Family reunification to Germany — health insurance requirements and accepted proofs
- D-visa bridge: Care Economy from €30 / 30 days (up to 2 years) (§ 36 AufenthG · up to 2 years)
- Long-stay private: Care Expatriate from €58/month (up to 5 years) (worldwide · up to 5 years)
- Short pre-stay: Care Visa Protect from €0.85/day (up to 92 days) (Schengen-wide · ≤ 92 days)
Three rules every family-reunification applicant should know before booking the embassy slot:
- 1Cover from day one of the residence permit: GKV family insurance only starts after the permit is issued. Care Economy from €30 / 30 days (up to 2 years) bridges the gap.
- 2Privately insured spouse = own contract: No automatic family inclusion in private cover. Care Expatriate from €58/month (up to 5 years) is the long-stay lane (worldwide scope).
- 3Short pre-stay before the permit: Use the Schengen lane — Care Visa Protect from €0.85/day (up to 92 days) (Schengen-wide, repatriation included).
GKV family insurance, private long-stay or Schengen pre-stay — which lane fits? 30-second tariff finder →
Inside: why the GKV family-insurance gap is the #1 cause of refused family-reunification files · the certificate wording the Ausländerbehörde checks before activating the residence permit · how to switch from the bridge lane to GKV family insurance without losing a single day of cover
Sources: § 36 AufenthG · Familienversicherung (GKV) · BAMF · Auswärtiges Amt · HanseMerkur Care Economy AVB · HanseMerkur Care Expatriate AVB · HanseMerkur Care Visa Protect AVB · Care Concept AG
Trusted Providers
Care Concept · HanseMerkur · DAK where applicable
Visa Proof
Proof of insurance for embassy or consulate documents
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Receive the available confirmation after successful application
Over 10,000 policies issued · Since 2009
Family reunification embassy slot booked? Get a recognised bridge certificate now — PDF in German + English by email within minutes.
Family reunification — the seven rules the embassy and Ausländerbehörde check
Quick answer: "Which insurance does my family need for the residence permit in Germany?" — These seven rules cover the proofs the German consulate and the immigration office verify for spouses, children and other joining family members under § 5 AufenthG.
- § 5 AufenthG: every joining family member needs proven sufficient health insurance from day one in Germany
- Spouses joining a German citizen or settled foreigner: cover must start the day the residence permit takes effect
- Children joining parents: same rule — recognised cover from day one, no gap days at the Ausländerbehörde
- Joining a GKV-insured spouse: family insurance (Familienversicherung) usually applies — bring the GKV confirmation to the embassy
- Joining a privately insured spouse: family members need their own private cover — Care Expatriate is a recognised long-stay lane
- Recognised wording on the certificate: validity period, territorial scope (Germany or worldwide), insurer + AVB reference
- Bridge between embassy approval and statutory cover: Care Economy is the recognised lane up to 2 years per contract
Three lanes — D-visa bridge, long-stay private, short Schengen pre-stay
Lane 1 — D-visa bridge for the joining family member (≤ 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 embassy approval and statutory or private long-stay cover under § 5 AufenthG.
Lane 2 — Long-stay private lane when the spouse is privately insured (≤ 5 years)
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 — useful when the GKV family insurance is not available.
Lane 3 — Short Schengen pre-stay before the family-reunification permit (≤ 92 days)
Care Visa Protect from €0.85/day (up to 92 days) provides Schengen-wide scope with repatriation included by default. PDF in German + English by email within minutes — re-issuable at no extra cost while the start date is still in the future.
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.
GKV family insurance vs. private long-stay vs. short pre-stay — side-by-side
Joining a GKV-insured spouse
Use case: Spouse / children of an employee covered by statutory insurance (DAK, TK, AOK …).
Limit: Family insurance (Familienversicherung) is usually free, but registration takes time — often only after Anmeldung in Germany.
Recognised lane: GKV family insurance after entry; Care Economy bridges the gap between visa stamp and GKV confirmation.
Joining a privately insured spouse
Use case: Spouse / children of an expat or self-employed person on private cover.
Limit: There is no automatic family inclusion in private cover — every member needs their own contract.
Recognised lane: Care Expatriate as long-stay private lane (worldwide scope, premium fixed at entry age).
Short pre-stay or visit before the family visa
Use case: Schengen visit (≤ 92 days) before the family-reunification permit is in place.
Limit: GKV / private family cover does not start before the residence permit is issued.
Recognised lane: Care Visa Protect as Schengen-wide cover with repatriation included by default.
Wrong proof? The family-reunification 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 recognised bridge 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 recognised certificate — in 3 steps
10 minutes online. Lane (bridge / long-stay / Schengen) pre-filled for family reunification. 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 family-reunification applicants say about Care Economy as the bridge lane in Germany
“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 — D-visa bridge (primary), long-stay private, short Schengen pre-stay
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
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
For the full overview of visa & residence topics see the visa & residence hub.
Full price tables — Care Economy, Care Expatriate, Care Visa Protect
Quick answer: Summary CTAs show registry base prices only. Exact age, duration and deductible rates are shown in the official tables below.
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.
Long-stay private lane — 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.
Schengen pre-stay — 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 — Family reunification health insurance for Germany
Frequently Asked Questions
What insurance proof does the German embassy need for a family reunification visa?
Under § 5 AufenthG, every joining family member needs proven sufficient health insurance from the day the residence permit takes effect. The certificate must show the validity period, the territorial scope (Germany or worldwide), and the insurer + AVB reference. <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> is the recognised bridge lane between embassy approval and statutory cover.
Can my family join my GKV (statutory) cover automatically when they arrive in Germany?
Family insurance (Familienversicherung) in the GKV is usually free for the spouse and children, but it only starts after the residence permit is issued and the Anmeldung is registered — not before entry. Bridge the gap 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>, then switch to the GKV family cover once the confirmation is available.
What if my spouse is privately insured — do family members get included automatically?
No. Private cover in Germany does not include family members automatically — each member needs their own contract. <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 with worldwide scope including the home country. 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