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    Health Insurance for Foreigners in Germany
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    Care Expatriate — bridge any job-search gapfrom €58/month (up to 5 years)
    No employer = no automatic GKV — and § 9 SGB V voluntary continuation has a strict 3-month application deadline. Miss it and the only lane left is private incoming

    Expat Without an Employer: How to Stay Insured in Germany During the Job Search

    4.9/5 · Over 10,000 policies since 2009
    Expat without an employer in Germany — staying insured during the job search via § 9 SGB V continuation, Care Expatriate or Care Economy
    GKV continuation
    § 9 SGB V · 3 mo
    § 16f Job-search
    Expatriate €58/mo
    Short gap
    Economy €30/30d

    Three rules that prevent every coverage gap during the job search:

    1. 1Map the lane to your situation: Was in GKV before → DAK § 9 SGB V continuation · § 16f Job-search permit or never in GKV → Care Expatriate from €58/month (up to 5 years).
    2. 2Mind the 3-month deadline: Voluntary GKV continuation under § 9 SGB V must be requested within 3 months of the old employment end — strict, no extension. Miss it and the only lane left is private incoming.
    3. 3Bridge short gaps: Care Economy from €30 / 30 days (up to 2 years) Schengen-conform covers 1–8 weeks between two German contracts — cancellable monthly when the new lane starts.

    Searching now? 30-second job-search tariff finder →

    Inside: the one § 9 SGB V form that costs nothing but expires in 90 days · why the § 16f permit hides an 18-month liability without recognised cover · the bridge tariff that protects against a single ~€830 inpatient day

    Sources: § 5 Abs. 1 Nr. 1 SGB V (statutory employees) · § 9 SGB V (voluntary continuation) · § 10 SGB V (Familienversicherung) · § 28a SGB IV (HR registration deadline) · § 16f / § 18a / § 21 AufenthG (permit categories) · DAK-Gesundheit tariff sheet 2026 · HanseMerkur Care Expatriate / Care Economy AVB · 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

    Job search in Germany without an employer? Lock in the right lane today — DAK § 9 SGB V continuation if you were in GKV (apply within 3 months), Care Expatriate from €58/month for the § 16f Job-search permit, Care Economy from €30/30 days as the short bridge.

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

    6 typical job-search scenarios — and the recognised insurance lane for each

    Quick answer: "I'm an expat in Germany without an employer right now — how do I stay insured?" — these six scenarios cover the most common job-search situations: ex-DAK members, § 16f permit holders, gaps between two contracts, expats who never had GKV, family insurance during continuation, and the cancel rule when the new contract starts.

    1

    Last day of old DAK / GKV employmentfreiwillige GKV continuation (§ 9 SGB V)

    If you were statutorily insured in GKV (e.g. DAK Angestellte) before, you can continue voluntarily under § 9 SGB V. Apply within 3 months of the employment end. Premium: minimum ~€220/month (2025), based on assumed income — capped by the Beitragsbemessungsgrenze.

    DAK Angestellte ~17.8% of gross (continuation lane) →

    2

    § 16f Job-search permit (18 months)Care Expatriate from €58/month

    The 18-month job-search permit is a private-side permit with no automatic GKV access. Care Expatriate from €58/month (HanseMerkur) is recognised by the Ausländerbehörde for the entire 18 months and is cancellable monthly the day a new GKV-eligible contract starts.

    Care Expatriate from €58/month →

    3

    Gap between two employers (1–8 weeks)Care Economy from €30/30 days

    Short bridge: Care Economy from €30/30 days (Schengen-conform, ages 0–74) covers the days between the old contract ending and the new one starting. Cancellable monthly — no minimum-term penalty.

    Care Economy from €30/30 days →

    4

    Expat never in GKV (came on § 21 / § 16f / § 18c)Care Expatriate from €58/month (long-term)

    If you never had GKV in Germany (typical for self-employed expats, EU Blue Card holders over JAEG, or Job-Seekers), Care Expatriate is the recognised long-term lane during the job search — locked at the entry-age premium for up to 60 months.

    Care Expatriate from €58/month →

    5

    Family on the old DAK FamilienversicherungFamily stays free under § 10 SGB V (during continuation)

    If you continue voluntarily under § 9 SGB V, spouse and children stay free in Familienversicherung (§ 10 SGB V). If you switch to Care Expatriate, each family member needs a separate contract — typically from €58/month per adult.

    Care Expatriate (per family member) →

    6

    New job offer signedCancel job-search lane only with new Mitgliedsbescheinigung

    Care Expatriate cancels monthly the day the new DAK Mitgliedsbescheinigung is issued. Voluntary GKV continuation cancels with the new employer's contract registration. Never cancel before — that creates a coverage gap that voids the residence-permit proof.

    DAK Angestellte ~17.8% of gross (new contract) →

    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 going uninsured during the job search can cost

    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.

    Old contract ended? Decide the lane this week — § 9 SGB V continuation expires after 3 months, and the Ausländerbehörde checks cover on every renewal

    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 job-end to recognised lane — in 3 steps

    10 minutes online for Care Expatriate (long-term, § 16f Job-search) or Care Economy (short bridge), the policy document is issued by email in German + English and is accepted by every Ausländerbehörde for the residence-permit renewal. For § 9 SGB V continuation, request the form directly from your old Krankenkasse (DAK) within 3 months.

    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 expats say about Care Expatriate during the German job search

    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 · DAK-Gesundheit · Care Economy

    Quick answer: Three recognised products cover every job-search scenario: Care Expatriate from €58/month for the § 16f permit (entry- age premium locked for up to 60 months), DAK voluntary continuation under § 9 SGB V from ~€220/month (only with prior GKV membership, 3-month deadline), and Care Economy from €30/30 days as the short bridge between two German contracts.

    § 16f Job-search permit — Care Expatriate

    HanseMerkur incoming, ages 0–74, up to 5 years, accepted by every Ausländerbehörde for the 18-month § 16f Job- search permit, certificate issued in German + English (3 tiers — Basic / Comfort / Premium):

    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.

    § 9 SGB V voluntary continuation — DAK-Gesundheit

    For ex-employees with prior GKV membership, the Krankenkasse continues the membership voluntarily under § 9 SGB V — premium based on assumed income, capped by the Beitragsbemessungsgrenze. Once the new job starts, the regular ~17.8% of gross applies (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.

    Short-gap bridge — Care Economy

    Schengen-conform incoming, ages 0–74, 1 day to 2 years, cancellable the day the new lane (DAK or Care Expatriate) is in place:

    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.

    FAQ — Health insurance for expats during the German job search

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do I stay health-insured in Germany when I lose my job and search for a new one?

    Three recognised lanes. (1) <a href="/en/insurance-plans/dak-gesundheit-angestellte/overview/" class="text-primary underline underline-offset-2">freiwillige GKV continuation under § 9 SGB V</a> — only if you were statutorily insured in GKV before, apply within 3 months of the employment end (minimum ~€220/month in 2025). (2) <a href="/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/overview/" class="text-primary underline underline-offset-2">Care Expatriate from €58/month</a> (HanseMerkur, recognised by the Ausländerbehörde for the § 16f Job-search permit). (3) <a href="/en/insurance-plans/care-economy/overview/" class="text-primary underline underline-offset-2">Care Economy from €30/30 days</a> for short bridges of 1–8 weeks between two German employers (Schengen-conform).

    Is Care Expatriate accepted by the Ausländerbehörde for the § 16f Job-search permit (18 months)?

    Yes. <a href="/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/overview/" class="text-primary underline underline-offset-2">Care Expatriate</a> (HanseMerkur, formerly Advigon) is recognised by every German Ausländerbehörde as long-term incoming cover for § 16f Job-search and § 21 Self-employed permits, and the certificate is issued in German + English within 24 hours. The entry-age premium (€58/month at 18–29) is locked for the contract term of up to 60 months — a 12-month policy renewed later resets the entry age.

    Can I switch from the job-search lane to DAK Angestellte the day my new contract starts?

    Yes. The contract start date triggers GKV obligation under § 5 Abs. 1 Nr. 1 SGB V if your gross salary is under JAEG (€77,400/year in 2025). HR registers you with <a href="/en/insurance-plans/dak-gesundheit-angestellte/overview/" class="text-primary underline underline-offset-2">DAK-Gesundheit at ~17.8% of gross</a> within 6 weeks (§ 28a SGB IV). Cancel <a href="/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/overview/" class="text-primary underline underline-offset-2">Care Expatriate</a> the day the DAK Mitgliedsbescheinigung is in hand — never before. The full HR insurance-proof checklist is on the <a href="/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/expat-job-start-what-hr-and-employer-require-as-insurance-proof-germany/" class="text-primary underline underline-offset-2">HR proof page</a>.