Expat health insurance is a short-term incoming insurance for newcomers to Germany, valid for up to 5 years, with no salary minimum or health screening. Full private health insurance is a long-term plan with broader coverage, accepted for all visa types including renewals, and requires meeting a salary threshold and passing a health screening. The 2 plans differ in cost structure, coverage, age limits, and switching options.
What is the difference between expat health insurance and full private health insurance in Germany?
Expat health insurance is a type of incoming private insurance designed for short-term use in Germany, typically as a transitional plan for up to 5 years. Full private health insurance is comprehensive, long-term health coverage accepted for all visa types and renewals in Germany. The 2 plans differ in coverage scope, eligibility requirements, duration, and cost.
What does each plan cover, and are pre-existing conditions included?
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 that includes new and some pre-existing conditions, as well as routine preventive check-ups.
Which plan meets German visa requirements?
Expat health insurance meets §193 (3) VVG requirements and is suitable for most first-time visa applications, but it is generally not accepted for visa renewals. Full private health insurance meets §152 VAG and is valid for all visa types, including renewals.
Does either plan have a salary minimum or health screening requirement?
Full private health insurance requires meeting a minimum income threshold and passing a health screening, unless you were continuously insured abroad in the 12 months prior to applying. The income thresholds are:
€77,400 per year for employees
€36,000 per year for freelancers and self-employed individuals aged 50 and under
€51,000 per year for freelancers and self-employed individuals aged above 50
Expat health insurance has no salary minimum or health screening requirements.
How do costs and travel coverage compare between the 2 plans?
Expat health insurance is priced at a fixed rate based on age and the selected policy, making it generally more affordable. Travel coverage under expat health insurance includes the EU and Schengen zone, plus up to 6 weeks in your home country after the first year.
Full private health insurance costs vary by individual assessment of age and health status, and is often less expensive than public health insurance, but more expensive than expat health insurance. Travel coverage under full private health insurance can be customized and extended up to worldwide coverage.
Can I switch between expat health insurance and private health insurance?
Switching from expat health insurance to full private health insurance is possible if you are eligible.
Switching from full private health insurance back to expat health insurance is not permitted.
Are there age limits or additional benefits that differ between the 2 plans?
Expat health insurance provides coverage until you turn 75. Full private health insurance has no age limit, though qualifying becomes more difficult as you get older. Full private health insurance also includes optional add-ons not available under expat plans, such as sick pay (Krankentagegeld) and long-term care insurance (Pflegeversicherung).
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 | Until you turn 75 | 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.