Family Reunification for Expats in Germany: Common Health Insurance Proofs 2026
- Spouse / child / parents (private side): Care Expatriate from €58/month (HanseMerkur · per family member · up to 5 years)
- Spouse / child of DAK employee: Familienversicherung free (§ 10 SGB V · joint Mitgliedsbescheinigung)
- Embassy / pre-arrival bridge: Care Economy from €30/30 days (Schengen-conform · per family member)
Three rules that pass the family-reunification visa:
- 1Match the family member to the lane: Statutory sponsor → DAK Familienversicherung free for spouse and children. Private / incoming sponsor → separate Care Expatriate from €58/month (up to 5 years) per family member.
- 2Lock in the embassy / pre-arrival bridge: Care Economy from €30 / 30 days (up to 2 years) per family member covers the joint visa appointment until the long-term cover is in place.
- 3Get the wording right per certificate: Full name, date of birth, validity covering the entire permit duration, geographical scope, insurer details. The Ausländerbehörde and German embassy check each certificate independently.
Joint visa appointment soon? 30-second family-reunification tariff finder →
Inside: the one § that makes Familienversicherung disappear on the private side · why a 6-month-old child still needs an independent certificate · the bridge tariff that covers the entire family for the joint visa appointment
Sources: § 5 Abs. 1 Nr. 1 AufenthG (cover precondition) · § 27 ff. AufenthG (family reunification) · § 30 AufenthG (spouse) · § 32 AufenthG (children) · § 36 AufenthG (parents / hardship) · § 10 SGB V (Familienversicherung) · DAK-Gesundheit tariff sheet 2026 · HanseMerkur Care Expatriate / Care Economy AVB
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
Over 10,000 policies issued · Since 2009
Family reunification ahead? Lock in a recognised certificate per family member before the joint embassy or Ausländerbehörde appointment — Care Expatriate per family member on the private side, DAK Familienversicherung free for statutory employees, Care Economy as the bridge.
Recognised insurance proofs by family-member category
Quick answer: "Which health-insurance proofs are common for family reunification under § 27 ff. AufenthG?" — these six categories cover spouse (§ 30), children (§ 32), parents (§ 36) and the embassy / pre-arrival bridge. Each row shows the recognised certificate with the right wording.
Spouse joining a sponsor with PKV / incoming cover (§ 30 AufenthG)
Each spouse needs a separate recognised incoming or PKV contract — Familienversicherung does not exist on the private side. Care Expatriate from €58/month (HanseMerkur, ages 18–74, up to 5 years) is accepted by the Ausländerbehörde and German embassies for § 30 AufenthG joint entry.
Spouse joining a statutory employee (§ 30 AufenthG + § 10 SGB V)
Spouse joins DAK Familienversicherung free of charge under § 10 SGB V — provided own income stays below the statutory limit. HR registers the spouse via the same Mitgliedsbescheinigung; DAK issues the joint certificate for the visa file. Once registered, no separate premium is due.
Children joining a parent (§ 32 AufenthG)
Statutory parent: children join DAK Familienversicherung free of charge. Private / incoming parent: each child needs a separate Care Expatriate contract — children's premiums are typically the lowest age bracket and are locked at the start for up to 60 months.
Parents reunification to an adult sponsor (§ 36 Abs. 2 AufenthG)
Parents reunification to an adult is a hardship case — the cover requirement is strict. Care Expatriate is the recognised long-term incoming product for older parents (entry age 61–74 from €246/month, locked at the start for up to 60 months). DAK is not available unless the parent becomes statutory in their own right.
Embassy / pre-arrival entry bridge (joint visa appointment)
Care Economy from €30/30 days (Schengen-conform, ages 0–74, 1 day to 2 years) is the typical embassy / pre-arrival bridge for the family. Each family member needs a separate Care Economy contract until the long-term cover (Care Expatriate or DAK Familienversicherung) is in place.
Joint validity & wording on the certificates
Each family-member certificate must include: full name, date of birth, validity period (covering the entire requested permit duration), geographical scope (Germany / EU / worldwide), insurer details. Care Expatriate and Care Economy ship a German + English certificate per insured person — accepted by every Ausländerbehörde and German embassy.
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 missing or wrong family-reunification proof can cost the joining family
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.
Joint visa appointment booked? Lock in a recognised certificate per family member this week — older parents (entry age 61–74) save the most by booking early
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 decision to recognised proof per family member — in 3 steps
10 minutes online for Care Expatriate (per family member) or Care Economy (joint embassy bridge), one policy document per insured person is issued by email in German + English and is accepted by every German embassy and Ausländerbehörde. For statutory sponsors, DAK issues the joint Familienversicherung certificate via the employee's Mitgliedsbescheinigung.
Long-term stay covered in 3 steps
Care Expatriate can cover longer incoming stays up to 5 years, depending on age and selected plan.
-
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.
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Complete the application
Enter passport, destination, stay details and requested coverage period online. Additional questions may apply depending on the plan.
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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 for family reunification visas in Germany
“My biggest worry was that the embassy wouldn't accept the insurance.
The proof was accepted immediately — no questions asked.
That saved me a lot of stress.”
Georges
Cameroon
“I needed proof of insurance urgently for my visa appointment.
The confirmation arrived within minutes by email.
Everything worked first time at the embassy.”
Olga
Russia
“Found the best solution and best service for health insurance for foreign visitors and guests in Germany.
Fast, simple and affordable.
Highly recommended!”
Michael
Germany
“The online sign-up was done in just a few minutes.
When I actually had to see a doctor, the billing went smoothly.
I was really covered — not just on paper.”
Yunhee
Australia
Now choose your plan
The 3 recognised products for the family-reunification proof
Care Expatriate
from only €58.00 / month (coverage up to 5 years)
For foreign nationals with longer stays: expats, self-employed professionals, freelancers, employees on assignment without German statutory insurance, retirees & seniors up to age 74
- Proof of insurance for visas & immigration authorities quickly available (PDF)
- Coverage up to 5 years – less renewal stress
- Doctor, hospital, prescription medication & dental treatment coverage
- For longer stays in Germany, Austria, the EU/Schengen Area, Liechtenstein or Switzerland
- Suitable for expats, self-employed professionals, freelancers, employees on assignment without German statutory insurance, retirees & seniors
- More planning security for residence permits, projects or jobs
- 24/7 assistance + digital insurance card
- Age-based rates: from €58/month ages 13–40 · from €68 ages 41–60 · from €246 ages 61–74
- Coverage term: 3 months to 5 years · entry age 0–74
- Reputable insurance carrier
Why Care Expatriate?
For foreign nationals with longer stays who need solid health insurance and proof of coverage for authorities — suitable for expats, freelancers, self-employed professionals, employees on assignment without German statutory insurance, retirees & seniors up to age 74.
Why a 5-year coverage term?
More planning security: less renewal stress and a lower risk of a coverage gap if your stay lasts longer.
- 🏛️ HanseMerkur Insurance Group Hamburg – Advigon Insurance AG
- 📄 Instant proof of insurance for visas & immigration authorities (PDF)
- 🔒 Doctor, clinic, dental treatment & repatriation coverage
- 🏷️ From €58 / month · coverage up to 5 years
→ Complete the application, receive your instant PDF, submit your proof
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
→ Complete the application, start your membership, receive your health insurance card
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
→ Complete the application, receive your instant PDF, submit your proof
Need the residence-permit explainer? Why insurance is almost always required. Sponsor is employed? HR insurance-proof checklist. Compare every expat lane in the foreigners hub.
Full price tables — Care Expatriate · DAK-Gesundheit · Care Economy
Quick answer: Three recognised products cover the full family-reunification proof flow: Care Expatriate from €58/month per family member (children at the lowest age bracket, parents 61–74 from €246/month), DAK Familienversicherung free for spouse and children of statutory employees under § 10 SGB V, and Care Economy from €30/30 days as the embassy / pre-arrival bridge.
Per family member (private side) — Care Expatriate
HanseMerkur incoming, ages 0–74, up to 5 years, accepted by the German embassy and Ausländerbehörde for § 30 / § 32 / § 36 AufenthG, 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.
Statutory employee sponsor — DAK Familienversicherung
Sponsor pays ~17.8% of gross salary (employer pays half), spouse and children join Familienversicherung free of charge under § 10 SGB V (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)
|
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.
Embassy & pre-arrival bridge — Care Economy
Schengen-conform incoming, ages 0–74, 1 day to 2 years, one contract per family member, cancellable when the long-term cover 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 — Family reunification & insurance proof for expats in Germany
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my spouse need a separate German health insurance for the family-reunification visa?
Yes on the private / incoming side — Familienversicherung does not exist there. Each spouse needs a separate <a href="/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/overview/" class="text-primary underline underline-offset-2">Care Expatriate from €58/month</a> contract (HanseMerkur, up to 5 years), accepted for § 30 AufenthG joint entry. On the statutory side, the spouse joins <a href="/en/insurance-plans/dak-gesundheit-angestellte/overview/" class="text-primary underline underline-offset-2">DAK Familienversicherung</a> free of charge under § 10 SGB V — registered via the employee's Mitgliedsbescheinigung. The embassy / pre-arrival window is covered with <a href="/en/insurance-plans/care-economy/overview/" class="text-primary underline underline-offset-2">Care Economy from €30/30 days</a>.
What about children joining a parent in Germany under § 32 AufenthG?
Statutory parent: children join DAK Familienversicherung free of charge under § 10 SGB V — registered via the parent's Mitgliedsbescheinigung. Private / incoming parent: each child needs a separate <a href="/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/overview/" class="text-primary underline underline-offset-2">Care Expatriate from €58/month</a> contract — children's premiums are typically the lowest age bracket and are locked at the start for up to 60 months. The full residence-permit explainer is in the <a href="/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/residence-permit-expats-why-health-insurance-almost-always-matters-germany/" class="text-primary underline underline-offset-2">expat residence-permit page</a>.
Can I bring my parents under § 36 AufenthG to Germany?
Parents reunification to an adult sponsor under § 36 Abs. 2 AufenthG is a hardship case — recognised cover is required from day 1. The typical recognised long-term incoming product is <a href="/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/overview/" class="text-primary underline underline-offset-2">Care Expatriate</a>; entry-age premium 61–74 starts from €246/month (HanseMerkur AVB 2026), locked at the start for up to 60 months. The embassy bridge is <a href="/en/insurance-plans/care-economy/overview/" class="text-primary underline underline-offset-2">Care Economy from €30/30 days</a>. See also 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 insurance-proof checklist</a> if the sponsor is employed.