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    Care Expatriate — § 21 AufenthG acceptedfrom €58/month (up to 5 years)
    Travel-style insurance is the #1 reason expat residence-permit applications are rejected — bridging only works for short stays or employer-bound gaps

    Expat Relocation to Germany: When a Transitional Solution Is Enough — and When Not

    4.9/5 · Over 10,000 policies since 2009
    Expat relocating to Germany — when a transitional bridging insurance (Care Economy) is enough vs. when long-term recognised cover (Care Expatriate, DAK-Gesundheit) is required for § 5 / § 21 AufenthG
    Short bridge
    Economy €30/30d
    Long-term
    Expatriate €58/mo
    Employee lane
    DAK ~17.8%

    Three rules that decide whether a bridging insurance is actually enough for your relocation:

    1. 1Bridging works only for short stays or a confirmed employer start: Use Care Economy from €30 / 30 days (up to 2 years) for ≤ 90 days, or as a 1–3 month gap-filler before the German employer enrols you in DAK-Gesundheit.
    2. 2Anmeldung or residence permit normally triggers long-term cover: § 5 / § 21 AufenthG requires the certificate to cover the full permit duration — travel-style cover is normally rejected. Use Care Expatriate from €58/month (up to 5 years) (HanseMerkur, up to 5 years).
    3. 3Switch at least 4 weeks before the bridge expires: Start the long-term policy seamlessly the day after the bridge ends, and bring both certificates to the Ausländerbehörde — gaps trigger contribution back-payments and can pause the permit.

    Permit appointment soon? 30-second relocation tariff finder →

    Inside: the 6 relocation scenarios where bridging is rejected · why Care Economy is cancellable the day GKV starts — and what that saves you · the 4-week switching deadline that prevents permit-pausing gaps

    Sources: § 5 / § 21 / § 36 AufenthG (residence permit & cover precondition) · § 5 SGB V (statutory GKV via employment) · § 17 BMG (Anmeldung 14-day deadline) · HanseMerkur Care Expatriate / Care Economy AVB · DAK-Gesundheit 2026 · Statistisches Bundesamt DRG 2024

    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

    4.9/5

    Over 10,000 policies issued · Since 2009

    Permit appointment in the next weeks? Care Expatriate for the long term, Care Economy for the short bridge — both with instant DE/EN certificate.

    🏛️ Authority-approved📄 Instant proof🔒 DAK / HanseMerkur🏷️ Transparent pricing
    4.9/5· Since 2009 · 10,000+ policies· Since 2009 · Over 10,000 policies issued

    6 relocation scenarios — when a bridging insurance is enough, and when only a recognised long-term tariff works

    Quick answer: "When is a transitional / bridging insurance actually enough for relocating to Germany?" — these six scenarios cover the cases the Ausländerbehörde, Bürgeramt and Krankenversicherung see most often. The split is binary: a short stay or confirmed employer start = Care Economy bridge; everything else = Care Expatriate long-term, or DAK-Gesundheit on day-one of an employee contract.

    1

    Short visit up to 90 days (no Anmeldung yet)

    A travel-style incoming tariff is normally enough. Care Economy from €30/30 days is Schengen-conform, accepted for short stays and cancellable the day you switch to a long-term lane.

    Care Economy from €30/30 days →

    2

    Employer start in 1–3 months — bridge only

    Care Economy works as a clean bridge until the German employer enrols you in DAK-Gesundheit (statutory, ~17.8% of gross, half paid by the employer). Cancel the bridge the day GKV starts — no overlap fee.

    Care Economy — bridge to GKV →

    3

    Anmeldung registered, no employer in sight

    The Ausländerbehörde normally requires recognised long-term cover before granting the residence permit. A travel/incoming tariff is rarely accepted as a permanent solution. Care Expatriate from €58/month (Basic, entry age 13–40) is locked at the start for up to 5 years.

    Care Expatriate from €58/month →

    4

    Residence permit application (stay > 90 days)

    For § 5 / § 21 AufenthG the certificate must cover the full requested permit duration. Care Expatriate runs up to 60 months and is accepted nationwide; Care Economy alone (max 24 months and rarely accepted long-term) is normally rejected at this stage.

    Care Expatriate · § 5 / § 21 AufenthG →

    5

    Self-employed with Gewerbeanmeldung

    From the day of Gewerbeanmeldung continuous cover is mandatory. A bridging tariff is not accepted as a permanent solution — Care Expatriate is the recognised long-term incoming product for § 21 AufenthG.

    Care Expatriate (long-term · § 21) →

    6

    Family reunification with spouse / children (§ 36 AufenthG)

    Each family member needs continuous recognised cover too. Pure travel insurance is rejected. Book Care Expatriate (per person) before joint entry — otherwise the family permit is delayed.

    Care Expatriate (per family member) →

    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.

    What happens when a bridging insurance is wrongly used as a permanent solution

    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.

    🧳

    Up to 5 years

    Short visitor cover may be too weak

    For long stays, freelance work or residence documents, short visitor insurance may be too short or not the right 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.

    Bridge expires soon? Lock long-term recognised cover at least 4 weeks before — gaps trigger back-payments and can pause the permit

    Why act before your residence documents are due

    Long-stay proof can become urgent during visa, residence permit, project or relocation steps. Short visitor cover may not be enough.

    🧳

    Long stay, different proof

    Care Expatriate can fit longer incoming stays up to 5 years, depending on age and selected plan.

    📄

    Residence documents need clarity

    Your proof should match destination, coverage period and long-stay purpose.

    ⚡

    Do not wait for renewal stress

    Preparing longer coverage early can reduce repeated extension pressure.

    ✅

    Private or statutory?

    Freelancers, self-employed people and employees on assignment without German statutory insurance may need a different route than employees.

    From bridging to recognised long-term cover — in 3 steps

    10 minutes online for Care Economy or Care Expatriate, the policy document is issued by email in German + English and is accepted by every Ausländerbehörde. The same certificate covers the parallel Anmeldung and family-permit steps.

    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. 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. Complete the application

      Enter passport, destination, stay details and requested coverage period online. Additional questions may apply depending on the plan.

    3. Submit your proof

      Receive PDF confirmation after successful application and submit it to the embassy, consulate or immigration authority if requested.

    What relocating expats say about Care Expatriate for § 5 / § 21 AufenthG residence permits in Germany

    4.9/5 · Since 2009 · Over 10,000 policies issued
    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

    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

    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

    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

    Yunhee

    Australia

    Now choose your plan

    4.9/5 · Since 2009 · Over 10,000 policies issued

    Full price tables — Care Expatriate · Care Economy · DAK-Gesundheit

    Quick answer: Three recognised products cover every relocation scenario: Care Expatriate from €58/month for the long-term residence permit, Care Economy from €30/30 days for the short bridge before a confirmed employer or long-term tariff, and DAK-Gesundheit at ~17.8% of gross on the first day of an employee contract (family members free under Familienversicherung).

    § 5 / § 21 AufenthG long-term — Care Expatriate

    HanseMerkur incoming, ages 0–74, up to 5 years, accepted by the Ausländerbehörde for § 5 / § 21 AufenthG, certificate issued in German + English (3 tiers — Basic / Comfort / Premium · button price: from €58/month (up to 5 years)):

    Care Expatriateworldwide without USA, Canada and Mexico
    Basic
    BestsellerComfort
    Premium
    Deductible / yr
    150,–
    Deductible / yr
    150,–
    Deductible / yr
    500,–
    Deductible / yr
    0,–
    Deductible / yr
    500,–
    Deductible / yr
    1.000,–
    Entry age:0–12 (€ / month) 64,– 104,– 81,– 191,– 149,– 117,–
    Entry age:13–40 (€ / month) 58,– 84,– 63,– 181,– 141,– 109,–
    Entry age:41–60 (€ / month) 68,– 103,– 77,– 256,– 201,– 156,–
    Entry age:61–74 (€ / month) 246,– 322,– 248,– 432,– 336,– 263,–

    All prices per month/person in euros. Deductible applies per insurance year. As of 2026.

    Bridge — Care Economy

    Schengen-conform incoming, ages 0–74, 1 day to 2 years, cancellable the day long-term cover or DAK starts (button price: from €30 / 30 days (up to 2 years)):

    Care Economy
    Duration
    Bestsellerup to 64
    up to 64
    Bestseller65+
    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.

    Employee start — DAK-Gesundheit

    ~17.8% of gross income, half paid by the employer, family members covered free under Familienversicherung (DAK button price: 17.8% of gross (open-ended)):

    DAK-Gesundheit for employees (statutory)
    General contribution rate
    14.6 % of gross
    + 3.2 % DAK supplement = 17.8 %
    Employer / employee share
    8.9 % each
    Paid 50/50
    Compulsory long-term care
    approx. 3.6 % standard
    4.2 % childless from age 23 · reductions depending on number of children
    Total (incl. care, childless)
    ≈ 22.0 % of gross
    Depending on long-term care variant
    Family co-insurance
    possible
    Spouse & children covered under statutory conditions
    Sickness pay (Krankengeld)
    from day 43
    70 % of gross, max 78 weeks
    Compulsory insurance limit (JAEG)
    €77,400 / year
    = €6,450 / month (as of 2026)
    Income-based
    No flat rate — contribution scales with gross salary
    Family covered free
    Spouse without income + children co-insured
    Mandatory under JAEG
    Gross < €77,400 / year → statutory insurance required

    2026 contribution rates: 14.6 % general + 3.2 % DAK supplement = 17.8 %; split 50/50 between employer and employee (8.9 % each). Compulsory long-term care approx. 3.6 % standard, 4.2 % childless from age 23, reductions depending on number of children. Family co-insurance possible under statutory conditions. As of 2026.

    FAQ — Bridging vs. long-term cover for relocating expats

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When is a bridging insurance enough for relocating to Germany?

    Two situations: (1) short visits up to 90 days without Anmeldung, and (2) the 1–3 month gap before a confirmed German employer enrols you in DAK-Gesundheit. The recognised bridge product is <a href="/en/insurance-plans/care-economy/overview/" class="text-primary underline underline-offset-2">Care Economy from €30/30 days</a> — Schengen-conform, instant PDF certificate, cancellable the day long-term cover starts. For everything else (Anmeldung without employer, § 5 / § 21 AufenthG residence permit, Gewerbeanmeldung, family reunification under § 36 AufenthG) the Ausländerbehörde normally requires recognised long-term cover such as <a href="/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/overview/" class="text-primary underline underline-offset-2">Care Expatriate from €58/month</a>.

    How long can a transitional/bridging insurance run in Germany?

    Care Economy can technically run up to 24 months, but the Ausländerbehörde normally accepts it only as a short bridge — typically up to 90 days, or until a confirmed employer / long-term tariff starts. For a residence permit (§ 5 / § 21 AufenthG) the certificate must cover the full requested permit duration; the standard long-term product is <a href="/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/overview/" class="text-primary underline underline-offset-2">Care Expatriate from €58/month</a> (up to 5 years). See the full <a href="/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/expat-moving-to-germany-when-health-insurance-cover-must-exist-checklist-germany/" class="text-primary underline underline-offset-2">moving-to-Germany checklist</a>.

    How do I switch from a bridging policy to long-term cover without a gap?

    Start the long-term application at least 4 weeks before the bridge expires, set the start date of <a href="/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/overview/" class="text-primary underline underline-offset-2">Care Expatriate from €58/month</a> (or DAK-Gesundheit if you have a German employer) seamlessly to the day after the bridge ends, and bring both certificates to the Ausländerbehörde appointment. Pure travel-style insurance is normally rejected for residence-permit purposes — only a recognised incoming or statutory tariff is accepted for § 5 / § 21 AufenthG.