Private health insurance (PKV) is accepted for German visa and residence permit applications, both first-time applications and renewals, because it meets the requirements set out in § 257 (2a) SGB V. You show the immigration office a membership certificate, which you can request through the policy page in your account.
Is Private health insurance (PKV) accepted for a German visa or residence permit?
Private health insurance (PKV) meets the requirements set out in § 257 (2a) SGB V, as confirmed on your membership certificate, and is valid for all visa types, including renewals.
Do I need to do anything different if this is a renewal rather than a first application?
No. Private health insurance (PKV) is accepted for both first-time applications and renewals, so it should be sufficient in each case. This is a difference from expat health insurance, which is accepted for most first-time visa applications but generally not for renewals.
What proof of insurance do I show the immigration office?
You show a membership certificate, which confirms your Private health insurance (PKV) coverage and its start date. The certificate also states that the insurance meets the requirements set out in § 257 (2a) SGB V, which is the confirmation immigration offices look for. You can request an up-to-date membership certificate through the policy page in your account. It usually takes up to a week to arrive. A recent certificate is normally accepted for visa and residence permit purposes.
Does my choice of plan affect whether the immigration office accepts my insurance?
All of our Private health insurance (PKV) plans are accepted for German visa and residence permit applications.
One thing to plan for: the Short-term plan has one condition that the other plans don't. It can only be held while you are in Germany on a temporary residence permit, and coverage under that plan ends once your permit is no longer temporary. If you are on the Short-term plan and you are granted permanent residency, request a change to a plan with old-age savings (Standard, Plus, or Premium) through the policy page in your Feather account at the same time.