What is the difference between expat health insurance and long-term expat health insurance?
Expat health insurance and long-term expat health insurance are two separate products, and they serve different needs and stages of a person's time in Germany. Expat health insurance is the incoming product for people who are new to Germany and not yet on public or private health insurance. Long-term expat health insurance is the next step for people who can no longer use expat health insurance but are still not eligible for public or private health insurance. Long-term expat health insurance offers broader coverage and has no time limit, while expat health insurance runs for up to 5 years.
Who benefits most from long-term expat health insurance?
Long-term expat health insurance is designed for people who need coverage beyond what expat health insurance offers but cannot or do not want to move onto public or private health insurance. It is a good fit if any of the following apply:
You have been in Germany over 5 years and are not eligible for public or private health insurance.
You are applying for a visa or permit renewal and are not eligible for public or private health insurance.
You are a freelancer earning under the private health insurance income threshold and are not eligible for the KSK (Künstlersozialkasse).
You are a freelancer earning above the private health insurance income threshold but have pre-existing conditions that make you ineligible for private health insurance, and you are not eligible for the KSK.
You want more coverage than expat health insurance offers but cannot or do not want to move onto public or private health insurance.
You are a dependent of someone on full private health insurance and cannot join private health insurance because of pre-existing conditions.
How do expat health insurance and long-term expat health insurance compare on coverage, cost, and eligibility?
The two products differ across coverage, policy length, visa validity, cost, and age limits. The key differences are:
Coverage
Expat health insurance: Basic cover for new conditions only. Pre-existing conditions and routine check-ups without symptoms are not covered.
Long-term expat health insurance: Broader cover for new conditions, some pre-existing conditions (if no treatment has been completed in the last 3 years), and routine check-ups after a waiting period.
Policy length
Expat health insurance: Up to 5 years.
Long-term expat health insurance: Unlimited.
Visa validity
Expat health insurance: Meets §193(3) VVG — suitable for most first-time visas but not sufficient for visa renewals.
Long-term expat health insurance: Meets §152 VAG — suitable for both visas and visa renewals.
Cost
Expat health insurance: A set price based on age and policy, starting from €72 per month, generally the cheapest health insurance option.
Long-term expat health insurance: Based on age and whether a voluntary deductible is chosen. Generally more expensive than expat health insurance. You can obtain a quote here.
Travel cover
Expat health insurance: EU and Schengen zone, plus 6 weeks in your home country after 1 year on the policy.
Long-term expat health insurance: Worldwide cover, or worldwide cover excluding the USA and Caribbean.
Age limit for signup
Expat health insurance: Up to age 75; the policy expires once you turn 75.
Long-term expat health insurance: Up to age 70; if you signed up before age 70, you can continue with no time limit.
Health screening for eligibility
Expat health insurance: None.
Long-term expat health insurance: None, except a screening for applicants aged 65–70.
Shared by both our expat plans:
Dependents can be added at an extra cost per person; no salary minimum; no sick pay; no long-term care insurance (Pflegeversicherung), though you can apply for the basis pension if you plan to live in Germany long term; monthly cancellation; and the option to switch to public or private health insurance if eligible.
Does expat health insurance or long-term expat health insurance replace private health insurance (PKV) or public health insurance (GKV)?
No. Neither expat health insurance nor long-term expat health insurance replaces private health insurance (PKV) or public health insurance (GKV). If you are legally required to join the German public system, then in the majority of cases you cannot sign up for expat health insurance or long-term expat health insurance. Both our expat plans are meant for people who are not eligible for public or private health insurance.
Where can I sign up for expat health insurance or long-term expat health insurance?
Expat health insurance: https://feather-insurance.com/health-insurance/expat
Long-term expat health insurance: https://feather-insurance.com/health-insurance/expat/long-term