Health Insurance in Germany: What Expats Need to Know
Relocating to Germany comes with many administrative hurdles, and securing health insurance is one of the most critical. For expats, understanding what coverage is legally required—and what type best suits their situation—can feel overwhelming.
Why It’s Crucial for Expats
Health insurance is mandatory for all residents in Germany, including foreigners. Without proof of coverage, you can’t secure a residence permit, enroll at a university, or even start work. But the choice isn’t just between public and private insurance—it’s about choosing the right option based on your unique expat status, income, and plans for the future.
Understanding Expat Health Insurance vs. Standard Coverage
What Makes Expat Insurance Unique?
- Tailored to international residents who may not qualify for immediate public or private plans
- Meets visa and residency requirements while offering transitional coverage
- Designed to bridge gaps until long-term insurance is arranged
Key Concepts to Understand
- Jahresarbeitsentgeltgrenze (JAEG): Determines eligibility for public vs. private insurance for employees. In 2025, the general JAEG is €73,800, and the special JAEG is €66,150.
- Krankenversicherungspflicht: Legal obligation to be insured—there are no exceptions for expats
- Temporary vs. Long-Term Plans: Some plans are only valid short-term or for initial residency applications
Navigating Health Insurance During Your Move
Before Arrival in Germany
- Arrange temporary expat health insurance for visa applications (e.g., Mawista, Care Concept)
- Ensure your plan meets residency compliance, not just travel insurance criteria
- If coming from the EU: check EHIC card coverage for the interim
Upon Arrival
- Apply for long-term insurance as soon as you register (Anmeldung)
- If employed: determine if you’re below or above the JAEG to know your options
- If self-employed, student, or unemployed: explore which statutory or expat-specific private plans are available
Choosing the Right Plan for Your Situation
Employed Expats
- If gross salary is below €73,800/year (2025 JAEG): enrollment in public health insurance (GKV) is mandatory
- Above threshold: option to choose private insurance (PKV), but long-term implications should be considered
- Employer shares contributions for both GKV and PKV
Freelancers and Self-Employed
- May not qualify for public insurance if not previously covered
- Private expat insurance (Feather, Ottonova) is often the first step
- Long-term freelancers may opt for voluntary GKV once eligible
Students and Interns
- Public student plans are affordable but limited to those under age 30 or within standard study durations
- Specialized expat student plans available if arriving from outside the EU or over age limit
New Arrivals and Visa Applicants
- Temporary expat insurance accepted by immigration offices
- Ideal options: Mawista, Care Concept, HanseMerkur
- Must transition to long-term coverage post-visa or job start
Common Expat Insurance Providers and Their Advantages
Expat-Focused Insurers
- Ottonova: Fully digital, English-speaking service tailored to expats
- Feather Insurance: Simplifies GKV and PKV options; helps with transitions
- Expatrio, Popsure: Broker platforms bundling insurance with visa services
What to Look for in a Provider
- English-language support and documentation
- Immediate policy confirmation for visa appointments
- Simple claim processes with digital access
Avoiding Redundancy with Long-Term Plans
This guide complements—but does not replace—detailed resources on:
- Public Health Insurance (GKV): See our in-depth guide for statutory system benefits, family coverage, and long-term affordability
- Private Health Insurance (PKV): Refer to our private insurance page for deep dives into pricing, eligibility, and switching challenges
This article focuses solely on expat-specific scenarios, including transitional insurance, newcomer needs, and special cases like freelancers or students without German coverage history.
Real-World Pitfalls Expats Should Know
Mistaking Travel Insurance for Health Coverage
- Travel insurance is not accepted for residence permits
- Expats must have policies compliant with German legal standards
Missing the JAEG Relevance
- If your job contract puts you above €73,800/year, you’re free to opt out of public coverage—but doing so has lasting effects
- Many expats mistakenly choose PKV for short-term savings and regret it later
Language and Bureaucracy Barriers
- Always choose providers with English service, especially for claims or emergencies
- Using a broker or advisor can simplify paperwork and avoid rejection
Special Topics for Expats
Coverage While Traveling or Returning Home
- Many expat plans include limited international coverage
- Repatriation is often an optional add-on
- Check for global validity if you’re a digital nomad or frequent traveler
Mental Health Access
- Not all expat plans include psychological care
- GKV covers psychotherapy, but waitlists can be long
- Private plans may offer faster access with session caps
Final Thoughts and What to Do Next
Key Takeaways
- Health insurance is non-negotiable for expats in Germany
- Your legal status, income, and duration of stay determine your ideal coverage
- Expat-specific insurance is a vital tool for navigating your first months legally and securely
Next Steps
- Review your current visa and residency needs
- Compare short-term expat insurance plans before arrival
- Plan a transition to public or private coverage based on your employment situation
Need help choosing a plan? Use our calculator tool or book a call with an expat insurance advisor to find the right fit for your journey in Germany.
