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    Health Insurance for Foreigners in Germany
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    Care Expatriate — recognised long-term residence lane (up to 5 years)from €68/month (41–60) · from €246/month (61–74)
    No medical exam at sign-up — but pre-existing chronic conditions are EXCLUDED in every Incoming AVB. The insurer pulls your medical file at claim time. Honest disclosure is the only protection.

    Pre-existing conditions and health insurance in Germany — what is commonly checked at sign-up

    Entry age 41–60: from €68/monthEntry age 61–74: from €246/month
    4.9/5 · Over 10,000 policies since 2009
    Foreign retiree consultation — what insurers check about pre-existing conditions when taking out Incoming health insurance for Germany
    No exam
    at sign-up
    Records check
    at claim time
    § 19 VVG
    duty to disclose

    Three rules every foreign retiree must understand about pre-existing conditions and German Incoming insurance:

    1. 1All Incoming products exclude pre-existing chronic conditions. Care Expatriate from €68/month (41–60) · from €246/month (61–74) is the recognised lane under § 5 AufenthG and pays all new acute illness — but a known chronic condition (diabetes, hypertension, cancer history, heart disease) is not covered. Honest expectation up front prevents refused claims later.
    2. 2No medical exam at sign-up — records check at claim time. Insurers accept the application without a health questionnaire but compare symptom / diagnosis / medication dates with the policy start date. Treatment in the previous 6–12 months counts as "known". § 19 VVG (Versicherungsvertragsgesetz) protects the insurer's right to refuse.
    3. 3Bridge or visit cover follows the same rules. Care Economy from €30 / 30 days (up to 2 years) bridges S1 waits and category changes; Care Visa Protect covers the Schengen visit. Both follow the same exclusion of pre-existing conditions.

    Unsure which lane fits a known chronic condition? 30-second retiree-cover finder →

    Inside: the three points insurers check on every retiree claim · the § 19 VVG trap that voids cover for omitted conditions · the four honest paths if you already have a chronic diagnosis

    Sources: § 19 VVG (Versicherungsvertragsgesetz) · § 5 AufenthG · HanseMerkur Care Visa Protect AVB · HanseMerkur Care Economy AVB · HanseMerkur Care Expatriate AVB · § 5 / § 10 SGB V · EU Regulation 883/2004 (S1) · BaFin Versicherungsaufsicht

    Senior Stay Coverage

    Options for visitors and long-stay seniors up to entry age 74

    Visa & Residence Proof

    Proof for embassy, consulate or residence documents

    Online Application

    Receive confirmation after successful application

    4.9/5

    Over 10,000 policies issued · Since 2009

    Care Expatriate is the recognised long-term lane (§ 5 AufenthG) — pre-existing chronic conditions excluded by AVB, all new acute illness covered. Up to 5 years per contract.

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

    What German Incoming insurers commonly check at sign-up — and at claim time

    Quick answer: "What is checked when taking out German health insurance with a pre-existing condition?" — there is no medical exam at sign-up for Care Visa Protect, Care Economy or Care Expatriate, but pre-existing chronic conditions are excluded in the AVB and the insurer compares symptom / diagnosis / medication dates with the policy start date when a claim is filed (§ 19 VVG).

    • All Incoming products (Care Visa Protect, Care Economy, Care Expatriate) exclude pre-existing chronic conditions in the AVB
    • No medical exam at sign-up — but insurer pulls medical history (Krankenakte) at claim time
    • Insurers compare symptom / diagnosis / prescription dates with the policy start date
    • Treatment, diagnosis or medication in the previous 6–12 months counts as 'known'
    • Honest disclosure where the application asks — § 19 VVG protects insurer's right to refuse
    • For full chronic cover: German substitutive PKV, GKV (family / employment / KVdR), or EU S1

    The three Incoming lanes — and how each one handles pre-existing conditions

    Lane 1 / 3

    Lane 1 — Permanent residence (12+ months) — primary lane

    Care Expatriate is the recognised long-term Incoming product for the residence permit (§ 5 AufenthG): from €68/month at entry age 41–60 and €246/month at entry age 61–74 (Basic, €150 deductible). No medical exam at sign-up. Pre-existing chronic conditions are excluded in the AVB — but the policy itself is accepted by every Ausländerbehörde and covers all new acute illness and emergencies up to 5 years per contract.

    Need: Care Expatriate · § 5 AufenthG · up to 5 years
    Care Expatriate from €68/month →
    Lane 2 / 3

    Lane 2 — Bridge / S1 wait (≤ 2 years)

    When you bridge an S1 procedure or wait for the residence-permit appointment, Care Economy keeps cover continuous: from €1.00/day for ages 0–64 (with deductible) and from €2.95/day for ages 65–74 (with deductible). Minimum premium €10/person. Same exclusion as all Incoming products — pre-existing chronic conditions are not covered, but all new acute illness is paid.

    Need: Care Economy · ≤ 2 years · S1 bridge
    Care Economy from €1.00/day (0–64) · €2.95/day (65–74) →
    Lane 3 / 3

    Lane 3 — Visit (Schengen, ≤ 90 days)

    For a short visit on a Schengen visa the recognised cover is Care Visa Protect: €0.85/day for ages 0–64 and €2.60/day for ages 65–74, max €50,000 cover, zero deductible, repatriation included, EU 810/2009 compliant. No medical exam. Pre-existing conditions and pregnancy are excluded — only acute illness and emergencies during the trip are covered.

    Need: Care Visa Protect · § 68 AufenthG · EU 810/2009
    Care Visa Protect from €0.85/day →

    Avoid the mistakes that can delay your application

    Senior prices can surprise you

    Age matters. For seniors, rates can be much higher, so show age-based pricing before the visitor applies.

    Short visit or long stay?

    Care Visa Protect or Care Economy may fit visits; Care Expatriate may fit selected longer family-stay cases.

    Entry age limit matters

    Many options have an entry-age limit. Check eligibility before preparing visa or residence documents.

    Coverage gaps create stress

    Choose the coverage period carefully if travel dates, family visit length or residence timing are uncertain.

    What happens when a known condition is not disclosed — refused claim under § 19 VVG

    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.

    👴

    Age changes everything

    Senior pricing and eligibility matter

    Older parents or seniors may face higher prices and entry-age limits, so the wrong choice can create surprises before applying.

    • 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.

    Pre-existing condition? Pick the honest lane before the embassy or Ausländerbehörde appointment

    Why act before family visit or residence paperwork

    Older visitors often face age-based pricing and eligibility limits. Waiting too long can make the right option harder to choose.

    👴

    Age affects price

    Senior rates can be much higher, so check pricing before preparing documents.

    📄

    Entry-age limits matter

    Many incoming insurance options are only available up to a specific entry age.

    ⚡

    Short visit or long stay?

    Care Visa Protect, Care Economy and Care Expatriate serve different stay lengths.

    ✅

    Avoid coverage gaps

    Choose the coverage period carefully if family visit dates or residence timing are uncertain.

    From contract to embassy-ready certificate — in 3 steps

    10 minutes online. No medical exam, no health questions for standard tier cover. PDF certificate in German + English by email within minutes — accepted by every German embassy and Ausländerbehörde under § 5 AufenthG.

    Schengen-ready in 3 steps

    Proof of insurance for Schengen visa applications, including the €30,000 minimum-coverage requirement.

    1. Pick the right plan

      Care Visa Protect for short Schengen stays · Care Economy for the Opportunity Card or longer visitor stays.

    2. Apply online

      Enter passport, travel dates and destination. For Care Visa Protect, purchase before entry when required.

    3. Submit your proof

      Receive the PDF certificate after successful online application and submit it with your visa or authority documents.

    What foreign retirees say about Care Expatriate when navigating pre-existing conditions and the residence-permit lane

    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 (residence), Care Economy (bridge), Care Visa Protect (visit)

    Quick answer: Care Expatriate is the recognised residence lane under § 5 AufenthG: ages 41–60 from €68/month (Basic, €150 deductible); ages 61–74 from €246/month — up to 5 years per contract. Care Economy bridges 1 day to 2 years with per-day pricing by age (€1.00/day for 0–64, €2.95/day for 65–74, both with deductible). Care Visa Protect covers the Schengen visit at €0.85/day (0–64) and €2.60/day (65–74).

    Residence — Care Expatriate (ages 0–74, 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 (1 day–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.

    Visit — Care Visa Protect (Schengen ≤ 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.

    FAQ — Pre-existing conditions and German Incoming insurance

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What do German insurers check about pre-existing conditions?

    § 19 VVG requires truthful disclosure of all known conditions in the last 5–10 years — diabetes, hypertension, cancer history, chronic joint issues. Incoming tariffs (Care Expatriate from €68/month age 41–60, €246/month age 61–74) then exclude those conditions from cover; they do not raise the premium.

    Are pre-existing conditions ever covered by Care Expatriate?

    Foreign retirees needing chronic-condition cover should target GKV/KVdR under § 5 SGB V 9/10-rule where possible. Acute exacerbations of stable conditions during the stay are covered when medically unforeseeable; chronic management (dialysis, insulin therapy, ongoing chemo) is excluded per AVB.

    What happens if I don't disclose a pre-existing condition?

    Under § 19 VVG the insurer can rescind the contract, refuse the claim and demand back paid benefits. A one-line omission of a 2018 stent implant is enough to void six-figure hospital claims. Full disclosure at sign-up is the only safe path — Care Expatriate accepts most applicants at standard premium.

    Does GKV cover pre-existing conditions for foreign retirees?

    Yes — GKV / KVdR has no health underwriting under § 5 SGB V. If the retiree meets the 9/10-rule (statutorily insured 9 of the last 10 years before pension) or holds an EU S1 form, all pre-existing conditions are covered from day one at ~€225–900/month depending on pension.

    Can chronic-illness retirees still get a residence permit in Germany?

    Yes — § 5 AufenthG requires recognised medical cover, not health status. Care Expatriate from €68/month (age 41–60) or €246/month (age 61–74) satisfies the permit even if pre-existing conditions are excluded. Chronic-treatment costs are then out-of-pocket or via the SGB V route.

    Can I get health insurance in Germany with pre-existing conditions?

    Yes. The public health insurance (GKV) accepts all members regardless of pre-existing conditions — no health screening required. Private and incoming insurance may exclude pre-existing conditions but still cover acute treatments. Care Expatriate covers persons up to age 74 (from €58/month).

    What happens if I don't disclose pre-existing conditions?

    If you fail to disclose pre-existing conditions, the insurer may deny claims or void the policy retroactively. Always answer health questions truthfully. In the GKV (public system), there are no health questions at all.

    Which pre-existing conditions are typically checked by German insurers?

    Common checks include diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, cancer, chronic pain, mental health conditions, and ongoing medication. The GKV has no health screening — full coverage from day one. Care Economy from €30/30 days covers acute pain treatment even with pre-existing exclusions.