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.
Changing Circumstances? Understanding Your Options & Application Timelines
If you have private health insurance and your circumstances change, you may be required to switch to the public (statutory) insurance system – perhaps due to a change in income.
However, you can apply to your health insurance provider (Krankenkasse) for an exemption from this regulation. Section 8 of the German Social Code Book V (SGB V) sets out valid grounds for exemption, including:
- Falling into the statutory health insurance system due to a change in the annual pay threshold (Jahresarbeitsentgeltgrenze, or JAEG), currently set at €73,800 but probably rising each year.
- Fall in income due to reduced working hours to provide care for a relative
- Receipt of unemployment benefit (Arbeitslosengeld)
- Receipt of subsistence allowance (Unterhaltungsgeld)
The deadline for application to your health insurance provider is three months from the date on which you were required to enter the public insurance system.
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.
Speed Up Your Application: How ottonova's Digital Process Makes a Difference
ottonova is Germany’s first fully digital health insurance provider! You can manage every aspect of your healthcare, from arranging appointments to claiming reimbursements, using the ottonova app on your mobile phone.
Unlike some insurance providers, ottonova meets all requirements of Section 257 of the German Social Code (Book V), which sets down health insurance requirements for obtaining a visa or residence permit. We also arrange for you to have a medical check-up at a time and place that suits you.
We also offer a special Expat tariff, tailored to your needs and lifestyle. If you would like to find out more, book a consultation with one of our English-speaking insurance experts, who will be happy to advise you and guide you through the application process.
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