Hello and welcome to the Feather insurance guide. We’ve made this as quick and straightforward as possible, so you can scan through to find all of the information you might need when deciding on which health insurance you’ll have in Germany.
In this guide, we cover the main three types of insurance:
- Public Health Insurance
- Private Health Insurance
- Expat Health Insurance
We’ll start with a brief overview of the healthcare system in Germany and then move into more specific topics like how to decide which healthcare provider to choose. While mostKrankenkassenor public health insurances provide similar coverage, they differ slightly. For example, TK provides the best English customer service, while DAK provides the best coverage for childbirth.
The last part of our guide will focus on the nitty-gritty details about applying for health insurance, including membership, eligibility, requirements, estimated monthly costs, visa and residence permit regulations, and more.
The German health insurance system
German health insurance is divided into two tiers: public and private insurance providers. Both offer comprehensive coverage for patients, but they have slightly different requirements when it comes to eligibility. Here are some of the most common factors:
- Income: If a German company employs you, you need to earn over a certain amount each year to apply for private health insurance.
- Plan to stay in Germany: Depending on your future goals, we will recommend either private or public health insurance.
- Family and family planning: Getting your children covered under health insurance is essential — and depending on the size of your family or your plans, it might be better to go with public or private insurance.
- Citizenship: Insurance is different if you’re not from the EU, so it’s important to consider that when deciding.
- Employment status: Are you employed by a German company, or are you a freelancer? This actually can affect your eligibility for some policies.
- Length of time in Germany: Because health insurance is required, it means that you’ll have an insurance history if you’ve been here longer. This history can affect your eligibility.
- Overall health: Pre-existing conditions and some medications can make signing up for private health insurance pretty challenging.
If you’re interested in seeing which of the many policies might be a good fit for you, we’ve created this health recommendation tool to help you explore!
Let’s go!
What to watch out for
Sometimes, it might not be possible for someone to join public or private insurance. This is due to several different eligibility requirements that both private and public healthcare have.
For example, a freelancer from outside of the European Union will most likely not be allowed to join the German public insurance system. If they have a pre-existing condition on top of that, they may not be able to get private insurance. Although it might not be ideal, our advice would be to get a full-time job to join the public insurance system immediately. They can also get temporary expat insurance while searching for a job or trying to get a German residence permit.
It can be a lot of information to keep in the back of your mind if you’re someone who doesn’t spend all their time looking at insurance applications, documents, and processes. We also offer the possibility to book a call with one of our experts to help you determine whether private, public, or expat insurance is the best for you.
Public health insurance in Germany
Public health insurance orgesetzliche Krankenversicherungis state insurance provided by more than 100 individual not-for-profitKrankenkassenor public health funds. Out of the many, we’ve partnered with TK, AOK, DAK, and Barmer. Our partners are operated by contributions from its members and the German government.
Here, we have an overview of how these public insurances differ from each other:
Each public insurance provider offers comprehensive coverage to all of their members. This includes an extensive range of preventative services, acute care, and full/ partial reimbursement for medications.
Signing up for public health insurance in Gemany
It’s easier to sign up for public health insurance than it is for private, but there are still a few requirements that you should watch out for:
- Under 55 years old
- Employed at a German company or a student
- Moving to Germany from another EU country where you were insured publicly
If a German company employs you, you can sign up with one of our public health insurance providers in a matter of minutes. If you’re a student, it will take a bit longer since we’ll need to gather some additional information for your application.
Still, even if we need to ask you for some additional documents, it will only take a matter of days to get you signed up for insurance, so there is no need to worry.
How are public insurance costs calculated?
There is a standard fee for students up until a certain number of semesters when the contribution amount increases. If you’re over a certain age and a student, you’ll need to speak with us about other insurance options, as you may no longer be eligible for public health insurance.
For people who are not students, public health insurance providers operate on asalary-based systemfor contributions. This means that the more you earn, the more you’ll pay per month. Your employer will also pay 50% of these fees. If you’re a healthy, single high-earner, it can actually be less expensive to switch to private insurance for this very reason.
The health insurance contribution consists of in 2023
- Health insurance: This is the main bulk of the cost and it is the same across all public health insurers in Germany. It amounts up to 14.6% of your income.
- Provider-specific additional contribution: This factor is set by the individual public health insurance provider (usually between 1.2% and 1.9% of your earnings)
- Long-term care insurance: In addition to health insurance, you must pay into the long-term care insurance system. This factor is the same across all public health insurers in Germany. it amounts up to 3.05% of your income (3.40% if you are over 23 and do not have kids).
It is important to mention that there is a floor and a ceiling set on public health contributions. Meaning: if you earn over €4.987,50 per month, your contribution will be based on that amount.Your exact contribution details will depend on a few factors, explained inour FAQ
If you get a new job and your salary changes, your monthly contribution will be automatically adjusted to your new income. If your employment status changes (e.g., if you quit working full-time and start freelancing), you may need to take extra steps to ensure that you’re paying the correct amount. Freelancers generally pay estimated taxes, and then the amount is adjusted to reflect their actual earnings when they file their yearly tax returns.
Pre-existing conditions in public health insurance
Pre-existing conditions will never exclude you from coverage in the public system. Your insurance will cover any pre-existing conditions as long as you are eligible to join aKrankenkasseor public health insurance provider.
Family coverage in public health insurance
The public insurance system is generally the cheapest way to insure multiple dependents. If you have children, they will be covered at no additional cost by your provider. As long as your children live in Germany and are not earning more than€520/month, they can be covered until the age of 23. If they are students, then they can be insured under your policy until the age of 25. Your public insurance provider will also cover non-working spouses.
For additional information on insuring dependents, check our blog.
Can I switch to private health insurance?
If a German company employs you, you may choose to switch to a private insurance plan as long as you’re earning more than €66,600 a year (as of 2023). If you are a freelancer, you can choose to switch to private insurance even if you earn less than that amount. But you will likely need to make at least €30,000 a year for private insurers to accept you.
Read more on our private insurance page:
Private health insurance in Germany
Forty-two companies provide private health insurance in Germany. They all provide comprehensive health insurance to their members and are regulated by the government, so there is no need to worry about their legitimacy.
There are two basic categories of private health insurance:
- Joint-stock companies (Aktiengesellschaft — AG)
- This is a type of company that is owned solely by its shareholders. Any profits made by the company are distributed to the shareholders. Policyholders do not receive a share of the company’s profits.
- Mutual insurance company (Versicherungsverein auf Gegenseitigkeit, VVaG)
- This type of company is owned by its members, and any profits made at the end of a financial period are redistributed among the members. The purpose of this type of insurance company is to serve the interest of the policyholders.
While many are interested in getting private insurance in Germany, not everyone can be on a private health insurance plan. Eligibility depends on a few factors, including income and what type of work you do.
How do I know when I’m eligible for private health insurance?
- I’m a freelancer or self-employed
- My annual income is more than €66,600 (2023 requirement)
Pre-existing conditions in private health insurance
Unlike public health insurance which accepts pre-existing conditions, private health insurancedoes, in fact, discriminate based on your health. They do this by asking in the application for a medical history form. Depending on the provider, this includes any treatments you’ve received within the past 3 to 7 years. You will also need to let the company you’re applying to know about any chronic conditions, surgeries, inpatient hospital stays, and overall mental wellbeing (among other questions regarding your health).
Based on your answers, the insurance company will determine your eligibility. If you have any severe conditions, the private health insurer may add an additional surcharge to your monthly premium after classifying you as “high-risk.” Private health insurers do this since covering ongoing treatments for certain conditions is sometimes quite expensive. The additional surcharge keeps costs down for other customers.
People with pre-existing conditions are sometimes too risky to take as customers, so private health insurance companies reject these applications.
Suppose the pre-existing condition has been fully treated. The insured person can provide proof the condition will no longer require costly treatments over a significant period of time. In that case, the insurance company can remove the additional surcharge. For example, risk surcharges often apply to patients with obesity because they are at greater risk for developing chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. But, if a patient loses weight and remains at this weight over a period of time, they can apply to have the surcharge removed.
In rare cases, the private health insurance company may accept someone with pre-existing conditions but exclude treatment for it. In our experience, helping people get private health insurance, previous treatments, and chronic conditions won’t result in an all-out rejection. Most companies would rather add a surcharge than reject someone.
Costs in private health insurance
The cost of private health insurance is calculated based on your health status at the time of joining. The main reason why private health insurance can be so costly is dependent on age and pre-existing conditions. If you join private health insurance when you’re young and healthy, the monthly costs are quite often lower than income-based payments.
Employer coverage
If you’re a full-time employee and qualify for private health insurance, your employer will cover half of your monthly premium — just like they would if you had public insurance.
Do costs go up over time?
Yes, private health insurance costs will get more expensive over time, but at similar rates to public health insurance. Under German law, public and private insurance providers can only raise expenses if they show that the cost of healthcare has gone up.
Between 2010 and 2020, the average cost of the contribution per person for private health insurance has increased by 2.3%, while public health insurance has risen by 3.8%. So, whether you choose private or public health insurance, you can expect the cost to increase over time.
Will the cost of health insurance increase with age?
While it is true that if you join private health insurance when you’re older, you’ll most likely pay a high premium. But, the earlier you enter the private health insurance system, the more affordable your payments will be when you’re older. This is due toAlterungsrückstellungen, or Ageing Provisions, an important strategy that private health insurance uses to keep premiums consistent.
So, how would the system work for someone in their late 20s who is relatively healthy? The monthly premium is intended to be fairly consistent over several decades, increasing due to proven increases in healthcare costs. So you should be paying a similar amount when you’re 80 as you would pay in your late 20s.
Let’s assume that the person applying has no major health problems. The current premium cost would be relatively low. A significant portion of your monthly premium would go into these aging provisions for the future. This keeps monthly fees consistent although you use your insurance plan more often.
Family & dependents
If you’re not single, young, and healthy, it might be a good idea to consider public health insurance. Under private health insurance, you would have to add each family member, which can get a little expensive. Public health insurance covers dependents at no additional cost.
Learn more about private health insurance:
Can I switch from private back to public health?
This is a fear many have when switching to private insurance. Generally, it’s possible, but only if you fulfill two requirements:
- You’re under the age of 55
- You earn less than a certain amount (in 2023, that’s €66,600)
If you’re a freelancer, you’ll have to seek out full-time employment to make the switch to public health insurance. You cannot choose to switch to public insurance if you’re still freelancing.
You can read more about it in our blog post.
Expat health insurance in Germany
We are a public-first company and will almost always recommend that you find a way to join public health insurance if you plan on living in Germany for an extended period of time. We only recommend joining expat health insurance if entering the public systemis not an option. Expat health insurance is a temporary solution as you cannot use expat insurance to apply for a visa renewal.
With that being said, it might not be possible for you to get public or private health insurance at the moment. In fact, in some instances, it’s impossible to get on either plan, which means that expat health insurance might be your last option to get a visa.
What makes someone ineligible for public and private health insurance?
Our most common case is with freelancers with pre-existing conditions or who are over the age of 55 from non-EU countries.
What is expat health insurance?
Expat health insurance is also known asincoming insurancebecause it provides coverage for people who have newly arrived in Germany in case of an emergency or acute health problems. It generally covers costs associated with accidents or unexpected injuries, including inpatient hospital stays and related (doctor-ordered) visits to medical professionals.
You can sign up for expat health insurance for amaximumof 5 years from the time you enter Germany. Therefore, unless you only plan to be in Germany for a short period (under 5 years), we highly recommend going on public or private insurance. If you currently cannot enter into either private or public insurance due to your circumstance, we recommend getting expat insurance until you are able to switch.
Pre-existing conditions
Expat health insurance does not cover medical needs related to pre-existing conditions or chronic illness. So, while your insurance will reimburse you for costs associated with a broken bone or a sinus infection, it will not cover treatment for pre-existing illnesses like diabetes or hypothyroidism. If you get treatment for pre-existing conditions, you’ll have to pay out of pocket.
Family & dependents
Expat health insurance does not cover children or other dependents. Additional family members will need to get their own plans.
Residence permit
You can get a visa with expat health insurance, but you cannot renew your visa with expat health insurance.
If you’ve decided to stay in Germany long-term, you’ll need to either join the public or private health insurance system. Otherwise, you will not be able to renew your residence permit.
Customer examples
We’ve changed their names for their privacy, but here are some examples of people we’ve helped get health insurance in Germany and how we made that decision.
The following case studies show how we make recommendations in some relatively common cases.
Peter
Peter is a 46-year-old man who is moving to Germany with a full-time job offer. He will be earning €113,000 annually with his new job as an art director, so he qualifies for private insurance. However, Peter has high blood pressure, is married, and has two children. His wife does not plan to enter the German workforce for the time being.
We would recommend that Peter get public insurance since he has a pre-existing condition and three dependents.
Theresa
Theresa is a 27-year-old woman and works as a freelance graphic designer. She is from the U.S., single, has no children, and has no pre-existing conditions. Theresa moved to Berlin with no set plan in place — she’s not sure if she’ll stay for just a few months or for a longer period of time. She plans to apply for a freelance residence permit and explore Germany before creating a plan.
We recommend that Theresa take expat health insurance to get started in Germany. Since she’s a freelancer from the U.S., she won’t be eligible to join public insurance immediately. Since she could only be in Germany for a few months, expat health insurance is the best option as it will help her get a freelance residence permit and requires no commitment like private health insurance.
Christina
Christina is a 35-year-old woman from Canada. She is married to another Canadian citizen and plans to have children in the next couple of years. She does not have any pre-existing conditions; however, she was regularly seeing a psychotherapist in Canada. She is moving to Munich to take a job offer with an annual income of €68,000.
We recommend that Christina get public insurance. Even though she qualifies for private insurance based on her income, her history of mental health counseling means she is not eligible to join private health insurance. In addition, since she is planning to have children, public insurance will be cheaper for her family in the long run.
Pablo
Pablo is a 39-year-old man from Mexico. He just moved to Hamburg to take a project management job and has an annual income of €71,000. He is single, has no children, and doesn’t have any pre-existing conditions. He plans to stay in Germany for a few years, but he wants to return to Mexico eventually.
In Pablo’s situation, we would recommend private insurance. Because he is a single, healthy high-earner, it will be cheaper for him to go on private insurance in Germany rather than public insurance.
Health insurance add-ons
Health insurance companies in Germany offer comprehensive coverage, but even with these plans, you might need to get an add-on to fit things like dental insurance or travel insurance which aren’t covered under standard plans.
You can think of these add-on policies as building blocks to the coverage you’d like to have. Some people don’t go to the dentist for more than just an annual check-up, so they won’t be interested in adding this to their plan. For others, going to the dentist multiple times per year is expected, so they need to add this to their coverage.
Dental Care
Public health insurance covers a significant portion of the costs formedically necessarydental care (e.g., root canals or wisdom teeth extractions). Most public providers offer supplemental dental coverage. But, you might want extra preventative care or full coverage for more advanced treatments like laser therapy or periodontitis. If this is the case, we recommend looking into a dental care add-on for your insurance plan.
Find out more on our website:
Travel insurance
Thankfully, if you’re traveling within the EU, your German insurance will still cover your treatment. Still, if you’re looking to leave Europe, you’ll need additional travel insurance to cover you abroad. Most public providers have travel add-ons for short- and long-term travel.
Sometimes, private insurance already has travel included, but it’s important to check before leaving on your trip.
Alternative Medicine
This can be a controversial term, but generally, alternative medicine encompasses acupuncturists, chiropractors, herbalists, and homeopaths (among many others). Public health insurance, in most cases, will not cover treatment from these practitioners.
Feather currently doesn’t offer an alternative medicine add-on to your health insurance coverage, but you can find plans by searching for “Heilpraktikerversicherung” to learn more about your options.
Vision
Considering how many people need glasses or contact lenses, it’s not a surprise that there supplemental insurances for vision. If you are insured through a public provider, vision coverage will cost extra. Some private insurers include vision as part of their package.
Generally, we do not recommend purchasing an additional vision policy. For most people, out-of-pocket costs for vision aids are cheaper than the cost of a vision policy. But, if you’d like to see what a vision add-on looks like, you can search for “Zusatzversicherung Sehhilfe” or “Brillenzusatzversicherung” online.
Premium Hospital Care
One of the main reasons people get add-ons in the first place is after they have to spend the night at the hospital with “roommates.” With supplemental insurance for premium hospital care, you can get a private room and be seen by head practitioners. Most public insurance providers have their hospital add-ons, so you can stop to ask about adding to your plan or search for “Krankenhauszusatzversicherung” to find other policies online.
How do I find a doctor in Germany?
Finding a doctor in Germany is hard if you don’t speak the language. Luckily, there are resources online to help you find an English-speaking doctor (or your native language).
Doctolib
Doctolib is an all-in-one doctor search and booking tool. After choosing the type of doctor you’re looking for and the area code you’re searching in, you can filter doctors by:
- Languages spoken
- Whether they take private or public insurance
- Dates of availability
After you find a doctor who fits your needs, you can make an appointment through the platform.
FAQs
What health insurance do I need in Germany? ›
There are three options for health insurance while living in Germany: the government-regulated public health insurance system (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung, GKV) private health insurance from a German or international insurance company (Private Krankenversicherung, PKV) or a combination of the two that supplements ...
How do I get GKV in Germany? ›The statutory health insurance system (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung - GKV) If you have a job in Germany, and earn less than 66.600 euros per year (in 2023), you will be automatically enrolled in the statutory health insurance system.
Do foreigners get free healthcare in Germany? ›Yes, all Germans and legal residents of Germany are entitled to free “medically necessary” public healthcare, which is funded by social security contributions. However, citizens must still have either state or private health insurance, covering at least hospital and outpatient medical treatment and pregnancy.
What style of health insurance does Germany have? ›Germany has a universal multi-payer health care system paid for by a combination of statutory health insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) and private health insurance (Private Krankenversicherung).
Do US citizens need health insurance in Germany? ›It is mandatory by law for all residents and visitors in Germany to have some sort of healthcare cover, whether that's statutory public healthcare, private healthcare, or some other valid form for short-term visitors. You must have health insurance in Germany, no matter whether you are unemployed or employed.
Can foreigners get German health insurance? ›Although most foreigners living in Germany are eligible for state healthcare, some must sign up manually and all residents must have some form of health insurance.
How do retired people in Germany get health insurance? ›German residents who have paid into the social security system have their healthcare costs covered in old age, but new residents must seek alternative cover. EU and EEA nationals with an S1 health form from their home country can access medical treatment free or at reduced rates.
How much do I need to retire in Germany? ›Average Cost to Retire in Germany
According to March 2022 data from Numbeo, a website that collects pricing data from around the world, the average monthly budget you'll need in Germany (excluding rent, but including food, utilities, transportation and recreation) would be the equivalent of around $850.
Compulsory Pension Health Insurance (Krankenversicherung der Rentner) Usually, once you start to claim your German pension you must start paying for compulsory pensioners' health insurance. This may be supplemented by the government and it will be deducted directly from your pension payments.
Is healthcare free in Germany for US citizens? ›Public Healthcare
All German residents can access healthcare through public health insurance; however, non-residents must have private insurance coverage to access healthcare. Temporary visitors usually need to pay for treatment and claim reimbursement later.
Can an American go to a German hospital? ›
Generally speaking, most hospitals in Germany accept all patients, whether they have public or private health insurance.
Can I go to a hospital without insurance in Germany? ›Yes, in Germany you will be treated even if you go to the doctor without health insurance – at least in serious or even life-threatening cases or if you are in severe pain.
How is Germany's healthcare system different from the US? ›Germany has free public healthcare, but it only covers '” medically necessary” care which is funded by their social security, and the purpose of the insurance policy is to cover hospital and outpatient medical treatment (i.e., pregnancy) (InterNations GO, 2012).
How good is the German healthcare system? ›The German healthcare system is a dual public-private system that dates back to the 1880s, making it the oldest in Europe. Today its doctors, specialists, and facilities make it one of the very best healthcare systems in the world.
Why is German healthcare the best? ›The public health care system in Germany is distinguished for its generosity. All people insured by a public health insurer receive the same medical care regardless of their financial status. This is achieved through an income-based common fund mentioned.
Is private health insurance worth it in Germany? ›Private insurance is a better option if you are young and healthy or if you know that you are only spending a limited amount of time in Germany. Self-employed who just arrived in Germany might be barred from entering public insurance. I recommend signing up with private health insurance if you earn more than 45.000.
Can I use my US health insurance in Europe? ›Most US health insurance plans including Medicare offer little to no coverage outside US borders. It is important for US citizens to buy good travel insurance for Europe.
Does Blue Cross work in Germany? ›The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan has you covered worldwide. If you need medical care outside the U.S, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands you can rest assured that the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan offers worldwide coverage.
Can I use my German insurance in the US? ›Like most countries, health insurance coverage in Germany is based upon residency. The system does not cover you when you move abroad. There is one exception, however. German citizens who sign up for the free European Health Insurance Card or EHIC can enjoy medical services in other participating European countries.
Do US citizens need health insurance in Europe? ›Travel medical insurance for Europe is not required for US citizens who do not need a visa to enter the Schengen zone. Nonetheless, it is highly recommended for travelers (both US citizens and non-US citizens) visiting Europe for business, tourism, and other purposes as well.
Can tourists get healthcare in Germany? ›
Just as with German residents, temporary visitors in Germany also have to obtain health insurance coverage. Since Germany is a Schengen country, visitors have to get travel health insurance that's in line with Schengen requirements.
Can an American retiree move to Germany? ›Who is eligible to retire in Germany? Germans happily welcome international individuals to retire in their country since they will not be relying on a salary to make a living. In addition, they will be content to welcome you into their country if you have sufficient financial means and health insurance.
Can I use my Medicare in Germany? ›Remember, you can have Medicare while you live abroad, but it will usually not cover the care you receive. Most people qualify for premium-free Part A, meaning you will pay nothing for coverage. If you must pay a premium for Part A, be aware of the high monthly cost for maintaining Part A coverage.
Does Germany tax US Social Security benefits? ›Social Security – The benefits provided in the United States – Germany Tax treaty will also provide relief once you begin receiving social security payments. The treaty provides that the distributions are taxed only in your country of residence.
Can I collect Social Security and live in Germany? ›If you have Social Security credits in both the United States and Germany, you may be eligible for benefits from one or both countries. If you meet all the basic requirements under one country's system, you will get a regular benefit from that country.
How long can a US citizen live in Germany? ›A residence visa is required if you intend to stay in Germany for more than 90 days for work or study or if you intend to move to Germany permanently.
How difficult is it for an American to move to Germany? ›It is not difficult to move to Germany from the US if you have a valid reason, such as a job offer, a letter of acceptance from a German university, or wishing to join your partner. However, generally speaking, everyone outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland needs a solid reason to receive a German residence permit.
Do expats pay pension insurance Germany? ›In Germany, anyone (with a few exceptions), who earns a living has to pay into the pension system. The contributions are charged at a rate of 18,6% of your salary. As an employee your employer will pay half. This means that as an expat working in Germany, you too will have to pay into this scheme.
What is the retirement age in Germany now? ›65 years and 7 months is the standard age at which someone in Germany can retire, but some schemes allow people retiring here to take out less money on their pensions in exchange for retiring early. The standard age is slightly about the OECD and EU averages of 64.
What is the old age pension in Germany? ›The state pension benefits are paid out after the general retirement age of 65 years. It is managed by local and regional branches of the public pension insurance system called Deutsche Rentenversicherung. It provides basic retirement payments of about 70% of the working income.
Can I go to doctor in Germany without insurance? ›
What if I don't have health insurance in Germany? If you're visiting Germany and don't have health insurance in the country, you can still see a doctor. You will, however, have to find a private doctor and be responsible for the cost of the visit — a GP consultation without medical insurance costs from €30 to €60.
Are German citizens happy with their healthcare? ›In an OECD wide comparison, German citizens are particularly satisfied with their health care system. 85% express satisfaction, compared to a 71% OECD average, though satisfaction has slightly declined in Germa- ny since 2007, from 87% to 85%.
Who has the best healthcare in the world? ›- South Korea. South Korea tops the list of best healthcare systems in the world. ...
- Taiwan. Taiwan is second in the best healthcare systems in the world. ...
- Denmark. ...
- Austria. ...
- Japan. ...
- Australia. ...
- France. ...
- Spain.
Yes, it is mandatory to have valid medical travel insurance for Germany as it is one of the prerequisites for applying for a Schengen Visa.
Do tourists pay for healthcare in Germany? ›All German residents can access healthcare through public health insurance; however, non-residents must have private insurance coverage to access healthcare. Temporary visitors usually need to pay for treatment and claim reimbursement later.
Do you need insurance to go to Germany? ›It's important to take out appropriate travel insurance for your needs. A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance and you should have both before you travel. It does not cover all health-related costs, for example, medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment and non-urgent treatment.
What does my health insurance cover in Germany? ›Public healthcare in Germany covers GP (general practitioner) appointments, in-hospital treatment, out-patient treatments, surgery, maternity services, and basic dental care.
Which insurances are mandatory in Germany? ›- Health insurance: Compulsory for everyone who stays in Germany for more than three months.
- Automobile insurance: Compulsory for vehicle drivers in Germany.
- Personal liability insurance: Not compulsory but indispensable for a safe everyday life.
Yes, in Germany you will be treated even if you go to the doctor without health insurance – at least in serious or even life-threatening cases or if you are in severe pain. However, if you want to see your family doctor for less serious illnesses, for example, you will have to pay the costs yourself.
Can I get travel insurance instead of health insurance? ›Travel insurance isn't the same thing as health insurance.
Travel insurance with emergency medical benefits offers just that — benefits for losses due to covered medical and dental emergencies. It doesn't cover preventive, routine or elective medical care.