Visiting family vs. permanent residence in Germany: health-insurance differences and proofs
- Visit lane: Care Visa Protect from €0.85/day (0–64) · €2.60/day (65–74) (Schengen ≤ 90 days · EU 810/2009 · max €50,000)
- Long visit / S1 wait: Care Economy from €1.00/day (0–64) · €2.95/day (65–74) (with deductible · up to 2 years · min. €10 premium)
- Residence lane: Care Expatriate from €68/mo (41–60) · €246/mo (61–74) (§ 36 family reunion · up to 5 years · § 5 AufenthG)
Three rules that decide the right lane for visiting parents vs. permanent residence in Germany:
- 1Schengen visit ≤ 90 days → Care Visa Protect, never Care Expatriate: Visit lane is Care Visa Protect from €0.85/day (0–64) · €2.60/day (65–74), EU Regulation 810/2009 compliant, max €50,000 cover, zero deductible.
- 2Long visit / S1 wait (≤ 2 years) → Care Economy: Bridge with Care Economy from €30 / 30 days (up to 2 years) while waiting for S1 from the EU home fund or for the residence-permit appointment.
- 3Permanent residence (§ 36 / § 7 AufenthG) → Care Expatriate, up to 5 years: Long-term lane is Care Expatriate from €68/month (41–60) · from €246/month (61–74). Travel-insurance Reiseversicherung is rejected for any permit longer than 90 days under § 5 AufenthG.
Visit, S1 wait or permanent move — which lane fits your family? 30-second visit-vs-residence finder →
Inside: the three lanes the German embassy and Ausländerbehörde each accept · the Verpflichtungserklärung trick that removes the host's medical liability · the day-90 cliff that forces a switch from visit cover to a residence-permit product
Sources: § 5 AufenthG · § 7 AufenthG · § 36 AufenthG · § 68 AufenthG (Verpflichtungserklärung) · EU Regulation 810/2009 (Schengen Visa Code) · HanseMerkur Care Visa Protect AVB · HanseMerkur Care Expatriate AVB · § 5 / § 10 SGB V · EU Regulation 883/2004 (S1) · Auswärtiges Amt
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
Over 10,000 policies issued · Since 2009
Two lanes, one family — Care Visa Protect for the Schengen visit and Care Expatriate for the residence permit. Pick the right one before the embassy interview.
Visit vs. residence — the six concrete differences for foreign families
Quick answer: "What is the difference between visiting parents in Germany and them moving permanently — for health insurance?" — three lanes: Care Visa Protect for the Schengen visit (≤ 90 days), Care Economy for the long visit or S1 wait (≤ 2 years), Care Expatriate for the residence permit (12+ months, § 5 / § 36 AufenthG). The host's Verpflichtungserklärung under § 68 AufenthG transfers liability, but a recognised Incoming insurer makes the host's exposure disappear in practice.
- Visit lane (Schengen visa ≤ 90 days) → Care Visa Protect, €0.85/day (0–64) · €2.60/day (65–74), max €50,000 cover
- Long visit / S1 wait / category change (≤ 2 years) → Care Economy: from €1.00/day (ages 0–64, with deductible) · from €2.95/day (ages 65–74, with deductible)
- Permanent residence (12+ months, § 36 / § 7 AufenthG) → Care Expatriate from €68/month (41–60) · €246/month (61–74)
- Verpflichtungserklärung (§ 68 AufenthG) — host's liability is removed when a recognised Incoming insurer pays the bill
- Travel-insurance Reiseversicherung is rejected for any residence permit longer than 90 days under § 5 AufenthG
- EU pensioners with Form S1 → German GKV (AOK, TK, DAK-Gesundheit), home country pays — bridge with Care Economy
The three lanes — and the recognised Incoming product for each one
Lane 1 — Permanent residence (§ 36 / § 7 AufenthG) — primary lane
Family-reunion permit for elderly parents (§ 36 AufenthG) or general residence (§ 7 AufenthG) of 12+ months: the recognised long-term lane is Care Expatriate, from €68/month at entry age 41–60 and €246/month at entry age 61–74 (Basic, €150 deductible). Up to 5 years per contract; certificate in German + English; § 5 AufenthG re-checks at every renewal. This is the lane every long-staying parent ends up in.
Lane 2 — Long visit / S1 wait (≤ 2 years)
When the visit extends beyond 90 days or you bridge an S1 procedure (4–12 weeks for EU pensioners), Care Economy keeps cover continuous. Per-day pricing by age and term: ages 0–64 from €1.00/day (with deductible) — ages 65–74 from €2.95/day (with deductible). Minimum premium €10/person. Single Incoming product, recognised by every Ausländerbehörde for stays up to 2 years and switchable to Care Expatriate the moment the residence permit is granted.
Lane 3 — Visit (Schengen, ≤ 90 days)
Parents enter on a Schengen short-stay visa, the German host signs the Verpflichtungserklärung under § 68 AufenthG, and the recognised cover is Care Visa Protect: €0.85/day for ages 0–64, €2.60/day for ages 65–74, up to €50,000 cover, zero deductible, repatriation included, EU Regulation 810/2009 compliant. Certificate in German + English by email within minutes — accepted by every German embassy.
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 the wrong lane is chosen — visit cover for a residence permit, or vice versa
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.
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€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.
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€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.
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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 interview booked? Pick the right lane first — visit (Care Visa Protect) or residence (Care Expatriate)
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. Cover starts on the day you select.
Schengen-ready in 3 steps
Proof of insurance for Schengen visa applications, including the €30,000 minimum-coverage requirement.
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Pick the right plan
Care Visa Protect for short Schengen stays · Care Economy for the Opportunity Card or longer visitor stays.
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Apply online
Enter passport, travel dates and destination. For Care Visa Protect, purchase before entry when required.
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Submit your proof
Receive the PDF certificate after successful online application and submit it with your visa or authority documents.
What foreign families say about Care Visa Protect for the Schengen visit and Care Expatriate for the residence permit
“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
Recommended tariffs — visit lane, S1 / category-change bridge, and residence lane
Care Expatriate
from €68/month (41–60) · from €246/month (61–74) — 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 Visa Protect
from only €0.85 / day (1–92 days possible)
For Schengen visas, tourists, family visits & business travel
- Proof of insurance for visas & immigration authorities quickly available (PDF)
- Meets Schengen visa insurance requirements
- Affordable coverage from €0.85/day (minimum premium applies)
- Doctor, hospital, prescription medication & dental emergency coverage
- For Germany, Austria, the EU/Schengen Area, Liechtenstein or Switzerland
- Ideal for short stays, family visits, tourists & business travelers
- Multiple-visa option: several trips up to a total of 92 days/year
- Must be purchased before entry
- Age-based rates: from €0.85/day up to age 64 · from €2.60/day for ages 65–74
- Coverage term: 1–92 days · entry age 0–74
Why Care Visa Protect?
For foreign visitors with a Schengen visa who need fast, affordable proof of insurance for an embassy, visa office or immigration authority — suitable for tourists, family visits and short business trips.
Why a 92-day coverage term?
Ideal for typical short stays and Schengen trips: enough coverage for a visit, vacation or business trip — without buying long-term insurance.
- 🏛️ HanseMerkur Travel Insurance AG, Hamburg
- 📄 Instant proof of insurance for visas & immigration authorities (PDF)
- 🔒 Doctor, clinic, dental emergency & repatriation coverage
- 🏷️ From €0.85 / day · coverage up to 92 days
→ 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
When exactly must cover be in force? Timing of cover for retirees moving to Germany. Need the proofs checklist? Required proofs for foreign retirees. When does the residence permit re-check the cover? Residence permit & insurance for retirees. For the full overview see the foreign-retirees hub.
Full price tables — Care Visa Protect (visit), Care Economy (bridge), Care Expatriate (residence)
Quick answer: Care Visa Protect for the Schengen visit: €0.85/day (ages 0–64), €2.60/day (ages 65–74), max €50,000 cover, zero deductible. Care Economy bridges 1 day to 2 years with per-day pricing by age: ages 0–64 from €1.00/day (with deductible), ages 65–74 from €2.95/day (with deductible), minimum premium €10. Care Expatriate is the recognised residence lane: ages 41–60 from €68/month (Basic, €150 deductible); ages 61–74 from €246/month — up to 5 years per contract.
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.
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.
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.
FAQ — Visiting family vs. permanent residence in Germany
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the insurance difference between visiting family and permanent residence for retirees?
Visits under 90 days → Schengen visa + Care Visa Protect from €0.85/day. Permanent residence over 90 days → § 36 AufenthG + Care Expatriate from €246/month (age 61–74). Both need German-language certificate.
Can Care Economy cover a 6-month family visit for retirees?
Yes, up to 24 months. Care Economy 50–74 age: €50–125/30 days depending on tier. Accepted for tourist and family-visit permits under § 5 AufenthG, but not for permanent residence under § 36.
Which insurance does a Schengen family visit require for retirees?
Care Visa Protect from €0.85/day (minimum €7.50, coverage up to 92 days) per EU Regulation 810/2009. Age-based pricing: 0.85–3.50 €/day for age 61–74. Certificate issued same day.
Does the Ausländerbehörde treat family visits vs permanent residence differently?
Visits: Schengen (Care Visa Protect from €0. Yes. 85/day) accepted. Permanent residence over 90 days: Incoming tariff (Care Expatriate from €246/month age 61–74) or GKV required under § 5 AufenthG.
Can I upgrade from Care Economy to Care Expatriate mid-stay?
Yes — care Economy (€50–125/30 days age 50+) cancels monthly and Care Expatriate (from €246/month age 61–74) can start seamlessly. Recommended when the stay extends beyond 24 months or a permanent-residence permit is applied for.
What is the difference between visit and residence health insurance in Germany?
For short visits (up to 90 days), travel health insurance like Care Visa Protect (from €0.85/day) is typically sufficient. For permanent residence, German authorities require comprehensive coverage — public insurance (GKV), private insurance (PKV), or recognized long-term incoming insurance like Care Expatriate (from €58/month, up to 5 years).
Do I need health insurance to visit my family in Germany?
Yes. For a Schengen visa, you need health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 including medical repatriation. Care Visa Protect meets all EU requirements from €0.85/day. The certificate is issued instantly via email.
How much does health insurance cost for elderly parents visiting Germany?
For parents aged 50–74: Care Economy from €50/30 days. For longer stays or residence: Care Expatriate from €58/month (up to 5 years). No blanket rejection due to age — coverage is available up to age 74.