--- title: "From €246/mo · Health Insurance for Foreign Retirees Germany" description: "From €246/month at ages 61–74: long-stay health insurance for foreign retirees in Germany, typically accepted by the Ausländerbehörde — proof by email at once." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "Krankenversicherung-Auslaender.de", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/", "logo": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/images/logo.jpg", "contactPoint": { "@type": "ContactPoint", "telephone": "+49-228-97735-44", "contactType": "customer service", "availableLanguage": [ "German", "English" ] } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "WebSite", "name": "Krankenversicherung-Auslaender.de", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/", "inLanguage": [ "de", "en" ], "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Krankenversicherung-Auslaender.de" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": 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Germany — Ausländerbehörde-recognised cover by age band", "description": "From €246/month at ages 61–74: long-stay health insurance for foreign retirees in Germany, typically accepted by the Ausländerbehörde — proof by email at once.", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Steffan Grund", "sameAs": [ "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/impressum/" ] }, "reviewedBy": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Steffan Grund", "sameAs": [ "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/impressum/" ] }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Krankenversicherung für Ausländer", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/images/logo.jpg" }, "sameAs": [ "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q316831", "https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krankenversicherung", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_insurance" ] }, "datePublished": "2026-09-09", "dateModified": "2026-09-09", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": 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"mentions": [ { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Care Expatriate", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/overview/" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Care Economy", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/insurance-plans/care-economy/overview/" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "§ 5 AufenthG", "url": "https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__5.html" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "§ 36 AufenthG", "url": "https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__36.html" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "§ 5 SGB V (KVdR)", "url": "https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/sgb_5/__5.html" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "EU Regulation 883/2004 (Form S1)", "url": "https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32004R0883" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "BAMF", "url": "https://www.bamf.de/EN/" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Statistisches Bundesamt — hospital costs", "url": 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"KVdR 9/10 rule (§ 5 SGB V) for foreign pensioners", "EU Form S1 (Regulation 883/2004) for EU pensioners in Germany", "Senior residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel)", "Retirement-visa equivalents in German residence law (§ 7 and § 36 AufenthG)", "Deutsche Rentenversicherung Bund (DRV) coordination for foreign pensioners", "Retire in Germany from USA, UK (post-Brexit), India and other non-EU countries", "Schengen C-visa vs. national D-visa for senior visits and long stays" ], "worksFor": { "@type": "InsuranceAgency", "name": "Krankenversicherung für Ausländer", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de" }, "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/impressum/", "sameAs": [ "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/impressum/" ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "InsuranceAgency", "name": "Krankenversicherung für Ausländer", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de", "alternateName": [ "Krankenversicherung Ausländer Deutschland", "Krankenversicherung für Ausländer", "Health insurance for foreigners in Germany", "Insurance for expats in Germany", "Insurance for international students in Germany" ], "logo": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/images/logo.jpg", "image": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/images/og/og-krankenversicherung-auslaender.webp", "areaServed": [ "DE", "AT", "EU" ], "audience": { "@type": "Audience", "audienceType": "Foreigners, expats, international students and visa applicants in Germany", "geographicArea": { "@type": "Country", "name": "DE" } }, "knowsAbout": [ "Krankenversicherung Ausländer Deutschland", "Schengen-Visum Krankenversicherung", "Studentische Krankenversicherung", "Expat Krankenversicherung", "Incoming-Versicherung", "Sperrkonto Deutschland" ], "contactPoint": { "@type": "ContactPoint", "telephone": "+49 228 97735-44", "contactType": "customer service", "availableLanguage": [ "German", "English" ] }, "sameAs": [ "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q316831", "https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krankenversicherung", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_insurance" ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "speakable": { "@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": [ "[data-aeo=\"answer\"]", ".faq-answer" ] }, "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "How long should health insurance run for a stay in Germany?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Usually for as long as the stay is planned — and not shorter. The premium is set by the entry age at the start of the contract: from €68/month in the 41–60 age band, from €246/month in the 61–74 band (example values, Basic) — around €10,680 difference over 60 months. Care Expatriate can be taken out up to the age of 74." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Monthly or a single payment — what is the difference?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Both are possible and the price is the same — there is no discount for paying in one go. The difference lies in the risk: if a direct debit goes unpaid it can affect the insurance cover, and the residence permit rests on that cover. With a single payment the cover no longer depends on an ongoing bank debit." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What happens to the premium already paid if I return early?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "If the stay ends earlier than planned, the contract can be cancelled in writing. The overpaid premium is usually refunded minus a €5 processing fee (source: Care Concept FAQ). The financial risk of paying in advance is therefore typically €5, not the remaining balance." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What applies if the visa is not granted?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "If the entry visa is not granted, or entry does not take place for other reasons, the application can be cancelled in writing before the insurance cover starts. Premiums already paid are usually refunded minus a €5 processing fee (source: Care Concept FAQ)." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How much is health insurance for foreign retirees in Germany?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Long-stay private cover for foreign retirees moving to Germany starts at €68/month for entry age 41–60 (Care Expatriate Basic tier) and €246/month for entry age 61–74. Comfort and Premium tiers cost more — see the Care Expatriate price table below for every age band and tier. For shorter visits up to 2 years, Care Economy starts at €30 / 30 days for the up to age 64 age band, with higher daily rates for the age 65 and over band. All figures are HanseMerkur AVB; final premium depends on chosen tier, deductible and duration." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can foreign retirees join German statutory health insurance (GKV)?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The KVdR pensioner route (§ 5 SGB V) requires the so-called 9/10 rule: 90% of the second half of working life spent in German GKV. Usually not. Almost no foreign retiree meets this. The only common GKV route is EU Form S1 (EU Regulation 883/2004) for pensioners of an EU/EEA/Swiss statutory fund — the home country keeps paying and a German sickness fund (Techniker Krankenkasse, AOK, Barmer or DAK-Gesundheit) handles treatment locally. For every other foreign retiree, the practical route is private long-stay Incoming insurance such as Care Expatriate." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Which insurance does the Ausländerbehörde accept for the senior residence permit?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The Ausländerbehörde verifies a single document under § 5 AufenthG: the Krankenversicherungsnachweis. For most foreign retirees that means a private long-stay certificate comparable to SGB V cover. Care Expatriate (HanseMerkur Versicherungsgruppe / Care Concept) is regularly accepted for parent reunification (Elternnachzug, § 36 AufenthG) and senior residence permits because it covers up to 60 months, has worldwide cover including the home country and meets the German hospitalisation wording the caseworker looks for. Travel insurance from the home country is generally not accepted for the residence permit decision." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How does parent reunification (Elternnachzug, § 36 AufenthG) work and what insurance is required?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Statutory family insurance (§ 10 SGB V) does NOT cover parents of adult children. Parent reunification splits into two routes: § 36(3) AufenthG for parents and parents-in-law of EU Blue Card holders and certain skilled workers, and § 36(2) AufenthG for the strict 'exceptional hardship' route otherwise. In every case the German mission verifies health-insurance proof before issuing the visa. The typical two-phase tariff route is Care Economy from €30 / 30 days as a visitor/short-stay bridge, then switching to Care Expatriate from €68/month (ages 41–60) or €246/month (ages 61–74) for the long-term residence permit." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What does Care Expatriate cost for retirees aged 65 or 70?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "At entry age 61–74, Care Expatriate Basic starts from €246/month, with Comfort and Premium tiers above that — see the price table below for every tier and deductible option. Younger entry ages save significantly: from €68/month at ages 41–60 on the Basic tier. All tiers cover up to 60 months (5 years), and the premium is calculated on the age at contract start — so applying before a higher age band begins can lower the monthly cost for the entire contract period." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What if my parent has diabetes, high blood pressure or another pre-existing condition?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Retirees aged 61–74 pay from €126/month via Care Expatriate under § 36 AufenthG. Coverage of pre-existing conditions depends on the tariff terms and the individual file. Care Expatriate (like all Incoming tariffs) is designed for acute care and emergencies during the German stay, and chronic pre-existing conditions can be excluded or limited per the HanseMerkur AVB. We do not give medical advice and we cannot promise acceptance for any specific condition. For parents with chronic illness, check the tariff conditions early — well before the embassy appointment — so there is time for alternative tariff choices or a German long-term private policy with health questions." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is travel insurance enough for retirees moving to Germany?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Retirees aged 61–74 pay from €126/month via Care Expatriate under § 36 AufenthG. No. Travel insurance, visitor insurance and EHIC are designed for short tourist stays. For a long-term national D-visa or a senior residence permit under § 36 AufenthG, German missions and the Ausländerbehörde typically require ongoing private health insurance comparable to SGB V — in practice Care Expatriate for the long stay, with Care Economy only as a short visitor bridge. A short-trip travel policy is normally not accepted for the residence-permit decision." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What happens after the 5-year maximum of Care Expatriate?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Care Expatriate runs for up to 60 months per contract. After that, foreign retirees typically switch to a German private long-term tariff (medically underwritten, age-based) or — if the spouse is GKV-insured — join Familienversicherung (§ 10 SGB V), subject to the statutory income ceiling for non-working family members. KVdR via the 9/10 rule remains closed for most foreign retirees. Planning the transition before month 60 is the practical recommendation." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How much does a hospital day cost in Germany without insurance?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Statistisches Bundesamt 2024 data puts the average German hospital day in the high three-figure range, and intensive-care or surgical stays scale much higher. A two-week stay typically lands in the five-figure range — payable in cash on discharge if no recognised insurance certificate is on file. The contrast with €68/month (Care Expatriate, ages 41–60) or €246/month (ages 61–74) is the entire reason the Ausländerbehörde insists on the insurance certificate at § 5 AufenthG." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does the insurance certificate need to be in German or English?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Retirees aged 61–74 pay from €126/month via Care Expatriate under § 36 AufenthG. German missions usually accept insurance certificates in German or English. Certificates from German insurers such as HanseMerkur (Care Expatriate, Care Economy) are typically issued bilingually. The exact language and document checklist depends on the responsible German embassy or consulate, so check before the appointment." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What health insurance do retirees from India, Turkey, Russia or China need in Germany?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Retirees aged 61–74 pay from €126/month via Care Expatriate under § 36 AufenthG. The German insurance requirement does not depend on nationality. It depends on the residence route, age, medical history and length of stay. For retirees from India, Pakistan, China, Turkey, Iran, Egypt, Bangladesh, Morocco, Tunisia, Ukraine, Russia, Nepal, Nigeria, Cameroon and most other non-EU countries, the practical long-stay route is private Incoming insurance such as Care Expatriate. A short family visit may instead be covered by visitor / Schengen insurance." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the total cost of a 5-year Care Expatriate contract for retired parents?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "For entry age 41–60, Care Expatriate Basic costs €68/month over up to 60 months — a predictable monthly cost for the full contract. For entry age 61–74, Basic starts from €246/month, with Comfort and Premium tiers above that — see the price table below for every tier. The premium is fixed at the entry-age band when the contract starts, so the 5-year total is predictable from day one and depends only on chosen tier and deductible." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does Germany have a retirement visa for foreign pensioners?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "No — Germany has no dedicated retirement-visa category comparable to Portugal's D7 or Spain's non-lucrative visa. Foreign retirees instead enter via § 7 AufenthG (residence permit for another purpose) or, most commonly, § 36 AufenthG (parent reunification with adult children living in Germany). Both routes require recognised health-insurance proof under § 5 AufenthG — in practice Care Expatriate from €68/month (ages 41–60) or €246/month (ages 61–74) for the long stay." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can Americans retire in Germany and what health insurance do they need?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, US citizens can retire in Germany via § 7 AufenthG or § 36 AufenthG (parent reunification with adult children in Germany), but there is no special US-retiree visa. Statutory GKV is normally closed because the KVdR 9/10 rule blocks newcomers, and the US is not in the EU Form S1 system. The practical route is private long-stay Incoming insurance such as Care Expatriate, recognised by the Ausländerbehörde as proof of cover under § 5 AufenthG." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How does retiring in Germany from the UK work after Brexit?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Since Brexit, UK pensioners are no longer EU citizens for free-movement purposes and need a national D-visa for stays beyond 90 days. The UK–EU Withdrawal Agreement preserves Form S1 rights only for pensioners with cross-border history before 31 December 2020 and their family members. New UK retirees moving to Germany now typically need private long-stay Incoming insurance such as Care Expatriate (from €68/month at ages 41–60, from €246/month at ages 61–74) for the residence-permit decision. Individual S1 eligibility should be confirmed with the NHS Overseas Healthcare Services." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How much does private health insurance in Germany cost for a 70-year-old retiree?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Substitutive German PKV with health questions exists in theory but is generally not available to retiree newcomers at age 70 due to age-based underwriting. At age 70 the applicant falls in the Care Expatriate 61–74 entry-age band: Basic tier from €246/month with the €150 deductible — the premium is locked at that band for the full contract length (up to 60 months). Comfort and Premium tiers cost more; see the Care Expatriate price table below for the exact figures by tier and deductible." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the retirement age in Germany — and does it affect my insurance route?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The German statutory retirement age (Regelaltersgrenze) is gradually rising to 67 for birth cohorts from 1964 onwards. The retirement age itself does not change the insurance route for foreign retirees moving to Germany: statutory pensioner cover (KVdR under § 5 SGB V) is decided by the 9/10 rule, not by age, so it normally stays closed regardless of whether the applicant is 62, 67 or 74. Care Expatriate accepts entry up to age 74 across all bands, so the practical insurance route is the same whether the applicant retires early or after the German Regelaltersgrenze." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How much money do I need to retire in Germany as a foreign pensioner?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Beyond rent and living costs, foreign retirees should budget for recognised long-stay health insurance because it is verified by the Ausländerbehörde under § 5 AufenthG. Realistic budget anchors: Care Expatriate Basic from €68/month at ages 41–60 and from €246/month at ages 61–74 — the premium is locked at the entry-age band for up to 60 months, so the monthly health-cover cost is predictable from day one. Pension income proof, accommodation evidence and the insurance certificate are typically the three pillars the German mission checks for the senior residence permit; exact thresholds are decided by the responsible mission and Ausländerbehörde." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How does retiring in Germany from Canada or Australia work?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Canada and Australia are not in the EU Form S1 system, so statutory GKV cover via Form S1 is not available. Like US and post-Brexit UK retirees, Canadian and Australian pensioners enter Germany via § 7 AufenthG (residence permit for another purpose) or § 36 AufenthG (parent reunification with adult children) and use private long-stay Incoming insurance — typically Care Expatriate from €68/month (ages 41–60) or €246/month (ages 61–74) — as the Krankenversicherungsnachweis under § 5 AufenthG. Individual eligibility and pension-income thresholds rest with the responsible German mission." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is healthcare free in Germany for foreign retirees?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Retirees aged 61–74 pay from €126/month via Care Expatriate under § 36 AufenthG. No. The German healthcare system is mandatory and contribution-based, not tax-funded at the point of use. Every resident pays into either statutory health insurance (GKV) via a Krankenkasse such as Techniker Krankenkasse, AOK, Barmer or DAK-Gesundheit, or into substitutive private health insurance (PKV). Foreign retirees who do not qualify for KVdR (the 9/10 rule under § 5 SGB V) and have no EU Form S1 therefore pay private long-stay Incoming insurance — Care Expatriate from €68/month at ages 41–60 or €246/month at ages 61–74 — for the residence-permit decision." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is private health insurance worth it for retirees in Germany?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Care Expatriate covers up to 60 months from €68/month (ages 41–60) or €246/month (ages 61–74) per the HanseMerkur AVB, with the entry-age band locked for the full contract length. For foreign retirees moving to Germany who do not meet the KVdR 9/10 rule and have no EU Form S1, private long-stay Incoming insurance is normally the only route accepted by the Ausländerbehörde under § 5 AufenthG — so the question is less 'worth it' and more 'which compliant tariff'. Substitutive German PKV (Debeka, Signal Iduna, Allianz Krankenversicherung etc. ) is medically underwritten and rarely available to retiree newcomers above age 65." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Quick reference — what is the standard health insurance for foreign pensioners in Germany?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Most foreign retirees moving to Germany are blocked from KVdR by the 9/10 rule, so private cover for pensioners — typically Care Expatriate — is the standard route. Premiums start at €68/month for the 41–60 entry-age band (Basic) and €246/month for the 61–74 band. The Ausländerbehörde accepts the same international health insurance package as the Krankenversicherungsnachweis for the senior residence permit. For non-EU pensioners asking what the cost of health insurance in Germany for retirees looks like, this is normally the answer." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Which insurance does parent reunification (Elternnachzug) under § 36 AufenthG require?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Parent reunification under § 36 AufenthG follows the same logic as any other senior visa file in Germany. Care Expatriate is the long-stay tariff; Care Economy (from €30 per 30 days in the up to age 64 band) bridges the embassy-to-Anmeldung gap and any short follow-up visits. The Ausländerbehörde issues the residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) — usually under § 36 AufenthG for parents of adult children, or § 7 AufenthG — once the insurance certificate for retirees is on file. Free family GKV cover under § 10 SGB V (Familienversicherung) explicitly does not extend to the parents of adult children, so private Incoming insurance is the only practical route." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the GKV options for retirees — the KVdR 9/10 rule, EU Form S1 and the statutory funds?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Foreign retirees almost never satisfy the KVdR 9/10 rule, which means access to statutory health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) is normally closed for non-EU pensioners. The one common GKV path is Form S1 for EU pensioners: holders of an EU, EEA or Swiss state pension register with a German Krankenkasse — typically Techniker Krankenkasse, AOK, Barmer or DAK-Gesundheit — while the home country pays the invoice. Joining a Krankenkasse as a foreign retiree without an S1 is therefore the exception rather than the rule, and private long-stay Incoming cover takes over." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How does retiring in Germany work from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia or India?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "From the UK after Brexit, there is no EU free movement, and Form S1 only applies to pre-2020 cross-border histories — otherwise it is private Care Expatriate. Anyone retiring to Germany from a non-EU country defaults to private long-stay Incoming insurance. The same private route applies for retirees from India, Canada, Australia and other non-EU origins, since Form S1 does not reach them. US citizens and Americans can retire in Germany under § 7 or § 36 AufenthG, again with Care Expatriate as the insurance proof for retirees. Every residence-permit decision for foreign pensioners ultimately hinges on the same § 5 AufenthG cover requirement." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How do Deutsche Rentenversicherung (DRV), the German state pension and the retirement age interact?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Retirees aged 61–74 pay from €126/month via Care Expatriate under § 36 AufenthG. Deutsche Rentenversicherung Bund handles pension entitlements for foreign pensioners separately from the sickness funds. Foreign retirees without a DRV contribution history cannot enter KVdR through this route, so the typical German-pension foreign retiree stays on private Incoming insurance. The online DRV portal at deutsche-rentenversicherung.de holds the personal pension account once a German pension number exists, but it does not influence the healthcare decision for senior expats. The German retirement age — the gradually rising Regelaltersgrenze, currently moving towards 67 — does not change the insurance route either: KVdR is decided by the 9/10 rule, not by age. In short, the broader German retirement system is separate from the cover decision." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the real cost of retiring in Germany — how much money do I need, and what does cover cost?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "For shorter visits, Care Economy starts at €30 per 30 days in the up to age 64 age band. Total living costs vary by city, but the recognised health-insurance line is predictable. Whether you search for how much money to retire in Germany, German medical insurance cost or simply health insurance cost for retirees in Germany, the answer points to the same Care Expatriate brackets: €68/month at entry age 41–60 (Basic) and €246/month at entry age 61–74, locked in for up to 60 months." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Schengen visa vs national D-visa — and how does the EHIC fit in for retirees?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Short family visits up to 90 days run on Care Economy as senior-visitor cover; long stays use Care Expatriate. The choice between a Schengen C-visa and a national D-visa really follows the length of stay. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) works for short trips by EU, EEA or Swiss residents, but it is not accepted as the insurance proof for the senior residence permit — for long stays, either Form S1 (EU pensioners) or private Care Expatriate is the answer. Parent and spouse family-reunion files for retirees follow the same logic, and every pensioner residence-permit decision is made under § 5 AufenthG." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is healthcare in Germany free — and is private health insurance worth it for foreign retirees?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Retirees aged 61–74 pay from €126/month via Care Expatriate under § 36 AufenthG. No, healthcare in Germany is not free. The German healthcare system is contribution-funded: residents have statutory cover through a Krankenkasse, and high earners or the self-employed can take substitutive private cover (PKV). For expats and foreigners moving to Germany, the route therefore splits three ways — GKV when accessible, substitutive PKV (rare for retiree newcomers) and private Incoming insurance such as Care Expatriate. For foreign pensioners, the 'is it worth it' question is largely moot in practice, because Incoming insurance is the only product the Ausländerbehörde accepts once KVdR is closed." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Note on German terminology: 'pension english' vs Rente", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Retirees aged 61–74 pay from €126/month via Care Expatriate under § 36 AufenthG. On retiree forums, 'pension english' searches usually mean the English translation of 'Rente' — the German monthly state-pension payment administered by Deutsche Rentenversicherung Bund. The pension itself is paid in euros regardless of the recipient's residence country, but it does not include health insurance — that has to be arranged separately via KVdR (if 9/10 met), Form S1 (EU pensioners) or, for everyone else, private Care Expatriate." } } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "QAPage", "inLanguage": "en", "mainEntity": { "@type": "Question", "name": "How much is health insurance for foreign retirees moving to Germany, and which tariff does the Ausländerbehörde accept?", "text": "How much is health insurance for foreign retirees moving to Germany, and which tariff does the Ausländerbehörde accept?", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Steffan Grund", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/impressum/" }, "datePublished": "2026-09-09", "upvoteCount": 0, "answerCount": 1, "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Long-stay private health insurance for foreign retirees moving to Germany starts at €68/month for entry age 41–60 (Care Expatriate Basic) and €246/month for entry age 61–74. Care Expatriate (HanseMerkur Versicherungsgruppe / Care Concept) is regularly accepted by the Ausländerbehörde under § 5 AufenthG for the senior residence permit and parent reunification (Elternnachzug, § 36 AufenthG). Statutory pensioner cover (KVdR) is normally closed because of the 9/10 rule; EU pensioners can use Form S1 (EU Regulation 883/2004). Final acceptance always rests with the responsible authority.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/health-insurance-foreign-retirees-germany/", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Steffan Grund", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/impressum/" }, "datePublished": "2026-09-09", "upvoteCount": 0 } } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "HowTo", "name": "Get the senior health-insurance certificate for the German Ausländerbehörde in 3 steps", "description": "Three-step process foreign retirees and parent-reunification applicants use to obtain a Krankenversicherungsnachweis accepted under § 5 AufenthG — about 10 minutes online, bilingual PDF by email, recognised by German embassies and the Ausländerbehörde.", "inLanguage": "en", "step": [ { "@type": "HowToStep", "position": 1, "name": "Pick the right retiree tariff by age and stay length", "text": "Choose Care Expatriate for long stays (1–60 months, ages 0–74) from €68/month (ages 41–60) or €246/month (ages 61–74), or Care Economy for short family visits up to 2 years. The entry-age band locks the premium for the full contract length." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "position": 2, "name": "Apply online and receive the bilingual certificate by email", "text": "Complete the short HanseMerkur / Care Concept application in about 10 minutes. The Krankenversicherungsnachweis is issued bilingually (German + English) by email, suitable for the embassy appointment and the Ausländerbehörde file under § 5 AufenthG." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "position": 3, "name": "Present the certificate at the embassy and Ausländerbehörde", "text": "Upload or attach the certificate to the visa file (national D-visa for stays over 90 days) and bring the printed bilingual PDF to the Ausländerbehörde appointment for the senior residence permit or parent-reunification visa under § 36 AufenthG." } ], "totalTime": "PT10M", "speakable": { "@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": [ "[data-howto='step']", "[data-aeo='answer']", "h1" ] } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Dataset", "name": "Care Expatriate — monthly premium matrix for foreign retirees in Germany (entry-age × tier × deductible)", "description": "HanseMerkur / Care Concept Care Expatriate premium matrix relevant to foreign retirees moving to Germany: entry-age bands 41–60 and 61–74, Basic / Comfort / Premium tiers, deductible options. Premiums are locked at the entry-age band for up to 60 months.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/health-insurance-foreign-retirees-germany/#prices", "inLanguage": "de", "isAccessibleForFree": true, "creator": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Krankenversicherung für Ausländer", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de" }, "license": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/", "measurementTechnique": "official insurer tariff registry (HanseMerkur AVB)", "variableMeasured": [ "Entry-age band", "Tariff tier (Basic / Comfort / Premium)", "Deductible", "Monthly premium in EUR", "Contract length up to 60 months" ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Dataset", "name": "Care Economy — daily / monthly rates for senior visitors to Germany (age band × duration)", "description": "HanseMerkur / Care Concept Care Economy short-stay rates for visitors and parent-visit cases up to 2 years: age bands 0–64 and 65–74, daily and monthly rates, Schengen-compliant cover.", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/health-insurance-foreign-retirees-germany/#prices", "inLanguage": "de", "isAccessibleForFree": true, "creator": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Krankenversicherung für Ausländer", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de" }, "license": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/", "measurementTechnique": "official insurer tariff registry (HanseMerkur AVB)", "variableMeasured": [ "Age band (0–64 / 65–74)", "Duration block", "Daily rate in EUR", "Monthly rate in EUR" ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "DefinedTermSet", "name": "Foreign retirees health insurance Germany — glossary", "inLanguage": "en", "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Krankenversicherung für Ausländer", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de" }, "hasDefinedTerm": [ { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "name": "Krankenversicherungsnachweis", "description": "Proof of health insurance, in German, that the Ausländerbehörde requires for every senior residence-permit or parent-reunification decision under § 5 AufenthG.", "inDefinedTermSet": "Foreign retirees health insurance Germany — glossary" }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "name": "Aufenthaltstitel for seniors", "description": "German residence title issued by the Ausländerbehörde under the Aufenthaltsgesetz — for foreign retirees most often via § 36 AufenthG (family reunification with adult children) or § 7 AufenthG (other purposes).", "inDefinedTermSet": "Foreign retirees health insurance Germany — glossary" }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "name": "Elternnachzug (parent reunification, § 36 AufenthG)", "description": "Visa and residence route that lets parents (and in skilled-worker cases parents-in-law) of adult children living in Germany join them on a national D-visa. § 36(3) covers Blue Card and skilled-worker families; § 36(2) is the strict 'exceptional hardship' route.", "inDefinedTermSet": "Foreign retirees health insurance Germany — glossary" }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "name": "KVdR (Krankenversicherung der Rentner, § 5 SGB V)", "description": "Statutory pensioner health insurance route. To enter KVdR, the applicant must have been in German statutory sickness funds (GKV) for at least 90% of the second half of working life — the 9/10 rule. Almost no foreign retiree meets it.", "inDefinedTermSet": "Foreign retirees health insurance Germany — glossary" }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "name": "Form S1 (EU Regulation 883/2004)", "description": "Portable EU document issued by the home statutory fund of an EU/EEA/Swiss pensioner. With S1 the pensioner is enrolled with a German Krankenkasse (TK, AOK, Barmer, DAK-Gesundheit) but the cost is invoiced to the home country. The only common GKV route for non-employed retirees moving to Germany.", "inDefinedTermSet": "Foreign retirees health insurance Germany — glossary" }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "name": "Familienversicherung (§ 10 SGB V)", "description": "Free statutory family insurance for spouses, registered partners and children of a GKV member, subject to the statutory income ceiling for non-working family members. Parents of adult children are NOT covered by Familienversicherung.", "inDefinedTermSet": "Foreign retirees health insurance Germany — glossary" }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "name": "Incoming insurance", "description": "Private health insurance product designed for non-residents staying temporarily in Germany (up to 5 years). Care Expatriate is the standard Incoming tariff for foreign retirees because GKV is closed by the 9/10 rule. Not the same as substitutive German PKV.", "inDefinedTermSet": "Foreign retirees health insurance Germany — glossary" }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "name": "Krankenkasse (statutory sickness fund)", "description": "German statutory health-insurance fund operating under SGB V. The largest funds serving international applicants in English are Techniker Krankenkasse (TK), AOK, Barmer and DAK-Gesundheit. For most foreign retirees these funds remain closed unless an EU Form S1 applies.", "inDefinedTermSet": "Foreign retirees health insurance Germany — glossary" }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "name": "Entry-age band (Eintrittsalter)", "description": "The age band at the start of the Care Expatriate contract. The premium is locked at that band for the full contract length (up to 60 months). Signing at 60 vs. 61 is the single biggest cost-saver: from €68/month (41–60 band, Basic) vs. from €246/month (61–74 band, Basic).", "inDefinedTermSet": "Foreign retirees health insurance Germany — glossary" }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "name": "Deutsche Rentenversicherung (DRV)", "description": "German statutory pension administrator (Deutsche Rentenversicherung Bund and regional bodies). DRV pays the state pension and issues pension-related documents — separate from the German sickness fund (Krankenkasse) that handles health insurance. Foreign retirees with no DRV contribution history normally cannot enter KVdR statutory pensioner cover via this route.", "inDefinedTermSet": "Foreign retirees health insurance Germany — glossary" }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "name": "Schengen C-visa vs. national D-visa", "description": "A Schengen C-visa covers short stays up to 90 days within any 180-day window across the Schengen area (visitor or short family visit). A national D-visa is the long-stay visa issued by the German embassy for stays beyond 90 days — the route used for senior residence permits and parent reunification under § 36 AufenthG. The insurance certificate required differs: visitor cover (Care Economy) for C-visa, long-stay Incoming cover (Care Expatriate) for D-visa.", "inDefinedTermSet": "Foreign retirees health insurance Germany — glossary" }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "name": "Krankenkasse vs. PKV", "description": "Krankenkasse refers to a German statutory sickness fund operating under SGB V (TK, AOK, Barmer, DAK-Gesundheit and others). PKV (Private Krankenversicherung) refers to substitutive German private health insurance — medically underwritten, age-priced, designed as a lifetime contract for high earners or self-employed residents. Care Expatriate is neither: it is a private Incoming insurance for non-residents staying temporarily in Germany.", "inDefinedTermSet": "Foreign retirees health insurance Germany — glossary" }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "name": "EHIC (European Health Insurance Card)", "description": "Free card for residents of EU/EEA/Switzerland insured under their home statutory fund. EHIC covers medically necessary treatment during a temporary stay in another member state — it does NOT cover a permanent move and is normally not accepted by the Ausländerbehörde as proof of cover for a senior residence permit. EU pensioners moving long-term should request Form S1 instead.", "inDefinedTermSet": "Foreign retirees health insurance Germany — glossary" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "HowTo", "name": "Family visit or longer stay in 3 steps", "description": "Options for short visits or longer family stays up to entry age 74.", "inLanguage": "en", "step": [ { "@type": "HowToStep", "position": 1, "name": "Choose your plan", "text": "Care Economy for visits up to 2 years · Care Expatriate for longer stays or family-reunification scenarios up to 5 years." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "position": 2, "name": "Complete the application", "text": "Enter passport, travel/stay and visa or residence details online. Additional information may be required depending on the plan." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "position": 3, "name": "Receive your proof", "text": "Receive insurance proof after successful application and submit it with your visa or residence documents." } ], "totalTime": "PT10M", "speakable": { "@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": [ "[data-howto='step']", "[data-aeo='answer']", "h1" ] } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "ItemList", "@id": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/health-insurance-foreign-retirees-germany/#scenarios", "name": "Which insurance tariff for which foreign-retiree situation in Germany", "itemListOrder": "https://schema.org/ItemListOrderAscending", "numberOfItems": 6, "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Parent of an EU Blue Card or skilled-worker child (§ 36(3) AufenthG)", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/overview/", "item": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Care Expatriate (long-stay)", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/overview/" } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Parent reunification — exceptional hardship (§ 36(2) AufenthG)", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/overview/", "item": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Care Expatriate (long-stay)", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/overview/" } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Short family visit (Schengen C-visa, ≤ 90 days)", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/insurance-plans/care-economy/overview/", "item": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Care Economy (30 days – 2 years)", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/insurance-plans/care-economy/overview/" } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "EU pensioner with home-country statutory cover", "url": "https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32004R0883", "item": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Form S1 via TK, AOK, Barmer or DAK-Gesundheit", "url": "https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32004R0883" } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 5, "name": "Non-EU retiree moving to Germany permanently", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/overview/", "item": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Care Expatriate (then long-term private)", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/overview/" } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 6, "name": "Senior with significant pre-existing conditions", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/health-insurance-foreign-retirees-germany/#gkv-reality", "item": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "German long-term private with health questions (case-by-case)", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/health-insurance-foreign-retirees-germany/#gkv-reality" } } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/assets/foreign-retirees-health-insurance-germany-hero-tUwdMRXZ.webp#hero", "contentUrl": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/assets/foreign-retirees-health-insurance-germany-hero-tUwdMRXZ.webp", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/assets/foreign-retirees-health-insurance-germany-hero-tUwdMRXZ.webp", "width": 1280, "height": 768, "caption": "Senior international couple outside the Ausländerbehörde holding a passport and a German health-insurance certificate for parent reunification", "creditText": "Care Concept AG", "license": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/impressum/", "acquireLicensePage": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/impressum/", "creator": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Care Concept AG" }, "copyrightNotice": "© Care Concept AG" }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/health-insurance-foreign-retirees-germany/#webpage", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/en/health-insurance-foreign-retirees-germany/", "name": "Health insurance for foreign retirees in Germany — Ausländerbehörde-recognised cover by age band", "inLanguage": "en", "primaryImageOfPage": { "@id": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de/assets/foreign-retirees-health-insurance-germany-hero-tUwdMRXZ.webp#hero" }, "speakable": { "@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": [ "h1", "#scenarios [data-aeo=\"answer-lead\"]", "[data-aeo=\"answer-lead\"]" ] }, "isPartOf": { "@type": "WebSite", "url": "https://www.krankenversicherung-auslaender.de", "name": "Krankenversicherung für Ausländer" } } ] --- EN [+49 228 97735-44](tel:+4922897735-44)· German & English spoken [Health Insurance for Foreigners in Germany ](/en/) - Foreigners in Germany - Visa & Schengen - Studies & Language School - Expats - Employees - Retirees - Blocked Account - Guides [All tariffs](/en/product-overview-germany/)[Find a tariff](/en/tariffinder-germany/) [Find a tariff](/en/tariffinder-germany/) Language 🇩🇪 Deutsch 🇺🇸 English 🇸🇦 العربية Main areas 🌍 Foreigners in Germany [Overview →](/en/health-insurance-foreigners-germany/) Audiences & situations [Overview — all foreigners in GermanyThe umbrella hub: every visa, every audience, recognised cover under § 5 AufenthG — start here. ](/en/health-insurance-foreigners-germany/)[Visa & SchengenFast insurance proof for embassy/foreigners' authority — short stays, Schengen visa, family visit. ](/en/health-insurance-visa-foreigners-germany/)[Studies & Language SchoolAffordable long-term health insurance for international students, Studienkolleg, German courses, exchange students and PhD candidates. ](/en/health-insurance-foreign-students-germany/)[Expats (long-term)Affordable long-term health insurance for expats, international skilled workers, freelancers and their families. ](/en/expat-health-insurance-germany/)[Employees (job start)Foreign employees, skilled workers with work visa, seasonal workers and people in the recognition procedure. ](/en/health-insurance-foreign-employees-germany/)[Retirees / parent reunificationAffordable long-term health insurance for foreign retirees, seniors and their partners, family visits. ](/en/health-insurance-foreign-retirees-germany/) More topics [Blocked account & visaAccepted for visa, Opportunity Card and university enrolment. ](/en/blocked-account-visa-germany/)[AustriaAffordable long-term health insurance for Austria. ](/en/health-insurance-foreigners-austria/)[Au-pair health insuranceAffordable health insurance for au-pairs in Germany, Austria & Switzerland — from €21/month. ](/en/au-pair-health-insurance-germany/)[Guides & FAQThe most common mistakes — and how to avoid them in 2 minutes. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/)[Costs & benefitsWhat does it really cost? Compare tariffs, prices and benefits. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/costs-benefits-germany/) Get started [Find a tariff Find the right insurance. ](/en/tariffinder-germany/)[All tariffs Overview of all tariffs. ](/en/product-overview-germany/) ✈️ Visa & Schengen [Overview →](/en/health-insurance-visa-foreigners-germany/) Audiences & situations [Overview — visa & SchengenThe visa umbrella hub: Schengen, national D-visa, short stay and family reunification at a glance. ](/en/health-insurance-visa-foreigners-germany/)[Schengen visa (up to 90 days)Fast health insurance proof for the Schengen visa — meet embassy requirements and avoid common mistakes. ](/en/health-insurance-visa-foreigners-germany/schengen-visa-health-insurance-germany/)[Short stay without visaAffordable health insurance for tourist and visa-free stays — easy, flexible and quick to apply online. ](/en/health-insurance-visa-foreigners-germany/short-stay-health-insurance-germany/)[Visitors & parent visits (3 months to 5 years)Cover for visitors and parents — for stays from 3 months to 5 years, affordable and online. ](/en/health-insurance-visa-foreigners-germany/foreign-visitors-visa-health-insurance-germany/)[Family reunificationFamily reunification: the right insurance proof for partner & children — so the application doesn't fail on missing documents. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/faq-germany/family-reunification-which-health-insurance-is-commonly-required-germany/) Info & requirements [Insurance proof for the visaWhich insurance proofs embassies and immigration offices actually require. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/visa-residence-germany/insurance-proof-visa-germany/)[Schengen insurance requirementsMinimum coverage, repatriation and validity area — so your proof doesn't fail on formalities. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/visa-residence-germany/requirements-schengen-health-insurance-germany/)[Documents & checklistWhich documents to prepare before the visa application — to avoid delays. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/visa-residence-germany/documents-checklist-german-visa-health-insurance-germany/)[Avoid rejectionThe most common mistakes with visa, proof and insurance — and what embassies pay particular attention to. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/visa-residence-germany/avoid-rejection-of-insurance-proof-for-german-visa-germany/) Get started [Find a tariff Find the right insurance. ](/en/tariffinder-germany/)[All tariffs Overview of all tariffs. ](/en/product-overview-germany/) 🎓 Studies & Language School [Overview →](/en/health-insurance-foreign-students-germany/) Audiences & situations [Overview — students & language schoolThe student umbrella hub: GKV, private student insurance, language course, Studienkolleg, exchange and PhD at a glance. ](/en/health-insurance-foreign-students-germany/)[International studentsAffordable health insurance for international students — with quick proof for enrolment, visa and study start. ](/en/health-insurance-foreign-students-germany/)[Language school & German courseThe right insurance proof for language school & German course — so visa, embassy appointment and course start don't fail. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/health-insurance-language-course-before-study-differences-typical-mistakes-germany/)[StudienkollegAffordable health insurance for Studienkolleg — with quick proof for embassy, immigration office and course start, plus online application. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/preparatory-college-health-insurance-proof-registration-residence-germany/)[Exchange students & PhD candidatesSuitable health insurance for foreign exchange students & PhD candidates — for studies, exchange programmes, research and PhDs, with online application incl. insurance proof. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/exchange-students-phd-students-health-insurance-germany/) Info & decisions [Statutory or private student insurance?Statutory health insurance or private student insurance? Find out what really fits your status and study path. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/statutory-or-private-student-health-insurance-germany/)[Student visa & proofWhich insurance proofs really count for visa, university enrolment and authorities. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/health-insurance-proof-enrollment-university-germany/)[GKV exemptionExemption from statutory insurance: what to know before deciding — so it doesn't become a problem later. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/exemption-from-statutory-health-insurance-students-key-points-germany/)[Blocked account & study startHow blocked account, university enrolment and health insurance interact — so your study start isn't delayed. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/blocked-account-study-start-health-insurance-enrollment-germany/) Get started [Find a tariff Find the right insurance. ](/en/tariffinder-germany/)[All tariffs Overview of all tariffs. ](/en/product-overview-germany/) 🏠 Expats [Overview →](/en/expat-health-insurance-germany/) Audiences & situations [Overview — expats long-termAffordable & long-term: 6–60 months, family, freelancers, GKV vs private. ](/en/expat-health-insurance-germany/)[Long-term expats in Germany (6–60 months)Affordable long-term cover in Germany — with accepted proof. ](/en/expat-health-insurance-germany/long-term-health-insurance-foreigners-germany/)[Long-term expats in Austria (6–60 months)Affordable long-term cover in Austria — accepted by MA 35. ](/en/health-insurance-foreigners-austria/)[Expats with family (partner & children)Affordable long-term cover for partner & children — no surprises. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/expat-with-family-joint-planning-partner-children-typical-questions-and-mistakes-germany/)[Freelancers & self-employed without an employerNo employer? Affordable long-term option — GKV or private, clarified fast. ](/en/expat-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-foreign-self-employed-germany/)[Transition without a job (job search / change / termination)Job change or termination: affordable bridge — long-term cover continues. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/expat-without-employer-during-job-search-how-to-stay-insured-germany/) Info & decisions [Which health insurance fits expats?Which health insurance fits as a long-term expat? Avoid mistakes — so registration works and you can see a doctor when needed. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/)[GKV obligation or private solution? (quick check)Clear in 2 minutes: statutory obligation or private — so you don't commit to the wrong path. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/private-vs-statutory-health-insurance-expats-which-factors-typically-matter-germany/)[Proofs for authorities (residence permit, registration, etc.)Get authority proofs right: avoid common mistakes, save time. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/checklist-documents-immigration-office-expat-insurance-proof-deadlines-germany/)[Family & pregnancy: what to watch forAlready pregnant or planning? Common pitfalls in tariffs (waiting periods/benefits) — so there are no nasty surprises. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/pregnancy-health-insurance-expats-proofs-costs-doctor-germany/) Get started [Find a tariff Find the right insurance. ](/en/tariffinder-germany/)[All tariffs Overview of all tariffs. ](/en/product-overview-germany/) Other groups 💼 Employees [Overview →](/en/health-insurance-foreign-employees-germany/) Audiences & situations [Overview — employees & job startThe employee umbrella hub: job start, Blue Card, job change, GKV obligation and employer proof. ](/en/health-insurance-foreign-employees-germany/)[Job start in GermanySo your job start works: the right health insurance + proof, fast and easy. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-employees-germany/common-mistakes-when-starting-in-germany-registration-checklist-germany/)[Blue Card & skilled workersBlue Card & skilled workers: get insured properly, avoid mistakes — proof for employer and registration. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-employees-germany/bluecard-skilled-workers-health-insurance-proof-employer-registration-germany/)[Job change / new positionJob change made easy: stay insured, avoid mistakes, done quickly. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-employees-germany/job-change-health-insurance-what-happens-with-insurance-and-prove-germany/)[Part-time, mini-job & probationPart-time/mini-job/probation: find the right health insurance — without a wrong decision. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-employees-germany/mini-job-midi-job-full-time-health-insurance-differences-germany/) Info & decisions [GKV registration step by stepGKV in 3 steps: error-free, step by step — so you finish quickly. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-employees-germany/statutory-insurance-registration-step-by-step-employees-germany/)[What certificate does the employer need?Employer proof: which certificate is really required — explained quickly. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-employees-germany/employer-asks-insurance-proof-what-must-one-submit-germany/)[GKV obligation: who must, who may choose?Who must join statutory insurance — and who may choose? Without mistakes. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-employees-germany/statutory-insurance-requirement-who-must-who-may-foreigners-germany/)[Documents & checklist for the job startJob start checklist: documents, deadlines, next steps — so you don't forget anything. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-employees-germany/common-mistakes-when-starting-in-germany-registration-checklist-germany/) [Find a tariff Find the right insurance. ](/en/tariffinder-germany/)[All tariffs Overview of all tariffs. ](/en/product-overview-germany/) 🧓 Retirees [Overview →](/en/health-insurance-foreign-retirees-germany/) Audiences & situations [Overview — retirees & parentsThe retiree umbrella hub: parent reunification, seniors 60+, short visits and pre-existing conditions at a glance. ](/en/health-insurance-foreign-retirees-germany/)[Parent reunification / bringing parents to Germany permanentlyBringing parents to Germany permanently: find the right health insurance — avoid common mistakes. ](/en/health-insurance-foreign-retirees-germany/parent-reunification-health-insurance-germany/)[Foreign retirees/parents 60+ in Germany (6 months to 5 years)For parents 60+: find the right long-term cover — so doctor, hospital and authority proofs don't become a problem. ](/en/health-insurance-foreign-retirees-germany/long-term-health-insurance-seniors-germany/)[Short stay / visiting children (up to 90 days)For parent visits up to 90 days: affordable health insurance for doctor & emergency — incl. proof, quick to apply online. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-retirees-germany/short-visit-seniors-health-insurance-which-coverage-commonly-required-germany/)[Retirees with pre-existing conditions & medication (special cases)Pre-existing conditions or medication? We show what's possible — clearly explained, no false promises. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-retirees-germany/health-insurance-pre-existing-conditions-what-is-commonly-checked-when-taking-out-germany/) Info & decisions [Which health insurance fits retirees? (quick overview)Find the right solution quickly for age, stay and proof — before you choose wrong. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-retirees-germany/)[Statutory possible for retirees? Or rather private? (quick check)Statutory or private as a retiree? Clear in 2 minutes — so you don't decide wrongly. ](/en/health-insurance-foreign-retirees-germany/statutory-or-private-health-fund-foreign-retirees-germany/)[Proof for foreigners' authority & residence permit (checklist)Foreigners' authority: submit the proof correctly — avoid common mistakes, save time. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-retirees-germany/immigration-office-insurance-proof-which-details-should-appear-germany/)[Costs in old age: contributions, deductibles, typical pitfallsWhat does it really cost in old age? Contributions, deductibles and typical cost traps — briefly explained. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-retirees-germany/costs-in-age-premiums-deductible-cost-traps-germany/)[Acceptance, exclusions & waiting periods (age/pre-existing)Age/pre-existing conditions: what's possible, what's excluded, what waiting periods apply — briefly explained. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-retirees-germany/health-insurance-pre-existing-conditions-what-is-commonly-checked-when-taking-out-germany/) [Find a tariff Find the right insurance. ](/en/tariffinder-germany/)[All tariffs Overview of all tariffs. ](/en/product-overview-germany/) 🏦 Blocked Account [Overview →](/en/blocked-account-visa-germany/) Audiences & situations [Overview — blocked accountThe blocked account umbrella hub: student visa, application, timing and Opportunity Card at a glance. ](/en/blocked-account-visa-germany/)[Blocked account for the student visa (national visa D)Combine blocked account + health insurance correctly — so the visa appointment doesn't fail. ](/en/blocked-account-visa-germany/blocked-account-student-visa-monthly-rate-logic-and-health-insurance-proof-germany/)[Blocked account + visa applicationWhich proofs belong together (blocked account, KV, documents) — avoid common mistakes. ](/en/blocked-account-visa-germany/blocked-account-and-health-insurance-for-visa-application-germany/)[Documents & checklist (blocked account)Which documents you really need — so nothing gets delayed. ](/en/blocked-account-visa-germany/blocked-account-documents-checklist-providers-mistakes-the-delay-germany/)[Timing: when to open, when to take out insurance?Order & timing: blocked account + KV in time before the visa appointment. ](/en/blocked-account-visa-germany/blocked-account-timing-opening-and-health-insurance-taking-out-before-visa-appointment-germany/)[Opportunity Card / stay without studiesWhen the blocked account is used for other purposes: what to watch for. ](/en/blocked-account-visa-germany/opportunity-card-residence-without-study-blocked-account-health-insurance-proofs-germany/) Info & decisions [Blocked account explained in 2 minutesWhat it is, what it's needed for, common misunderstandings. ](/en/blocked-account-visa-germany/)[Health insurance as proof for the visa (checklist)Which information must be on the proof — so the embassy/authority accepts it. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/visa-residence-germany/documents-checklist-german-visa-health-insurance-germany/)[Avoid rejection (queries / proof errors)Top mistakes + quick fix — so you don't have to resubmit. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/visa-residence-germany/avoid-rejection-of-insurance-proof-for-german-visa-germany/)[Which insurance fits at study start?How blocked account, university enrolment & health insurance interact. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/blocked-account-study-start-health-insurance-enrollment-germany/)[Blocked Account productIf you want to open the account directly: overview + application. ](/en/insurance-plans/blocked-account/overview/) [Find a tariff Find the right insurance. ](/en/tariffinder-germany/)[All tariffs Overview of all tariffs. ](/en/product-overview-germany/) 📚 Guides [Overview →](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/) Audiences & situations [Overview — guides & FAQThe guides umbrella hub: all topics, FAQs and checklists on health insurance in Germany. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/)[Visa & residenceAvoid common mistakes before applying. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/visa-residence-germany/)[StudentsWhich insurance fits enrolment and visa. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-students-germany/)[FAQShort answers to the most common questions. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/faq-germany/)[Costs & benefitsWhat to look out for in affordable tariffs. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/costs-benefits-germany/) More topics [ExpatsWhat matters during a longer stay. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-expats-germany/)[EmployeesHow employees avoid expensive wrong decisions. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-employees-germany/)[Language course / German courseWhich insurance is needed for language course and visa. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-language-course-german-course-germany/)[RetireesWhat retirees should watch for when moving to Germany. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-retirees-germany/)[StudienkollegSuitable cover for the time at Studienkolleg. ](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/health-insurance-preparatory-college-germany/) [Find a tariff Find the right insurance. ](/en/tariffinder-germany/)[All tariffs Overview of all tariffs. ](/en/product-overview-germany/) [All tariffs](/en/product-overview-germany/)[Find a tariff](/en/tariffinder-germany/) [Care Expatriate (up to 5 years) from €68/month (41–60) · from €246/month (61–74) ](/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/overview/) 1. [Home](/en/) 2. Foreign retirees in Germany 📑 On this page (12) - [→ What is retiree health insurance?](#what-is) - [→ Pain points foreign retiree families face](#problems) - [→ Reality check: hospital cost without cover](#reality) - [→ Why act before the embassy appointment](#timing) - [→ Get insured in 3 steps](#get-certificate) - [→ Recommended retiree tariffs](#recommended) - [→ Care Expatriate prices by age band](#prices) - [→ Which tariff for which retiree situation?](#scenarios) - [→ Statutory funds and the 9/10 rule](#gkv-reality) - [→ Deep guides for retiree families](#topics) - [→ Glossary](#glossary) - [→ FAQ](#faq) # Health insurance for foreign retirees in Germany — Ausländerbehörde-recognised cover by age band Entry age 41–60: from €68/month Entry age 61–74: from €246/month ![Senior international couple outside the Ausländerbehörde holding a passport and a German health-insurance certificate for parent reunification](/assets/foreign-retirees-health-insurance-germany-hero-tUwdMRXZ.webp) Sources: BAMF · § 5 AufenthG · KVdR 9/10 rule · Familienversicherung · EU Reg. 883/2004 (Form S1) · HanseMerkur AVB · Care Concept AG · Statistisches Bundesamt **No recognised health insurance — no residence permit, no parent reunification visa.** That is the simple rule the Ausländerbehörde and every German embassy apply for foreign retirees moving to Germany under § 5 AufenthG. The caseworker does not ask whether you _have_ insurance — they verify the certificate (the _Krankenversicherungsnachweis_) and refuse the file without it, regardless of nationality or the residence route chosen for parent reunification or another senior residence purpose. The standard long-stay solution for foreign retirees and parents joining adult children is [Care Expatriate from €68/month at ages 41–60 (Basic tier) or €246/month at ages 61–74](/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/overview/) — a HanseMerkur Versicherungsgruppe / Care Concept Incoming tariff regularly accepted in practice by the Ausländerbehörde and German missions as proof of cover under § 5 AufenthG (the responsible authority always issues the final decision), with up to 60 months (5 years) of cover per contract. Source: HanseMerkur AVB. For short family visits up to 2 years the usual bridge is [Care Economy from €30 / 30 days](/en/insurance-plans/care-economy/overview/), with a higher daily rate for the 65–74 age band. Want to understand how private health insurance works in Germany more generally? [See the full retiree cost reference](/en/health-insurance-for-foreign-retirees-in-germany/). Below: why statutory sickness funds are normally closed to foreign retirees through the KVdR 9/10 rule — and the one common EU exception via Form S1 — and how the entry-age band locks the Care Expatriate premium for the entire contract length. Editor's note: supporting parent-reunification and senior residence-permit files with Care Concept covers since 2009, the two most common mistakes we see at the Ausländerbehörde counter are a tariff that ends before the requested permit period and a travel-insurance certificate from the home country that the caseworker simply does not accept. Both are avoidable — the price tables, the situation matrix and the 3-step checklist further down show exactly which tariff route, certificate wording and policy length keep the appointment from stalling. Last reviewed by Steffan Grund on September 9, 2026. [Editorial standards & how we verify prices](/impressum/) — prices and statute references are checked against the Care Concept AG / HanseMerkur AVB and the current Bundesgesetze on every quarterly review. Senior Stay Coverage Options for visitors and long-stay seniors up to entry age 74 Visa & Residence Proof Proof for embassy, consulate or residence documents Online Application Receive confirmation after successful application ## What is health insurance for foreign retirees in Germany? **Quick answer:** Health insurance for foreign retirees in Germany is any health cover — statutory (GKV via Form S1 for EU pensioners) or private long-stay Incoming insurance such as Care Expatriate — that the Ausländerbehörde recognises under § 5 AufenthG as proof of cover for issuing a senior residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) or parent-reunification visa (§ 36 AufenthG). In practice, three routes exist for foreign retirees moving to Germany. First, **statutory health insurance (GKV)** through a German sickness fund (Krankenkasse) — typically **Techniker Krankenkasse (TK)**, **AOK**, **Barmer** or **DAK-Gesundheit** — is open only via the EU Form S1 (EU Regulation 883/2004) for pensioners of an EU/EEA/Swiss statutory fund, or, in rare cases, via the KVdR 9/10 rule under § 5 SGB V. Second, **substitutive German PKV** exists in theory but is generally not available to retiree newcomers because it is medically underwritten and age-based. Third — and the practical route for the overwhelming majority of foreign retirees and parent-reunion cases — is **private long-stay Incoming insurance**: Care Expatriate from €68/month at ages 41–60 or €246/month at ages 61–74, valid for up to 60 months and recognised by the Ausländerbehörde as compliant cover. Travel insurance from the home country and EHIC cards are in most documented cases not accepted for the long-term residence permit; the responsible mission decides per Visakodex / AufenthG. ![Steffan Grund](/assets/steffan-grund-B5K5tUm9.jpg)Written by **Steffan Grund** Reviewed: **September 9, 2026** SourcesBAMF · § 5 AufenthG · § 36 AufenthG · § 5 SGB V (KVdR) · § 10 SGB V · EU Reg. 883/2004 · HanseMerkur Krankenversicherung AG · Care Concept AG · Statistisches Bundesamt 4.9/5 458 customer responses · [our own survey](/en/review-methodology/) Over 10,000 policies issued · Since 2009 ## Ready for the embassy or Ausländerbehörde appointment? Pick your retiree plan. [Care Expatriate (long-stay) (up to 5 years) from €68/month (41–60) · from €246/month (61–74) ](/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/overview/)[Care Economy (short visit) from €30 / 30 days (up to 2 years) ](/en/insurance-plans/care-economy/overview/) [🔍 Plan Finder](/en/tariffinder-germany/)[📋 All Plans](/en/product-overview-germany/) 🏛️ Authority-approved 📄 Instant proof 🔒 DAK / HanseMerkur 🏷️ Transparent pricing 4.9/5 · Over 10,000 policies placed since 2009 from 458 customer responses · [our own survey](/en/review-methodology/), not independently verified · [How this rating works](/en/review-methodology/) ## 📌 TL;DR — at a glance - **Long-stay private cover:** Care Expatriate runs up to 60 months (5 years), from €68/month at ages 41–60 (Basic tier) and from €246/month at ages 61–74 — the entry-age band is locked for the full contract length. - **Statutory GKV is normally closed:** the KVdR 9/10 rule (§ 5 SGB V) blocks most foreign retirees. The only common exception is EU Form S1 (EU Regulation 883/2004) for pensioners of an EU/EEA/Swiss statutory fund — TK, AOK, Barmer or DAK-Gesundheit then handle treatment locally. - **Recognised by the Ausländerbehörde:** Care Expatriate is regularly accepted under § 5 AufenthG for parent reunification (Elternnachzug, § 36 AufenthG) and senior residence permits. Travel insurance from the home country is generally NOT accepted. - **Short family visit?** Care Economy bridges visits up to 2 years from €30 / 30 days for the up to age 64 age band, with a higher daily rate for the age 65 and over band. Switch to Care Expatriate once the long-stay residence permit is requested. Key facts at a glance Reviewed September 9, 2026 - **Care Expatriate (entry age 41–60):** from €68/month on the Basic tier. Entry-age band locked for the full 60-month contract. (Source: HanseMerkur AVB). - **Care Expatriate (entry age 61–74):** from €246/month on the Basic tier — see Preistabelle below for every tier and deductible. (Source: HanseMerkur AVB). - **Care Economy short visit:** from €30 / 30 days for the up to age 64 age band. The age 65 and over band pays a higher daily rate — see price table further down. (Source: HanseMerkur AVB). - **German hospital day cost:** Statistisches Bundesamt 2024 puts the average inpatient day in the high three-figure range — a two-week stay typically lands in the five-figure range, payable in cash on discharge if no recognised certificate is on file. (Source: Statistisches Bundesamt 2024). - **Statutory GKV access for foreign retirees:** blocked for most applicants by the KVdR 9/10 rule. EU pensioners with Form S1 are the only common exception under EU Regulation 883/2004. ## What foreign retiree families worry about — and how each problem is solved **Quick answer:** Four worries come up in almost every parent-reunification or senior residence-permit case: the visa refused without a recognised certificate, statutory GKV closed by the 9/10 rule, uncertainty about pre-existing conditions, and the very real cost of a German hospital day (Statistisches Bundesamt 2024). Each one has a clean answer below — usually Care Expatriate from €246/month (ages 61–74) for the long stay, Care Economy from €30 / 30 days for the short family visit. ## Avoid the mistakes that can delay your application ### Senior prices can surprise you Age matters. For seniors, rates can be much higher, so show age-based pricing before the visitor applies. ### Short visit or long stay? Care Visa Protect or Care Economy may fit visits; Care Expatriate may fit selected longer family-stay cases. ### Entry age limit matters Many options have an entry-age limit. Check eligibility before preparing visa or residence documents. ### Coverage gaps create stress Choose the coverage period carefully if travel dates, family visit length or residence timing are uncertain. ## Reality check: what an unprotected hospital stay costs foreign retirees in Germany ## 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. 👴 Age changes everything Senior pricing and eligibility matter Older parents or seniors may face higher prices and entry-age limits, so the wrong choice can create surprises before applying. - 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. ## Why act before the embassy appointment **Quick answer:** **Buy the cover before the appointment, not after it.** German missions and the immigration office usually want the proof of health insurance inside the file on the day, and the certificate is typically emailed within minutes of a completed application. Premiums also follow the entry-age band, so applying before a birthday that crosses into 61–74 often keeps the lower rate for the whole contract. ## Why act before family visit or residence paperwork Older visitors often face age-based pricing and eligibility limits. Waiting too long can make the right option harder to choose. 👴 Age affects price Senior rates can be much higher, so check pricing before preparing documents. 📄 Entry-age limits matter Many incoming insurance options are only available up to a specific entry age. ⚡ Short visit or long stay? Care Visa Protect, Care Economy and Care Expatriate serve different stay lengths. ✅ Avoid coverage gaps Choose the coverage period carefully if family visit dates or residence timing are uncertain. ## Get the senior insurance certificate in 3 steps About 10 minutes online. Bilingual PDF by email. Recognised by the Ausländerbehörde and German embassies for the senior residence permit and parent reunification. ## Family visit or longer stay in 3 steps Options for short visits or longer family stays up to entry age 74. 1. 1 🎯 Choose your plan Care Economy for visits up to 2 years · Care Expatriate for longer stays or family-reunification scenarios up to 5 years. 2. 2 📝 Complete the application Enter passport, travel/stay and visa or residence details online. Additional information may be required depending on the plan. 3. 3 ✅ Receive your proof Receive insurance proof after successful application and submit it with your visa or residence documents. ## What foreign retiree families say about Care Expatriate for parent reunification in Germany 4.9/5 458 customer responses · [our own survey](/en/review-methodology/) “ 5/5 > “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 from Cameroon](/assets/georges-kamerun-C6GQZGzu.jpg) Georges Cameroon “ 5/5 > “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 from Russia](/assets/olga-russland--B_6p7O-.jpg) Olga Russia “ 5/5 > “Found the best solution and best service for health insurance for foreign visitors and guests in Germany. > Fast, simple and affordable. > Highly recommended!” ![Michael from Germany](/assets/michael-deutschland-CFcwSzJg.jpg) Michael Germany “ 5/5 > “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 from Australia](/assets/yunhee-australien-CaHyNO5z.jpg) Yunhee Australia ### Now choose your plan 4.9/5 458 customer responses · [our own survey](/en/review-methodology/) ## Recommended retiree health insurance — by case 🏛️ Long-stay · Residence permit · 1–60 months ### Care Expatriate from €246/month (ages 61–74) · from €68/month (ages 41–60) 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 [Care Expatriate – Quick Overview](/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/plan-details/) [Apply online now](/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/apply/) → Complete the application, receive your instant PDF, submit your proof ✈️ Short visits · Family reunification trip · up to 2 years ### Care Economy from only €30.00 / 30 days (coverage up to 2 years) Note: Care Economy is age-graded — the 65–74 band pays a higher daily rate than the 0–64 band (see price table below). 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 [Care Economy – Quick Overview](/en/insurance-plans/care-economy/plan-details/) [Apply online now](/en/insurance-plans/care-economy/apply/) → Complete the application, receive your instant PDF, submit your proof ## Care Expatriate — all prices by age band & tier **Quick answer:** Care Expatriate — the recommended private long-stay tariff for foreign retirees moving to Germany — is priced per age band (0–12, 13–40, 41–60, 61–74) and tier (Basic / Comfort / Premium), each with its own deductible option. The entry premium is from €68/month at age 41–60 (Basic tier) and from €246/month at age 61–74 (Basic tier). The certificate is typically accepted by the Ausländerbehörde under § 5 AufenthG for parent reunification (Elternnachzug, § 36 AufenthG) and senior residence permits. Care Expatriate worldwide without USA, Canada and Mexico Basic Bestseller Comfort 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. [Care Expatriate — Overview](/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/overview/) [Apply now](/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/overview/) ### Care Economy — prices for short family visits (up to 2 years) **Quick answer:** Care Economy is the short- to medium-stay bridge for visitor and parent-visit cases under a Schengen C-visa or a national D-visa awaiting the long-term residence permit. Prices are per day, by age band (0–64 / 65–74) and chosen duration block. The 65–74 band pays a higher daily rate than the 0–64 band. Care Economy Duration Bestseller up to 64 up to 64 Bestseller 65+ 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. [Care Economy — Overview](/en/insurance-plans/care-economy/overview/) [Apply now](/en/insurance-plans/care-economy/overview/) ## Which tariff for which retiree situation? **Quick answer:** The right tariff for a foreign retiree depends on the residence route and the length of stay, not on the passport. The matrix below maps the most common cases to the recommended German-compliant tariff. Your situation Recommended tariff From Parent of an EU Blue Card or skilled-worker child (§ 36(3) AufenthG) [Care Expatriate (long-stay)](/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/overview/) from €68/month (41–60) · from €246/month (61–74) Parent reunification — exceptional hardship (§ 36(2) AufenthG) [Care Expatriate (long-stay)](/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/overview/) from €68/month (41–60) · from €246/month (61–74) Short family visit (Schengen C-visa, ≤ 90 days) [Care Economy (30 days – 2 years)](/en/insurance-plans/care-economy/overview/) from €30 / 30 days (up to 2 years) EU pensioner with home-country statutory cover Form S1 (EU Reg. 883/2004) via TK, AOK, Barmer or DAK-Gesundheit via home fund Non-EU retiree moving to Germany permanently [Care Expatriate (then long-term private)](/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/overview/) from €68/month (41–60) · from €246/month (61–74) Senior with significant pre-existing conditions German long-term private with health questions (case-by-case) individual Parent of an EU Blue Card or skilled-worker child (§ 36(3) AufenthG) → [Care Expatriate (long-stay)](/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/overview/) from €68/month (41–60) · from €246/month (61–74) Parent reunification — exceptional hardship (§ 36(2) AufenthG) → [Care Expatriate (long-stay)](/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/overview/) from €68/month (41–60) · from €246/month (61–74) Short family visit (Schengen C-visa, ≤ 90 days) → [Care Economy (30 days – 2 years)](/en/insurance-plans/care-economy/overview/) from €30 / 30 days (up to 2 years) EU pensioner with home-country statutory cover → Form S1 via TK, AOK, Barmer or DAK-Gesundheit via home fund Non-EU retiree moving to Germany permanently → [Care Expatriate (then long-term private)](/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/overview/) from €68/month (41–60) · from €246/month (61–74) Senior with significant pre-existing conditions → German long-term private with health questions individual Not sure which fits? [Try the 30-second tariff finder](/en/tariffinder-germany/). ### Retiring in Germany by country of origin — quick answers 🇺🇸 Retiring in Germany from USA US citizens cannot use EU Form S1. The practical long-stay route is § 7 or § 36 AufenthG plus Care Expatriate from €68/month (ages 41–60) or €246/month (61–74) as the Krankenversicherungsnachweis under § 5 AufenthG. → [See Care Expatriate by age band](/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/overview/) 🇬🇧 Retiring in Germany from UK (post-Brexit) Post-Brexit, UK retirees normally need a national D-visa and private long-stay cover. Care Expatriate from €68/month (41–60) or €246/month (61–74) is the typical route; pre-2021 cross-border S1 rights should be confirmed with the NHS Overseas Healthcare Services. → [See Care Expatriate by age band](/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/overview/) 🇮🇳 Retiring in Germany from India Indian pensioners enter through § 36 AufenthG (parent reunification) or § 7 AufenthG. Statutory GKV is generally closed, so the recognised long-stay certificate is Care Expatriate from €68/month (41–60) or €246/month (61–74). → [See Care Expatriate by age band](/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/overview/) 🇨🇦 🇦🇺 Retiring in Germany from Canada & Australia Neither country participates in Form S1. The same private long-stay route applies: Care Expatriate from €68/month (41–60) or €246/month (61–74), with final eligibility confirmed by the responsible German mission and Ausländerbehörde. → [See Care Expatriate by age band](/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/overview/) ## Statutory sickness funds and the 9/10 rule — why GKV is normally closed **Quick answer:** **Most foreign retirees cannot join a statutory sickness fund in Germany, because the KVdR 9/10 rule (§ 5 Abs. 1 Nr. 11 SGB V) asks for German statutory membership during 90% of the second half of working life.** The usual alternative is private long-stay cover, for example Care Expatriate from €246/month at ages 61–74 (example). EU pensioners with an S1 form are the common exception. Is healthcare free in Germany? No — the German healthcare system is mandatory and contribution-based; statutory and private cover are both paid. Does Germany have universal healthcare? Yes by coverage rule (Versicherungspflicht), but foreign retirees outside KVdR pay private long-stay Incoming cover. Typical retiree health insurance Germany cost? Care Expatriate €68/month at 41–60, €246/month at 61–74 — entry-age band locked for up to 60 months. The German healthcare system (often searched as _healthcare deutschland_ or _german healthcare system_) is not free at point of use in the sense of fully tax-funded care: every resident pays into either statutory health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung, GKV) or substitutive private health insurance (PKV). Expats and retirees in Germany who fall outside the KVdR statutory pensioner route therefore look at private long-stay _health insurance for germany_ — and for non-resident pensioners on a 1–5 year stay the recognised category is Incoming cover (Care Expatriate), not substitutive PKV. The German equivalent overview lives at [Krankenversicherung für ausländische Rentner in Deutschland](/krankenversicherung-auslaendische-rentner-deutschland/). **Quick answer:** German statutory sickness funds (Krankenkassen) — most notably **Techniker Krankenkasse (TK)**, **AOK**, **Barmer** and **DAK-Gesundheit** — operate under SGB V. For foreign retirees, statutory pensioner cover (KVdR under § 5 SGB V) requires the 9/10 rule: 90% of the second half of working life in German statutory insurance. In practice, very few foreign retirees meet this threshold because contribution history in German GKV is typically absent (see § 5 SGB V; case-by-case assessment rests with the responsible Krankenkasse). One common EU exception exists. Pensioners of an EU/EEA or Swiss statutory fund can request **Form S1** under [EU Regulation 883/2004](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32004R0883). The home country keeps paying the cost and a German Krankenkasse (TK, AOK, Barmer or DAK-Gesundheit) handles treatment locally. For every other foreign retiree — non-EU passports, parents joining adult children, third-country pensioners — the practical route under § 5 AufenthG is private long-stay Incoming insurance such as Care Expatriate. Family insurance (_Familienversicherung_, § 10 SGB V) is also not a shortcut: it covers spouses, registered partners and children of a GKV member up to a low income ceiling. **§ 10 SGB V does not list parents of adult children** among the eligible dependants; final eligibility for any specific case rests with the responsible Krankenkasse. Note: the responsible authority (Krankenkasse, Ausländerbehörde or German mission) always issues the binding decision in individual cases. The information above reflects the published statutory rules and our 15+ years of practical Care Concept experience, not individual legal or medical advice. ## Retiree insurance topics: deep guides by life event ### Parent reunification & senior residence permit - → [Parent reunification health insurance (Elternnachzug, § 36 AufenthG)](/en/health-insurance-foreign-retirees-germany/parent-reunification-health-insurance-germany/) — § 36(2) hardship vs. § 36(3) skilled-worker family routes - → [Health insurance for foreign retirees in Germany](/en/health-insurance-for-foreign-retirees-in-germany/) — detailed walkthrough by entry-age band - → [Family & parent reunification visa insurance](/en/health-insurance-visa-foreigners-germany/health-insurance-for-family-reunification-parent-reunification-germany/) — embassy checklist and certificate wording ### Statutory vs. private cover for retirees - → [Statutory or private health insurance for foreign retirees?](/en/health-insurance-foreign-retirees-germany/statutory-or-private-health-fund-foreign-retirees-germany/) — KVdR 9/10 rule and the EU Form S1 exception - → [Statutory or private cover — how the German healthcare system decides](/en/healthcare-system-statutory-or-private-cover-germany/) ### Long-term cover & transitions after 5 years - → [Long-term health insurance for foreign seniors in Germany](/en/health-insurance-foreign-retirees-germany/long-term-health-insurance-seniors-germany/) — what comes after the 60-month Care Expatriate cap - → [Long-term health insurance for foreigners in Germany](/en/long-term-health-insurance-foreigners-in-germany/) ### Authority paperwork & the embassy appointment - → [What German authorities accept as Krankenversicherungsnachweis](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/faq-germany/health-insurance-proof-what-authorities-accept-germany/) - → [Residence over 90 days — which insurance the Ausländerbehörde typically requires](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/faq-germany/residence-over-90-days-which-insurance-is-typically-required-germany/) - → [FAQ — health insurance for foreigners in Germany (full overview)](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/faq-germany/) - → [Krankenkasse comparison for foreign retirees — TK vs DAK vs Barmer vs AOK](/en/guide-health-insurance-germany/costs-benefits-germany/krankenkasse-comparison-tk-vs-dak-vs-barmer-vs-aok-germany/) ## Glossary — foreign retiree health insurance terms in Germany **Quick answer:** The terms below appear in most embassy appointments and Ausländerbehörde files for foreign retirees. Mastering them shortens the paperwork from days to one afternoon. Foreign-retiree health insurance in Germany sits across three layers. Statutory cover (GKV) is delivered by German sickness funds (Krankenkassen) such as **Techniker Krankenkasse** (TK), **AOK**, **Barmer** and **DAK-Gesundheit** — open to retirees almost only via EU Form S1. Private long-stay Incoming insurance for foreign retirees and parent-reunion cases is offered by **Care Concept** (Care Expatriate, Care Economy) and peer products from **HanseMerkur**, **Mawista**, **DR-WALTER**, **ALC Health**, **Cigna Global**, **Allianz Care** and **AXA Global Healthcare**. Long-term substitutive German PKV is a separate, medically underwritten product offered by carriers such as **Debeka**, **Signal Iduna**, **Allianz Krankenversicherung**, **Gothaer**, **Hallesche**, **Barmenia** and **Continentale** — relevant only once underwriting and income align, and not usually a realistic route for first-time retiree newcomers. Krankenversicherungsnachweis Proof of health insurance, in German, that the Ausländerbehörde requires for every senior residence-permit or parent-reunification decision under § 5 AufenthG. Aufenthaltstitel for seniors German residence title issued by the Ausländerbehörde under the Aufenthaltsgesetz — for foreign retirees most often via § 36 AufenthG (family reunification with adult children) or § 7 AufenthG (other purposes). Elternnachzug (parent reunification, § 36 AufenthG) Visa and residence route that lets parents (and in skilled-worker cases parents-in-law) of adult children living in Germany join them on a national D-visa. § 36(3) covers Blue Card and skilled-worker families; § 36(2) is the strict 'exceptional hardship' route. KVdR (Krankenversicherung der Rentner, § 5 SGB V) Statutory pensioner health insurance route. To enter KVdR, the applicant must have been in German statutory sickness funds (GKV) for at least 90% of the second half of working life — the 9/10 rule. Almost no foreign retiree meets it. Form S1 (EU Regulation 883/2004) Portable EU document issued by the home statutory fund of an EU/EEA/Swiss pensioner. With S1 the pensioner is enrolled with a German Krankenkasse (TK, AOK, Barmer, DAK-Gesundheit) but the cost is invoiced to the home country. The only common GKV route for non-employed retirees moving to Germany. Familienversicherung (§ 10 SGB V) Free statutory family insurance for spouses, registered partners and children of a GKV member, subject to the statutory income ceiling for non-working family members. Parents of adult children are NOT covered by Familienversicherung. Incoming insurance Private health insurance product designed for non-residents staying temporarily in Germany (up to 5 years). Care Expatriate is the standard Incoming tariff for foreign retirees because GKV is closed by the 9/10 rule. Not the same as substitutive German PKV. Krankenkasse (statutory sickness fund) German statutory health-insurance fund operating under SGB V. The largest funds serving international applicants in English are Techniker Krankenkasse (TK), AOK, Barmer and DAK-Gesundheit. For most foreign retirees these funds remain closed unless an EU Form S1 applies. Entry-age band (Eintrittsalter) The age band at the start of the Care Expatriate contract. The premium is locked at that band for the full contract length (up to 60 months). Signing at 60 vs. 61 is the single biggest cost-saver: from €68/month (41–60 band, Basic) vs. from €246/month (61–74 band, Basic). Deutsche Rentenversicherung (DRV) German statutory pension administrator (Deutsche Rentenversicherung Bund and regional bodies). DRV pays the state pension and issues pension-related documents — separate from the German sickness fund (Krankenkasse) that handles health insurance. Foreign retirees with no DRV contribution history normally cannot enter KVdR statutory pensioner cover via this route. Schengen C-visa vs. national D-visa A Schengen C-visa covers short stays up to 90 days within any 180-day window across the Schengen area (visitor or short family visit). A national D-visa is the long-stay visa issued by the German embassy for stays beyond 90 days — the route used for senior residence permits and parent reunification under § 36 AufenthG. The insurance certificate required differs: visitor cover (Care Economy) for C-visa, long-stay Incoming cover (Care Expatriate) for D-visa. Krankenkasse vs. PKV Krankenkasse refers to a German statutory sickness fund operating under SGB V (TK, AOK, Barmer, DAK-Gesundheit and others). PKV (Private Krankenversicherung) refers to substitutive German private health insurance — medically underwritten, age-priced, designed as a lifetime contract for high earners or self-employed residents. Care Expatriate is neither: it is a private Incoming insurance for non-residents staying temporarily in Germany. EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) Free card for residents of EU/EEA/Switzerland insured under their home statutory fund. EHIC covers medically necessary treatment during a temporary stay in another member state — it does NOT cover a permanent move and is normally not accepted by the Ausländerbehörde as proof of cover for a senior residence permit. EU pensioners moving long-term should request Form S1 instead. ## How long should the health insurance run? **Quick answer:** **Usually for as long as the stay is planned to last — and not shorter.** The premium is set by the entry age at the start of the contract and stays in that age band for the whole term. Anyone who extends later typically signs a new contract at the age they are by then. Term comparison over five years — example values, Basic, age band 61–74 (€246/month) Term Premium/month Total Renewals needed Pre-existing-condition gap 12 months €246 €2,952 4 possible (2×) 24 months €246 €5,904 2 possible (1×) 60 months €246 €14,760 0 none ### Is a 61st birthday coming up? In the 41–60 age band the Basic premium is €68/month; in the 61–74 band it is €246/month (example values). The difference is around €178 a month — roughly €10,680 over 60 months. What counts is the age at the start of the contract, not the age during the term. Concretely: someone who chooses a 60-month term at 60 pays the 41–60 band for five years, rather than the 61–74 band from their 61st birthday onwards. ### When the renewal falls due A policy with a twelve-month term typically expires at close to the point the residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) also needs extending. Both then fall in the same weeks: new contract, new proof of cover, new appointment at the foreigners' authority (Ausländerbehörde) — often under time pressure. A longer term decouples the two dates. There is also the practical effort: every renewal means passport details, proof of address and personal information again — usually gathered by relatives in Germany while the insured person is still abroad. ### What is different at renewal Conditions that first arise during a running contract are, as a rule, covered within that contract. In a contract taken out later they typically count as a pre-existing condition — and pre-existing conditions are usually excluded in incoming tariffs. The older the insured person, the more likely it is that a diagnosis falls between two contracts, and that diagnosis then usually counts as pre-existing in the follow-up contract. A continuous term avoids that gap. A gap can also open up between two contracts — days without cover, which may become visible when the residence permit is next extended. A continuous term avoids that. A fixed term also means planning certainty for the family: the premium is set for the whole duration, with no annual recalculation. ### Maximum entry age of 74 Care Expatriate can be taken out up to the age of 74. Someone who takes only one year at a time from 72 onwards can no longer start a new contract from 75. A longer term, chosen early, maintains the cover beyond that point. ### Monthly or a single payment? **Quick answer:** **Both are possible, and the price is the same — there is no discount for paying in one go.** The difference lies in the risk: if a direct debit goes unpaid, that can affect the insurance cover — and the residence permit rests on that cover. With a single payment the cover no longer depends on an ongoing bank debit. That matters above all where the premiums are paid by relatives in Germany: a job change, a change of bank or one tight month then has no bearing on the insured person's residence status. Where the premium is transferred from abroad, one payment replaces up to sixty individual transfers — each with its own bank charges and exchange rate. ### What happens on an early return? If the stay ends earlier than planned, the contract can be cancelled in writing. The overpaid premium is, as a rule, refunded minus a €5 processing fee (source: Care Concept FAQ). So someone who pays 60 months in advance and returns after two years gets the premium for the unused months back — the financial risk of paying in one go is therefore €5, not the remaining balance. ### And if the visa is not granted? If the entry visa is not granted, or entry does not take place for other reasons, the application can be cancelled in writing before the insurance cover begins. Premiums already paid are, as a rule, refunded minus a €5 processing fee (source: Care Concept FAQ). ## Frequently asked questions about health insurance for foreign retirees in Germany ## Frequently Asked Questions How long should health insurance run for a stay in Germany? Usually for as long as the stay is planned — and not shorter. The premium is set by the entry age at the start of the contract: from €68/month in the 41–60 age band, from €246/month in the 61–74 band (example values, Basic) — around €10,680 difference over 60 months. Care Expatriate can be taken out up to the age of 74. Monthly or a single payment — what is the difference? Both are possible and the price is the same — there is no discount for paying in one go. The difference lies in the risk: if a direct debit goes unpaid it can affect the insurance cover, and the residence permit rests on that cover. With a single payment the cover no longer depends on an ongoing bank debit. What happens to the premium already paid if I return early? If the stay ends earlier than planned, the contract can be cancelled in writing. The overpaid premium is usually refunded minus a €5 processing fee (source: Care Concept FAQ). The financial risk of paying in advance is therefore typically €5, not the remaining balance. What applies if the visa is not granted? If the entry visa is not granted, or entry does not take place for other reasons, the application can be cancelled in writing before the insurance cover starts. Premiums already paid are usually refunded minus a €5 processing fee (source: Care Concept FAQ). How much is health insurance for foreign retirees in Germany? Long-stay private cover for foreign retirees moving to Germany starts at €68/month for entry age 41–60 (Care Expatriate Basic tier) and €246/month for entry age 61–74. Comfort and Premium tiers cost more — see the Care Expatriate price table below for every age band and tier. For shorter visits up to 2 years, Care Economy starts at €30 / 30 days for the up to age 64 age band, with higher daily rates for the age 65 and over band. All figures are HanseMerkur AVB; final premium depends on chosen tier, deductible and duration. Can foreign retirees join German statutory health insurance (GKV)? The KVdR pensioner route (§ 5 SGB V) requires the so-called 9/10 rule: 90% of the second half of working life spent in German GKV. Usually not. Almost no foreign retiree meets this. The only common GKV route is EU Form S1 (EU Regulation 883/2004) for pensioners of an EU/EEA/Swiss statutory fund — the home country keeps paying and a German sickness fund (Techniker Krankenkasse, AOK, Barmer or DAK-Gesundheit) handles treatment locally. For every other foreign retiree, the practical route is private long-stay Incoming insurance such as Care Expatriate. Which insurance does the Ausländerbehörde accept for the senior residence permit? The Ausländerbehörde verifies a single document under § 5 AufenthG: the Krankenversicherungsnachweis. For most foreign retirees that means a private long-stay certificate comparable to SGB V cover. Care Expatriate (HanseMerkur Versicherungsgruppe / Care Concept) is regularly accepted for parent reunification (Elternnachzug, § 36 AufenthG) and senior residence permits because it covers up to 60 months, has worldwide cover including the home country and meets the German hospitalisation wording the caseworker looks for. Travel insurance from the home country is generally not accepted for the residence permit decision. How does parent reunification (Elternnachzug, § 36 AufenthG) work and what insurance is required? Statutory family insurance (§ 10 SGB V) does NOT cover parents of adult children. Parent reunification splits into two routes: § 36(3) AufenthG for parents and parents-in-law of EU Blue Card holders and certain skilled workers, and § 36(2) AufenthG for the strict 'exceptional hardship' route otherwise. In every case the German mission verifies health-insurance proof before issuing the visa. The typical two-phase tariff route is Care Economy from €30 / 30 days as a visitor/short-stay bridge, then switching to Care Expatriate from €68/month (ages 41–60) or €246/month (ages 61–74) for the long-term residence permit. What does Care Expatriate cost for retirees aged 65 or 70? At entry age 61–74, Care Expatriate Basic starts from €246/month, with Comfort and Premium tiers above that — see the price table below for every tier and deductible option. Younger entry ages save significantly: from €68/month at ages 41–60 on the Basic tier. All tiers cover up to 60 months (5 years), and the premium is calculated on the age at contract start — so applying before a higher age band begins can lower the monthly cost for the entire contract period. What if my parent has diabetes, high blood pressure or another pre-existing condition? Retirees aged 61–74 pay from €126/month via Care Expatriate under § 36 AufenthG. Coverage of pre-existing conditions depends on the tariff terms and the individual file. Care Expatriate (like all Incoming tariffs) is designed for acute care and emergencies during the German stay, and chronic pre-existing conditions can be excluded or limited per the HanseMerkur AVB. We do not give medical advice and we cannot promise acceptance for any specific condition. For parents with chronic illness, check the tariff conditions early — well before the embassy appointment — so there is time for alternative tariff choices or a German long-term private policy with health questions. Is travel insurance enough for retirees moving to Germany? Retirees aged 61–74 pay from €126/month via Care Expatriate under § 36 AufenthG. No. Travel insurance, visitor insurance and EHIC are designed for short tourist stays. For a long-term national D-visa or a senior residence permit under § 36 AufenthG, German missions and the Ausländerbehörde typically require ongoing private health insurance comparable to SGB V — in practice Care Expatriate for the long stay, with Care Economy only as a short visitor bridge. A short-trip travel policy is normally not accepted for the residence-permit decision. What happens after the 5-year maximum of Care Expatriate? Care Expatriate runs for up to 60 months per contract. After that, foreign retirees typically switch to a German private long-term tariff (medically underwritten, age-based) or — if the spouse is GKV-insured — join Familienversicherung (§ 10 SGB V), subject to the statutory income ceiling for non-working family members. KVdR via the 9/10 rule remains closed for most foreign retirees. Planning the transition before month 60 is the practical recommendation. How much does a hospital day cost in Germany without insurance? Statistisches Bundesamt 2024 data puts the average German hospital day in the high three-figure range, and intensive-care or surgical stays scale much higher. A two-week stay typically lands in the five-figure range — payable in cash on discharge if no recognised insurance certificate is on file. The contrast with €68/month (Care Expatriate, ages 41–60) or €246/month (ages 61–74) is the entire reason the Ausländerbehörde insists on the insurance certificate at § 5 AufenthG. Does the insurance certificate need to be in German or English? Retirees aged 61–74 pay from €126/month via Care Expatriate under § 36 AufenthG. German missions usually accept insurance certificates in German or English. Certificates from German insurers such as HanseMerkur (Care Expatriate, Care Economy) are typically issued bilingually. The exact language and document checklist depends on the responsible German embassy or consulate, so check before the appointment. What health insurance do retirees from India, Turkey, Russia or China need in Germany? Retirees aged 61–74 pay from €126/month via Care Expatriate under § 36 AufenthG. The German insurance requirement does not depend on nationality. It depends on the residence route, age, medical history and length of stay. For retirees from India, Pakistan, China, Turkey, Iran, Egypt, Bangladesh, Morocco, Tunisia, Ukraine, Russia, Nepal, Nigeria, Cameroon and most other non-EU countries, the practical long-stay route is private Incoming insurance such as Care Expatriate. A short family visit may instead be covered by visitor / Schengen insurance. What is the total cost of a 5-year Care Expatriate contract for retired parents? For entry age 41–60, Care Expatriate Basic costs €68/month over up to 60 months — a predictable monthly cost for the full contract. For entry age 61–74, Basic starts from €246/month, with Comfort and Premium tiers above that — see the price table below for every tier. The premium is fixed at the entry-age band when the contract starts, so the 5-year total is predictable from day one and depends only on chosen tier and deductible. Does Germany have a retirement visa for foreign pensioners? No — Germany has no dedicated retirement-visa category comparable to Portugal's D7 or Spain's non-lucrative visa. Foreign retirees instead enter via § 7 AufenthG (residence permit for another purpose) or, most commonly, § 36 AufenthG (parent reunification with adult children living in Germany). Both routes require recognised health-insurance proof under § 5 AufenthG — in practice Care Expatriate from €68/month (ages 41–60) or €246/month (ages 61–74) for the long stay. Can Americans retire in Germany and what health insurance do they need? Yes, US citizens can retire in Germany via § 7 AufenthG or § 36 AufenthG (parent reunification with adult children in Germany), but there is no special US-retiree visa. Statutory GKV is normally closed because the KVdR 9/10 rule blocks newcomers, and the US is not in the EU Form S1 system. The practical route is private long-stay Incoming insurance such as Care Expatriate, recognised by the Ausländerbehörde as proof of cover under § 5 AufenthG. How does retiring in Germany from the UK work after Brexit? Since Brexit, UK pensioners are no longer EU citizens for free-movement purposes and need a national D-visa for stays beyond 90 days. The UK–EU Withdrawal Agreement preserves Form S1 rights only for pensioners with cross-border history before 31 December 2020 and their family members. New UK retirees moving to Germany now typically need private long-stay Incoming insurance such as Care Expatriate (from €68/month at ages 41–60, from €246/month at ages 61–74) for the residence-permit decision. Individual S1 eligibility should be confirmed with the NHS Overseas Healthcare Services. How much does private health insurance in Germany cost for a 70-year-old retiree? Substitutive German PKV with health questions exists in theory but is generally not available to retiree newcomers at age 70 due to age-based underwriting. At age 70 the applicant falls in the Care Expatriate 61–74 entry-age band: Basic tier from €246/month with the €150 deductible — the premium is locked at that band for the full contract length (up to 60 months). Comfort and Premium tiers cost more; see the Care Expatriate price table below for the exact figures by tier and deductible. What is the retirement age in Germany — and does it affect my insurance route? The German statutory retirement age (Regelaltersgrenze) is gradually rising to 67 for birth cohorts from 1964 onwards. The retirement age itself does not change the insurance route for foreign retirees moving to Germany: statutory pensioner cover (KVdR under § 5 SGB V) is decided by the 9/10 rule, not by age, so it normally stays closed regardless of whether the applicant is 62, 67 or 74. Care Expatriate accepts entry up to age 74 across all bands, so the practical insurance route is the same whether the applicant retires early or after the German Regelaltersgrenze. How much money do I need to retire in Germany as a foreign pensioner? Beyond rent and living costs, foreign retirees should budget for recognised long-stay health insurance because it is verified by the Ausländerbehörde under § 5 AufenthG. Realistic budget anchors: Care Expatriate Basic from €68/month at ages 41–60 and from €246/month at ages 61–74 — the premium is locked at the entry-age band for up to 60 months, so the monthly health-cover cost is predictable from day one. Pension income proof, accommodation evidence and the insurance certificate are typically the three pillars the German mission checks for the senior residence permit; exact thresholds are decided by the responsible mission and Ausländerbehörde. How does retiring in Germany from Canada or Australia work? Canada and Australia are not in the EU Form S1 system, so statutory GKV cover via Form S1 is not available. Like US and post-Brexit UK retirees, Canadian and Australian pensioners enter Germany via § 7 AufenthG (residence permit for another purpose) or § 36 AufenthG (parent reunification with adult children) and use private long-stay Incoming insurance — typically Care Expatriate from €68/month (ages 41–60) or €246/month (ages 61–74) — as the Krankenversicherungsnachweis under § 5 AufenthG. Individual eligibility and pension-income thresholds rest with the responsible German mission. Is healthcare free in Germany for foreign retirees? Retirees aged 61–74 pay from €126/month via Care Expatriate under § 36 AufenthG. No. The German healthcare system is mandatory and contribution-based, not tax-funded at the point of use. Every resident pays into either statutory health insurance (GKV) via a Krankenkasse such as Techniker Krankenkasse, AOK, Barmer or DAK-Gesundheit, or into substitutive private health insurance (PKV). Foreign retirees who do not qualify for KVdR (the 9/10 rule under § 5 SGB V) and have no EU Form S1 therefore pay private long-stay Incoming insurance — Care Expatriate from €68/month at ages 41–60 or €246/month at ages 61–74 — for the residence-permit decision. Is private health insurance worth it for retirees in Germany? Care Expatriate covers up to 60 months from €68/month (ages 41–60) or €246/month (ages 61–74) per the HanseMerkur AVB, with the entry-age band locked for the full contract length. For foreign retirees moving to Germany who do not meet the KVdR 9/10 rule and have no EU Form S1, private long-stay Incoming insurance is normally the only route accepted by the Ausländerbehörde under § 5 AufenthG — so the question is less 'worth it' and more 'which compliant tariff'. Substitutive German PKV (Debeka, Signal Iduna, Allianz Krankenversicherung etc. ) is medically underwritten and rarely available to retiree newcomers above age 65. Quick reference — what is the standard health insurance for foreign pensioners in Germany? Most foreign retirees moving to Germany are blocked from KVdR by the 9/10 rule, so private cover for pensioners — typically Care Expatriate — is the standard route. Premiums start at €68/month for the 41–60 entry-age band (Basic) and €246/month for the 61–74 band. The Ausländerbehörde accepts the same international health insurance package as the Krankenversicherungsnachweis for the senior residence permit. For non-EU pensioners asking what the cost of health insurance in Germany for retirees looks like, this is normally the answer. Which insurance does parent reunification (Elternnachzug) under § 36 AufenthG require? Parent reunification under § 36 AufenthG follows the same logic as any other senior visa file in Germany. Care Expatriate is the long-stay tariff; Care Economy (from €30 per 30 days in the up to age 64 band) bridges the embassy-to-Anmeldung gap and any short follow-up visits. The Ausländerbehörde issues the residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) — usually under § 36 AufenthG for parents of adult children, or § 7 AufenthG — once the insurance certificate for retirees is on file. Free family GKV cover under § 10 SGB V (Familienversicherung) explicitly does not extend to the parents of adult children, so private Incoming insurance is the only practical route. What are the GKV options for retirees — the KVdR 9/10 rule, EU Form S1 and the statutory funds? Foreign retirees almost never satisfy the KVdR 9/10 rule, which means access to statutory health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) is normally closed for non-EU pensioners. The one common GKV path is Form S1 for EU pensioners: holders of an EU, EEA or Swiss state pension register with a German Krankenkasse — typically Techniker Krankenkasse, AOK, Barmer or DAK-Gesundheit — while the home country pays the invoice. Joining a Krankenkasse as a foreign retiree without an S1 is therefore the exception rather than the rule, and private long-stay Incoming cover takes over. How does retiring in Germany work from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia or India? From the UK after Brexit, there is no EU free movement, and Form S1 only applies to pre-2020 cross-border histories — otherwise it is private Care Expatriate. Anyone retiring to Germany from a non-EU country defaults to private long-stay Incoming insurance. The same private route applies for retirees from India, Canada, Australia and other non-EU origins, since Form S1 does not reach them. US citizens and Americans can retire in Germany under § 7 or § 36 AufenthG, again with Care Expatriate as the insurance proof for retirees. Every residence-permit decision for foreign pensioners ultimately hinges on the same § 5 AufenthG cover requirement. How do Deutsche Rentenversicherung (DRV), the German state pension and the retirement age interact? Retirees aged 61–74 pay from €126/month via Care Expatriate under § 36 AufenthG. Deutsche Rentenversicherung Bund handles pension entitlements for foreign pensioners separately from the sickness funds. Foreign retirees without a DRV contribution history cannot enter KVdR through this route, so the typical German-pension foreign retiree stays on private Incoming insurance. The online DRV portal at deutsche-rentenversicherung.de holds the personal pension account once a German pension number exists, but it does not influence the healthcare decision for senior expats. The German retirement age — the gradually rising Regelaltersgrenze, currently moving towards 67 — does not change the insurance route either: KVdR is decided by the 9/10 rule, not by age. In short, the broader German retirement system is separate from the cover decision. What is the real cost of retiring in Germany — how much money do I need, and what does cover cost? For shorter visits, Care Economy starts at €30 per 30 days in the up to age 64 age band. Total living costs vary by city, but the recognised health-insurance line is predictable. Whether you search for how much money to retire in Germany, German medical insurance cost or simply health insurance cost for retirees in Germany, the answer points to the same Care Expatriate brackets: €68/month at entry age 41–60 (Basic) and €246/month at entry age 61–74, locked in for up to 60 months. Schengen visa vs national D-visa — and how does the EHIC fit in for retirees? Short family visits up to 90 days run on Care Economy as senior-visitor cover; long stays use Care Expatriate. The choice between a Schengen C-visa and a national D-visa really follows the length of stay. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) works for short trips by EU, EEA or Swiss residents, but it is not accepted as the insurance proof for the senior residence permit — for long stays, either Form S1 (EU pensioners) or private Care Expatriate is the answer. Parent and spouse family-reunion files for retirees follow the same logic, and every pensioner residence-permit decision is made under § 5 AufenthG. Is healthcare in Germany free — and is private health insurance worth it for foreign retirees? Retirees aged 61–74 pay from €126/month via Care Expatriate under § 36 AufenthG. No, healthcare in Germany is not free. The German healthcare system is contribution-funded: residents have statutory cover through a Krankenkasse, and high earners or the self-employed can take substitutive private cover (PKV). For expats and foreigners moving to Germany, the route therefore splits three ways — GKV when accessible, substitutive PKV (rare for retiree newcomers) and private Incoming insurance such as Care Expatriate. For foreign pensioners, the 'is it worth it' question is largely moot in practice, because Incoming insurance is the only product the Ausländerbehörde accepts once KVdR is closed. Note on German terminology: 'pension english' vs Rente Retirees aged 61–74 pay from €126/month via Care Expatriate under § 36 AufenthG. On retiree forums, 'pension english' searches usually mean the English translation of 'Rente' — the German monthly state-pension payment administered by Deutsche Rentenversicherung Bund. The pension itself is paid in euros regardless of the recipient's residence country, but it does not include health insurance — that has to be arranged separately via KVdR (if 9/10 met), Form S1 (EU pensioners) or, for everyone else, private Care Expatriate. 4.9/5 458 customer responses · [our own survey](/en/review-methodology/) Over 10,000 policies issued · Since 2009 ## Ready for the residence permit? Pick the retiree plan that fits your case. [Care Expatriate (long-stay) (up to 5 years) from €68/month (41–60) · from €246/month (61–74) ](/en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/overview/)[Care Economy (short visit) from €30 / 30 days (up to 2 years) ](/en/insurance-plans/care-economy/overview/) [🔍 Plan Finder](/en/tariffinder-germany/)[📋 All Plans](/en/product-overview-germany/) 🏛️ Authority-approved 📄 Instant proof 🔒 DAK / HanseMerkur 🏷️ Transparent pricing Part of: [Health insurance for foreigners in Germany](/en/health-insurance-foreigners-germany/) — the umbrella hub for every visa, student, employee and retiree route. Editorial guidance only. Embassy and immigration-office requirements can vary by consulate, city and individual file; final acceptance always rests with the responsible authority. [Imprint (German)](/impressum/)[Privacy (German)](/datenschutz/)[Contact (German)](/kontakt/) Copyright © 2026 Health insurance for foreigners, foreign guests and visitors in Germany and the EU. All rights reserved. All information without guarantee, errors excepted. Note: The content of this site is for general information and orientation purposes only. It does not constitute legal or insurance advice. For binding information, please contact the responsible Ausländerbehörde (foreigners' authority) or a lawyer. Last updated: September 9, 2026.