Health insurance and length of stay in Germany — short vs long-term, which tariff fits
- ≤ 90 days: Care Visa Protect from €0.85/day (Schengen · EU-VO 810/2009 · ≥ €30,000)
- 3–24 months: Care Economy from €30/30 days (Chancenkarte · bridge · DE/EN PDF)
- 24+ months / permit: Care Expatriate from €58/month (HanseMerkur · § 5 / § 21 AufenthG · up to 5 years)
Sources: EU-VO 810/2009 (Schengen visa cover) · § 5 / § 21 AufenthG (residence permit & cover precondition) · § 5 SGB V (statutory GKV via employment) · § 17 BMG (Anmeldung 14-day deadline) · HanseMerkur Care Visa Protect / Care Economy / Care Expatriate AVB · Statistisches Bundesamt DRG 2024
Three rules that decide which insurance lane the embassy, Ausländerbehörde and payroll office typically expect — by length of stay:
- 1≤ 90 days = Schengen rules: EU-VO 810/2009 requires at least €30,000 medical cover, valid in all Schengen states, including emergency repatriation. Care Visa Protect from €0.85/day (up to 92 days) is the standard recognised product.
- 23–24 months = incoming bridge: Chancenkarte, family visit and the gap between visa and employer contract are typically covered by Care Economy from €30 / 30 days (up to 2 years) — bookable from a foreign address, instant DE + EN PDF.
- 324+ months / permit = recognised long-term lane: The Ausländerbehörde requires cover for the full requested permit duration — Care Expatriate from €58/month (up to 5 years) (HanseMerkur, up to 5 years) for the self-employed / pre-contract phase; statutory DAK-Gesundheit (~17.8% of gross) once the employee contract starts.
Not sure which length bucket fits? 30-second stay-duration tariff finder →
Inside: the 90-day Schengen rule that quietly disqualifies most travel policies · the 24-month ceiling on Care Economy and what to switch to · the one mistake (travel cover used for § 21 AufenthG) that pauses most permits
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
Length of stay decides the recognised lane: ≤ 90 days Care Visa Protect (Schengen), 3–24 months Care Economy (bridge / Chancenkarte), 24+ months Care Expatriate (§ 5 / § 21 AufenthG) or DAK-Gesundheit once the employee contract starts. All three are bookable from a foreign address.
3 stay-duration buckets — which insurance lane is recognised for each
Quick answer: "Which insurance fits a short, medium or long stay in Germany?" Up to 90 days: Care Visa Protect from €0.85/day (Schengen, EU-VO 810/2009). 3–24 months: Care Economy from €30/30 days (Chancenkarte, family visit, visa-to-job bridge). 24+ months or any § 5 / § 21 AufenthG residence permit: Care Expatriate from €58/month (HanseMerkur, up to 5 years) or statutory DAK-Gesundheit (~17.8% of gross) once the employee contract starts.
Short stay — up to 90 days (Schengen, visit, business trip)
For stays up to 90 days the recognised lane is a Schengen-conform travel-style cover meeting EU-VO 810/2009: at least €30,000 medical cover, valid in all Schengen states, including emergency repatriation. Care Visa Protect from €0.85/day (minimum €8.50, ages 0–74, up to 92 days) is issued in German + English within minutes and accepted by every German embassy and the Bundespolizei at entry.
Medium stay — 3 to 24 months (Chancenkarte, family visit, bridge)
For stays between roughly 3 and 24 months, a recognised incoming product without permanent-stay status is the typical lane: Care Economy from €30/30 days (entry until the 75th birthday, up to 24 months, Schengen-conform, bookable from a foreign address). It is the standard cover for the Chancenkarte (§ 20a AufenthG opportunity card), longer family visits, and as a bridge between visa and employee contract — but it is not normally accepted as the long-term proof for § 5 / § 21 AufenthG.
Long stay — 24+ months / open-ended (residence permit, employment)
From roughly 24 months onwards — and for every § 5 / § 21 AufenthG residence permit — the certificate must cover the full requested permit duration. The two recognised long-term lanes are Care Expatriate from €58/month (HanseMerkur incoming, entry age 13–40 Basic, up to 60 months, accepted nationwide) for the self-employed / freelance / pre-contract phase, and statutory DAK-Gesundheit (~17.8% of gross, employer pays half) once the employee contract starts and payroll is registered.
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 the wrong duration lane is filed at the embassy or the Ausländerbehörde
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.
Embassy or Anmeldung appointment in the next 14 days? Lock the right duration lane today — every certificate is bookable from a foreign address
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 foreign address to recognised cover — in 3 steps
10 minutes online for any of the three lanes. The certificate is issued by email in German + English and is accepted by the embassy (Care Visa Protect for Schengen), banks and landlords (Care Economy as placeholder) and the Ausländerbehörde (Care Expatriate for § 5 / § 21 AufenthG).
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.
-
Complete the application
Enter passport, destination, stay details and requested coverage period online. Additional questions may apply depending on the plan.
-
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 matching the insurance lane to the length of stay 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 2 long-stay lanes most expats end up on
Care Expatriate
from only €58.00 / month (coverage up to 5 years)
For foreign nationals with longer stays: expats, self-employed professionals, freelancers, employees on assignment without German statutory insurance, retirees & seniors up to age 74
- Proof of insurance for visas & immigration authorities quickly available (PDF)
- Coverage up to 5 years – less renewal stress
- Doctor, hospital, prescription medication & dental treatment coverage
- For longer stays in Germany, Austria, the EU/Schengen Area, Liechtenstein or Switzerland
- Suitable for expats, self-employed professionals, freelancers, employees on assignment without German statutory insurance, retirees & seniors
- More planning security for residence permits, projects or jobs
- 24/7 assistance + digital insurance card
- Age-based rates: from €58/month ages 13–40 · from €68 ages 41–60 · from €246 ages 61–74
- Coverage term: 3 months to 5 years · entry age 0–74
- Reputable insurance carrier
Why Care Expatriate?
For foreign nationals with longer stays who need solid health insurance and proof of coverage for authorities — suitable for expats, freelancers, self-employed professionals, employees on assignment without German statutory insurance, retirees & seniors up to age 74.
Why a 5-year coverage term?
More planning security: less renewal stress and a lower risk of a coverage gap if your stay lasts longer.
- 🏛️ HanseMerkur Insurance Group Hamburg – Advigon Insurance AG
- 📄 Instant proof of insurance for visas & immigration authorities (PDF)
- 🔒 Doctor, clinic, dental treatment & repatriation coverage
- 🏷️ From €58 / month · coverage up to 5 years
→ Complete the application, receive your instant PDF, submit your proof
Care 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 parallel-documents view? Anmeldung documents required in parallel. Need the lane logic? Private vs. statutory — which factors matter. Permit context: why insurance is almost always required for a residence permit. Compare every lane in the foreigners hub.
Full price tables — Care Visa Protect · Care Economy · Care Expatriate
Quick answer: Three recognised products cover every length-of-stay case: Care Visa Protect from €0.85/day for ≤ 90-day Schengen, Care Economy from €30/30 days for 3–24-month stays, and Care Expatriate from €58/month for 24+ months and every § 5 / § 21 AufenthG residence permit. All three are bookable from a foreign address.
Short — Care Visa Protect
Schengen-conform (EU-VO 810/2009), ≥ €30,000 medical cover, ages 0–74, up to 92 days, valid in all Schengen states, certificate in German + English (button price: from €0.85/day (up to 92 days)):
| Care Visa Protect | Daily premium | Multiple Visa (annual contract) |
|---|---|---|
| up to age 64 | €0.85/day | €110/year |
| 65 – 74 years | €2.60/day | €215/year |
Prices per person. Minimum premium €8.50 per trip. Maximum benefit €50,000 (well above the Schengen minimum of €30,000). Deductible €0. Must be purchased before travel. As of 2026.
Medium — Care Economy
Schengen-conform incoming, ages 0–74, 1 day to 2 years, bookable from a foreign address, cancellable the day long-term cover 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.
Long — 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.
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 | 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).
FAQ — Health insurance and length of stay in Germany
Frequently Asked Questions
Which tariff fits a 90-day stay in Germany?
Care Visa Protect from €0.85/day (minimum €7.50) for Schengen visa holders, or Care Economy from €30/30 days (age up to 64) for tourist and family-visit purposes. Both accepted under EU Regulation 810/2009.
Which tariff fits a 12-month stay in Germany?
Care Expatriate from €58/month (ages 13–40) or Care Economy from €30/30 days for tourist-track stays. Care Expatriate runs 1–60 months and is accepted for residence permits under § 5 AufenthG.
Which tariff fits a 5-year stay in Germany?
Care Expatriate (up to 60 months from €58/month) or GKV — DAK-Gesundheit at 17.8% of gross once employed. Under €77,400/year (JVEG 2026) GKV is mandatory; above, private stays possible.
Can I extend Care Economy beyond 24 months?
No — Care Economy is capped at 24 months. For longer stays, switch to Care Expatriate (1–60 months, from €58/month) or enter GKV once employed. The transition is cancellable monthly with proof of new cover.
Does the Ausländerbehörde treat short and long stays differently for insurance?
Under 90 days → Schengen policy accepted (Care Visa Protect from €0. Yes. 85/day). Over 90 days → recognised Incoming or GKV required under § 5 AufenthG. Care Expatriate covers both bridging and long stays from €58/month.
What is the difference between short-stay and long-stay health insurance in Germany?
Short-stay insurance (e.g. Care Visa Protect from 0.85 €/day) covers Schengen visits up to 92 days. Long-stay requires comprehensive cover like Care Expatriate (from 58 €/month) or statutory insurance (GKV).
How long can I stay in Germany with travel insurance?
Travel insurance typically covers up to 90 days. For longer stays, you need an incoming policy like Care Economy (from 30 €/30 days, up to 2 years) or full statutory insurance.
Can I switch from short-term to long-term insurance in Germany?
Yes. If your stay extends beyond 90 days, you can switch from Care Visa Protect to Care Expatriate (from 58 €/month, up to 5 years). Plan the switch 2–4 weeks before your short-term policy expires to avoid a coverage gap.