What are the key differences between expat health insurance and travel health insurance?

Expat health insurance is designed for people living in Germany as their primary country of residence, providing comprehensive coverage for new illnesses, injuries, and accidents. Unlike travel health insurance — a short-term product covering emergency treatment only during temporary trips outside the country of residence — expat health insurance is intended as ongoing residential coverage for up to 5 years. We offer expat health insurance for residents of Germany.

Expat health insurance is regulated by BaFin, Germany's federal financial supervisory authority, and is generally accepted for first-time visa applications and residence permits. Travel health insurance is typically not BaFin-regulated and may not meet German visa or residence permit requirements.

Expat health insurance covers Germany and temporary trips to European Union countries, Schengen countries, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City. Travel insurance generally provides worldwide coverage but excludes coverage within Germany.