What are the main differences between expat health insurance and travel health insurance?
Expat health insurance is designed for residents living in Germany with comprehensive coverage for new illnesses and accidents. Travel health insurance includes inbound travel health insurance for basic short-term coverage within the country of residence and outbound travel health insurance for coverage during travel outside the residence country. Travel insurance usually covers only emergency cases and aims for repatriation to the home country.
Can expat health insurance be used by people not living in Germany?
Expat health insurance is only available for people living in Germany. It is not available to those residing outside Germany. If you are living in another EU country, we offer country specific expat policies.
What types of travel health insurance exist and how do they differ?
There are two types of travel health insurance: inbound travel health insurance, which is for temporary basic coverage within the country of residence, and outbound travel health insurance, which provides coverage for travel outside the country of residence. Outbound travel insurance cannot be used as primary health insurance within Germany.
How does health coverage differ between expat health insurance and travel health insurance?
Expat health insurance typically offers broader coverage including new illnesses, injuries, and accidents in the country of residence. Travel health insurance primarily covers emergency medical treatment and focuses on repatriation to the home country as soon as possible.
What geographical coverage do expat health insurance and travel health insurance provide?
Expat health insurance covers Germany and temporary trips to European Union countries, Schengen countries, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City. Outbound travel insurance provides worldwide coverage but excludes coverage within Germany.
What additional coverage features are included in expat health insurance compared to travel health insurance?
Expat health insurance can include additional health-related benefits such as dental care, physical therapy, cancer screenings, and fitness app budgets. Travel health insurance typically offers more basic health coverage but may include optional add-ons like trip cancellation and luggage insurance depending on the plan.
How do expat health insurance and travel health insurance handle claims?
Both expat health insurance and travel health insurance generally require policyholders to pay upfront for treatment and services, then submit claims for reimbursement.
What is the visa eligibility status of expat health insurance and travel health insurance?
Expat health insurance is regulated by BaFin in Germany and is usually accepted for first-time visa applications and residence permits. Travel health insurance plans are generally not BaFin-regulated and may not be accepted for visa purposes.
Are there variations in the definitions of expat health insurance and travel health insurance?
Definitions for expat health insurance and travel health insurance can vary by country. There is no standard global definition for either insurance type.
Disclaimer:
The information provided here is a guide based on the common differences between incoming expat and travel health policies in Germany. Ultimately, though, there is no set definition for “travel health insurance” (or expat health insurance). The definitions can vary country to country.
Where can I find more information or sign up for expat or travel health insurance?
More details and enrollment options for expat health insurance and outbound travel insurance are available on our website. For further questions, please contact support through the official support page.