National D-visa vs. Schengen visa: the insurance difference in Germany
Practical guide for foreigners: how the German embassy and the Ausländerbehörde check the insurance certificate differently for a Schengen visa (≤ 90 days) and a national D-visa (long-stay), and which recognised product fits each visa category.
Three categories — Schengen ≤ 92 days, D-visa bridge ≤ 2 years, residence permit up to 5 years — match the three legal frameworks the authorities apply.
A bilingual PDF (German + English) from a recognised product is delivered by email within minutes — re-issuable at no extra cost as long as the policy has not started yet.
- Schengen visa option: Care Visa Protect from €0.85/day (up to 92 days) (≤ 92 days · EU Reg. 810/2009)
- D-visa bridge option: Care Economy from €30 / 30 days (up to 2 years) (national D-visa · ≤ 2 years)
- Residence permit option: Care Expatriate from €58/month (up to 5 years) (Aufenthaltstitel · up to 5 years)
Three rules for matching the insurance to the visa category — what the authorities check first:
- 1Match the visa category to the product — Schengen ≤ 90 days = travel insurance (Care Visa Protect); national D-visa > 90 days = incoming insurance (Care Economy / Care Expatriate).
- 2The certificate period must cover the whole requested window: Care Economy from €30 / 30 days (up to 2 years) bridges D-visa stays up to 2 years on a bilingual PDF — re-issued by email within minutes.
- 3Outpatient + inpatient + repatriation in plain text: the embassy and the Ausländerbehörde must see the benefit list on the certificate, not just an AVB reference.
Not sure if your visa is Schengen or D-visa? 30-second tariff finder →
Inside: the one wording line that tells the embassy your certificate covers a national D-visa, not just a Schengen visit · why the same insurer can ship different bilingual PDFs depending on the visa category requested · how the residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) re-uses the D-visa product without buying a fresh policy on day one
Sources: EU Regulation 810/2009 (Art. 15) · AufenthG · Auswärtiges Amt · BAMF · HanseMerkur Care Economy AVB · HanseMerkur Care Visa Protect AVB · HanseMerkur Care Expatriate 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
Schengen or national D-visa? Pick the matching product — Care Economy from €30 / 30 days (up to 2 years) (D-visa bridge ≤ 2 years) or Care Visa Protect from €0.85/day (up to 92 days) (Schengen ≤ 92 days).
7-step checklist — match the insurance to your German visa category
Quick answer: "Do I need a Schengen insurance or a national D-visa insurance for Germany?" — These seven steps cover the standard flow embassies and the Ausländerbehörde expect at intake.
- Step 1. Decide which visa applies — Schengen visa (Annex II of EU 810/2009) covers visits up to 90 days; a national D-visa (AufenthG) is needed for any stay longer than 90 days
- Step 2. For Schengen, the embassy checks EU Reg. 810/2009 Art. 15: at least €30,000 medical cover, valid in all Schengen states, medical repatriation in plain text on the certificate
- Step 3. For a national D-visa, the embassy and the Ausländerbehörde check the entire residence period — outpatient + inpatient + repatriation across the requested window, not just the first month
- Step 4. Pick the matching product — Care Visa Protect for Schengen (≤ 92 days), Care Economy for the D-visa bridge (≤ 2 years), Care Expatriate for residence permits up to 5 years
- Step 5. Always request a bilingual PDF (German + English) — single page, name + period + cover amount + scope clearly listed; AVB-only references are refused
- Step 6. If you switch from Schengen entry to a longer D-visa stay later, re-issue from a residence-insurance product before the Schengen policy expires — Care Economy or Care Expatriate avoid a coverage gap
- Step 7. Bring printout + email confirmation to the appointment — the certificate must cover the entire requested visa window, not just the first day or first month
Three options — Schengen, D-visa bridge, residence permit
Option 1 — Schengen visa (≤ 92 days)
Care Visa Protect from €0.85/day (up to 92 days); full age and duration rates are shown in the official table below. EU Reg. 810/2009 compliant, day-precise start date, no-show refund — the standard product German embassies accept for short Schengen stays.
Option 2 — National D-visa (multi-month bridge)
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. Incoming insurance up to 2 years, bilingual PDF, outpatient + inpatient + repatriation — the standard bridge between visa stamp and statutory cover (GKV) or a long-stay product.
Option 3 — Aufenthaltstitel (residence permit, up to 5 years)
Care Expatriate from €58/month (up to 5 years); exact age and tier prices are shown in the official table below. Worldwide scope including the home country, premium fixed at entry age, up to 5 years per contract — the standard residence-insurance product the Ausländerbehörde accepts after the D-visa is granted.
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.
Three visa categories — what each rule set requires, and which product fits
Schengen visa (Annex II EU 810/2009 · ≤ 90 days)
Pattern: Tourism, family visit, business trip, conference, language course up to 90 days inside the Schengen area.
Risk: A national D-visa product on a 90-day visit costs more than needed; a Schengen policy on a longer stay is refused once the period exceeds 92 days.
Fix option: Care Visa Protect — EU Reg. 810/2009 compliant, day-precise start date, no-show refund, bilingual PDF in minutes.
National D-visa (AufenthG · multi-month bridge)
Pattern: Job seeker (Chancenkarte), language school > 90 days, family reunification, work visa preparation, study preparation.
Risk: A Schengen travel policy expires after 92 days; the embassy refuses the file because the period does not cover the whole D-visa window.
Fix option: Care Economy — incoming insurance up to 2 years, outpatient + inpatient + repatriation, bilingual PDF on a single page.
Residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel · long stay up to 5 years)
Pattern: After the D-visa is granted, the Ausländerbehörde issues the multi-year residence permit — work, freelance, self-employed, retiree without GKV access.
Risk: Short-period travel and bridge products are refused for a multi-year permit — the duration must match the residence window.
Fix option: Care Expatriate — worldwide scope including the home country, premium fixed at entry age, up to 5 years per contract.
Wrong product chosen for your visa category? Embassy refuses the file at intake
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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€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 or Ausländerbehörde appointment soon? Pick the matching product 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 visa category to bilingual certificate — in 3 steps
10 minutes online. Visa category (Schengen / D-visa / residence permit) pre-filled. Bilingual PDF certificate (German + English) with all required fields by email within minutes — re-issuable at no extra cost while the policy has not started yet.
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 applicants say about Care Economy for the German national D-visa bridge
“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 products — Schengen, D-visa bridge, residence permit
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 Economy, Care Visa Protect, Care Expatriate
Quick answer: Summary CTAs show registry base prices only. Exact age, duration and deductible rates are shown in the official tables below.
National 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 visa (≤ 92 days) — Care Visa Protect
| 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.
Residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) — 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.
FAQ — National D-visa vs. Schengen visa health insurance for Germany
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Schengen visa and a national D-visa for Germany?
A Schengen visa is for visits up to 90 days inside the Schengen area (Annex II of EU Reg. 810/2009). A national D-visa is required for any stay longer than 90 days in Germany — work, study, family reunification, job seeker (Chancenkarte) — and is regulated by AufenthG. The insurance product also differs: <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> for Schengen, <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> for the D-visa bridge.
Can I use a Schengen travel insurance for a national D-visa?
In most cases no. A Schengen travel policy expires after 92 days, while a national D-visa typically covers a multi-month stay; the embassy refuses the file because the certificate period does not match the requested visa window. <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> bridges the gap up to 2 years on a bilingual PDF.
Which insurance does the Ausländerbehörde require after a D-visa is granted?
Once the residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) is issued, the Ausländerbehörde checks the cover against the entire requested permit period. <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> covers up to 5 years per contract on a single bilingual certificate. Not sure which product fits your visa category? 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