Ottonova Digital Health Insurance Review: A Guide for 2025

Ottonova is Germany’s first digital private health insurer. It offers app-based service, fast claims, and English support but lacks family coverage and long-term history.

Last updated on 21. Aug. 2025

Ottonova Digital Health Insurance Review: A Guide for 2025

It can be hard to understand private health insurance in Germany because of rising costs, confusing tariffs, and a lot of paperwork.
Ottonova says it will make things easier. It is Germany’s first fully digital private health insurance company, and it was started in 2017 in Munich. Everything, from claims to customer service, is done through an app instead of a lot of paper forms.

Ottonova is a modern alternative to traditional providers like Allianz, Debeka, or AXA for expats, freelancers, and young professionals.
But is it really as easy to use and dependable as they say? This guide will tell you everything you need to know, including how it works, how much it costs, the pros and cons, and whether or not it’s right for you.

What is Ottonova?

Ottonova started doing business in Germany in 2017, which makes it a very young company compared to big insurance companies that have been around for more than a hundred years.
BaFin (Germany’s Federal Financial Supervisory Authority) oversees it, and Allianz provides financial support, so it has a strong base even though it is new.

What sets Ottonova apart?

No paperwork: everything is stored digitally and done through an app.
Support in English 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, which is great for expats.
The target audience is digital natives, freelancers, and people from other countries who value convenience.
Traditional private insurers often use the mail and red tape, but Ottonova calls itself a disruptor in the industry.

Germany: Public vs. Private Health Insurance

It’s important to know the difference between public and private health insurance in order to understand where Ottonova fits in.

Public insurance (GKV): pay based on income (14.6% plus a fee). Family members can be insured for free.
Private insurance (PKV): cost of coverage depends on age, health, and type of coverage. Every family member needs their own policy.

Who is eligible to join Ottonova?

Workers who make more than €73,800 a year before taxes (the 2025 limit).
Self-employed and freelancers.
Students and PhD researchers (special rates).
People abroad who don’t have to join GKV.

Why choose Ottonova instead of public insurance?

Less time to wait for specialists.
More options for doctors and hospitals.
Service in English, which is uncommon in GKV.
Digital experience that makes paperwork easier.

Costs and Premiums

Ottonova’s premiums have nothing to do with income. They depend on:

Age at entry
Health condition
Job
Your choice of tariff (Expat, Business Class, First Class)

Example Premium Ranges (2025)

Profile	Monthly Premium (about)	Notes
Young professional (28 years old)	€220–€320	Depending on the deductible
Freelancer (35 years old, high income)	€300–€450	Often cheaper than GKV at this income level
Expat on short-term contract	€200–350	Can cancel easily if they leave Germany
Family with two kids	€600 or more	Each person pays separately, no free dependents

Things to think about that cost more

Deductibles: €300–€1,200 per year depending on plan.
Premiums go up with age (ageing reserves help, but not completely).
Extras like dental or travel insurance raise costs.

Key difference from GKV: in GKV, a family of four can be covered under one payment. Ottonova requires separate policies for each member.

Plans and Coverage

Ottonova has three main plans:

1. Expat Tariff

Made for foreigners in Germany short-term.
English onboarding, easy cancellation.
Not suited for long-term residents (basic coverage).

2. Business Class Tariff

Good choice for professionals.
Dental, outpatient, inpatient care.
Vaccinations and preventive care included.

3. First Class Tariff

Premium coverage with private hospital rooms.
High dental reimbursement.
Maximum freedom and VIP-style access.

More Services Across All Tariffs

Doctor second opinion service.
In-app doctor consultations.
Health coaching programs (fitness, diet, stress).

Ottonova’s Unique Selling Point: Digital Experience

The app is at the core of Ottonova:

Submit claims with photos: snap invoice, upload, get paid.
Chat with customer service 24/7.
Manage schedule and reminders.

Digital health record: all treatments and claims stored for life — rare in Germany.

Customer Service and Claims Process

Speed: reimbursements within days (vs. weeks at traditional PKVs).
Support: English & German via chat, email, or phone.
Transparency: claim status tracked in real time via app.

Many reviews highlight fast, reliable support, rare in Germany.

Reputation and Customer Experience

Ratings & Reviews

Trustpilot & App Store: praised for quick refunds and English service.
Negatives: rising costs, uncertainty of long-term pricing.

Recognition

Awards for innovation and digital-first approach.
Too new to appear on long-term stability rankings.

Real Stories

Expat in Berlin: praised easy onboarding, English chat support.
Freelancer in Munich: cheaper than GKV but no family coverage.

The Good and Bad Things About Ottonova

Pros

Digital-first, paperless experience.
24/7 English customer support.
Faster reimbursements than regular PKVs.
Financial backing from Allianz.

Cons

Premiums rise with age.
No free family coverage.
Small market share, short history.
Families often pay more vs. GKV.

Things That Are Unique and Often Missed

Expat-friendly support: rare among German PKVs.
Health focus: reimbursements for fitness, meditation, wellness apps.
First disruption: but bigger insurers are catching up with apps.

Compatibility with Your Lifestyle

Best for: digital nomads, expats, freelancers, professionals comfortable with app-based service.
Not good for: families, older people, those preferring paper service.

Customer Pain Points and Objections

“Private insurance costs more as I get older.”
→ True, but ageing reserves help. Entering early reduces risk.
“Ottonova is too new. What if it fails?”
→ BaFin-approved, Allianz-backed. Stable but no long history.
“Can I insure my family for free?”
→ No. Each member pays separately, unlike GKV.

Other Options for Ottonova

Private Rivals

Allianz, Debeka, AXA, HanseMerkur — larger, more flexible tariffs.

Public Options

TK, AOK, Barmer — better for families, income-based contributions.

Hybrid

Stay with GKV + add private supplements (e.g., dental, hospital).

Important Information That Not Many People Know

Ottonova premiums are partially tax-deductible in Germany.
Digital health record remains even if you cancel.
Expats leaving Germany can cancel without fees.

Questioning Common Beliefs

“Private insurance is always better.” → Not true; GKV better for families or long-term.
“Digital insurers aren’t trustworthy.” → Ottonova is regulated and backed by Allianz.
“PKV is only for the rich.” → Young freelancers often pay less than GKV.

Things That Were Missed

After age 55, switching back from PKV → GKV is almost impossible.
Dental reimbursements may not meet expectations at lower tariffs.
Expat tariff is temporary, not long-term.

Mistakes That Happen a Lot

Choosing Ottonova for app convenience, ignoring long-term costs.
Forgetting dependents aren’t included.
Underestimating deductibles & co-payments.
Assuming cancellation works like GKV (it doesn’t).

Expert Opinions and What to Expect in the Future

Seen as an insurtech leader. Proved demand for digital-first insurance.
But big insurers are catching up with apps.
Political debates on PKV premiums & ageing population may affect future.

In Conclusion

Ottonova is a modern, digital-first PKV that makes life easier for expats, freelancers, and professionals who want English support and convenience.
It’s fast, transparent, and paperless.

But not for everyone: