Health insurance after the German visa is granted — switch, extend or keep?
- Long stay: Care Expatriate from €58/month (up to 5 years) (worldwide · up to 5 years)
- Extend bridge: Care Economy from €30 / 30 days (up to 2 years) (visa stamp to GKV · ≤ 2 years)
- Employed: DAK-Gesundheit from €135.52/month (open-ended) (GKV from job start)
Three rules after the German visa is granted that decide whether the renewal goes through:
- 1Switch in time, before the bridge card expires: Care Expatriate from €58/month (up to 5 years) is the recognised long-stay private lane.
- 2No gap days between two contracts: Line up the start of the new policy with the end of the old one — even a single uncovered day can trigger a refusal at the renewal slot.
- 3Match the cover to the new permit period: Care Expatriate up to 5 years, Care Economy from €30 / 30 days (up to 2 years) as the bridge until the GKV starts.
Switch, extend or move to the GKV — which lane fits the new permit? 30-second tariff finder →
Inside: the one date pair the Ausländerbehörde clerk checks before stamping the renewal · why a long-stay lane is cheaper than extending a short bridge card year after year · how to switch from the bridge to the long-stay lane without a single uncovered day
Sources: BAMF · Auswärtiges Amt · HanseMerkur Care Expatriate AVB · HanseMerkur Care Economy AVB · DAK-Gesundheit (GKV) · Care Concept AG
Trusted Providers
Care Concept · HanseMerkur · DAK where applicable
Visa Proof
Proof of insurance for embassy or consulate documents
Fast Online Process
Receive the available confirmation after successful application
Over 10,000 policies issued · Since 2009
Visa just granted? Bridge to GKV or to a long-stay lane without gap days — PDF in German + English by email within minutes.
After the visa is granted — the seven rules the Ausländerbehörde checks at renewal
Quick answer: "Do I keep, switch or extend my health insurance after the German visa is granted?" — These seven rules cover the certificate fields the Ausländerbehörde verifies at the renewal slot.
- Visa just granted, no employer yet: keep the recognised bridge lane (Care Economy) until statutory cover starts
- Long-stay residence permit issued: switch to a long-stay private lane (Care Expatriate) for stable cover up to 5 years
- Employed in Germany under the JVEG threshold: the GKV (e.g. DAK-Gesundheit) becomes mandatory from job start
- Family reunification permit: GKV family insurance only starts after the permit is issued — bridge with Care Economy
- Renewal at the Ausländerbehörde: bring a certificate that covers the FULL new permit period — no gap days
- Ausländerbehörde checks: insurer name + AVB reference + validity period + territorial scope on the certificate
- Switching contracts: line up start and end dates so there is no single uncovered day between two policies
Three lanes after the visa stamp — long stay, extended bridge, GKV via employer
Lane 1 — Long-stay private lane (≤ 5 years, worldwide scope)
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, premium fixed at the entry age. Up to 5 years per contract — designed for multi-year residence permits without GKV access.
Lane 2 — Extend the bridge between visa stamp and statutory cover (≤ 2 years)
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. Insurer is HanseMerkur Reiseversicherung AG (Hamburg). Used to bridge between visa issuance and statutory cover (GKV) or a long-stay private lane.
Lane 3 — Move to the GKV when employment starts (DAK-Gesundheit)
When an employment contract starts under the JVEG threshold, the GKV becomes mandatory. DAK-Gesundheit is one of the recognised statutory funds — added by the employer. Bridge with Care Economy until the GKV confirmation arrives.
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.
Phase A vs. B vs. C — what changes between the visa stamp and the renewal slot
Phase A — Visa just granted, before job start
Typical case: Bridge period between visa stamp and statutory cover (employer / university registration).
Risk: Travel-style cards expire fast and lock the renewal at the Ausländerbehörde.
Recognised lane: Care Economy as the recognised bridge lane, up to 2 years per contract.
Phase B — Long stay locked in (residence permit > 1 year)
Typical case: Self-employed, freelancers, family-reunification spouses without GKV access.
Risk: Bridge cover gets expensive and is not designed for multi-year stays.
Recognised lane: Care Expatriate — long-stay private lane, worldwide scope, premium fixed at entry age.
Phase C — Renewal of the residence permit at the Ausländerbehörde
Typical case: First permit expires; renewal slot booked.
Risk: Certificate must cover the FULL new permit period — short cards cause refusal at intake.
Recognised lane: Care Expatriate (up to 5 years) or DAK-Gesundheit (GKV) — match the new permit length.
Bridge card expires before the renewal? The new permit 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.
Renewal slot soon? Switch to a long-stay lane 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 renewal-ready certificate — in 3 steps
10 minutes online. Lane (long stay / bridge / GKV) pre-filled for the new permit period. 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 expats say about Care Expatriate after the German visa is granted
“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 — long stay (primary), extended bridge, GKV via employer
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
DAK-Gesundheit Students
from €145.52 / month
(effectively from €135.52 with DAK Garantietarif 120 possible)
For international students in Germany up to age 29
- Accepted for university enrollment – electronic M10 notification
- Visa confirmation directly after application
- Statutory health insurance + mandatory long-term care insurance included
- Doctor, dentist, hospital, pharmacy & prescription medication coverage
- Health insurance card for medical treatment in Germany
- Apply online from your home country – no German address required
- Save €120 per year with DAK Garantietarif 120 possible
- Alternative: DAK Fit & Travel with additional benefits
- 2026 contributions: from €145.52 · effectively from €135.52 possible
- Reputable statutory health insurance provider
Why DAK-Gesundheit?
For international students in Germany who need statutory health insurance for a visa, university and enrollment — including M10 notification and a health insurance card.
Why statutory student health insurance?
More security for your studies and enrollment: full statutory health coverage, electronic notification to the university and clear acceptance for enrollment.
- 🏛️ DAK-Gesundheit
- 📄 M10 notification + visa confirmation after application
- 🔒 Doctor, dentist, clinic, pharmacy & prescription medication
- 🏷️ From €145.52 / month · effectively from €135.52 possible
→ Complete the application, receive visa confirmation, secure your M10 notification
For the full overview of visa & residence topics see the visa & residence hub.
Full price tables — Care Expatriate, Care Economy
Quick answer: Summary CTAs show registry base prices only. Exact age, duration and deductible rates are shown in the official tables below. The GKV (DAK-Gesundheit) is income-based and is set by the employer from job start.
Long-stay residence permit — Care Expatriate (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.
Extended 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.
FAQ — Health insurance after the German visa is granted
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to switch the visa health insurance once the visa is granted?
Not automatically — but in most cases yes. The bridge cover used for the embassy file (often a short-duration card) is rarely designed for a multi-year residence permit. <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 recognised long-stay private lane (worldwide scope, premium fixed at entry age, up to 5 years per contract).
What if I start a job in Germany after the visa is granted?
When an employment contract starts under the JVEG threshold, the GKV becomes mandatory. <a href="/en/insurance-plans/dak-gesundheit/overview/" class="text-primary underline underline-offset-2">DAK-Gesundheit from €135.52/month (open-ended)</a> is one of the recognised statutory funds and is added by the employer. Bridge with <a href="/en/insurance-plans/care-economy/overview/" class="text-primary underline underline-offset-2">Care Economy from €30 / 30 days (up to 2 years)</a> until the GKV confirmation arrives.
What insurance does the Ausländerbehörde require for the residence-permit renewal?
The certificate must cover the FULL new permit period and show the insurer + AVB reference, validity period and territorial scope. <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> matches multi-year permits without short-card limits. 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