Upgrading from expat health insurance to public or private health insurance in Germany involves verifying eligibility, completing the upgrade process, and meeting specific timing and income requirements. Public insurance upgrades should ideally occur before employment or within two weeks after starting work, while private insurance requires minimum income thresholds and may include medical check-ups. Freelancers have alternative options, including a co-op called SMART, or KSK. If an application is denied, expat insurance coverage continues without interruption.
How can I upgrade from expat health insurance to public or private health insurance in Germany?
You can upgrade from your expat health insurance to public or private health insurance once you meet the eligibility requirements. This upgrade can be done through your Feather insurance account, ensuring continuous coverage without gaps.
What steps do I need to follow to upgrade my health insurance?
To upgrade your insurance, follow these steps:
Select your existing expat health policy.
Choose the option to switch to public or private insurance.
Select either public or private insurance.
If selecting public insurance, choose your provider (for example, BARMER, TK, DAK, or AOK).
Complete the sign-up process as instructed.
When is the best time to upgrade to public or private health insurance?
For public insurance, it is recommended to upgrade before starting a job, as processing can take up to 7 business days. Upgrading within two weeks after starting employment is also acceptable. For private insurance, you must meet minimum income requirements (€77,400 for employees, €36,000 for freelancers under 51, and €51,000 for freelancers over 51). Applications generally take 2 to 5 business days, but if you have not been insured in the last 12 months, medical and dental check-ups are required, which can affect processing time.
How can I check if I am eligible for public or private health insurance?
You can use Feather's recommendation tool to check your eligibility for public or private health insurance. Additional information about eligibility requirements is also available in Feather's online blog.
What are my options if I am not eligible to upgrade?
If you are not eligible for public or private insurance, you may continue with your current expat health insurance. If you need to switch due to visa renewal or expiration of the expat insurance limit (usually 5 years), Feather offers a long-term expat health insurance plan as an alternative.
Can I use the upgrade process to sign up for the KSK (Artists' Social Insurance Fund)?
Yes, you can follow the standard upgrade procedure and:
Select BARMER as your public insurance provider.
During the sign-up questionnaire, indicate that you are employed and that your employer is 'KSK membership application.'
Ensure to select an employment start date of 6 months into the future to take into consideration the processing time.
What options exist for freelancers who want to join public health insurance?
Freelancers not eligible for the KSK can consider joining SMART, a cooperative that acts as an employer to facilitate public insurance access for freelancers. You should contact SMART directly to discuss eligibility and details. Once interested, you can proceed with the normal upgrade process through your Feather account.
What happens if my application to public or private insurance is not approved?
If your application is rejected, your expat health insurance remains active, and you can continue to use it without interruption. For further assistance, you can contact Feather support.