the Incoming route during the first years; KSK (Künstlersozialkasse) is an exception for artistic and journalistic professions." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What happens at the Anmeldung — and how does it tie into the insurance file?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The expat must register the German address at the Bürgeramt within 14 days of moving in (§ 17 Bundesmeldegesetz). The Anmeldebestätigung that comes out of that appointment gates the bank account, the tax ID, the Krankenkasse Mitgliedsbescheinigung and the residence-permit appointment. Care Expatriate covers the gap from entry to the first payroll, so no Anmeldung delay can cause a coverage gap." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Which insurance proof does the German employer (HR) expect on day one?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Expats pay from €58/month (13–40) via Care Expatriate; SB 150 €, worldwide including home country. HR teams typically expect either the new Mitgliedsbescheinigung from a Krankenkasse (Techniker Krankenkasse, AOK, Barmer, DAK-Gesundheit) or a valid Incoming policy for the bridge period. Care Expatriate's bilingual certificate is the standard document HR onboarding folders accept until the employer files the SV-Meldung and the Krankenkasse confirms statutory membership." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Long-stay expat: how do I keep cover for 3, 4 or 5 years on a single product?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Care Expatriate covers up to 60 months (5 years) on a single contract — the longest single-policy duration on the German Incoming market. After 5 years the expat typically transitions either into GKV via payroll (if employed and below the JAEG threshold) or into a long-term German PKV. The bilingual certificate is reissued for every extension at the Ausländerbehörde." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Switching employer in Germany as an expat — what stays, what changes?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Expats pay from €58/month (13–40) via Care Expatriate; SB 150 €, worldwide including home country. Statutory cover with the Krankenkasse continues without a gap as long as the new employer files the SV-Meldung within the legal window. Family co-insurance and Mitgliedsbescheinigungen carry over to the new payroll. What changes: the income test against JAEG is re-run on the new salary; an expat crossing the €77,400 line for the first time gains the right to switch to PKV, but should weigh age, family and long-term residency before doing so. Individual case review applies." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What if the expat job search drags on — can the bridge cover be extended?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes — for longer searches, Care Expatriate from €58/month is the better fit because it scales to 5 years and is also recognised by the Ausländerbehörde for the regular residence permit, not only for the job-search phase." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Travel insurance from the home country — is it enough for the expat file?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Expats pay from €58/month (13–40) via Care Expatriate; SB 150 €, worldwide including home country. Generally no. Travel insurance (Reisekrankenversicherung) bought in the home country usually fails the § 5 AufenthG test because the validity area, the duration and the repatriation wording do not match what the Ausländerbehörde expects. Care Expatriate (long-stay residence permit) and Care Economy (bridge) are the standard German-side substitutes — the bilingual certificate clears both the embassy visa portal and the immigration office counter." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does Care Expatriate cover pregnancy and childbirth for the expat couple?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Expats pay from €58/month (13–40) via Care Expatriate; SB 150 €, worldwide including home country. Yes, within the policy terms — gynaecology, prenatal care, hospital delivery and the first newborn check-ups. Waiting periods for elective benefits may apply depending on the chosen tariff variant; the official AVB (insurance terms) issued with the bilingual certificate are the binding document. For long-term family planning, the transition into GKV after the employed parent starts payroll usually offers the broader maternity benefit set." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How fast does the bilingual Krankenversicherungsnachweis arrive after the online application?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Typically within minutes — 3 to 7 minutes for Care Expatriate, Care Economy and Care Visa Protect. The PDF is in German and English, ready to upload to the embassy visa portal, to print for the airport, to email to the German HR team or to hand in at the Ausländerbehörde counter. No medical questionnaire within policy terms; no German bank account required to start the policy." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is health care in Germany free?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "No — healthcare in Germany is not free — every resident must carry health insurance, either statutory (GKV) or private (PKV). Once enrolled, most everyday treatment feels close to free because the sickness fund pays the doctor directly and the patient only ever sees a small copayment (Zuzahlung) for prescriptions and a few hospital days per year. Expats without a German payroll yet typically use Care Expatriate as the bridge until the Krankenkasse Mitgliedsbescheinigung is issued." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How does German health insurance work for expats arriving from abroad?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Above the JAEG of €77,400 (2026), private health insurance becomes an option — age, family and long-term residency typically decide the call. Three stages: (1) before payroll — a German Incoming product such as Care Expatriate or Care Economy provides the recognised Krankenversicherungsnachweis for the embassy and the Ausländerbehörde; (2) once the employer files SV-Meldung, the chosen statutory Krankenkasse (Techniker Krankenkasse, AOK, Barmer or DAK-Gesundheit) issues the Mitgliedsbescheinigung and the elektronische Gesundheitskarte; (3) family co-insurance (Familienversicherung) folds in spouse and children at no extra cost." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Which sickness fund (Krankenkasse) is best for expats — TK, AOK, Barmer or DAK-Gesundheit?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Expats pay from €58/month (13–40) via Care Expatriate; SB 150 €, worldwide including home country. All statutory sickness funds offer the same legally defined benefits, so the choice is about service, language and onboarding speed. Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) is the most-chosen fund among English-speaking expats thanks to its English app and hotline. DAK-Gesundheit runs a dedicated expat desk and is our standard pick for employees joining a Berlin, Munich, Hamburg or Frankfurt payroll. AOK has a strong regional branch network, and Barmer is popular with families. None of these can be opened before the first German payroll — Care Expatriate or Care Economy covers the gap in the meantime." } } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "QAPage", "inLanguage": "en", "mainEntity": { "@type": "Question", "name": "How much does health insurance for expats in Germany typically cost?", "text": "How much does health insurance for expats in Germany typically cost?", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Steffan Grund", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/impressum/" }, "datePublished": "2026-08-29", "upvoteCount": 0, "answerCount": 1, "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "For shorter bridges (1 day to 2 years) Care Economy starts at €30 per 30 days. As a rule, from €58/month for Care Expatriate (ages 13–40) — the standard long-stay Incoming product recognised by the Ausländerbehörde for the residence permit, the EU Blue Card and family reunification. Once the employer has filed the new hire, the statutory rate is 17. 8% of gross salary, split evenly between employer and employee (about 8. 9% each).", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Steffan Grund", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/impressum/" }, "datePublished": "2026-08-29", "upvoteCount": 0 } } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "QAPage", "inLanguage": "en", "mainEntity": { "@type": "Question", "name": "GKV or PKV — which is right for the expat employee in Germany?", "text": "GKV or PKV — which is right for the expat employee in Germany?", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Steffan Grund", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/impressum/" }, "datePublished": "2026-08-29", "upvoteCount": 0, "answerCount": 1, "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Expats pay from €58/month (13–40) via Care Expatriate; SB 150 €, worldwide including home country. It depends on gross income. Below the 2026 JAEG threshold of €77,400 per year, GKV with one of the major Krankenkassen (Techniker Krankenkasse, AOK, Barmer, DAK-Gesundheit) is compulsory and family members can be co-insured free of charge. Above the JAEG line, the employee may switch to private cover (PKV) or stay in GKV voluntarily — age, health status and family planning typically decide the call. Care Expatriate covers the gap between entry and the first GKV payroll.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Steffan Grund", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/impressum/" }, "datePublished": "2026-08-29", "upvoteCount": 0 } } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "DefinedTermSet", "name": "Expat health insurance Germany — glossary", "inLanguage": "en", "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Krankenversicherung für Ausländer", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de" }, "hasDefinedTerm": [ { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "name": "Aufenthaltstitel (residence permit)", "description": "German residence permit issued by the Ausländerbehörde under the Aufenthaltsgesetz (AufenthG). § 5 AufenthG requires proof of adequate health insurance — the Krankenversicherungsnachweis — for the entire requested permit period before the title can be issued or extended.", "inDefinedTermSet": "Expat health insurance Germany — glossary" }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "name": "JAEG — Jahresarbeitsentgeltgrenze", "description": "Annual income threshold that decides whether an employed expat is GKV-compulsory or free to choose private cover (PKV). For 2026 the threshold is €77,400 gross per year. Employees above the line may stay in GKV voluntarily or switch to private; below the line GKV is compulsory.", "inDefinedTermSet": "Expat health insurance Germany — glossary" }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "name": "Krankenversicherungsnachweis", "description": "German-language proof of health insurance — the single document the Ausländerbehörde checks before deciding on the residence permit. Bilingual PDF (German + English) is the standard format that caseworkers accept on the day of the appointment.", "inDefinedTermSet": "Expat health insurance Germany — glossary" }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "name": "Mitgliedsbescheinigung", "description": "Statutory cover confirmation issued by the Krankenkasse (TK, AOK, Barmer, DAK-Gesundheit) once the employer has filed the new hire. The Ausländerbehörde accepts it in place of an Incoming certificate from the first day of payroll.", "inDefinedTermSet": "Expat health insurance Germany — glossary" }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "name": "Anmeldung (address registration)", "description": "Mandatory registration of a German address at the Bürgeramt within 14 days of moving in (§ 17 Bundesmeldegesetz). The Anmeldebestätigung gates the bank account, the tax ID, the Krankenkasse Mitgliedsbescheinigung and the residence-permit decision.", "inDefinedTermSet": "Expat health insurance Germany — glossary" }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "name": "Elektronische Gesundheitskarte (eGK)", "description": "German electronic health insurance card issued by the statutory sickness fund after the employer files the new hire. The eGK replaces the doctor's bill at every Vertragsarzt (panel doctor) and unlocks the pharmacy e-prescription.", "inDefinedTermSet": "Expat health insurance Germany — glossary" }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "name": "Pflegeversicherung (long-term care insurance)", "description": "Mandatory long-term care insurance that runs in parallel with GKV or PKV under the SGB XI. Contribution rate sits around 3.4 % to 4.0 % of gross salary in 2026, split between employer and employee (childless adults pay a surcharge).", "inDefinedTermSet": "Expat health insurance Germany — glossary" }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "name": "Familienversicherung (family co-insurance)", "description": "Statutory family co-insurance under § 10 SGB V: spouse and children without their own income are co-insured free of charge in the GKV member's contract — a structural cost advantage of GKV over PKV for expat families.", "inDefinedTermSet": "Expat health insurance Germany — glossary" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "HowTo", "name": "How to provide health-insurance proof as an expat in Germany", "description": "Step-by-step process to deliver an Ausländerbehörde-compliant Krankenversicherungsnachweis from job offer to Aufenthaltstitel.", "inLanguage": "en", "step": [ { "@type": "HowToStep", "position": 1, "name": "Identify your expat path", "text": "Long-stay residence permit (Care Expatriate, 6 months–5 years), short bridge (Care Economy, 1 day–2 years) or direct employee start (GKV via Krankenkasse such as DAK-Gesundheit or TK)." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "position": 2, "name": "Apply online and receive the bilingual certificate", "text": "Complete the online application; the German + English Krankenversicherungsnachweis is issued by email within minutes — ready for embassy, HR or Ausländerbehörde." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "position": 3, "name": "Submit at the German embassy or consulate", "text": "Upload the PDF in the visa portal or hand it in at the appointment for the national D-visa." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "position": 4, "name": "Anmeldung within 14 days of arrival", "text": "Register the German address at the Bürgeramt — this unlocks the bank account, the tax ID and the Krankenkasse Mitgliedsbescheinigung." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "position": 5, "name": "Hand the certificate to the Ausländerbehörde", "text": "Under § 5 AufenthG the immigration office releases the Aufenthaltstitel once the bilingual proof is on file. Once the employer files SV-Meldung, the Mitgliedsbescheinigung takes over." } ], "totalTime": "PT15M", "speakable": { "@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": [ "[data-howto='step']", "[data-aeo='answer']", "h1" ] } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "ItemList", "@id": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/#guides-itemlist", "name": "All expat health-insurance guides for Germany", "inLanguage": "en", "numberOfItems": 21, "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Residence permit: why health insurance almost always matters", "description": "Why § 5 AufenthG makes the Krankenversicherungsnachweis the single gate to every Aufenthaltstitel.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/residence-permit-expats-why-health-insurance-almost-always-matters-germany/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Document checklist for the Ausländerbehörde", "description": "Every proof, certificate and deadline the immigration office expects on the day of the appointment.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/checklist-documents-immigration-office-expat-insurance-proof-deadlines-germany/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Changing residence permit — what to watch out for", "description": "Renewal, switch from § 18 to § 21 AufenthG, Blue Card upgrade — and how the insurance proof must follow.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/change-residence-permit-expat-health-insurance-what-to-watch-out-for-germany/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Three-phase checklist: before entry, after entry, after registration", "description": "The clean expat timeline — visa file, arrival, Anmeldung, Ausländerbehörde — in three phases.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/expat-checklist-before-entry-after-entry-after-registration-three-phases-germany/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 5, "name": "Moving to Germany — when cover must already exist", "description": "The day-zero rule: cover starts on the date of entry, not on the date of the residence-permit appointment.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/expat-moving-to-germany-when-health-insurance-cover-must-exist-checklist-germany/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Anmeldung documents the expat needs in parallel", "description": "Bürgeramt slot, Wohnungsgeberbestätigung, passport, visa — and the insurance proof for the residence-permit file.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/expat-registration-which-documents-are-often-required-in-parallel-germany/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "No permanent address yet — still proving housing, bank and authority", "description": "How agencies typically read the file when the address line is still pending.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/expat-without-residence-still-proof-housing-bank-authority-how-agencies-think-typically-germany/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Job start — what HR and the employer require as insurance proof", "description": "What the HR onboarding folder expects on day one — and why GKV usually replaces the bridge cover.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/expat-job-start-what-hr-and-employer-require-as-insurance-proof-germany/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Without an employer during the job search — how to stay insured", "description": "Chancenkarte, jobseeker visa, gap between contracts — the right bridge product for each case.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/expat-without-employer-during-job-search-how-to-stay-insured-germany/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Changing employer — what stays, what changes", "description": "Krankenkasse continuity, JAEG threshold, payroll handover and the moments where things go wrong.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/health-insurance-at-employer-change-expat-what-remains-what-changes-self-germany/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Transition from student to expat job", "description": "The exit from the DAK student tariff into the regular employee GKV — the typical insurance steps.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/transition-from-student-to-expat-job-typical-health-insurance-steps-germany/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Freelancer expats — which proofs are typically required", "description": "Visa § 21 AufenthG, Finanzamt registration, IHK letter — the insurance file the Ausländerbehörde expects.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/expat-freelancers-which-proofs-are-typically-required-germany/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Self-employed expats — application pitfalls and proof checklist", "description": "The three classic mistakes on the self-employment visa — and the clean proof checklist that bypasses them.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/expat-self-employed-typical-pitfalls-application-and-proof-checklist-germany/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Self-employed or angestellt — what changes for the expat", "description": "How statutory vs private cover, contributions and family rules differ between the two routes.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/self-employed-or-angestellt-expat-what-changes-self-typically-health-insurance-germany/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Private vs statutory health insurance for expats", "description": "JAEG threshold (€77,400 in 2026), age, family — which factors typically decide the GKV vs PKV question.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/private-vs-statutory-health-insurance-expats-which-factors-typically-matter-germany/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Expat with family — joint planning, partner, children", "description": "Typical questions, common mistakes and how to keep the file moving when several visa files run in parallel.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/expat-with-family-joint-planning-partner-children-typical-questions-and-mistakes-germany/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Family reunification — which proofs are commonly relevant", "description": "Spouse, child, parent under § 28 / § 30 / § 32 AufenthG — one Krankenversicherungsnachweis per person.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/family-reunification-expats-which-proofs-for-health-insurance-common-relevant-germany/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Pregnancy in Germany as an expat — proofs, costs, doctor", "description": "Maternity protection, gynaecologist, hospital — what the insurance proof must cover.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/pregnancy-health-insurance-expats-proofs-costs-doctor-germany/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Stay duration — how it affects the insurance choice", "description": "Short vs long stays — the product family changes from Care Visa Protect to Care Economy to Care Expatriate.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/health-insurance-and-stay-duration-how-affects-self-short-vs-long-typically-out-germany/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Relocation — when bridging cover is enough", "description": "The 1-day to 6-month window between arrival and the first GKV payroll — and the products built for it.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/expat-relocation-when-bridging-is-enough-germany/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Long-stay expat — typical mistakes with the insurance proof", "description": "Travel policy submitted instead of an Incoming product, end date too early, missing repatriation clause.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/long-stay-expat-typical-mistakes-proof-health-insurance-avoid-germany/" } ] } ] --- EN [+49 228 97735-44](tel:+4922897735-44)· German & English spoken [Health Insurance for Foreigners in Germany ](/en/) - Foreigners in Germany - Visa & Schengen - Studies & Language School - Expats - Employees - Retirees - Blocked Account - Guides [All tariffs](/en/product-overview-germany/)[Find a tariff](/en/tariffinder-germany/) [Find a tariff](/en/tariffinder-germany/) Language 🇩🇪 Deutsch 🇺🇸 English 🇸🇦 العربية Main areas 🌍 Foreigners in Germany [Overview →](/en/health-insurance-foreigners-germany/) Audiences & situations [Overview — all foreigners in GermanyThe umbrella hub: every visa, every audience, recognised cover under § 5 AufenthG — start here. ](/en/health-insurance-foreigners-germany/)[Visa & SchengenFast insurance proof for embassy/foreigners' authority — short stays, Schengen visa, family visit. ](/en/health-insurance-visa-foreigners-germany/)[Studies & Language SchoolAffordable long-term health insurance for international students, Studienkolleg, German courses, exchange students and PhD candidates. ](/en/health-insurance-foreign-students-germany/)[Expats (long-term)Affordable long-term health insurance for expats, international skilled workers, freelancers and their families. ](/en/expat-health-insurance-germany/)[Employees (job start)Foreign employees, skilled workers with work visa, seasonal workers and people in the recognition procedure. ](/en/health-insurance-foreign-employees-germany/)[Retirees / parent reunificationAffordable long-term health insurance for foreign retirees, seniors and their partners, family visits. ](/en/health-insurance-foreign-retirees-germany/) More topics [Blocked account & visaAccepted for visa, Opportunity Card and university enrolment. ](/en/blocked-account-visa-germany/)[AustriaAffordable long-term health insurance for Austria. ](/en/health-insurance-foreigners-austria/)[Au-pair health insuranceAffordable health insurance for au-pairs in Germany, Austria & Switzerland — from €21/month. ](/en/au-pair-health-insurance-germany/)[Guides & FAQThe most common mistakes — and how to avoid them in 2 minutes. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/)[Costs & benefitsWhat does it really cost? Compare tariffs, prices and benefits. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/costs-benefits-germany/) Get started [Find a tariff Find the right insurance. ](/en/tariffinder-germany/)[All tariffs Overview of all tariffs. ](/en/product-overview-germany/) ✈️ Visa & Schengen [Overview →](/en/health-insurance-visa-foreigners-germany/) Audiences & situations [Overview — visa & SchengenThe visa umbrella hub: Schengen, national D-visa, short stay and family reunification at a glance. ](/en/health-insurance-visa-foreigners-germany/)[Schengen visa (up to 90 days)Fast health insurance proof for the Schengen visa — meet embassy requirements and avoid common mistakes. ](/en/health-insurance-visa-foreigners-germany/schengen-visa-health-insurance-germany/)[Short stay without visaAffordable health insurance for tourist and visa-free stays — easy, flexible and quick to apply online. ](/en/health-insurance-visa-foreigners-germany/short-stay-health-insurance-germany/)[Visitors & parent visits (3 months to 5 years)Cover for visitors and parents — for stays from 3 months to 5 years, affordable and online. ](/en/health-insurance-visa-foreigners-germany/foreign-visitors-visa-health-insurance-germany/)[Family reunificationFamily reunification: the right insurance proof for partner & children — so the application doesn't fail on missing documents. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/faq-germany/family-reunification-which-health-insurance-is-commonly-required-germany/) Info & requirements [Insurance proof for the visaWhich insurance proofs embassies and immigration offices actually require. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/visa-residence-germany/insurance-proof-visa-germany/)[Schengen insurance requirementsMinimum coverage, repatriation and validity area — so your proof doesn't fail on formalities. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/visa-residence-germany/requirements-schengen-health-insurance-germany/)[Documents & checklistWhich documents to prepare before the visa application — to avoid delays. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/visa-residence-germany/documents-checklist-german-visa-health-insurance-germany/)[Avoid rejectionThe most common mistakes with visa, proof and insurance — and what embassies pay particular attention to. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/visa-residence-germany/avoid-rejection-of-insurance-proof-for-german-visa-germany/) Get started [Find a tariff Find the right insurance. ](/en/tariffinder-germany/)[All tariffs Overview of all tariffs. ](/en/product-overview-germany/) 🎓 Studies & Language School [Overview →](/en/health-insurance-foreign-students-germany/) Audiences & situations [Overview — students & language schoolThe student umbrella hub: GKV, private student insurance, language course, Studienkolleg, exchange and PhD at a glance. ](/en/health-insurance-foreign-students-germany/)[International studentsAffordable health insurance for international students — with quick proof for enrolment, visa and study start. ](/en/health-insurance-foreign-students-germany/)[Language school & German courseThe right insurance proof for language school & German course — so visa, embassy appointment and course start don't fail. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/health-insurance-language-course-before-study-differences-typical-mistakes-germany/)[StudienkollegAffordable health insurance for Studienkolleg — with quick proof for embassy, immigration office and course start, plus online application. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/preparatory-college-health-insurance-proof-registration-residence-germany/)[Exchange students & PhD candidatesSuitable health insurance for foreign exchange students & PhD candidates — for studies, exchange programmes, research and PhDs, with online application incl. insurance proof. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/exchange-students-phd-students-health-insurance-germany/) Info & decisions [Statutory or private student insurance?Statutory health insurance or private student insurance? Find out what really fits your status and study path. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/statutory-or-private-student-health-insurance-germany/)[Student visa & proofWhich insurance proofs really count for visa, university enrolment and authorities. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/health-insurance-proof-enrollment-university-germany/)[GKV exemptionExemption from statutory insurance: what to know before deciding — so it doesn't become a problem later. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/exemption-from-statutory-health-insurance-students-key-points-germany/)[Blocked account & study startHow blocked account, university enrolment and health insurance interact — so your study start isn't delayed. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/blocked-account-study-start-health-insurance-enrollment-germany/) Get started [Find a tariff Find the right insurance. ](/en/tariffinder-germany/)[All tariffs Overview of all tariffs. ](/en/product-overview-germany/) 🏠 Expats [Overview →](/en/expat-health-insurance-germany/) Audiences & situations [Overview — expats long-termAffordable & long-term: 6–60 months, family, freelancers, GKV vs private. ](/en/expat-health-insurance-germany/)[Long-term expats in Germany (6–60 months)Affordable long-term cover in Germany — with accepted proof. ](/en/expat-health-insurance-germany/long-term-health-insurance-foreigners-germany/)[Long-term expats in Austria (6–60 months)Affordable long-term cover in Austria — accepted by MA 35. ](/en/health-insurance-foreigners-austria/)[Expats with family (partner & children)Affordable long-term cover for partner & children — no surprises. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/expat-with-family-joint-planning-partner-children-typical-questions-and-mistakes-germany/)[Freelancers & self-employed without an employerNo employer? Affordable long-term option — GKV or private, clarified fast. ](/en/expat-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-foreign-self-employed-germany/)[Transition without a job (job search / change / termination)Job change or termination: affordable bridge — long-term cover continues. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/expat-without-employer-during-job-search-how-to-stay-insured-germany/) Info & decisions [Which health insurance fits expats?Which health insurance fits as a long-term expat? Avoid mistakes — so registration works and you can see a doctor when needed. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/)[GKV obligation or private solution? (quick check)Clear in 2 minutes: statutory obligation or private — so you don't commit to the wrong path. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/private-vs-statutory-health-insurance-expats-which-factors-typically-matter-germany/)[Proofs for authorities (residence permit, registration, etc.)Get authority proofs right: avoid common mistakes, save time. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/checklist-documents-immigration-office-expat-insurance-proof-deadlines-germany/)[Family & pregnancy: what to watch forAlready pregnant or planning? Common pitfalls in tariffs (waiting periods/benefits) — so there are no nasty surprises. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/pregnancy-health-insurance-expats-proofs-costs-doctor-germany/) Get started [Find a tariff Find the right insurance. ](/en/tariffinder-germany/)[All tariffs Overview of all tariffs. ](/en/product-overview-germany/) Other groups 💼 Employees [Overview →](/en/health-insurance-foreign-employees-germany/) Audiences & situations [Overview — employees & job startThe employee umbrella hub: job start, Blue Card, job change, GKV obligation and employer proof. ](/en/health-insurance-foreign-employees-germany/)[Job start in GermanySo your job start works: the right health insurance + proof, fast and easy. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-employees-germany/common-mistakes-when-starting-in-germany-registration-checklist-germany/)[Blue Card & skilled workersBlue Card & skilled workers: get insured properly, avoid mistakes — proof for employer and registration. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-employees-germany/bluecard-skilled-workers-health-insurance-proof-employer-registration-germany/)[Job change / new positionJob change made easy: stay insured, avoid mistakes, done quickly. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-employees-germany/job-change-health-insurance-what-happens-with-insurance-and-prove-germany/)[Part-time, mini-job & probationPart-time/mini-job/probation: find the right health insurance — without a wrong decision. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-employees-germany/mini-job-midi-job-full-time-health-insurance-differences-germany/) Info & decisions [GKV registration step by stepGKV in 3 steps: error-free, step by step — so you finish quickly. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-employees-germany/statutory-insurance-registration-step-by-step-employees-germany/)[What certificate does the employer need?Employer proof: which certificate is really required — explained quickly. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-employees-germany/employer-asks-insurance-proof-what-must-one-submit-germany/)[GKV obligation: who must, who may choose?Who must join statutory insurance — and who may choose? Without mistakes. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-employees-germany/statutory-insurance-requirement-who-must-who-may-foreigners-germany/)[Documents & checklist for the job startJob start checklist: documents, deadlines, next steps — so you don't forget anything. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-employees-germany/common-mistakes-when-starting-in-germany-registration-checklist-germany/) [Find a tariff Find the right insurance. ](/en/tariffinder-germany/)[All tariffs Overview of all tariffs. ](/en/product-overview-germany/) 🧓 Retirees [Overview →](/en/health-insurance-foreign-retirees-germany/) Audiences & situations [Overview — retirees & parentsThe retiree umbrella hub: parent reunification, seniors 60+, short visits and pre-existing conditions at a glance. ](/en/health-insurance-foreign-retirees-germany/)[Parent reunification / bringing parents to Germany permanentlyBringing parents to Germany permanently: find the right health insurance — avoid common mistakes. ](/en/health-insurance-foreign-retirees-germany/parent-reunification-health-insurance-germany/)[Foreign retirees/parents 60+ in Germany (6 months to 5 years)For parents 60+: find the right long-term cover — so doctor, hospital and authority proofs don't become a problem. ](/en/health-insurance-foreign-retirees-germany/long-term-health-insurance-seniors-germany/)[Short stay / visiting children (up to 90 days)For parent visits up to 90 days: affordable health insurance for doctor & emergency — incl. proof, quick to apply online. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-retirees-germany/short-visit-seniors-health-insurance-which-coverage-commonly-required-germany/)[Retirees with pre-existing conditions & medication (special cases)Pre-existing conditions or medication? We show what's possible — clearly explained, no false promises. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-retirees-germany/health-insurance-pre-existing-conditions-what-is-commonly-checked-when-taking-out-germany/) Info & decisions [Which health insurance fits retirees? (quick overview)Find the right solution quickly for age, stay and proof — before you choose wrong. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-retirees-germany/)[Statutory possible for retirees? Or rather private? (quick check)Statutory or private as a retiree? Clear in 2 minutes — so you don't decide wrongly. ](/en/health-insurance-foreign-retirees-germany/statutory-or-private-health-fund-foreign-retirees-germany/)[Proof for foreigners' authority & residence permit (checklist)Foreigners' authority: submit the proof correctly — avoid common mistakes, save time. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-retirees-germany/immigration-office-insurance-proof-which-details-should-appear-germany/)[Costs in old age: contributions, deductibles, typical pitfallsWhat does it really cost in old age? Contributions, deductibles and typical cost traps — briefly explained. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-retirees-germany/costs-in-age-premiums-deductible-cost-traps-germany/)[Acceptance, exclusions & waiting periods (age/pre-existing)Age/pre-existing conditions: what's possible, what's excluded, what waiting periods apply — briefly explained. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-retirees-germany/health-insurance-pre-existing-conditions-what-is-commonly-checked-when-taking-out-germany/) [Find a tariff Find the right insurance. ](/en/tariffinder-germany/)[All tariffs Overview of all tariffs. ](/en/product-overview-germany/) 🏦 Blocked Account [Overview →](/en/blocked-account-visa-germany/) Audiences & situations [Overview — blocked accountThe blocked account umbrella hub: student visa, application, timing and Opportunity Card at a glance. ](/en/blocked-account-visa-germany/)[Blocked account for the student visa (national visa D)Combine blocked account + health insurance correctly — so the visa appointment doesn't fail. ](/en/blocked-account-visa-germany/blocked-account-student-visa-monthly-rate-logic-and-health-insurance-proof-germany/)[Blocked account + visa applicationWhich proofs belong together (blocked account, KV, documents) — avoid common mistakes. ](/en/blocked-account-visa-germany/blocked-account-and-health-insurance-for-visa-application-germany/)[Documents & checklist (blocked account)Which documents you really need — so nothing gets delayed. ](/en/blocked-account-visa-germany/blocked-account-documents-checklist-providers-mistakes-the-delay-germany/)[Timing: when to open, when to take out insurance?Order & timing: blocked account + KV in time before the visa appointment. ](/en/blocked-account-visa-germany/blocked-account-timing-opening-and-health-insurance-taking-out-before-visa-appointment-germany/)[Opportunity Card / stay without studiesWhen the blocked account is used for other purposes: what to watch for. ](/en/blocked-account-visa-germany/opportunity-card-residence-without-study-blocked-account-health-insurance-proofs-germany/) Info & decisions [Blocked account explained in 2 minutesWhat it is, what it's needed for, common misunderstandings. ](/en/blocked-account-visa-germany/)[Health insurance as proof for the visa (checklist)Which information must be on the proof — so the embassy/authority accepts it. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/visa-residence-germany/documents-checklist-german-visa-health-insurance-germany/)[Avoid rejection (queries / proof errors)Top mistakes + quick fix — so you don't have to resubmit. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/visa-residence-germany/avoid-rejection-of-insurance-proof-for-german-visa-germany/)[Which insurance fits at study start?How blocked account, university enrolment & health insurance interact. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/blocked-account-study-start-health-insurance-enrollment-germany/)[Blocked Account productIf you want to open the account directly: overview + application. ](/en/insurance-plans/blocked-account/overview/) [Find a tariff Find the right insurance. ](/en/tariffinder-germany/)[All tariffs Overview of all tariffs. ](/en/product-overview-germany/) 📚 Guides [Overview →](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/) Audiences & situations [Overview — guides & FAQThe guides umbrella hub: all topics, FAQs and checklists on health insurance in Germany. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/)[Visa & residenceAvoid common mistakes before applying. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/visa-residence-germany/)[StudentsWhich insurance fits enrolment and visa. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/)[FAQShort answers to the most common questions. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/faq-germany/)[Costs & benefitsWhat to look out for in affordable tariffs. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/costs-benefits-germany/) More topics [ExpatsWhat matters during a longer stay. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/)[EmployeesHow employees avoid expensive wrong decisions. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-employees-germany/)[Language course / German courseWhich insurance is needed for language course and visa. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-language-course-german-course-germany/)[RetireesWhat retirees should watch for when moving to Germany. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-retirees-germany/)[StudienkollegSuitable cover for the time at Studienkolleg. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-preparatory-college-germany/) [Find a tariff Find the right insurance. ](/en/tariffinder-germany/)[All tariffs Overview of all tariffs. ](/en/product-overview-germany/) [All tariffs](/en/product-overview-germany/)[Find a tariff](/en/tariffinder-germany/) 1 Step 1/3: Check plan (you are here) › 2 Step 2/3: Get PDF proof › 3 Step 3/3: Submit to authority [See plans →](#tarife) [Care Expatriate from €58/month (up to 5 years) ](/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/overview/) 1. [Home](/en/) 2. [Guide to health insurance in Germany](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/) 3. Health insurance for expats in Germany 📑 On this page (9) - [→ What insurance the Ausländerbehörde and German employers accept](#what-is) - [→ The 4 most common expat-proof mistakes](#problems) - [→ Recommended tariffs — bridge vs long-stay vs employee](#tarife) - [→ Prices — Care Expatriate & Care Economy](#prices) - [→ Which tariff for which expat situation?](#scenarios) - [→ Step-by-step: from job offer to Aufenthaltstitel](#step-by-step) - [→ All expat guides (21 articles)](#topics) - [→ Glossary — expat insurance terms](#glossary) - [→ FAQ](#faq) As a rule, the Ausländerbehörde decides the expat residence permit on a single document — the Krankenversicherungsnachweis under § 5 AufenthG. A missing or short-dated certificate is the most common reason for a denied or postponed appointment. Caseworker discretion applies. ![Expat in Germany with residence-permit file, employment contract and bilingual health-insurance certificate](/assets/expat-health-insurance-germany-hero-BrUyIkfW.webp) Expat file with bilingual Krankenversicherungsnachweis ready for the Ausländerbehörde. # Expats in Germany — health insurance, residence permit and the Ausländerbehörde file 4.9/5 · 10,000+ policies since 2009 458 customer responses · [our own survey](/en/review-methodology/) · Ausländerbehörde-ready bilingual PDF By **Steffan Grund** · Reviewed August 29, 2026 "Care Expatriate certificate cleared the Ausländerbehörde Berlin (LEA) at first try." — A. R. (Berlin), Aufenthaltstitel Quotes from internal customer feedback, anonymised and shortened. Quotes from internal customer feedback, anonymized and shortened. Individual case review applies; not legal or insurance advice. Plan: pick your expat path → buy the recognised cover online in ~5 minutes → hand the bilingual certificate to HR and to the Ausländerbehörde under § 5 AufenthG. › **Trusted by expats moving to Germany from** — 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 expats relocating to Germany — typically accepted by the Ausländerbehörde under § 5 AufenthG and by HR onboarding teams at major German employers. Accepted: § 5 AufenthG (residence permit) Ausländerbehörde (typically) German employer / HR practice GDPR/EU Bilingual PDF (German + English) No medical questionnaire (within policy terms) No German bank account required Free re-issue for renewals & extensions [ Care Expatriate entry premium, age 13–40 Care Expatriate from €58/month (residence permit) ⟷ Residence permit delay Ausländerbehörde appointments in Berlin, Munich and Hamburg typically run 6–12 weeks out ⟷ average DRG day-rate, DKG hospital statistics 2024 (Richtwert) German hospital day rate: ~€830/day (Indicative DKG hospital day-rate 2024 — varies by Bundesland and hospital) ](#tarife) No commitment · monthly cancellation · confirmation by email (typically immediate). Sources: § 5 AufenthG · § 21 AufenthG · § 28 AufenthG · Bundesmeldegesetz § 17 · JAEG 2026 (€77,400) · BAMF · HanseMerkur GTC · Care Concept AG General information based on the Aufenthaltsgesetz (AufenthG), the published JAEG 2026 figures and our 10,000+ expat-insurance placements since 2009 — not legal, tax or insurance advice; individual Ausländerbehörde and Krankenkasse caseworkers may decide case-by-case. Indicative: a denied residence-permit appointment in Berlin, Munich or Hamburg typically pushes the next Ausländerbehörde slot 6–12 weeks out — Care Expatriate bridge premium for the same period: under €120. Individual case review applies; not legal or insurance advice. **As a rule, no recognised Krankenversicherungsnachweis — no Aufenthaltstitel.** What the German _Ausländerbehörde_ (immigration office) and the German employer want to see depends on the expat path — long-stay **residence permit** (§ 5 AufenthG), **EU Blue Card**, **freelancer / self-employment** visa (§ 21 AufenthG), **family reunification** (§ 28 AufenthG) or a direct employee start with statutory cover at a Krankenkasse such as Techniker Krankenkasse (TK), AOK, Barmer or DAK-Gesundheit. A single short-dated certificate can mean weeks of waiting for a new appointment. The fix is product-led. For the long-stay residence permit (6 months to 5 years): [Care Expatriate from €58/month](/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/overview/) — recognised by the Ausländerbehörde for the Aufenthaltstitel, the EU Blue Card, the freelancer visa under § 21 AufenthG and family reunification under § 28 AufenthG. For shorter bridges (1 day to 2 years — Chancenkarte, jobseeker visa, the gap between arrival and the first GKV payroll): [Care Economy from €30 per 30 days](/en/insurance-plans/care-economy/overview/). Once the employer files SV-Meldung, statutory cover with a Krankenkasse takes over — for employees below the 2026 JAEG threshold of €77,400 gross per year, GKV is compulsory; above the line, PKV becomes an option. Below: which certificate fields the Ausländerbehörde checks, the four expat-proof mistakes we still see weekly, the JAEG split for GKV vs PKV, the 21 deep guides for every expat scenario, and the 14 questions expats ask the most. Editor's note: since 2009 we have issued bilingual insurance certificates for over 10,000 expat files at the German embassy, the Ausländerbehörde and the HR onboarding desk. The two mistakes we still see weekly are (1) a home-country travel policy submitted in place of a residence-permit-compliant Incoming product, and (2) an insurance period that ends before the requested permit period. Both are avoidable — the checklists, price tables and step-by-step flow below show exactly which product, duration and certificate wording the Ausländerbehörde expects. Last reviewed by Steffan Grund on August 29, 2026. Long-Stay Coverage Care Expatriate by HanseMerkur Versicherungsgruppe / Advigon Residence Documents Proof for visa or immigration authority documents Fast Confirmation PDF confirmation available after successful application ## What insurance the Ausländerbehörde and German employers accept **Quick answer:** For the long-stay residence permit the cover must be comparable to German cover for the entire requested permit period under § 5 AufenthG. Travel insurance bought in the home country generally does not qualify. Once the employer files SV-Meldung with a statutory Krankenkasse (TK, AOK, Barmer, DAK-Gesundheit), the Mitgliedsbescheinigung replaces the Incoming certificate — caseworker discretion applies. Two Incoming products cover almost every expat pathway to Germany. **Care Expatriate** for the long-stay residence permit (6 months to 5 years), the EU Blue Card, the freelancer visa under § 21 AufenthG and family reunification under § 28 AufenthG. **Care Economy** for the short bridge between arrival and the first GKV payroll — 1 day to 2 years — and for the Chancenkarte and jobseeker phase. Both ship a bilingual certificate (German + English) ready for the Ausländerbehörde and the HR onboarding folder — see the [BAMF](https://www.bamf.de/EN/) and [§ 5 AufenthG](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__5.html) for the official sources. Note on terminology: German HR teams use "private Krankenversicherung" (PKV) and "gesetzliche Krankenversicherung" (GKV) for the post-payroll phase, while the Ausländerbehörde and German embassies use "Krankenversicherungsnachweis" for the Incoming certificate that covers the bridge period — same product family, three official labels. Care Expatriate and Care Economy ship a bilingual PDF that explicitly carries the wording the immigration office expects. ![Steffan Grund](/assets/steffan-grund-B5K5tUm9.jpg)Written by **Steffan Grund** Reviewed: **August 28, 2026** Sources§ 5 AufenthG · § 21 AufenthG · § 28 AufenthG · JAEG 2026 (€77,400) · Bundesmeldegesetz § 17 · BAMF · Federal Foreign Office · HanseMerkur GTC · Care Concept AG 4.9/5 458 customer responses · [our own survey](/en/review-methodology/) Over 10,000 policies issued · Since 2009 ## Need an Ausländerbehörde-ready certificate today? [Care Expatriate from €58/month (up to 5 years) ](/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/overview/)[Care Economy from €30 / 30 days (up to 2 years) ](/en/insurance-plans/care-economy/overview/) [🔍 Plan Finder](/en/tariffinder-germany/)[📋 All Plans](/en/product-overview-germany/) 🏛️ Authority-approved 📄 Instant proof 🔒 DAK / HanseMerkur 🏷️ Transparent pricing 4.9/5 · Over 10,000 policies placed since 2009 from 458 customer responses · [our own survey](/en/review-methodology/), not independently verified · [How this rating works](/en/review-methodology/) Key facts at a glance Reviewed August 28, 2026 - **JAEG threshold 2026:** €77,400 gross/year — below the line GKV is compulsory; above the line, employees may switch to PKV or stay in GKV voluntarily. (Source: BMG / Sozialversicherung 2026). - **Residence-permit gate:** the Ausländerbehörde requires proof of health insurance for the entire requested permit period — under-coverage is the most common rejection cause. (Source: § 5 AufenthG). - **Ausländerbehörde appointment wait:** typically 6–12 weeks for a new slot at the LEA Berlin, KVR Munich and Hamburg immigration office (Richtwert). (Source: Ausländerbehörde practice 2026). - **Anmeldung deadline after entry:** 14 days after moving in — gates the Krankenkasse Mitgliedsbescheinigung needed for the residence-permit file. (Source: Bundesmeldegesetz § 17). ## 📌 TL;DR — at a glance - **Cheapest entry premium:** Care Expatriate from €58/month (ages 13–40) — recognised under § 5 AufenthG for the long-stay residence permit. - **Short bridge cover:** Care Economy from €30 per 30 days — Chancenkarte, jobseeker visa, gap to first GKV payroll. - **GKV vs PKV decision line:** JAEG 2026 = €77,400 gross/year. Below the line GKV is compulsory; above the line, PKV is an option (age + family weigh in). - **Day-zero rule:** Cover must start on the date of entry to Germany — Anmeldung within 14 days at the Bürgeramt (§ 17 Bundesmeldegesetz). - **Bilingual certificate:** German + English PDF by email in minutes — accepted by the Ausländerbehörde (LEA Berlin, KVR Munich, Hamburg) and German HR onboarding teams. ## The 4 most common expat-proof mistakes — and how each one is solved **Quick answer:** Four issues repeat at every Ausländerbehörde appointment and HR onboarding desk: home-country travel policy instead of an Incoming product, certificate end date before the requested permit period, missing per-person proof under family reunification, and an underestimated GKV/PKV decision around the JAEG line. Each has a clean answer below. Travel policy submitted instead of Incoming Home-country travel insurance usually fails § 5 AufenthG — wrong validity area, wrong duration, missing repatriation. [Care Expatriate clears § 5 AufenthG →](/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/overview/) Certificate ends before the permit period The Ausländerbehörde expects cover for the entire requested permit duration — a 3-month policy for a 24-month permit is rejected. [Care Expatriate covers up to 60 months →](/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/overview/) JAEG line underestimated — wrong GKV/PKV call Above €77,400 (2026) PKV becomes legal — but switching back to GKV later is hard. Age, family and long-term residency decide. [DAK-Gesundheit for employees →](/en/insurance-plans/dak-gesundheit-angestellte/overview/) Family reunification — one proof per person Spouse, child or parent — every family member needs a separate Krankenversicherungsnachweis. [Family-reunification insurance proofs →](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/family-reunification-expats-which-proofs-for-health-insurance-common-relevant-germany/) ## Avoid the mistakes that can delay your application ### Visitor insurance may be too short For multi-month or multi-year stays, Care Expatriate can be a better fit than short visitor coverage. ### Statutory or private? Freelancers, self-employed people and some incoming long-stay cases may need private incoming coverage instead of German statutory insurance. ### Residence proof requested? Care Expatriate can provide PDF confirmation after successful application for visa or immigration documents. ### Renewal stress later A longer coverage term can reduce repeated renewal pressure during projects, residence processes or long stays. ## Reality check: what happens without recognised expat insurance ## 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. 🏥 €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. 🏨 €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. 📄 1 wrong proof Documents delayed when time matters Wrong dates, missing coverage details or unclear validity area can create document problems exactly when you need proof. - 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. ## Anmeldung, residence permit, payroll — why timing matters ## Why act before documents are requested Insurance proof often becomes urgent at the worst moment: before an appointment, enrollment, residence step or travel date. Preparing it early reduces document stress. 📅 Deadlines arrive fast Appointments, enrollment dates and travel plans can move faster than expected. 📄 Proof takes the right format Your certificate should match your stay purpose, dates, destination and required coverage details. ⚡ Online application saves time Many plans provide the available confirmation after successful online application. ✅ Check before you apply Choose the route that fits your visa, age, stay length and destination before submitting documents. ## What expats say about Care Concept for the Ausländerbehörde appointment 4.9/5 458 customer responses · [our own survey](/en/review-methodology/) “ 5/5 > “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 from Cameroon](/assets/georges-kamerun-C6GQZGzu.jpg) Georges Cameroon “ 5/5 > “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 from Russia](/assets/olga-russland--B_6p7O-.jpg) Olga Russia “ 5/5 > “Found the best solution and best service for health insurance for foreign visitors and guests in Germany. > Fast, simple and affordable. > Highly recommended!” ![Michael from Germany](/assets/michael-deutschland-CFcwSzJg.jpg) Michael Germany “ 5/5 > “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 from Australia](/assets/yunhee-australien-CaHyNO5z.jpg) Yunhee Australia ### Now choose your plan 4.9/5 458 customer responses · [our own survey](/en/review-methodology/) ## Recommended health insurance — long-stay vs bridge vs employee Three products cover every expat scenario — no brand jungle, no hidden cost. Long-stay residence permit, short bridge, post-payroll statutory cover. 🧳 Residence permit · 6 months to 5 years ### 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 [Care Expatriate – Quick Overview](/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/plan-details/) [Apply online now](/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/apply/) → Complete the application, receive your instant PDF, submit your proof 🔄 Bridge · 1 day to 2 years ### Care Economy from only €30.00 / 30 days (coverage up to 2 years) For guests, tourists, family visits, job seekers & the German Opportunity Card - Proof of insurance for visas & immigration authorities within minutes - Affordable coverage from €1.00 per day - Doctor, hospital & dental emergency coverage - Suitable for Schengen visas, the Opportunity Card & family visits - Flexible coverage from 1 day up to 2 years - Coverage in Germany, the EU & the Schengen Area - 24/7 assistance + digital insurance card - Age-based rates: from €1.00/day up to age 64 · from €2.95/day for ages 65–74 - Coverage term: 1 day to 2 years · entry age 0–74 - Reputable insurance carrier Why Care Economy? For anyone who needs fast, affordable proof of health insurance — ideal for guests, visitors, tourists, family visits or job seekers, with doctor/clinic coverage subject to the policy terms and benefits. Why a 2-year coverage term? More flexibility when plans are uncertain: if your visa, trip or stay is extended, you avoid last-minute renewal stress and reduce the risk of a coverage gap. - 🏛️ HanseMerkur Insurance Group Hamburg – Advigon Insurance AG - 📄 Instant proof of insurance for visas & immigration authorities (PDF) - 🔒 Doctor, clinic, dental emergency & repatriation coverage - 🏷️ From €30 / 30 days · up to 2 years possible [Care Economy – Quick Overview](/en/insurance-plans/care-economy/plan-details/) [Apply online now](/en/insurance-plans/care-economy/apply/) → Complete the application, receive your instant PDF, submit your proof 💼 Employed · GKV via payroll ### DAK-Gesundheit Employees currently 17.8% of gross income (employer pays half · plus long-term care insurance) For foreign employees with a social-security-covered job in Germany - Statutory health insurance for employees in Germany - Employer pays half of the health insurance contribution - Family coverage for spouse & children may be possible under statutory rules - Doctor, dentist, hospital, pharmacy & prescription medication coverage - Health insurance card for medical treatment in Germany - EU/EEA coverage via the European Health Insurance Card - Save €120 per year with DAK Garantietarif 120 possible - Optional: DAK Fit & Travel with additional benefits up to age 39 - Mandatory long-term care insurance also applies - Reputable statutory health insurance provider Why DAK-Gesundheit? For foreign employees in Germany who need statutory health insurance with a health insurance card, employer contribution and possible family coverage. Why statutory health insurance as an employee? More security in everyday working life in Germany: the employer pays half, family members may be covered free of charge under certain conditions, and medical treatment is handled easily through the health insurance card. - 🏛️ DAK-Gesundheit - 📄 Membership certificate for employers & authorities - 🔒 Doctor, dentist, clinic, pharmacy & prescription medication - 🏷️ Currently 17.8% of gross income · employer pays half [DAK-Gesundheit – Quick Overview](/en/insurance-plans/dak-gesundheit-angestellte/plan-details/) [Apply online now](/en/insurance-plans/dak-gesundheit-angestellte/apply/) → Complete the application, start your membership, receive your health insurance card ## Care Expatriate — all prices by age and duration (up to 5 years) **Quick answer:** For the long-stay residence permit, Care Expatriate is the standard Incoming product: from €58/month (ages 13–40) with a €150 annual deductible, recognised under § 5 AufenthG and renewable up to 60 months on a single contract. Care Expatriate worldwide without USA, Canada and Mexico Basic Bestseller Comfort 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. [Care Expatriate — Overview](/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/overview/) [Apply now](/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/overview/) ### Care Economy — bridge prices (1 day to 2 years) **Quick answer:** Care Economy is the medium-term bridge cover for the gap between entry and the first GKV payroll, the Chancenkarte job-search period and any short visit. Prices are per day, per age band and per chosen duration block. Care Economy Duration Bestseller up to 64 up to 64 Bestseller 65+ 65+ no deductible with deductible no deductible with deductible up to 90 days €1.18/day €1.00/day €3.48/day €2.95/day 91–180 days €1.59/day €1.35/day €4.37/day €3.70/day 181–365 days €2.30/day €1.95/day €5.84/day €4.95/day 366–730 days €2.83/day €2.40/day €9.32/day €7.90/day All prices per day/person in euros. Minimum premium €10 per person and term. Deductible is the share you pay yourself. Entry age 0–74. As of 2026. [Care Economy — Overview](/en/insurance-plans/care-economy/overview/) [Apply now](/en/insurance-plans/care-economy/overview/) ## Which tariff for which expat situation? **Quick answer:** Use this matrix to map the expat path — long-stay residence permit, Blue Card, freelancer (§ 21 AufenthG), family reunification (§ 28 AufenthG), Chancenkarte or direct employee start — to the product and entry price most commonly used. Your situation Recommended tariff From Long-stay residence permit (6 months – 5 years) [Care Expatriate](/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/overview/) from €58/month (up to 5 years) EU Blue Card / skilled-worker hire [Care Expatriate (then GKV via employer)](/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/overview/) from €58/month (up to 5 years) Freelancer / self-employed (§ 21 AufenthG) [Care Expatriate](/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/overview/) from €58/month (up to 5 years) Family reunification spouse / child / parent (§ 28 AufenthG) [Care Expatriate per family member](/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/overview/) from €58/month (up to 5 years) Chancenkarte job-seeker / jobseeker visa [Care Economy](/en/insurance-plans/care-economy/overview/) from €30 / 30 days (up to 2 years) Bridge between arrival and first GKV payroll [Care Economy](/en/insurance-plans/care-economy/overview/) from €30 / 30 days (up to 2 years) Employed below JAEG €77,400 — direct GKV [DAK-Gesundheit (Angestellte)](/en/insurance-plans/dak-gesundheit-angestellte/overview/) 17.8% of gross Not sure which fits? [Try the 30-second tariff finder](/en/tariffinder-germany/). Expats relocating to Germany from India (Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi), the United States (San Francisco, New York, Boston), the United Kingdom (London, Manchester), France (Paris), Spain (Madrid, Barcelona), Italy (Rome, Milan), Turkey (Istanbul), Brazil (São Paulo), Mexico (Mexico City), Canada (Toronto), Australia (Sydney), South Africa (Cape Town), Nigeria (Lagos), Ukraine (Kyiv), Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City), China (Shanghai, Beijing), Russia (Moscow), Iran (Tehran), Egypt (Cairo) and the Philippines (Manila) regularly use [Care Expatriate](/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/overview/) for the Aufenthaltstitel and [Care Economy](/en/insurance-plans/care-economy/overview/) as the bridge to the first GKV payroll. Both certificates are issued bilingually (German + English), arrive by email within minutes and are accepted by the LEA Berlin, the KVR Munich, the Hamburg immigration office and the major HR onboarding teams. Pricing is age-based, not nationality-based; the same monthly premium applies worldwide. ## Step-by-step: from job offer to Aufenthaltstitel ## Long-term stay covered in 3 steps Care Expatriate can cover longer incoming stays up to 5 years, depending on age and selected plan. 1. 1 🎯 Choose your plan Care Expatriate for expats, freelancers, self-employed people, employees on assignment without German statutory insurance, or seniors up to entry age 74. 2. 2 📝 Complete the application Enter passport, destination, stay details and requested coverage period online. Additional questions may apply depending on the plan. 3. 3 ✅ Submit your proof Receive PDF confirmation after successful application and submit it to the embassy, consulate or immigration authority if requested. **Quick answer:** The clean expat-insurance flow runs from the signed job offer or visa appointment to the residence permit in five steps — buy the bridge cover, fly in, register, hand the bilingual certificate to the Ausländerbehörde, transition to GKV after the first payroll. 1. **Identify your expat path.** Long-stay residence permit, EU Blue Card, freelancer (§ 21 AufenthG), family reunification (§ 28 AufenthG) or direct employee start — the choice of product follows directly. 2. **Apply online.** 5 minutes — name, date of birth, planned entry date, requested duration. No medical questionnaire within policy terms. 3. **Receive the bilingual certificate.** The Krankenversicherungsnachweis (German + English) arrives by email within minutes. 4. **Enter Germany.** Cover starts on the agreed date — carry the printed certificate at the border and forward it to HR for onboarding. 5. **Anmeldung within 14 days.** Register at the Bürgeramt — book the slot the same day you sign the lease in Berlin, Munich or Hamburg. This step unlocks the bank account, the tax ID and the Krankenkasse Mitgliedsbescheinigung. 6. **Ausländerbehörde appointment.** Hand the same bilingual certificate (or the new GKV Mitgliedsbescheinigung once the employer has filed SV-Meldung) under § 5 AufenthG. 7. **Transition to GKV / PKV.** Below the JAEG line (€77,400 in 2026) GKV is compulsory — TK, AOK, Barmer or DAK-Gesundheit handle the family co-insurance free of charge. Above the line, weigh PKV vs voluntary GKV before deciding. ## All expat guides — 21 deep dives The complete library on every expat-insurance question — grouped by topic so you can jump straight to the one that matches your file. ### Residence permit & immigration office - → [Residence permit: why health insurance almost always matters](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/residence-permit-expats-why-health-insurance-almost-always-matters-germany/)Why § 5 AufenthG makes the Krankenversicherungsnachweis the single gate to every Aufenthaltstitel. - → [Document checklist for the Ausländerbehörde](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/checklist-documents-immigration-office-expat-insurance-proof-deadlines-germany/)Every proof, certificate and deadline the immigration office expects on the day of the appointment. - → [Changing residence permit — what to watch out for](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/change-residence-permit-expat-health-insurance-what-to-watch-out-for-germany/)Renewal, switch from § 18 to § 21 AufenthG, Blue Card upgrade — and how the insurance proof must follow. - → [Three-phase checklist: before entry, after entry, after registration](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/expat-checklist-before-entry-after-entry-after-registration-three-phases-germany/)The clean expat timeline — visa file, arrival, Anmeldung, Ausländerbehörde — in three phases. - → [Moving to Germany — when cover must already exist](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/expat-moving-to-germany-when-health-insurance-cover-must-exist-checklist-germany/)The day-zero rule: cover starts on the date of entry, not on the date of the residence-permit appointment. ### Anmeldung, address & parallel paperwork - → [Anmeldung documents the expat needs in parallel](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/expat-registration-which-documents-are-often-required-in-parallel-germany/)Bürgeramt slot, Wohnungsgeberbestätigung, passport, visa — and the insurance proof for the residence-permit file. - → [No permanent address yet — still proving housing, bank and authority](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/expat-without-residence-still-proof-housing-bank-authority-how-agencies-think-typically-germany/)How agencies typically read the file when the address line is still pending. ### Job start, employer & job search - → [Job start — what HR and the employer require as insurance proof](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/expat-job-start-what-hr-and-employer-require-as-insurance-proof-germany/)What the HR onboarding folder expects on day one — and why GKV usually replaces the bridge cover. - → [Without an employer during the job search — how to stay insured](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/expat-without-employer-during-job-search-how-to-stay-insured-germany/)Chancenkarte, jobseeker visa, gap between contracts — the right bridge product for each case. - → [Changing employer — what stays, what changes](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/health-insurance-at-employer-change-expat-what-remains-what-changes-self-germany/)Krankenkasse continuity, JAEG threshold, payroll handover and the moments where things go wrong. - → [Transition from student to expat job](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/transition-from-student-to-expat-job-typical-health-insurance-steps-germany/)The exit from the DAK student tariff into the regular employee GKV — the typical insurance steps. ### Freelancers, self-employed & Blue Card - → [Freelancer expats — which proofs are typically required](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/expat-freelancers-which-proofs-are-typically-required-germany/)Visa § 21 AufenthG, Finanzamt registration, IHK letter — the insurance file the Ausländerbehörde expects. - → [Self-employed expats — application pitfalls and proof checklist](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/expat-self-employed-typical-pitfalls-application-and-proof-checklist-germany/)The three classic mistakes on the self-employment visa — and the clean proof checklist that bypasses them. - → [Self-employed or angestellt — what changes for the expat](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/self-employed-or-angestellt-expat-what-changes-self-typically-health-insurance-germany/)How statutory vs private cover, contributions and family rules differ between the two routes. - → [Private vs statutory health insurance for expats](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/private-vs-statutory-health-insurance-expats-which-factors-typically-matter-germany/)JAEG threshold (€77,400 in 2026), age, family — which factors typically decide the GKV vs PKV question. ### Family, partner & pregnancy - → [Expat with family — joint planning, partner, children](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/expat-with-family-joint-planning-partner-children-typical-questions-and-mistakes-germany/)Typical questions, common mistakes and how to keep the file moving when several visa files run in parallel. - → [Family reunification — which proofs are commonly relevant](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/family-reunification-expats-which-proofs-for-health-insurance-common-relevant-germany/)Spouse, child, parent under § 28 / § 30 / § 32 AufenthG — one Krankenversicherungsnachweis per person. - → [Pregnancy in Germany as an expat — proofs, costs, doctor](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/pregnancy-health-insurance-expats-proofs-costs-doctor-germany/)Maternity protection, gynaecologist, hospital — what the insurance proof must cover. ### Stay duration, relocation & bridging - → [Stay duration — how it affects the insurance choice](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/health-insurance-and-stay-duration-how-affects-self-short-vs-long-typically-out-germany/)Short vs long stays — the product family changes from Care Visa Protect to Care Economy to Care Expatriate. - → [Relocation — when bridging cover is enough](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/expat-relocation-when-bridging-is-enough-germany/)The 1-day to 6-month window between arrival and the first GKV payroll — and the products built for it. - → [Long-stay expat — typical mistakes with the insurance proof](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/long-stay-expat-typical-mistakes-proof-health-insurance-avoid-germany/)Travel policy submitted instead of an Incoming product, end date too early, missing repatriation clause. ## Glossary — expat insurance terms **Quick answer:** Five terms appear in nearly every Ausländerbehörde appointment, HR onboarding folder and Krankenkasse letter. Mastering them shortens the paperwork from days to one afternoon. Aufenthaltstitel (residence permit) German residence permit issued by the Ausländerbehörde under the Aufenthaltsgesetz (AufenthG). § 5 AufenthG requires proof of adequate health insurance — the Krankenversicherungsnachweis — for the entire requested permit period before the title can be issued or extended. JAEG — Jahresarbeitsentgeltgrenze Annual income threshold that decides whether an employed expat is GKV-compulsory or free to choose private cover (PKV). For 2026 the threshold is €77,400 gross per year. Employees above the line may stay in GKV voluntarily or switch to private; below the line GKV is compulsory. Krankenversicherungsnachweis German-language proof of health insurance — the single document the Ausländerbehörde checks before deciding on the residence permit. Bilingual PDF (German + English) is the standard format that caseworkers accept on the day of the appointment. Mitgliedsbescheinigung Statutory cover confirmation issued by the Krankenkasse (TK, AOK, Barmer, DAK-Gesundheit) once the employer has filed the new hire. The Ausländerbehörde accepts it in place of an Incoming certificate from the first day of payroll. Anmeldung (address registration) Mandatory registration of a German address at the Bürgeramt within 14 days of moving in (§ 17 Bundesmeldegesetz). The Anmeldebestätigung gates the bank account, the tax ID, the Krankenkasse Mitgliedsbescheinigung and the residence-permit decision. Elektronische Gesundheitskarte (eGK) German electronic health insurance card issued by the statutory sickness fund after the employer files the new hire. The eGK replaces the doctor's bill at every Vertragsarzt (panel doctor) and unlocks the pharmacy e-prescription. Pflegeversicherung (long-term care insurance) Mandatory long-term care insurance that runs in parallel with GKV or PKV under the SGB XI. Contribution rate sits around 3.4 % to 4.0 % of gross salary in 2026, split between employer and employee (childless adults pay a surcharge). Familienversicherung (family co-insurance) Statutory family co-insurance under § 10 SGB V: spouse and children without their own income are co-insured free of charge in the GKV member's contract — a structural cost advantage of GKV over PKV for expat families. ## How German health insurance works for expats — public vs private **Quick answer:** Healthcare in Germany is not free — every resident is required by law to carry health insurance, either through a statutory sickness fund (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung, GKV) or through a private health insurance plan (private Krankenversicherung, PKV). For most arriving expats the entry product is a German Incoming policy such as Care Expatriate that bridges the time until payroll, the Krankenkasse membership and the elektronische Gesundheitskarte (eGK) are issued. Individual case review applies; not legal or insurance advice. On the statutory side, the contribution rate (Beitragssatz) is roughly 14.6 % of gross salary plus the fund-specific Zusatzbeitrag — close to 17.8 % in 2026 on average — and is split evenly between employer and employee. Long-term care insurance (Pflegeversicherung) sits on top at around 3.4 % to 4.0 %. Spouse and children without their own income are typically co-insured free of charge under family co-insurance (Familienversicherung). At the doctor the eGK replaces the bill; a small copayment (Zuzahlung) applies for prescriptions and a few hospital days per year. On the private side, premiums are based on age, health status and chosen deductible instead of income. Voluntary GKV membership (freiwillig versichert) is the third route — typical for self-employed expats who do not want to switch to PKV. Reimbursement (Kostenerstattung) for outpatient bills is more common in PKV. A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) issued in another EU member state and the S1 form under EU Regulation 883/2004 are useful for short visits and for retirees with a pension from an EU country, but they do not replace the Krankenversicherungsnachweis the Ausländerbehörde expects for the long-stay residence permit. "Is health care in Germany free?" — no, but most everyday treatment feels close to free once you are inside the system, because the sickness fund pays the doctor directly and the patient never sees a German-language doctor's bill (Arztrechnung). The German health insurance system is often described as the closest continental equivalent to the NHS, with the key difference that funding flows through more than 90 competing Krankenkassen rather than through a single national service. ### Which sickness fund (Krankenkasse) for expats — TK vs AOK vs Barmer vs DAK-Gesundheit All statutory sickness funds in Germany offer the same legally defined benefit package; the main differences for an arriving expat are English-language service, online onboarding, the Zusatzbeitrag and the speed of the Mitgliedsbescheinigung. The table below is a neutral overview — choice of Krankenkasse is a personal decision and our broker portal does not sell statutory cover from every fund. Krankenkasse English service Online onboarding Notes for expats Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) Yes — English app and hotline Fully online Most-chosen fund among English-speaking expats; broad doctor network. AOK (regional) Limited — region-dependent Mostly German Strong regional branch network in Berlin, Bayern, Nordwest, etc. Barmer Partial English Online + branches Popular with families; well-known telemedicine partner. [DAK-Gesundheit](/en/insurance-plans/dak-gesundheit-angestellte/overview/) Yes — dedicated expat desk Fully online + M10 to the employer Standard pick for employees joining a Berlin, Munich, Hamburg or Frankfurt payroll via our portal. Other names you may encounter while comparing the German private health insurance market for expats include HanseMerkur, Allianz, Ottonova, Mawista and Feather — neutral mentions, not recommendations. The bilingual Incoming products listed on this hub (Care Expatriate, Care Economy) are issued by HanseMerkur and Care Concept AG. ## How long should the health insurance run? **Quick answer:** **Usually for as long as the stay is planned to last — and not shorter.** The premium is set by the entry age at the start of the contract and stays in that age band for the whole term. Anyone who extends later typically signs a new contract at the age they are by then. Term comparison over five years — example values, Basic, age band 13–40 (€58/month) Term Premium/month Total Renewals needed Pre-existing-condition gap 12 months €58 €696 4 possible (2×) 24 months €58 €1,392 2 possible (1×) 60 months €58 €3,480 0 none ### Is a 41st birthday coming up? In the 13–40 age band the Basic premium is €58/month; in the 41–60 band it is €68/month (example values). The difference is around €10 a month — roughly €600 over 60 months. What counts is the age at the start of the contract, not the age during the term. Concretely: someone who chooses a 60-month term at 40 pays the 13–40 band for five years, rather than the 41–60 band from their 41st birthday onwards. ### When the renewal falls due A policy with a twelve-month term typically expires at close to the point the residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) also needs extending. Both then fall in the same weeks: new contract, new proof of cover, new appointment at the foreigners' authority (Ausländerbehörde) — often under time pressure. A longer term decouples the two dates. There is also the practical effort: every renewal means passport details, proof of address and personal information again — usually gathered by relatives in Germany while the insured person is still abroad. ### What is different at renewal Conditions that first arise during a running contract are, as a rule, covered within that contract. In a contract taken out later they typically count as a pre-existing condition — and pre-existing conditions are usually excluded in incoming tariffs. The older the insured person, the more likely it is that a diagnosis falls between two contracts, and that diagnosis then usually counts as pre-existing in the follow-up contract. A continuous term avoids that gap. A gap can also open up between two contracts — days without cover, which may become visible when the residence permit is next extended. A continuous term avoids that. A fixed term also means planning certainty for the family: the premium is set for the whole duration, with no annual recalculation. For context: Care Expatriate can be taken out up to the age of 74. ### Monthly or a single payment? **Quick answer:** **Both are possible, and the price is the same — there is no discount for paying in one go.** The difference lies in the risk: if a direct debit goes unpaid, that can affect the insurance cover — and the residence permit rests on that cover. With a single payment the cover no longer depends on an ongoing bank debit. That matters above all where the premiums are paid by relatives in Germany: a job change, a change of bank or one tight month then has no bearing on the insured person's residence status. Where the premium is transferred from abroad, one payment replaces up to sixty individual transfers — each with its own bank charges and exchange rate. ### What happens on an early return? If the stay ends earlier than planned, the contract can be cancelled in writing. The overpaid premium is, as a rule, refunded minus a €5 processing fee (source: Care Concept FAQ). So someone who pays 60 months in advance and returns after two years gets the premium for the unused months back — the financial risk of paying in one go is therefore €5, not the remaining balance. ### And if the visa is not granted? If the entry visa is not granted, or entry does not take place for other reasons, the application can be cancelled in writing before the insurance cover begins. Premiums already paid are, as a rule, refunded minus a €5 processing fee (source: Care Concept FAQ). ## Frequently asked questions — expat health insurance in Germany ## Frequently Asked Questions How much does health insurance for expats in Germany typically cost? For shorter bridges (1 day to 2 years) Care Economy starts at €30 per 30 days. As a rule, from €58/month for Care Expatriate (ages 13–40) — the standard long-stay Incoming product recognised by the Ausländerbehörde for the residence permit, the EU Blue Card and family reunification. Once the employer has filed the new hire, the statutory rate is 17. 8% of gross salary, split evenly between employer and employee (about 8. 9% each). Does the Ausländerbehörde accept Care Expatriate for the residence permit? Care Expatriate is regularly recognised under § 5 AufenthG as proof of health insurance for the Aufenthaltstitel, EU Blue Card, freelancer permit (§ 21 AufenthG) and family reunification visa. Yes — as a rule. The bilingual certificate (German + English) issued after the online application is the document caseworkers expect to see. Individual case review applies; not legal advice. GKV or PKV — which is right for the expat employee in Germany? Expats pay from €58/month (13–40) via Care Expatriate; SB 150 €, worldwide including home country. It depends on gross income. Below the 2026 JAEG threshold of €77,400 per year, GKV with one of the major Krankenkassen (Techniker Krankenkasse, AOK, Barmer, DAK-Gesundheit) is compulsory and family members can be co-insured free of charge. Above the JAEG line, the employee may switch to private cover (PKV) or stay in GKV voluntarily — age, health status and family planning typically decide the call. Care Expatriate covers the gap between entry and the first GKV payroll. When must the cover already exist for the expat moving to Germany? Care Expatriate and Care Economy issue the bilingual certificate by email within minutes after the online application — most expats book the cover 2 to 4 weeks before the flight. From the date of entry. The Ausländerbehörde, the embassy and the employer all expect the start date on the Krankenversicherungsnachweis to be no later than the day the expat crosses the German border. Does the family — spouse, child, parent — need separate insurance? Yes — Care Expatriate per family member is the standard route until the resident relative is on a German payroll, at which point statutory family cover via the Krankenkasse usually takes over free of charge for spouse and children. Individual case review applies. What changes if the expat is self-employed or a freelancer? Expats pay from €58/month (13–40) via Care Expatriate; SB 150 €, worldwide including home country. Self-employed and freelance expats (visa § 21 AufenthG) are not GKV-compulsory and most stay on Care Expatriate as the long-term Incoming cover — the bilingual certificate is the document the Ausländerbehörde, the Finanzamt and the IHK file expect. Voluntary GKV membership is possible but usually more expensive than the Incoming route during the first years; KSK (Künstlersozialkasse) is an exception for artistic and journalistic professions. What happens at the Anmeldung — and how does it tie into the insurance file? The expat must register the German address at the Bürgeramt within 14 days of moving in (§ 17 Bundesmeldegesetz). The Anmeldebestätigung that comes out of that appointment gates the bank account, the tax ID, the Krankenkasse Mitgliedsbescheinigung and the residence-permit appointment. Care Expatriate covers the gap from entry to the first payroll, so no Anmeldung delay can cause a coverage gap. Which insurance proof does the German employer (HR) expect on day one? Expats pay from €58/month (13–40) via Care Expatriate; SB 150 €, worldwide including home country. HR teams typically expect either the new Mitgliedsbescheinigung from a Krankenkasse (Techniker Krankenkasse, AOK, Barmer, DAK-Gesundheit) or a valid Incoming policy for the bridge period. Care Expatriate's bilingual certificate is the standard document HR onboarding folders accept until the employer files the SV-Meldung and the Krankenkasse confirms statutory membership. Long-stay expat: how do I keep cover for 3, 4 or 5 years on a single product? Care Expatriate covers up to 60 months (5 years) on a single contract — the longest single-policy duration on the German Incoming market. After 5 years the expat typically transitions either into GKV via payroll (if employed and below the JAEG threshold) or into a long-term German PKV. The bilingual certificate is reissued for every extension at the Ausländerbehörde. Switching employer in Germany as an expat — what stays, what changes? Expats pay from €58/month (13–40) via Care Expatriate; SB 150 €, worldwide including home country. Statutory cover with the Krankenkasse continues without a gap as long as the new employer files the SV-Meldung within the legal window. Family co-insurance and Mitgliedsbescheinigungen carry over to the new payroll. What changes: the income test against JAEG is re-run on the new salary; an expat crossing the €77,400 line for the first time gains the right to switch to PKV, but should weigh age, family and long-term residency before doing so. Individual case review applies. What if the expat job search drags on — can the bridge cover be extended? Yes — for longer searches, Care Expatriate from €58/month is the better fit because it scales to 5 years and is also recognised by the Ausländerbehörde for the regular residence permit, not only for the job-search phase. Travel insurance from the home country — is it enough for the expat file? Expats pay from €58/month (13–40) via Care Expatriate; SB 150 €, worldwide including home country. Generally no. Travel insurance (Reisekrankenversicherung) bought in the home country usually fails the § 5 AufenthG test because the validity area, the duration and the repatriation wording do not match what the Ausländerbehörde expects. Care Expatriate (long-stay residence permit) and Care Economy (bridge) are the standard German-side substitutes — the bilingual certificate clears both the embassy visa portal and the immigration office counter. Does Care Expatriate cover pregnancy and childbirth for the expat couple? Expats pay from €58/month (13–40) via Care Expatriate; SB 150 €, worldwide including home country. Yes, within the policy terms — gynaecology, prenatal care, hospital delivery and the first newborn check-ups. Waiting periods for elective benefits may apply depending on the chosen tariff variant; the official AVB (insurance terms) issued with the bilingual certificate are the binding document. For long-term family planning, the transition into GKV after the employed parent starts payroll usually offers the broader maternity benefit set. How fast does the bilingual Krankenversicherungsnachweis arrive after the online application? Typically within minutes — 3 to 7 minutes for Care Expatriate, Care Economy and Care Visa Protect. The PDF is in German and English, ready to upload to the embassy visa portal, to print for the airport, to email to the German HR team or to hand in at the Ausländerbehörde counter. No medical questionnaire within policy terms; no German bank account required to start the policy. Is health care in Germany free? No — healthcare in Germany is not free — every resident must carry health insurance, either statutory (GKV) or private (PKV). Once enrolled, most everyday treatment feels close to free because the sickness fund pays the doctor directly and the patient only ever sees a small copayment (Zuzahlung) for prescriptions and a few hospital days per year. Expats without a German payroll yet typically use Care Expatriate as the bridge until the Krankenkasse Mitgliedsbescheinigung is issued. How does German health insurance work for expats arriving from abroad? Above the JAEG of €77,400 (2026), private health insurance becomes an option — age, family and long-term residency typically decide the call. Three stages: (1) before payroll — a German Incoming product such as Care Expatriate or Care Economy provides the recognised Krankenversicherungsnachweis for the embassy and the Ausländerbehörde; (2) once the employer files SV-Meldung, the chosen statutory Krankenkasse (Techniker Krankenkasse, AOK, Barmer or DAK-Gesundheit) issues the Mitgliedsbescheinigung and the elektronische Gesundheitskarte; (3) family co-insurance (Familienversicherung) folds in spouse and children at no extra cost. Which sickness fund (Krankenkasse) is best for expats — TK, AOK, Barmer or DAK-Gesundheit? Expats pay from €58/month (13–40) via Care Expatriate; SB 150 €, worldwide including home country. All statutory sickness funds offer the same legally defined benefits, so the choice is about service, language and onboarding speed. Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) is the most-chosen fund among English-speaking expats thanks to its English app and hotline. DAK-Gesundheit runs a dedicated expat desk and is our standard pick for employees joining a Berlin, Munich, Hamburg or Frankfurt payroll. AOK has a strong regional branch network, and Barmer is popular with families. None of these can be opened before the first German payroll — Care Expatriate or Care Economy covers the gap in the meantime. ![Steffan Grund](/assets/steffan-grund-B5K5tUm9.jpg)Written by **Steffan Grund** Reviewed: **August 28, 2026** Sources§ 5 AufenthG · § 21 AufenthG · § 28 AufenthG · JAEG 2026 (€77,400) · Bundesmeldegesetz § 17 · BAMF · Federal Foreign Office · HanseMerkur GTC · Care Concept AG · DKG hospital statistics 4.9/5 458 customer responses · [our own survey](/en/review-methodology/) Over 10,000 policies issued · Since 2009 ## Ready for the Ausländerbehörde appointment? Pick your plan. [Care Expatriate from €58/month (up to 5 years) ](/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/overview/)[Care Economy from €30 / 30 days (up to 2 years) ](/en/insurance-plans/care-economy/overview/) [🔍 Plan Finder](/en/tariffinder-germany/)[📋 All Plans](/en/product-overview-germany/) 🏛️ Authority-approved 📄 Instant proof 🔒 DAK / HanseMerkur 🏷️ Transparent pricing Editorial guidance only. Embassy and immigration-office requirements can vary by consulate, city and individual file; final acceptance always rests with the responsible authority. [Imprint (German)](/impressum/)[Privacy (German)](/datenschutz/)[Contact (German)](/kontakt/) Copyright © 2026 Health insurance for foreigners, foreign guests and visitors in Germany and the EU. All rights reserved. All information without guarantee, errors excepted. Note: The content of this site is for general information and orientation purposes only. It does not constitute legal or insurance advice. For binding information, please contact the responsible Ausländerbehörde (foreigners' authority) or a lawyer. Last updated: August 28, 2026.