Health insurance for the national D-visa – Germany checklist
- D-visa bridge: Care Economy from €30 / 30 days (0–49) · €50–125 / 30 days (50+) (§ 5 AufenthG · ≤ 2 years)
- Long-stay lane: Care Expatriate from €58/month (18–29) · up to €432/month (61–74, Premium) (§ 5 AufenthG · up to 5 years)
- Schengen entry-phase: Care Visa Protect from €0.85/day (0–64) · €2.60/day (65–74) (EU Reg. 810/2009 · ≤ 92 days)
Three rules every national D-visa applicant for Germany should know about the insurance proof:
- 1Stay > 90 days = D-visa, not Schengen: Under § 5 AufenthG the geographic scope on the certificate must include Germany for the full visa period — Care Economy from €30 / 30 days (up to 2 years) is the standard D-visa bridge.
- 2No gap days entry → residence permit: The certificate must start on the embassy-recorded entry date and run uninterrupted to the residence-permit handover at the Ausländerbehörde (typically 3–6 weeks after entry).
- 3Plan to stay > 12 months? Lock entry-age premium: Care Expatriate from €58/month (up to 5 years) fixes the premium at your entry age — up to 5 years, accepted at every Ausländerbehörde.
D-visa for 6, 12 or 24 months — which lane fits your category? 30-second tariff finder →
Inside: why a perfectly priced Schengen policy is refused for a 12-month language-course D-visa · the gap-day rule that costs most D-visa applicants a re-booked appointment · when to enter Care Expatriate from day one instead of starting on Care Economy
Sources: § 5 AufenthG · AufenthV · BAMF · Auswärtiges Amt · EU Regulation 810/2009 · 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
Fast Online Process
Receive the available confirmation after successful application
Over 10,000 policies issued · Since 2009
National D-visa cover — bridge from €30 / 30 days, accepted at every German consulate and Ausländerbehörde.
National D-visa insurance proof — the six rules the embassy and Ausländerbehörde check
Quick answer: "What does the German embassy want to see for a national D-visa?" — Six fields are checked: stay > 90 days framed as D-visa under § 5 AufenthG, geographic scope including Germany, validity covering entry through residence-permit handover (no gap days), €0 self-pay on the certificate, EU/EEA-admitted insurer, certificate in German + English. Care Economy and Care Expatriate are pre-formatted to all six.
- Stay > 90 days → national D-visa under § 5 AufenthG (not Schengen)
- Geographic scope on the certificate must include Germany for the full visa period
- Validity period covers entry date through residence-permit handover (no gap days)
- €0 self-pay shown on the certificate — AVB deductible is accepted, on-certificate excess is not
- Insurer must be EU/EEA-admitted (HanseMerkur Reiseversicherung AG, Hamburg, qualifies)
- Certificate in German + English — single-language local versions are routinely refused
Three lanes — D-visa bridge, long-stay residence permit, and Schengen entry-phase
Lane 1 — D-visa bridge (1–24 months): Care Economy
The standard D-visa lane for language courses, Studienkolleg, job-seeker (Chancenkarte), au-pair and family-visit categories. From €30 / 30 days for ages 0–49 and €50–125 / 30 days for 50+. Up to 2 years per contract. Insurer is HanseMerkur Reiseversicherung AG (Hamburg). PDF certificate in German + English by email — accepted at every German consulate and at the Ausländerbehörde under § 5 AufenthG.
Lane 2 — Long-stay residence permit (≤ 5 years): Care Expatriate
For freelancer permits (§ 21 AufenthG), employment, family reunion (§ 28/§ 30/§ 36 AufenthG) and other long-stay residence titles. From €58/month at entry age 18–29 and up to €432/month at entry age 61–74 (Premium tier). Up to 5 years per contract; premium fixed at the entry age. PDF certificate in German + English — accepted at every Ausländerbehörde under § 5 AufenthG.
Lane 3 — Schengen entry-phase only: Care Visa Protect
Use this only if you are entering Germany on a Schengen C-visa first and converting to a national D-visa inside Germany (rare). €0.85/day for ages 0–64 and €2.60/day for 65–74 — minimum €8.50 premium, EU Reg. 810/2009 compliant, valid in all Schengen states. Switch to Care Economy or Care Expatriate the day the D-visa is issued.
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.
What happens if the D-visa proof has gap days — appointment refused, 4–12 week re-booking
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 appointment booked? Get the D-visa certificate today — start date can be moved
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 D-visa-ready PDF — in 3 steps
10 minutes online. § 5 AufenthG template pre-filled. PDF certificate in German + English by email within minutes — accepted at every German consulate worldwide and at the Ausländerbehörde for the residence-permit handover.
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 national D-visa applicants say about Care Economy for the German embassy appointment
“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 residence permit, Schengen entry-phase
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 (bridge), Care Expatriate (long-stay), Care Visa Protect (entry-phase)
Quick answer: Care Economy bridges D-visa periods from €30 / 30 days (0–49) and €50–125 / 30 days (50+). Care Expatriate is the long-stay lane from €58/month at entry age 18–29 and up to €432/month at entry age 61–74 (Premium). Care Visa Protect covers the Schengen entry-phase at €0.85/day (0–64) and €2.60/day (65–74) — minimum €8.50 premium.
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 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 entry-phase — 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 — National D-visa, embassy proof and which lane fits your category
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Schengen C-visa and a national D-visa for the insurance proof?
The Schengen C-visa (≤ 90 days) is governed by EU Regulation 810/2009 — minimum €30,000 medical cover, valid in all Schengen states, repatriation. The national D-visa (>90 days) is governed by § 5 AufenthG — "sufficient" health insurance for the entire residence period, scope must include Germany, duration must match the permit. Care Visa Protect handles the Schengen lane; <a href="/en/insurance-plans/care-economy/overview/" class="text-primary underline underline-offset-2">Care Economy from €30 / 30 days</a> is the standard D-visa bridge; Care Expatriate is the long-stay lane for residence permits beyond 12 months.
Which insurance does the German embassy accept for a national D-visa appointment?
The German embassy accepts any EU/EEA-admitted insurer whose certificate covers Germany for the full requested visa period and shows €0 self-pay at the point of treatment. HanseMerkur Reiseversicherung AG (Hamburg) — issuer of Care Economy and Care Expatriate — is recognised at every German consulate worldwide. The PDF certificate in German + English arrives by email within minutes; bring the PDF on your phone plus one printed colour copy. If unsure which lane fits your D-visa category, run the <a href="/en/tariffinder-germany/" class="text-primary underline underline-offset-2">30-second tariff finder</a>.
My D-visa is for 12 months — should I take Care Economy or Care Expatriate from the start?
For exactly 12 months either lane works, but the cost picture changes around month 6–8. Care Economy bills per 30-day block — efficient for 1–8 months, predictable for 9–12 months at the lower age brackets. Care Expatriate bills monthly, premium fixed at the age you enter, and is the long-stay lane recognised under § 5 AufenthG for residence permits beyond 12 months. If you plan to extend or convert to a residence permit (family reunion, freelancer, employment), enter Care Expatriate from day one to lock the entry-age premium. Find your match with 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