How Long Does Health Insurance Application Processing Take? - Your Guide

What's the Typical Wait Time? Factors Influencing Your Application Process

If you already have been insured in a German private or public health insurance and want to change your private health insurance provider or switch from public to private health insurance there is a regular notice period of two month to the end of the month after the minimum contract period. 

It's recommended to begin the application process as early as possible because you have to do a risk assessment. Cancel your prior insurance only if your preferred new insurance accepted your request.

If you are applying for health insurance as part of your visa or residence permit requirements, it is essential that you do so well in advance.

Although there is no set deadline for this, applications can sometimes take weeks or even months to process – particularly if you have pre-existing conditions or require a medical check-up prior to acceptance if you haven't been insured with a German health insurance before. With ottonova the process is very fast though because the application process can be done entirely digitally. 

Choosing Your Coverage: Does Your Decision Impact Application Speed?

The million dollar question! Key factors to consider include cost, coverage and how you plan to save for later in life. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve put together an eBook outlining the most important differences between the public and private insurance systems and the benefits of each.

Once you have chosen a system, you should compare the various health insurance providers on the market. You can then contact them online or by telephone for instructions on their specific application process, which will likely include a full medical history.

Public health insurance (GKV)

Public health insurance providers accept applicants regardless of their health status. Pre-existing conditions do not pose an issue: the public system offers a universal level of cover and your premiums will be the same regardless of the state of your health.

However, insurance coverage typically follows the minimum coverage regulations set down by the government, meaning that more complex treatments (and some standard ones, such as dental treatment) may not be included in your insurance coverage.

Private health insurance (PKV)

Private health insurance providers are not obliged to accept every applicants. People with pre-existing conditions are likely to be subject to higher premiums – particularly if they want such conditions to be covered by their policy.

Private health insurance providers require applicants to undergo a medical check-up. This system protects all other policyholders and helps to keep premiums down within the insurance collective.