Expat health insurance does not meet the § 257 Abs. 2a SGB V requirement for health insurance needed for initial visas or long-term residence in Germany. This law applies mainly to non-EU citizens seeking to reside in Germany. To fulfill this requirement, applicants need full public or private health insurance coverage. However, a specific long-term expat health insurance product that meets § 152 VAG can be accepted for many visa renewals if public or private insurance is not available.

Expat health insurance offered typically does not meet the § 257 Abs. 2a SGB V requirement under German law for visa applications. This regulation mandates comprehensive health insurance coverage for non-EU citizens who intend to reside in Germany.

To comply with the § 257 Abs. 2a SGB V requirement, you must have full public or private health insurance coverage in Germany. These types of insurance provide the comprehensive coverage required by this law for visa approval.

Expat health insurance is generally accepted for most first-time visa applications as a temporary and affordable option. However, it does not fulfill the requirements for long-term residence visas under § 257 Abs. 2a SGB V.

If you need to renew your visa but do not qualify for public or private health insurance, a long term expat health insurance plan that meets § 152 VAG criteria may be accepted for many visa renewals.

You can use our Health Insurance Tool to identify the most suitable health insurance options based on your personal situation.

There are FAQs available here that explain which types of visas expat health insurance likely fulfills the health insurance requirement for, helping you understand eligibility.

Information and enrollment options for expat health insurance are available here.