What is expat health insurance compared to full private health insurance?
Expat health insurance is a type of incoming private insurance designed for short-term use in Germany, typically as a transitional insurance for up to 5 years. Full private health insurance is comprehensive, long-term health coverage accepted for all visas and visa renewals in Germany.
What are the coverage differences between expat health insurance and full private health insurance?
Expat health insurance covers new medical conditions only, excluding pre-existing conditions and routine check-ups without symptoms. Full private health insurance offers comprehensive coverage including new and some pre-existing conditions, as well as routine check-ups.
Can dependents be added to expat health and full private health insurance plans?
Both expat health insurance and full private health insurance allow adding dependents to the policy.
What are the policy length limits for expat health and full private insurance?
Expat health insurance policies are limited to a maximum of 5 years. Full private health insurance policies have unlimited duration.
How do visa requirements differ between expat health insurance and full private health insurance?
Expat health insurance meets §193 (3) VVG requirements suitable for most first-time visas but is not sufficient for visa renewals. Full private health insurance meets § 152 VAG and is valid for all visas and visa renewals.
Is there a salary minimum or health screening requirement for either insurance type?
Full private health insurance requires meeting a salary minimum and passing a health screening unless insured globally in the last 12 months. Expat health insurance has no salary minimum or health screening requirements.
How do costs and travel coverage differ between these two insurance types?
Expat health insurance cost is a set price based on age and policy and is generally cheaper. It includes travel coverage in the EU, Schengen zone, and six weeks in the home country after one year. Full private health insurance costs vary by individual assessment of age and health, often cheaper than public insurance, and travel coverage can be customized up to worldwide coverage.
Can policyholders switch from one insurance type to another?
Switching from expat health insurance to full private or public health insurance is possible. Switching from full private health insurance back to expat health insurance is not permitted. Switching from full private health insurance to public health insurance is possible before age 55 if certain criteria are met.
Are there age limits and additional benefits unique to full private health insurance?
Expat health insurance has an age limit up to 75 years. Full private health insurance has no age limit but eligibility often decreases with age. Full private insurance includes additional benefits such as sick pay and long-term care insurance (Pflegeversicherung), which are not available in expat health insurance.
Feel free to use this reference table below:
| Incoming Private Insurance (Expat) | Full Private Insurance |
Coverage overview | Basic cover
New conditions only, no cover for pre-existing conditions or routine check ups without symptoms | Comprehensive cover
New conditions, some pre-existing conditions and routine check ups are included |
Coverage add ons | X | ✅
Can tailor your plan to add extra coverage Eg private room, supplementary dental and travel cover |
Ability to add dependents | ✅ | ✅ |
Length of policy | 5 years | Unlimited |
Visa requirements | §193 (3) VVG
Suitable for most first time visas but not sufficient for visa renewals | § 152 VAG
Suitable for all visas and all visa renewals |
Salary minimum for eligibility | X | ✅ |
Health screening for eligibility | X | ✅
Note: if you've been insured anywhere in the world for the last 12 months, you can avoid undergoing the exams.
|
Cost | Set price based on age and policy.
Generally the cheapest option
| Cost is based on individual assessment and depends on age and health status, but private health is often cheaper than public health insurance |
Travel cover | EU & schengen zone, as well as 6 weeks in home country after 1 year on the policy | Customisable
Can extend to comprehensive worldwide cover depending on policy or add-on chosen |
Option to switch to public health | ✅ | Possible if certain criteria is met, up to the age of 55 years |
Age limit | Up to 75 years | No limit, but eligibility typically does reduce with age |
Sick pay | X | ✅ |
Long term care insurance (Pflegeversicherung) | X | ✅ |
If you would like to learn more about expat health, get a quote or sign up, you can do so here.
If you would like to learn more about private health, get a quote or sign up, you can do so here.
If you have any questions, please reach out to us at our support page.