Price
from €58/mo
Care Expatriate (ages 13–40)
Speed
PDF in minutes
Insurance proof by email
Acceptance
Immigration office
Typically accepted under § 5 AufenthG
Long-Term Health Insurance for Foreigners in Germany | Prices by Age
By Steffan GrundInsurance broker for long-term Incoming insurance · Reviewed
Sources
§ 5 AufenthG · § 257 SGB V · HanseMerkur AVB · Care Concept AG · BAMF · Auswärtiges Amt
“PDF in minutes, Ausländerbehörde accepted it on the spot.” — R. K. (Berlin), EU Blue Card
Quotes from internal customer feedback, anonymised and shortened.
Plan: Check plan → Get PDF proof → Submit to the Ausländerbehörde.
Popular with long-term residents from — show country list
Pakistan (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore), India (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai), Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Türkiye, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, China, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Ukraine, Russia, Kosovo, Serbia, Bosnia, North Macedonia and Albania.
Used since 2009 by applicants worldwide — typically accepted nationwide in Germany by the Ausländerbehörden (incl. LEA Berlin, KVR Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Cologne, Stuttgart, Düsseldorf) and the German embassy network under § 5 AufenthG.
No commitment · monthly cancellation · confirmation by email (typically immediate).
Indicative: around €1,000 in lost gross weekly wages at the German median per week of residence-permit delay (source: Destatis median earnings 2024) — Care Expatriate premium for the same week: about €14.
Staying in Germany 6 months to 5 years and locked out of statutory insurance (GKV)? That is the typical situation for expats, freelancers, foreign retirees and family-reunion residents searching for private medical insurance for expats in Germany or German health insurance for non-EU citizens. The Ausländerbehörde typically will not issue or renew the residence permit without a German-recognised proof of cover (§ 5 AufenthG) — acceptance is decided case by case.
For long stay visa medical insurance Germany — including EU Blue Card holders, Niederlassungserlaubnis applicants and self-employed expats — the standard private path is Care Expatriate from €58/month (ages 13–40, Basic tier with €150 deductible; 1 to 60 months — premiums scale by age band up to 74; incoming health insurance Germany 5 years cap). For a shorter bridge — visitor stays, Chancenkarte arrival or family reunion visa Germany insurance up to 2 years — the lighter option is Care Economy from €30 per 30 days.
Other long-tail searches that land here: long-term residence permit Germany, Niederlassungserlaubnis foreigners (§ 9 AufenthG settlement permit after five years), expat insurance over 5 years Germany (typically bridged via an Anwartschaftsversicherung and a switch into GKV or full PKV), retiring long-term in Germany and Aufenthaltstitel health insurance proof. All of these scenarios share the same hard requirement: a German-recognised PDF proof of cover before the Ausländerbehörde appointment.
Below we explain how the Ausländerbehörde verifies long-term cover, when Care Expatriate beats other Incoming products, and how premiums move with age — plus what happens after the 5-year cap (transition into GKV or full substitutive PKV depending on income and status).
Editorial guidance for private health insurance for foreigners over 30 in Germany and for non-EU residents asking who pays the premium. Acceptance is decided case by case by the embassy or Ausländerbehörde — this page is not legal advice.
Stay & Residence Cover
Insurance options for longer stays in Germany or Austria
Residence Documents
Proof for visa, residence permit or authority documents
Online Application
Receive the available confirmation after successful application
Over 10,000 policies issued · Since 2009
Long-stay in Germany? Pick the long-term Incoming plan that fits your residence.
The four worries many long-stay foreigners in Germany have
Quick answer: "Can I just keep my home-country insurance for 3 years?" — Usually not for the German Ausländerbehörde. They typically require a German-recognised long-term certificate (private medical insurance for expats in Germany or German health insurance for non-EU citizens). Below are the four pain points we see again and again with EU Blue Card holders, freelancers, family-reunion residents and foreign retirees — and how each is solved with the right Incoming tariff. Acceptance is decided case by case.
Avoid the mistakes that can delay your application
Visitor insurance may be too short
For multi-month or multi-year stays, Care Expatriate can be a better fit than short visitor coverage.
Statutory or private?
Freelancers, self-employed people and some incoming long-stay cases may need private incoming coverage instead of German statutory insurance.
Residence proof requested?
Care Expatriate can provide PDF confirmation after successful application for visa or immigration documents.
Renewal stress later
A longer coverage term can reduce repeated renewal pressure during projects, residence processes or long stays.
Quick reality check: what an uninsured long stay in Germany can cost
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.
🧳
Up to 5 years
Short visitor cover may be too weak
For long stays, freelance work or residence documents, short visitor insurance may be too short or not the right proof.
- 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 your residence permit appointment
Why act before your residence documents are due
Long-stay proof can become urgent during visa, residence permit, project or relocation steps. Short visitor cover may not be enough.
Long stay, different proof
Care Expatriate can fit longer incoming stays up to 5 years, depending on age and selected plan.
Residence documents need clarity
Your proof should match destination, coverage period and long-stay purpose.
Do not wait for renewal stress
Preparing longer coverage early can reduce repeated extension pressure.
Private or statutory?
Freelancers, self-employed people and employees on assignment without German statutory insurance may need a different route than employees.
Get long-term covered in 3 steps
10 minutes of effort. PDF certificate by email — forwardable to the Ausländerbehörde and your employer or university.
Long-term stay covered in 3 steps
Care Expatriate can cover longer incoming stays up to 5 years, depending on age and selected plan.
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Choose your plan
Care Expatriate for expats, freelancers, self-employed people, employees on assignment without German statutory insurance, or seniors up to entry age 74.
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Complete the application
Enter passport, destination, stay details and requested coverage period online. Additional questions may apply depending on the plan.
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Submit your proof
Receive PDF confirmation after successful application and submit it to the embassy, consulate or immigration authority if requested.
What expats, freelancers, foreign retirees and family-reunion residents in Germany say about getting long-term Incoming cover (Care Expatriate), the Ausländerbehörde acceptance and renewing their residence permit
“My biggest worry was that the embassy wouldn't accept the insurance.
The proof was accepted immediately — no questions asked.
That saved me a lot of stress.”
Georges
Cameroon
“I needed proof of insurance urgently for my visa appointment.
The confirmation arrived within minutes by email.
Everything worked first time at the embassy.”
Olga
Russia
“Found the best solution and best service for health insurance for foreign visitors and guests in Germany.
Fast, simple and affordable.
Highly recommended!”
Michael
Germany
“The online sign-up was done in just a few minutes.
When I actually had to see a doctor, the billing went smoothly.
I was really covered — not just on paper.”
Yunhee
Australia
Now choose your plan
Recommended long-term Incoming insurance — by case
Care Expatriate
from only €58.00 / month (coverage up to 5 years)
For foreign nationals with longer stays: expats, self-employed professionals, freelancers, employees on assignment without German statutory insurance, retirees & seniors up to age 74
- Proof of insurance for visas & immigration authorities quickly available (PDF)
- Coverage up to 5 years – less renewal stress
- Doctor, hospital, prescription medication & dental treatment coverage
- For longer stays in Germany, Austria, the EU/Schengen Area, Liechtenstein or Switzerland
- Suitable for expats, self-employed professionals, freelancers, employees on assignment without German statutory insurance, retirees & seniors
- More planning security for residence permits, projects or jobs
- 24/7 assistance + digital insurance card
- Age-based rates: from €58/month ages 13–40 · from €68 ages 41–60 · from €246 ages 61–74
- Coverage term: 3 months to 5 years · entry age 0–74
- Reputable insurance carrier
Why Care Expatriate?
For foreign nationals with longer stays who need solid health insurance and proof of coverage for authorities — suitable for expats, freelancers, self-employed professionals, employees on assignment without German statutory insurance, retirees & seniors up to age 74.
Why a 5-year coverage term?
More planning security: less renewal stress and a lower risk of a coverage gap if your stay lasts longer.
- 🏛️ HanseMerkur Insurance Group Hamburg – Advigon Insurance AG
- 📄 Instant proof of insurance for visas & immigration authorities (PDF)
- 🔒 Doctor, clinic, dental treatment & repatriation coverage
- 🏷️ From €58 / month · coverage up to 5 years
→ Complete the application, receive your instant PDF, submit your proof
Care Economy
from only €30.00 / 30 days (coverage up to 2 years)
For guests, tourists, family visits, job seekers & the German Opportunity Card
- Proof of insurance for visas & immigration authorities within minutes
- Affordable coverage from €1.00 per day
- Doctor, hospital & dental emergency coverage
- Suitable for Schengen visas, the Opportunity Card & family visits
- Flexible coverage from 1 day up to 2 years
- Coverage in Germany, the EU & the Schengen Area
- 24/7 assistance + digital insurance card
- Age-based rates: from €1.00/day up to age 64 · from €2.95/day for ages 65–74
- Coverage term: 1 day to 2 years · entry age 0–74
- Reputable insurance carrier
Why Care Economy?
For anyone who needs fast, affordable proof of health insurance — ideal for guests, visitors, tourists, family visits or job seekers, with doctor/clinic coverage subject to the policy terms and benefits.
Why a 2-year coverage term?
More flexibility when plans are uncertain: if your visa, trip or stay is extended, you avoid last-minute renewal stress and reduce the risk of a coverage gap.
- 🏛️ HanseMerkur Insurance Group Hamburg – Advigon Insurance AG
- 📄 Instant proof of insurance for visas & immigration authorities (PDF)
- 🔒 Doctor, clinic, dental emergency & repatriation coverage
- 🏷️ From €30 / 30 days · up to 2 years possible
→ Complete the application, receive your instant PDF, submit your proof
Care Expatriate — all prices by age & tier
Quick answer: Care Expatriate — the recommended long-term private Incoming tariff for foreigners staying in Germany from 6 months up to 5 years — starts at €58/month for ages 13–40 (Basic tier with €150 deductible) and scales by age band (41–60 from €68; 61–74 from €246). Three tiers (Basic / Comfort / Premium) are available; the PDF certificate is typically accepted by the Ausländerbehörde for residence permits under § 5 AufenthG.
| Care Expatriateworldwide without USA, Canada and Mexico |
Basic
|
BestsellerComfort
|
Premium
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Deductible / yr
150,–
|
Deductible / yr
150,–
|
Deductible / yr
500,–
|
Deductible / yr
0,–
|
Deductible / yr
500,–
|
Deductible / yr
1.000,–
|
|
| Entry age:0–12 (€ / month) | 64,– | 104,– | 81,– | 191,– | 149,– | 117,– |
| Entry age:13–40 (€ / month) | 58,– | 84,– | 63,– | 181,– | 141,– | 109,– |
| Entry age:41–60 (€ / month) | 68,– | 103,– | 77,– | 256,– | 201,– | 156,– |
| Entry age:61–74 (€ / month) | 246,– | 322,– | 248,– | 432,– | 336,– | 263,– |
All prices per month/person in euros. Deductible applies per insurance year. As of 2026.
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 | Premium/month | Total | Renewals needed | Pre-existing-condition gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 months | €58 | €696 | 4 | possible (2×) |
| 24 months | €58 | €1,392 | 2 | possible (1×) |
| 60 months | €58 | €3,480 | 0 | none |
Is a 41st birthday coming up?
In the 13–40 age band the Basic premium is €58/month; in the 41–60 band it is €68/month (example values). The difference is around €10 a month — roughly €600 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 40 pays the 13–40 band for five years, rather than the 41–60 band from their 41st 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.
For context: Care Expatriate can be taken out up to the age of 74.
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
What is long-term Incoming insurance?
Care Economy: from €30 per 30 days for visitors and short stays (up to age 64). It is private Incoming health insurance designed for foreign residents staying 6 months to 5 years in Germany — Care Expatriate is the standard product, typically accepted by the Ausländerbehörde under § 5 AufenthG for residence permits.
Is Care Expatriate a substitutive private insurance (PKV)?
No — after 5 years, residents typically transition to GKV or full PKV depending on income and status. Care Expatriate is private Incoming, not substitutive PKV.
Can I include my family in the same Care Expatriate contract?
Each insured person needs their own contract, but family applications can be processed together. Premiums are calculated per person based on age.
Which private health insurance for foreigners over 30 in Germany makes sense?
It is typically accepted by the Ausländerbehörde under § 5 AufenthG for residence permits and runs up to 5 years — case-by-case review by the authority; not legal advice. For foreigners over 30 who do not have access to statutory cover (GKV), Care Expatriate is the standard private Incoming insurance: from €58/month for ages 13–40, from €68/month for 41–60 and from €246/month for 61–74 (Basic tier, HanseMerkur AVB).
Who pays health insurance for non-EU foreigners in Germany?
Care Expatriate from €58/month). In most cases the resident pays the premium themselves. Employees with a regular German payroll contract typically join statutory cover (GKV) — the employer pays roughly half the contribution. Freelancers, self-employed residents, foreign retirees and family-reunion residents without GKV access typically pay a private Incoming premium (e.g. Sponsors who sign a § 68 AufenthG declaration of commitment can be held financially liable if the resident is uninsured — case-by-case review; not legal advice.
How much does German health insurance cost for foreigners?
Short-stay private medical insurance for expats in Germany starts around €30 per 30 days (Care Economy) or €0.85/day for Schengen visits (Care Visa Protect). It depends on age, status and product. For a private long-stay Incoming plan, Care Expatriate is the typical benchmark: from €58/month for ages 13–40, from €68/month for 41–60, and from €246/month for 61–74 (Basic tier with €150 deductible, HanseMerkur AVB). Employees in statutory cover (GKV) pay roughly 17.8% of gross salary, shared with the employer. Figures are indicative — final premiums depend on the case.
Can I keep my home-country insurance while living in Germany long-term?
Usually not for the Ausländerbehörde. EU/EEA residents with an EHIC or S1 form may be accepted in specific situations, but for non-EU citizens the immigration office typically requires a German-recognised certificate (PDF) — that is why long-stay residents switch to a German Incoming product such as Care Expatriate (up to 5 years). Acceptance is decided case by case by the embassy or Ausländerbehörde; this page is not legal advice.
What does long-term health insurance for foreigners cover in Germany?
Long-term Incoming insurance provides comprehensive medical coverage: outpatient visits, hospital stays, dental emergencies, prescription medication and medical repatriation. Care Expatriate starts at €58/month (ages 13–40) and runs up to 5 years, with an instant PDF certificate typically accepted by the Ausländerbehörde for the residence permit — case-by-case review; not legal advice.
Is long-term Incoming insurance accepted for the German residence permit?
The certificate includes the full name, validity period, and coverage amount required under § 5 AufenthG. Yes — the Care Expatriate PDF certificate (KV-Nachweis) is typically accepted by German immigration offices (Ausländerbehörde) and German embassies worldwide as valid proof of insurance for the residence permit. Final acceptance is at the discretion of the authority; this page is not legal advice.
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 €58/month in the 13–40 age band, from €68/month in the 41–60 band (example values, Basic) — around €600 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 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).
Over 10,000 policies issued · Since 2009
Ready to apply? Pick the long-term Incoming plan that fits your residence.
Short Schengen visit only (≤ 92 days)? Care Visa Protect (up to 92 days) is the EU 810/2009-compliant short-stay option.