Territorial scope of the health insurance — Germany, Schengen, or worldwide for the German visa?
- Schengen-wide: Care Visa Protect from €0.85/day (up to 92 days) (Art. 15 EU Reg. 810/2009 · ≤ 92 days)
- D-visa bridge: Care Economy from €30 / 30 days (up to 2 years) (national D-visa · Germany min. · ≤ 2 years)
- Worldwide long-stay: Care Expatriate from €58/month (up to 5 years) (incl. home country · up to 5 years)
Three rules every visa applicant for Germany should know about the territorial-scope field:
- 1Schengen C-visa = all Schengen states: Germany-only is refused. Care Visa Protect from €0.85/day (up to 92 days) is the focused Schengen lane with the required scope.
- 2National D-visa = Germany minimum: Germany as the territorial scope is enough; Schengen-wide is also accepted. Care Economy from €30 / 30 days (up to 2 years) bridges the gap before statutory cover starts.
- 3Long stay = worldwide is safer: Care Expatriate from €58/month (up to 5 years) keeps the home country inside the territorial scope — useful for residence-permit holders who travel home regularly.
Schengen, Germany-only or worldwide — which scope fits your file? 30-second tariff finder →
Inside: why a Germany-only certificate gets the embassy file rejected on the spot for a Schengen C-visa · the one scope wording that makes residence-permit files faster at the Ausländerbehörde · how to add the home country to the territorial scope without changing the recognised lane
Sources: Art. 15 EU Regulation 810/2009 · Auswärtiges Amt · BAMF · HanseMerkur Care Visa Protect AVB · HanseMerkur Care Economy AVB · HanseMerkur Care Expatriate AVB · Care Concept AG
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Visa Proof
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Need a Schengen-wide certificate that also includes repatriation? PDF in German + English by email within minutes.
Territorial scope — the seven rules the German embassy and Ausländerbehörde check
Quick answer: "Does my insurance need to cover Germany only, the Schengen area, or the world?" — These seven rules cover the scope and wording the German consulate verifies before stamping the visa file. They apply to Schengen C-visa, national D-visa and long-stay residence files.
- Schengen C-visa: territorial scope MUST cover all Schengen states (Art. 15 EU Reg. 810/2009)
- Germany-only certificates are typically refused for Schengen visa appointments at the German embassy
- National D-visa: Germany is the minimum scope; Schengen-wide is accepted but not required
- Worldwide cover including the home country is the safer choice for long-stay residence permits
- The certificate must show the territorial scope explicitly (e.g. 'all Schengen states', 'worldwide')
- Repatriation to the home country must be included for Schengen visa files (per EU Reg. 810/2009)
- If the home country is on the certificate as 'excluded', Care Expatriate is the lane that includes it
Three lanes — Schengen-wide, Germany (D-visa bridge), worldwide (long-stay)
Lane 1 — Schengen C-visa (≤ 92 days): scope = all Schengen states
Required by Art. 15 EU Reg. 810/2009. Care Visa Protect from €0.85/day (up to 92 days) provides Schengen-wide territorial scope with repatriation wording. PDF in German + English by email within minutes — re-issuable at no extra cost while the start date is still in the future.
Lane 2 — National D-visa bridge (>92 days, ≤ 2 years): scope = Germany (Schengen-wide accepted)
Care Economy from €30 / 30 days (up to 2 years); exact daily rates depend on duration, entry age and deductible — shown in the official table below. Up to 2 years per contract. Insurer is HanseMerkur Reiseversicherung AG (Hamburg). Used to bridge between embassy approval and statutory cover under § 5 AufenthG.
Lane 3 — Long-stay D-visa (residence permit, ≤ 5 years): scope = worldwide (incl. home country)
Care Expatriate from €58/month (up to 5 years); exact age and tier prices are shown in the official table below. Worldwide territorial scope including the home country — the safer choice when the residence permit is combined with regular trips home. Up to 5 years per contract; premium fixed at the entry age.
Avoid the mistakes that can delay your application
Schengen proof missing?
For short Schengen stays, choose insurance that meets the €30,000 minimum-coverage requirement.
Short stay or longer stay?
Care Visa Protect fits many 1–92 day Schengen visits; Care Economy may fit longer or more flexible stays.
Wrong insurance can cost time
Before your embassy appointment, check that the proof matches your visa type, dates and destination.
Multiple entries planned?
If you travel more than once, check the multiple-entry option and the annual day limit before applying.
Germany vs. Schengen vs. worldwide — a side-by-side comparison
Germany-only
Use case: National D-visa, residence-permit holders not travelling outside DE
Limit: Refused for Schengen C-visa appointments — does not meet Art. 15 EU Reg. 810/2009.
Recognised lane: Some long-stay incoming products with Germany-only scope.
Schengen-wide
Use case: Schengen C-visa appointments (≤ 92 days) — required by the EU Visa Code.
Limit: Does not include the home country or non-Schengen travel during the stay.
Recognised lane: Care Visa Protect — focused Schengen lane with repatriation included.
Worldwide (incl. home country)
Use case: Long-stay D-visa, residence permit, frequent home-country trips.
Limit: Slightly higher premium than Germany-only or Schengen-wide products.
Recognised lane: Care Expatriate — long-stay Incoming with worldwide scope (incl. home country).
Wrong territorial scope on the certificate? The visa file may be refused
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.
🇪🇺
€30,000 minimum
Schengen proof must be clear
Your certificate should clearly show the required coverage amount, Schengen validity, travel dates and repatriation benefits.
- 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 slot soon? Take out a Schengen-wide certificate today
Why act before the embassy appointment
Schengen visa insurance is not just a formality. Your proof should clearly show the required coverage, dates, validity area and repatriation benefits.
Appointments can be limited
If the proof is missing or unsuitable, preparing corrected documents can cost valuable time.
PDF certificate after application
Care Visa Protect provides the certificate by email after successful online application.
€30,000 minimum coverage
Schengen insurance should show at least €30,000 coverage plus medical repatriation for the Schengen Area.
From €0.85/day
Care Visa Protect starts from €0.85/day, with a minimum premium of €8.50 per trip.
From quote to scope-correct certificate — in 3 steps
10 minutes online. Territorial scope (Schengen-wide / Germany / worldwide) pre-filled per lane. PDF certificate in German + English by email within minutes — re-issuable at no extra cost while the start date is still in the future.
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 visa applicants say about Care Visa Protect for Schengen-wide territorial scope
“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
Recognised lanes — Schengen-wide (primary), D-visa bridge, worldwide long-stay
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
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
For the full overview of visa & residence topics see the visa & residence hub.
Full price tables — Care Visa Protect, Care Economy, Care Expatriate
Quick answer: Summary CTAs show registry base prices only. Exact age, duration and deductible rates are shown in the official tables below.
Schengen-wide — 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.
D-visa bridge (Germany scope) — 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.
Worldwide long-stay — Care Expatriate (residence permit, 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 — Territorial scope of the German visa health insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my health insurance need to cover the entire Schengen area or just Germany?
For a Schengen C-visa appointment, the territorial scope MUST cover all Schengen states (Art. 15 of EU Reg. 810/2009 — the Schengen Visa Code). A Germany-only certificate is typically refused. <a href="/en/insurance-plans/care-visa-protect/overview/" class="text-primary underline underline-offset-2">Care Visa Protect from €0.85/day (up to 92 days)</a> is the focused Schengen lane with the required scope and repatriation wording.
Is worldwide coverage required for a German residence permit (national D-visa)?
Worldwide cover is not legally required for the national D-visa — Germany is the minimum scope. But for long stays with regular trips to the home country, worldwide cover is the safer option. <a href="/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/overview/" class="text-primary underline underline-offset-2">Care Expatriate from €58/month (up to 5 years)</a> is the long-stay lane with worldwide scope including the home country.
What if my home country is excluded from the territorial scope?
Many travel-style cards exclude the home country from the cover. For the German visa file this is usually fine, but it means you have no cover when you visit family. If that matters, switch to <a href="/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/overview/" class="text-primary underline underline-offset-2">Care Expatriate from €58/month (up to 5 years)</a>, which keeps the home country inside the territorial scope. Not sure which lane fits? Try the <a href="/en/tariffinder-germany/" class="text-primary underline underline-offset-2">30-second tariff finder</a>.
Over 10,000 policies issued · Since 2009