Employees applying for a German blue card visa must have either public health insurance or full comprehensive private health insurance once their employment begins. Expat health insurance covers the gap between arrival and the employment start date. For the visa appointment, applicants need to present proof of both their expat coverage and their upcoming statutory coverage. We recommend completing the switch to statutory health insurance in your account immediately after signing up for expat insurance, so both documents are ready in time.
What type of health insurance do I need for my German blue card visa application?
Employees applying for a blue card visa in Germany must have statutory health insurance (either public health insurance or full comprehensive private health insurance) starting from their employment date. If your annual income exceeds €77,400 (2026 threshold), full comprehensive private health insurance is recommended; public health insurance is available to those earning below that threshold or who prefer it regardless of income.
Because statutory coverage only begins on your employment start date, expat health insurance is needed to cover the gap between your arrival in Germany and the start of your job. It serves as a temporary bridge until your statutory health insurance takes over.
How can expat health insurance help with blue card visa requirements?
Expat health insurance covers accidents, emergencies, and new symptomatic illnesses, fulfilling the legal requirement to have continuous health insurance in Germany. It can be used temporarily to cover the period between your arrival in Germany and the start of your employment.
What documents do I need to show at my blue card visa appointment?
For your visa appointment, you need to present 2 documents:
Your Anlage 6, which is proof of your expat health insurance covering your arrival period until the start of your statutory insurance, and
Proof that statutory health insurance will begin on your employment start date.
We recommend completing the switch to statutory health insurance in your account as soon as you sign up for expat insurance, so both documents are ready before your appointment.
How do I sign up for expat insurance and set up my switch to statutory health insurance?
To ensure you have both required documents ready for your visa appointment, complete the following steps:
Select your expat health insurance policy.
Choose the option to switch to private or public health insurance.
Complete the required questions and sign-up process, selecting your employment start date as the start date of your statutory insurance.
We will manage the cancellation of your expat insurance and coordinate coverage dates to avoid any gap or overlap.
Can I apply for public or private health insurance without expat insurance?
Yes, if you already have another insurance policy covering your arrival period, you can apply directly for public or private health insurance. You can start the application even if you do not yet have a German address, provided you have an employment contract.
Where can I find more information or get a quote for private health insurance?
You can obtain personal quotes and coverage details for full comprehensive private health insurance here. Signing up online is quick and your coverage can begin on the selected date once your application is confirmed. For additional details, consult the private health insurance FAQs or schedule a call with an insurance expert.
What documentation will I receive for my visa application?
After signing up for any health insurance policy, you will receive confirmation of coverage documents. These documents can be submitted to your visa office to support your blue card visa application. Once you enroll in statutory health insurance, your social security number (SVNR) will be generated and sent to you automatically within a few weeks. If you sign up to public health insurance through Feather, we can also request this electronically, speeding up the process.