Private health insurance (PKV) covers treatment during temporary stays abroad, but the limits depend on which plan you hold. All plans cover EU and EEA countries without a time limit; outside the EU and EEA the limit is shorter and varies by plan. Bills from abroad follow the same submission process as bills from Germany and are accepted in German, English, or Spanish. A sick note from a doctor abroad is valid for work absence as long as it states the reason and the expected duration.

Coverage during a temporary stay abroad depends on which private health insurance (PKV) plan you hold. The exact terms you agreed to at signup are shown in your Feather account.

Short-term plan

Standard, Plus, and Premium plans

Coverage abroad is usually limited to what you’d be reimbursed in Germany, unless you have an emergency or pre-approval for higher local fees.

If you already hold a policy, the full coverage details of your current plan are shown on your policy page in your Feather account. If you don't have a policy yet, get a quote and compare plans here.

On the Standard, Plus, and Premium plans, treatment abroad is reimbursed up to the amount that would be reimbursed for the same treatment in Germany. Higher local fees are reimbursed in an emergency, or when the treatment is approved in advance. Costs invoiced in a foreign currency are converted to euros using the European Central Bank reference rate on the day the receipts are received.

The submission process is the same as for treatment received in Germany. Bills in German, English, or Spanish are accepted; for any other language, submit the bill together with a translation from any online translation tool. Each invoice must show your personal details, the diagnosis, and an itemized list of costs per treatment. For example, a bill for €100 should break down the performed services.

A sick note issued by a doctor abroad is valid if it states that you're unable to work because of illness or injury and gives the expected duration of your absence. If you're employed, send the sick note and your current location to your employer within 3 days of becoming unable to work. No separate statement from your insurance is needed.

For a medical emergency or a hospital stay outside Germany, call the emergency hotline as soon as possible so that treatment or transport home can be arranged. For anything that isn't urgent, you can contact our support team for more assistance or additional resources.