If you are planning on moving to Germany to find work, it is important to know that your insurance options will depend on your previous coverage.
I am currently statutory insured in the EU/EEA, Switzerland, or the UK.
If you are currently insured in one of the above-mentioned states, you will have a few options:
1. Stay on your home insurance: You can stay on your home state insurance until you find work in Germany, or move your permanent residence here. You would use your EHIC/GHIC or another respective document to have access to healthcare in Germany. Keep in mind that you would first have to confirm with your home insurance provider if they are going to cover you for this period in Germany. Generally, they should cover you, and that way you avoid paying a €220 monthly public health insurance contribution. Everyone who is eligible is advised to follow this path. Once you find work, you can easily sign up for German public insurance at that point. In that case, you will not be required to backpay for that period.
2. Sign up for public health insurance as a voluntary member: If you are moving your permanent residence to Germany or your home insurance will not cover you for the mentioned period you can access the German public health system. The public insurance contribution is set to around 19% of your earnings, and if your monthly income is under €1,178.33 you will be paying a minimum fee of around €240 per month. It allows for free coverage of dependents. Have in mind that you can only pass to German voluntary public insurance if:
Your EU/EEA, Switzerland, or the UK home insurance ended less than 3 months ago
Prior to ending, it was valid for at least the last 12 full months without interruption or 24 months within the last 5 years.
During the application process, in order to prove your previous coverage, you will have to provide your social insurance number. The German public insurance provider will then run it through the EESSI. This usually takes about two weeks, and once your home provider confirms your previous insurance periods, your membership can be approved.
3. Sign up for expat health insurance: If none of the aforementioned options suit your needs, expat health insurance is worth looking into. Even though it is more affordable than public or comprehensive private insurance, keep in mind that it is a temporary solution, and provides limited coverage.
I am not currently statutory insured in the EU/EEA, Switzerland, or the UK.
Sign up for expat health insurance: If you are not insured in one of the above-mentioned states, and are applying for a job-seeking visa, our expat health insurance is a great option. It provides basic coverage and meets legal requirements for a first visa application.