Expat health insurance includes a 31-day waiting period during which most claims cannot be made, except for life-threatening illnesses or injuries. The waiting period can be waived if insurance starts within 31 days of arriving in Germany or if there is continuous coverage from previous insurance that is of equal or greater scope. Claims for conditions that began during the waiting period cannot be submitted after it ends unless they involve a life-threatening emergency. After the waiting period, full policy benefits are available.
What is the 31-day waiting period for expat health insurance?
The 31-day waiting period is a required activation period during which the expat health insurance policy must be active for at least 31 days before a policyholder can make most claims. However, coverage for life-threatening illnesses or injuries is available even during the waiting period.
When can the 31-day waiting period be waived?
The waiting period does not apply in the following cases:
If the expat health insurance policy starts within 31 days of the policyholder arriving in Germany. The policyholder must provide proof of arrival date if a claim is made during the first 31 days.
If the policyholder has previous insurance with equal or greater coverage without any gap in coverage, meaning the new insurance starts on or before the previous policy expires. Proof of continuous coverage is required if a claim is made during the waiting period.
If the policyholder has previously held a Feather expat health insurance policy, deregistered their German residence, and has since returned to Germany, the waiting period does not apply provided the new policy starts within 31 days of re-entry. Proof of re-entry date is required if a claim is made during the first 31 days.
Why does the 31-day waiting period exist?
This rule prevents abuse of the insurance policy by avoiding situations where someone could sign up after an accident or illness and receive immediate treatment. It helps keep insurance premiums reasonable for all policyholders. Such waiting periods are common in many German insurance policies.
What happens if a serious illness or major accident occurs during the waiting period?
In cases of serious, life-threatening incidents, the waiting period is waived, and the policyholder is eligible for necessary treatment.
Can claims for health issues that began during the waiting period be submitted after it ends?
No, claims can only be made for health issues that first began after the waiting period was completed, except for life-threatening accidents or emergencies that would normally be covered.
What happens after the 31-day waiting period ends?
Once the waiting period ends, you have full access to all the benefits of your policy, but only for conditions that first started after the waiting period ended. Any condition or health event that began before or during the waiting period is considered pre-existing and won't be covered, even if you wait until after the period has passed to see a doctor. Only new conditions that arise after the waiting period has fully ended are eligible for claims.
If my waiting period is waived, am I covered immediately?
Yes, if your waiting period is waived, your cover starts from day one of your policy. That said, pre-existing conditions (any condition you were diagnosed with or experienced symptoms of before your policy start date) are not covered, regardless of whether a waiting period applies. In that case, only new conditions that first arise after your policy start date would be eligible for claims.
If you make a claim within the first 31 days of your policy, you'll need to attach supporting documents to your claim so our team can verify your waiver eligibility before processing it:
If your waiver is based on arriving in Germany within 31 days of your policy start date, attach a transportation receipt (such as a flight or train ticket) showing your name and arrival date.
If your waiver is based on having continuous prior coverage, attach proof of your previous insurance showing your name and the dates of coverage, with no gap before your new policy started.
For more information about submitting a claim and what documents are needed, visit this article.