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. This applies to every person insured under the policy, including a spouse or child added as a dependent, so a dependent’s own visa or residence permit application is covered by their private health insurance (PKV) in the same way.
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 have two options, both available through the policy page in your Feather account once your policy is active.
A membership certificate is the better option in most cases, because it is issued when you request it and reflects your coverage as it stands now. It confirms your coverage and its start date and states that the insurance meets the legal requirements, including those set out in § 257 (2a) SGB V. It usually takes up to a week to arrive. It does not list your contributions, but it is normally accepted for visa and residence permit purposes.
A confirmation document is available in your policy page once the policy is confirmed. It confirms your Private health insurance (PKV) coverage and states the same legal requirements. Because it was issued when your policy started, it may not reflect your current coverage if you have been with us for a while, so it is best used when your appointment is soon and there is no time to request a certificate.
Request a membership certificate: log in to your Feather account at https://app.feather-insurance.com/me/policies, open your private health policy page, and select “Manage this policy”. If you need proof immediately, use the confirmation document on the same page.
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.