PRO: Modular, flexible construction kit, very good app control.
Germany has compulsory health insurance. For anyone arriving from abroad, proof of insurance is therefore not only a health matter but the entry ticket for your visa, residence permit and city registration. Without it, nothing moves at the authorities.
Which route is right for you comes down to three factors: length of stay, status (employed, self-employed, posted, studying, visiting) and income. This page sets out the options and leads to the providers we regularly broker for each situation.
Book a free initial consultation
Anyone employed in Germany subject to social insurance and earning below the compulsory insurance threshold is generally covered by statutory insurance, as are students at German universities within the age limits. The contribution is income-based, and family members can be co-insured free of charge under certain conditions.
For self-employed people, freelancers and employees above the income threshold. The premium depends on age, health and scope of cover rather than income. For fixed-term residence permits there are purpose-built plans such as Hi.Germany by Hallesche, which are employer-subsidised and cancellable monthly.
For people whose centre of life is only temporarily in Germany: posted workers, guests, students before enrolment, digital nomads based in Berlin. These plans often apply worldwide and move with you. Whether they satisfy compulsory insurance in an individual case depends on your status – we check that in advance.
Requirements for proof differ by visa type and federal state. Clarify this before your appointment – not in the waiting room.
Cheap plans concentrate on emergencies and inpatient treatment. If you see specialists regularly or take long-term medication, that will not serve you.
Answer health questions in full. Incorrect or incomplete statements are the most common reason for benefits being reduced later.
Moving from private back into statutory insurance depends on statutory conditions and is not open in every constellation. If you want to keep that option, it must be discussed before you apply.
Health insurance is the obligation, not the whole picture. Also relevant for daily life in Germany: private liability insurance (the most important voluntary cover there is), accident insurance, travel insurance and retirement planning. For a quick overview, use the insurance check.
Not sure which route applies to you? Write to us on WhatsApp (+49 151 28937141) or via the contact form – we advise in German and English.
Yes. Germany has compulsory health insurance, and proof is additionally required for your visa, residence permit and often for city registration. Without valid cover you will in practice get neither through the authorities nor into regular medical care.
Anyone employed subject to social insurance below the income threshold falls under statutory insurance. Self-employed people, freelancers and employees above that threshold can insure privately. Students at German universities are covered by student statutory insurance within the age limits.
Often yes, but not in every constellation and not identically at every authority. What matters are your visa type, length of stay and employment status. We check this before you apply so there are no surprises at your appointment.
The advice is free for you. We are remunerated by the insurance companies as part of the brokerage. As an independent broker we are not tied to any single provider.
Moving back into statutory insurance depends on statutory conditions, for example employment subject to social insurance below the income threshold. If you want to keep that option open, raise it before taking out private comprehensive cover.
Yes. Advice, documents and support in a claim are available in German and English. Many of the providers we broker also make their contract documents and customer service available in several languages.
Want to know which route applies to your status in Germany? Book a free initial consultation or start the insurance check.
PRO: Modular, flexible construction kit, very good app control.
PRO: Excellent value for money, ideal for students, language learners & visitors.
We have advised people living between countries since 1996. On health insurance for foreigners in Germany you get a clear recommendation – independent, in German and English.
Visa and authority deadlines do not wait. We answer via WhatsApp, video call or phone – even while you are still abroad.
You see the differences between statutory, private and international cover in writing – including what the way back costs.
Employed, self-employed, posted or studying: your status decides the route, not the lowest premium.
When your residence permit is extended, you change jobs or family joins you, we adjust the cover together.
