Travel insurance vs. residence insurance: which one German authorities accept
Practical guide for foreigners: when a travel health insurance (Reisekrankenversicherung) is enough for a Schengen visa, and when the German embassy or Ausländerbehörde requires a residence/incoming insurance (Aufenthaltsversicherung) instead.
Three options — Schengen travel insurance ≤ 92 days, D-visa bridge ≤ 2 years, long-stay residence insurance up to 5 years — match the three German visa categories the authorities check at intake.
A bilingual PDF (German + English) from a recognised option is delivered by email within minutes — re-issuable at no extra cost as long as the policy has not started yet.
- Schengen travel option: Care Visa Protect from €0.85/day (up to 92 days) (≤ 92 days · embassy accepted)
- D-visa bridge product: Care Economy from €30 / 30 days (up to 2 years) (national D-visa · ≤ 2 years)
- Long-stay residence option: Care Expatriate from €58/month (up to 5 years) (Aufenthaltstitel · up to 5 years)
Three rules for picking the right insurance category — what authorities actually check:
- 1Match the visa type to the option — Schengen ≤ 92 days = travel insurance; D-visa or Aufenthaltstitel = residence/incoming insurance.
- 2The certificate must cover the whole period: Care Visa Protect from €0.85/day (up to 92 days) ships a bilingual PDF with all required fields by default — by email within minutes.
- 3Outpatient + inpatient + repatriation in plain text: the consulate or Ausländerbehörde must see the benefit list on the certificate, not just an AVB reference.
Not sure which option fits your visa type? 30-second tariff finder →
Inside: why the same word 'health insurance' means three completely different products to a German embassy clerk · how a Schengen travel policy can fail at the Ausländerbehörde even when the cover amount is well above the minimum · the one wording line that separates a residence-insurance certificate from a travel-insurance certificate
Sources: EU Regulation 810/2009 (Art. 15) · Auswärtiges Amt · BAMF · HanseMerkur Care Visa Protect AVB · HanseMerkur Care Economy AVB · HanseMerkur Care Expatriate AVB · Care Concept AG
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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
Travel vs. residence insurance? Match the option to your visa with Care Visa Protect from €0.85/day (up to 92 days) (Schengen) or Care Economy from €30 / 30 days (up to 2 years) (D-visa bridge).
7-step checklist — pick the option the German authority accepts
Quick answer: "Do I need a travel insurance or a residence insurance for my German visa?" — These seven steps cover the standard flow embassies and the Ausländerbehörde expect at intake.
- Step 1. Identify the visa type — Schengen visa (≤ 90 days), national D-visa (multi-month bridge), or residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) for a long stay
- Step 2. Read the embassy or Ausländerbehörde requirements — the product label is not the criterion; cover amount, period, scope and benefit list are
- Step 3. Pick the option that fits the visa: travel insurance for Schengen, residence/incoming insurance for D-visa or Aufenthaltstitel — never use a Schengen travel policy for a multi-year permit
- Step 4. Check the bilingual certificate covers the entire requested period — outpatient, inpatient and medical repatriation must appear in plain text
- Step 5. Bring the printed bilingual PDF to the appointment — the certificate must list name, period, cover amount and territorial scope on a single page
- Step 6. If the visa type changes after issue (e.g. Schengen → D-visa), re-issue from the matching option — Care Visa Protect refunds unused days on no-show, Care Economy bridges the new period
- Step 7. Keep the rebooking confirmation and the new certificate together — it speeds up the next intake at the embassy or the Ausländerbehörde
Three options — Schengen travel, D-visa bridge, long-stay residence
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, bilingual PDF, day-precise start date, no-show refund — the standard travel insurance product embassies accept for Schengen.
Option 2 — D-visa bridge (multi-month residence)
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 — bridges between visa stamp and statutory cover (GKV) or a long-stay private product.
Option 3 — Aufenthaltstitel (long stay, 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 for multi-year permits without GKV access.
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 insurance categories — what each visa type requires, and which option fits
Travel insurance — short-stay Schengen visa (≤ 92 days)
Pattern: Schengen visa for tourism, family visit, business, conference, language course up to 92 days.
Risk: Using a travel policy for a residence permit is refused — the period and scope do not match a multi-year stay.
Fix option: Care Visa Protect — EU Reg. 810/2009 compliant, bilingual PDF, day-precise start date, no-show refund.
Residence/incoming insurance — D-visa bridge (multi-month)
Pattern: National D-visa for job seeker (Chancenkarte), family reunification, language school, longer visit beyond 90 days.
Risk: A Schengen travel policy expires too early — embassies refuse the file because the period does not cover the whole D-visa window.
Fix option: Care Economy — incoming insurance up to 2 years, bilingual PDF, outpatient + inpatient + repatriation.
Long-stay residence insurance — Aufenthaltstitel (up to 5 years)
Pattern: Residence permit for work, freelance, self-employed, retiree without GKV access — multi-year stay.
Risk: Travel and short-period products are refused by the Ausländerbehörde for residence permits — the product must match the duration.
Fix option: Care Expatriate — worldwide scope including the home country, premium fixed at entry age, up to 5 years per contract.
Wrong product chosen? Embassy refuses the file — next slot can be weeks away
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.
🇪🇺
€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 option 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 type to bilingual certificate — in 3 steps
10 minutes online. Option (Schengen travel / D-visa bridge / long-stay residence) 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 Visa Protect for matching the right insurance category to their German visa
“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 options — Schengen travel, D-visa bridge, long-stay residence
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 travel insurance (≤ 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.
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.
Long-stay residence insurance — 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 — Travel insurance vs. residence insurance for German visas
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between travel insurance and residence insurance in Germany?
Travel health insurance (Reisekrankenversicherung) covers short stays — typical for Schengen visas up to ~90 days. Residence insurance, also called incoming insurance, covers longer stays up to 2–5 years. The criterion is not the product name but whether the cover amount, period and scope match what the embassy or Ausländerbehörde requires. <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.
Do German embassies accept any travel insurance for a Schengen visa?
Not every travel policy is accepted. For a Schengen visa the policy must comply with EU Reg. 810/2009: at least €30,000 medical cover, valid in all Schengen states, with medical repatriation in plain text on the certificate. <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> ships a bilingual PDF that ticks every box by default.
Is a travel insurance enough for a German residence permit?
For a residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) the Ausländerbehörde typically requires more than a Schengen travel policy — outpatient, inpatient and repatriation across the entire residence 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 option fits your visa type? 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