Health Insurance for Temporary Stays

Planning a Temporary Stay in Germany?

In Germany, health and long-term care insurance are mandatory for everyone. Proof of valid health insurance is also a prerequisite for obtaining a residence permit or visa.

Because of this insurance obligation, the German health system is highly regulated by law. Depending on your residence status, employment situation, and length of stay, the law defines which type of coverage applies to you. In some cases, you can choose between different insurance options — each with its own advantages and limitations.

Regulations can also vary slightly between immigration authorities, so it’s important to make sure your plan meets local requirements.

If you are staying in Germany temporarily — for up to five years — and are not subject to social insurance contributions, you can take out temporary health insurance, also known as Incoming Insurance. This type of Insurance can be arranged before entering Germany and is usually accepted by embassies and immigration offices as proof of health coverage for visa purposes.

Temporary health insurance is often much more affordable than comprehensive coverage because it is not regulated as a full German health insurance plan.

Comprehensive Private Health Insurance

For example:

• The insurer does not provide lifelong coverage.

• Benefits are limited in scope and duration (e.g., up to €50,000 per year).

• Pre-existing conditions are usually excluded.

For visa extensions or residence permit renewals, temporary insurance is often no longer accepted by immigration authorities.
In such cases, you must switch to a comprehensive private health insurance policy, which requires a detailed application process, including medical and financial checks.

💡 Please note:
Only certain incoming insurance plans are recognized as valid pre-coverage for comprehensive private insurance (PKV).
Choosing the right incoming plan from the start ensures a smooth transition later — and helps you avoid potential back payments or penalties.

Temporary Health Insurance (Incoming Insurance)

A comprehensive private health insurance (PKV) plan offers lifelong, unlimited coverage in accordance with German insurance law.

It provides the highest level of protection and full compliance with residency requirements.

Key chracteristics:

• Unlimited benefits for all medically necessary treatments.

• A lifelong benefit guarantee, plan has no expiration date.

• Ageing reserves to stabilize premiums later in life.

• Includes mandatory long-term care insurance (Pflegepflichtversicherung).

• Claim-free bonus (Beitragsrückerstattung), depending on insurer.

Authorities generally recommend that anyone planning to move to Germany should choose a comprehensive health insurance policy from the start. Especially with private health insurance (PKV), an early entry can be highly beneficial, as premiums remain lower the younger you are when you join.

In addition to the two main models, there is also a hybrid solution that combines the flexibility of temporary plans with the full legal compliance of comprehensive insurance. Feel free to reach out — I’ll be happy to advise you personally and help you find the right option for your situation.

– Here’s What You Need to Know About Health Insurance –

Why choosing the right plan from the beginning can be crucial

Selecting the right type of health insurance from the very beginning is extremely important. If you choose the wrong coverage, you may later face retroactive penalty contributions — especially if you were required to have full German health insurance but only held a temporary policy.

Access to comprehensive private health insurance (PKV) depends on a health assessment.

If you are covered under a temporary insurance plan and develop a health condition during that time, this can make future admission into full private insurance more expensive — or even impossible. A smart solution for long-term planners is to choose a temporary plan that includes an “upgrade option” — allowing you to switch to a full private insurance plan without another health check, if you decide to stay in Germany for more than five years.

As an independent health insurance advisor for people moving to or living in Germany, I’m familiar with the market and happy to help you find a safe and flexible insurance option tailored to your individual needs. Feel free to reach out for personal guidance.

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