Employees applying for a German blue card visa must have either public health insurance or full comprehensive private health insurance if their annual income exceeds €77,400 (2026). Expat health insurance can be used as a temporary solution to cover the period between arrival and employment start. Applicants can transition from expat insurance to statutory health insurance through the upgrade process Feather offers. Alternatively, applicants who already have insurance bridging this gap can apply directly for public or private insurance. Confirmation documents from insurance providers are required for visa applications.
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 health insurance. If the annual income is above €77,400 in 2026, full comprehensive private health insurance is recommended. Public health insurance and available to those who earn less or above €77,400.
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.
How do I transition from expat health insurance to public or private health insurance?
To switch from expat health insurance to statutory public or private health insurance, follow these 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.
Feather will manage the cancellation of your expat insurance and coordinate coverage dates to avoid overlap.
Can I apply for public or private health insurance without expat insurance?
Yes, if you do not want to use expat health insurance or already have another insurance 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.