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    Care Expatriate — recognised lane for Elternnachzug (up to 5 years)from €68/month (41–60) · from €246/month (61–74)
    Parent reunification (Elternnachzug) under § 36 (2) AufenthG is granted only as an exceptional hardship case — the embassy file must include recognised health insurance from day 1. The recognised long-term lane for retired parents is Care Expatriate.

    Parent reunification for retired parents — typical health-insurance requirements and proofs in Germany

    Entry age 41–60: from €68/monthEntry age 61–74: from €246/month
    4.9/5 · Over 10,000 policies since 2009
    Retired parent reunification (Elternnachzug) in Germany — Care Expatriate certificate accepted by German embassies under § 36 AufenthG
    10 requirements
    embassy checks
    § 36 (2) AufenthG
    hardship clause
    1 lane
    Expatriate ≤ 5 yrs

    Three rules for a successful Elternnachzug (parent reunification) file in Germany:

    1. 1Match the insurance to the full visa duration: the embassy refuses Elternnachzug files where the certificate expires before the requested D-visa. Care Expatriate from €68/month (41–60) · from €246/month (61–74) runs up to 5 years per contract under § 5 + § 36 AufenthG — one decision for the whole permit cycle.
    2. 2Document the hardship clearly (§ 36 (2) AufenthG): the außergewöhnliche Härte test is at the discretion of the Ausländerbehörde — provide medical reports and proof that no other relative can care for the parent in the home country. Bridge any gap with Care Economy from €30 / 30 days (up to 2 years) — PDF within minutes, recognised under § 5 AufenthG.
    3. 3Plan the post-arrival steps: § 17 BMG requires the Anmeldung within 14 days of moving in; the Anmeldebestätigung then unlocks the Ausländerbehörde appointment for the residence-permit card and every following office (GKV, bank, tax number).

    Need help matching the certificate to your embassy file? 30-second tariff finder →

    Inside: the hardship test under § 36 (2) AufenthG that decides every Elternnachzug case · the certificate-duration trap that gets D-visa files refused at the embassy · the Schengen pre-visit that does not extend into a residence permit

    Sources: § 36 (2) AufenthG · § 5 AufenthG · § 17 BMG · § 68 AufenthG (Verpflichtungserklärung) · § 19 VVG · EU Regulation 810/2009 · HanseMerkur Care Expatriate AVB · HanseMerkur Care Economy AVB · HanseMerkur Care Visa Protect AVB

    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 for parent reunification (Elternnachzug) — accepted under § 5 + § 36 (2) AufenthG, 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

    The 10 typical Elternnachzug requirements and proofs for retired parents in Germany

    Quick answer: "Which proofs do German embassies require for the Elternnachzug visa for retired parents?" — exceptional hardship file under § 36 (2) AufenthG, valid passport, sponsor's residence and stable income, secured housing, recognised health insurance from day 1 matching the full visa duration, certificate naming the parent with passport, repatriation included, gap-free bridge cover, declared pre-existing conditions, and Anmeldung within 14 days after arrival. The recognised long-term lane is Care Expatriate from €68/month (41–60) or €246/month (61–74) — up to 5 years per contract.

    • 1. Legal basis (§ 36 (2) AufenthG) — exceptional hardship file
      Document the außergewöhnliche Härte: medical reports, isolation in the home country, no other relatives able to provide care. Embassy decision is discretionary.
    • 2. Valid passport with sufficient remaining validity
      Passport must be valid for the full requested visa duration plus a buffer (typically 3 months). Two recent biometric photos.
    • 3. Sponsor's residence proof and stable income
      Sponsor's residence permit / German passport, employer letter or Steuerbescheid. A Verpflichtungserklärung (§ 68 AufenthG) may be requested.
    • 4. Secured housing in Germany large enough for the parent
      Mietvertrag plus Wohnflächenbescheinigung from the landlord. The Ausländerbehörde checks that the flat is suitable for an additional resident.
    • 5. Recognised health insurance from day 1 of the visa
      Care Expatriate from €68/month (41–60) · €246/month (61–74) — bilingual certificate, matches entire visa duration, recognised under § 5 + § 36 AufenthG.
    • 6. Insurance certificate names the parent and matches the visa dates
      Embassies refuse certificates that name the sponsor or have a shorter validity than the visa. Ensure parent's full name + passport are printed.
    • 7. Repatriation (medizinisch notwendiger Rücktransport) included
      All Care Concept products include repatriation per AVB — confirm the printed certificate explicitly lists Rücktransport.
    • 8. Bridge for the embassy / D-visa wait — no gap allowed
      Care Economy from €1.00/day (0–64) · €2.95/day (65–74) — PDF within minutes, recognised under § 5 AufenthG up to 2 years.
    • 9. Pre-existing conditions disclosed correctly (§ 19 VVG)
      Incoming products exclude pre-existing chronic conditions per AVB — disclose at sign-up to avoid claim denial.
    • 10. After arrival: Anmeldung within 14 days (§ 17 BMG)
      Bürgeramt registration within 14 days; the Anmeldebestätigung is required for every following step (Ausländerbehörde, GKV, bank).

    The three recognised insurance lanes for parent reunification — pick the right one from day 1

    Lane 1 / 3

    Elternnachzug residence permit (12 months – 5 years) — primary

    Care Expatriate from €68/month at entry age 41–60 and €246/month at entry age 61–74. Up to 5 years per contract; bilingual PDF certificate within minutes; recognised by German embassies and the Ausländerbehörde for parent reunification under § 5 + § 36 (2) AufenthG.

    Need: Care Expatriate · ≤ 5 years · § 5 + § 36 AufenthG
    Care Expatriate from €68/month (41–60) · €246/month (61–74) →
    Lane 2 / 3

    D-visa bridge / embassy wait (1 day – 2 years)

    Care Economy: per-day pricing by age — from €1.00/day for ages 0–64 (with deductible) and from €2.95/day for ages 65–74 (with deductible), minimum €10 premium. Recognised under § 5 AufenthG up to 2 years; bridges the embassy / Ausländerbehörde processing window before switching to Care Expatriate.

    Need: Care Economy · ≤ 2 years · § 5 AufenthG
    Care Economy from €1.00/day (0–64) · €2.95/day (65–74) →
    Lane 3 / 3

    Schengen pre-visit before Elternnachzug (≤ 90 days)

    Care Visa Protect: from €0.85/day (0–64) and €2.60/day (65–74), minimum €8.50 premium. Sum insured well above the €30,000 EU 810/2009 minimum, repatriation included. Suitable for a short pre-application visit; ends with the Schengen visa and does not extend into the residence permit.

    Need: Care Visa Protect · ≤ 92 days · EU 810/2009
    Care Visa Protect from €0.85/day (0–64) · €2.60/day (65–74) →

    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.

    Wrong tariff on the Elternnachzug file — refused visa and €830/day hospital risk

    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.

    Embassy appointment for Elternnachzug booked? Lock in recognised cover before you walk in

    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 Elternnachzug-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 under § 5 and § 36 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 sponsors say about Care Expatriate for parent reunification (Elternnachzug) 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 (Elternnachzug), Care Economy (D-visa bridge), Care Visa Protect (pre-visit)

    Quick answer: Care Expatriate is the recognised long-term lane for retired parents joining their adult children under § 36 (2) AufenthG: ages 41–60 from €68/month; ages 61–74 from €246/month — up to 5 years per contract (Basic / Comfort / Premium variants). Care Economy bridges the D-visa wait (1 day – 2 years) at €1.00/day for ages 0–64 and €2.95/day for ages 65–74 (both with deductible). Care Visa Protect covers a short Schengen pre-visit at €0.85/day (0–64) and €2.60/day (65–74).

    Elternnachzug 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.

    D-visa 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.

    Schengen pre-visit — Care Visa Protect (≤ 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 — Parent reunification health insurance for retired parents

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which health insurance is accepted for the Elternnachzug visa for retired parents in Germany?

    German embassies regularly recognise <a href="/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/overview/" class="text-primary underline underline-offset-2">Care Expatriate from €68/month (41–60) · €246/month (61–74)</a> as proof of health cover for the parent-reunification (Elternnachzug) D-visa under § 5 + § 36 (2) AufenthG. The certificate is bilingual (German + English), names the insured parent with passport number, and matches the entire requested visa duration up to 5 years per contract.

    Is parent reunification under § 36 (2) AufenthG granted to every retired parent who wants to join their child?

    No. § 36 (2) AufenthG is reserved for cases of exceptional hardship (außergewöhnliche Härte) — for example a parent who is dependent on care and has no relatives able to provide it in the home country. The decision is at the discretion of the Ausländerbehörde. A complete and correctly insured file makes the embassy step easier; the legal hardship test stays separate.

    Can the parent travel on a Schengen visa first and switch to Elternnachzug from inside Germany?

    A Schengen visit on <a href="/en/insurance-plans/care-visa-protect/overview/" class="text-primary underline underline-offset-2">Care Visa Protect from €0.85/day (0–64) · €2.60/day (65–74)</a> is suitable for short stays up to 90 days but ends with the Schengen visa. The Elternnachzug residence permit is normally applied for at the German embassy in the home country with a long-stay national D-visa, then switched to <a href="/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/overview/" class="text-primary underline underline-offset-2">Care Expatriate from €68/month (41–60) · €246/month (61–74)</a> for the full residence period.