Long-term expat health insurance is a separate product from expat health insurance, built for people who need coverage beyond 5 years in Germany or who do not yet qualify for public or private health insurance. It comes in a Basic and a Premium plan and covers new conditions, accidents, and injuries that begin after the policy starts, not pre-existing ones. Premiums depend on the plan, your age, and your chosen deductible, and the policy can be canceled month to month with proof of new coverage or departure. It meets most visa and residence-permit requirements, though long-term nursing care must be arranged separately.
What is long-term expat health insurance?
Long-term expat health insurance is a separate product that bridges the gap between expat health insurance and public health insurance (GKV) or private health insurance (PKV), depending on which you are eligible for. It provides extended coverage for people who need health insurance beyond 5 years in Germany or who do not yet qualify for public health insurance (GKV) or private health insurance (PKV). Long-term expat health insurance comes in 2 plans, Basic and Premium, to fit different coverage needs and budgets.
Who is eligible for long-term expat health insurance, and who is it recommended for?
Long-term expat health insurance is designed for people in Germany who cannot or do not want to enroll in public health insurance (GKV) or private health insurance (PKV). It is recommended for:
People living in Germany for more than 5 years who do not qualify for public health insurance (GKV) or private health insurance (PKV).
People applying for a visa or residence-permit renewal who cannot access public health insurance (GKV) or private health insurance (PKV).
Freelancers earning below the private health insurance (PKV) threshold who are not eligible for the Künstlersozialkasse (KSK).
Freelancers earning above the private health insurance (PKV) threshold who have pre-existing conditions that prevent private health insurance (PKV) eligibility and who cannot join the KSK.
People who want more coverage than expat health insurance provides but cannot or do not want to enroll in public health insurance (GKV) or private health insurance (PKV).
Dependents of a fully privately insured person who cannot join that policy because of pre-existing conditions.
What do the long-term expat health plans cover?
We offer 2 long-term expat health plans, Basic and Premium. Both plans cover medical care for new conditions, accidents, and injuries that first begin after your coverage starts. Coverage does not apply to pre-existing conditions. The Premium plan adds further medical and non-medical extras beyond the Basic plan. You can find a detailed breakdown of what each plan covers in our long-term expat health coverage FAQ: https://faq.feather-insurance.com/en/articles/145321-expat-health-long-term-policy-what-s-covered
How are monthly premiums calculated for long-term expat health insurance?
Your monthly premium for long-term expat health insurance is based on the plan you choose, your age, and any voluntary deductible you select. A higher deductible lowers your monthly premium.
For example, for ages 26–29 on Worldwide Cover (excluding the USA and Caribbean), the monthly premium is:
€189.92 with no deductible
€180.42 with a €150 deductible
€170.92 with a €375 deductible
€161.43 with a €750 deductible
You can get a personalized quote for long-term expat health insurance here: https://feather-insurance.com/health-insurance/expat/long-term
How can I cancel my long-term expat health insurance?
Long-term expat health insurance can be canceled month to month, and cancellation requires only proof of new coverage or proof that you are leaving the country. You can request cancellation from your account and upload a copy of your new coverage or travel documents. Separately, you have a right of withdrawal within 14 days of the policy start date, during which you can cancel and receive a refund of the premium you paid at sign-up.
Can I switch from long-term expat health insurance to public or private health insurance?
Yes, you can switch from long-term expat health insurance to public health insurance (GKV) or private health insurance (PKV), and we can carry out the switch for you. You can contact our support team for more assistance or additional resources when you are ready to switch.
Does long-term expat health insurance meet visa or residence-permit requirements?
Long-term expat health insurance meets most requirements for residence permits and visa or permit renewals. It does not include long-term nursing care, which must be purchased separately from a different provider for full compliance. If you need documentation for an upcoming visa or permit appointment, you can contact our support team for more assistance or additional resources. If you are applying for a visa renewal with this policy, we recommend choosing the lowest possible voluntary deductible, ideally no higher than €750.