In Germany having a health insurance is mandatory, also for expats with temporary visa. Our private health insurance for expats offers you possibilites to save money while getting much better coverage compared to public health insurance. Are you an EU citizen or do you plan to stay in Germany for more than 5 years? Then check out our other private health insurance options!
Special expat rates
And excellent coverage
Full digital support
In English & without paperwork
What is the ottonova expat health insurance tariff?
We offer a special private health insurance expat tariff for foreigners who are in Germany on a limited visa.
Normally, private health insurance plans help you to save for your future by building aging reserves ("Altersrückstellungen"): Private health insurance in Germany is based on age and health when entering the system. Once you have a private health insurance, due to the aging reserves, premiums will not increase because of you aging or having more medical needs.
However, if you are here on a visa we assume that you will not be in Germany more than a maximum of five years. If you are only planning on staying in Germany for a short time - less than 60 months - there is no need to set this extra money aside. So we can offer you a special private health insurance plan for expats without aging reserves.
How much does a private health insurance for expats cost?
You can save a lot of money if you sign up with ottonovas private medical insurance for expats and still get much better coverage compared to public health insurance. We even designed a special tariff for expats (with temporary visa) with a lot of benefits. Just take a look at our tariffs and get a free consultation on our private health insurance options from our English-speaking support.
Exemplary monthly rate for employees
Public Insurance
€498
Experts' recommendation
First Class Expats
€167
Business Class
€295
First Class
314 €
All outpatient doctors
All specialists without referral
Reimbursement all medications
Reimbursement visual aids
up to €300 every 2 years
up to €300 every 2 years
up to €500 every 2 years
Free choice of hospitals
Accommodation
multi-bed room
private room
double room
private room
Chief Physician
Dental treatment
0 – 100%
100%
100%
100%
Worldwide coverage
Fully digital
Quick appointments
*Exemplary premium for employees not including employer contribution, calculated for a 32 year old customer with income higher than 66,600 Euro per year for health insurance and long term care insurance.
Who can benefit from an expat health insurance plan in Germany?
ottonova offers the special expat tariff of its private health insurance for Non-EU citizens with temporary visa working in Germany. The tariff is aimed in particular at employees and self-employed persons who meet the requirements for private comprehensive health insurance and are planning a stay of up to 5 years in Germany. You should consider our expatriate health insurance if you belong to the following groups:
1.
Employees
Employees whose gross income is above the annual earning threshold (€66,600 per year or €5,550 per month as of 2023) and who qualify for private health insurance in Germany.
2.
Self-employed professionals and freelancers
Self-employed persons who meet the requirements for private comprehensive health insurance in Germany.
3.
Post-Docs and Researchers
Highly qualified professionals who qualify for private health insurance. Also students who meet the requirements for private comprehensive health insurance can apply for the ottonova expat health insurance.
4.
Dependents of ottonova insured persons
Dependents of a person insured under a private health insurance plan with ottonova.
The laws in Germany only allow residents with a limited residency permit to sign up for expat health insurance plans. Unfortunately, this means we can only offer this special private health insurance tariff to expats who are here on a permit, and not those who can live in Germany without any type of visa (NON-EU citizens). If you are an expat here on a limited permit and plan to stay in Germany less than five years – or simply not sure how long you'll be here - you can benefit from the expat health insurance plan.
If you plan on staying in Germany for longer than five years, you can choose between different long-term full-insurance options at ottonova. All of our private health insurance tariffs are solid and built to last. Our tariffs are Premium Economy Class, Business Class and First Class.
How to get an expat health insurance?
To help you with our online sign-up process, we'll set up an appointment to chat on the phone. We can answer any questions you might have, and guide you through the steps, one at a time.
What are the benefits of ottonova's expat health insurance?
ottonova is a digital private health insurance, built to make your life easier and paperwork free. Manage your health in a single app, with full support in English, so you can focus on the important things in life.
1.
Your English-speaking support team
Our friendly teammates will help you navigate the German health insurance system, help you find English-speaking doctors in your area, and answer all of your insurance and health-related questions.
2.
Legally sound for your visa
Private health insurance from ottonova meets all legal requirements for your visa according to § 257 SGB V. One less obstacle to overcome. Some insurances require long term visas before you can sign up with them. Not ottonova. We accept not only customers with short-term visas, but also if you want to extend it.
3.
All benefits of a private comprehensive health insurance
As an expat, you can benefit from all the services of the ottonova private comprehensive health insurance - at a discounted rate.
Additional services of the ottonova expat health insurance.
Having a private health insurance at ottonova you enjoy many additional benefits and services that make your life in Germany easier. You will benefit from our English-speaking Concierge team, be able to talk to English-speaking doctors via video call, and get your bills reimbursed in no time.
Ground-breaking service. With ottonova's private health insurance.
ottonova is there for you, wherever you are. You can easily access all of ottonova's features and services from your smartphone.
Concierge team
Your personal Concierge team.
Our dedicated English-speaking team saves you time and trouble. Whatever question you might have, the Concierge is there to help and assist through our app or on the phone. We guide you through the healthcare system and even schedule your doctor's appointments for you.
Struggling to find doctors that speak English? Just use our app for a video call and receive a diagnosis, treatment plans, and even sick notes for work.
Of course, you can still go see the doctor of your choice in person if you want.
Your Bank
You have received €155,94 from ottonova.
Fast reimbursement
Lightning-fast reimbursement of your bills.
Get your money back within a few days? This is a pipe dream with other insurers. ottonova makes this dream a reality! Simply upload your bill via the app and receive the money for your claim long before you are due to pay your doctor.
On the timeline you will see a chronological overview of all significant interactions with ottonova as well as reminders for your upcoming appointments. Keep an eye on your health – wherever you are.
Our ebook about the German health insurance system.
You finally want all information about the German health insurance system and the differences between statutory and private health insurance? Then our ebook is just the right thing for you. In English please oder doch lieber auf deutsch? Du kannst dich entscheiden.
Private or public health insurance
Which system is right for you? All you need to know about the German health insurance system.
PKV vs GKV
Welches System ist das richtige für dich? Alles was du zum Thema Krankenversicherung wissen musst.
Private health insurance for expats
What is covered by ottonova's expat health insurance?
We believe that your health should be well protected. That's why, no matter which plan you go for, you can always be sure to receive extensive coverage including inpatient, outpatient, dental, vision, out-of-pocket max. and much more.
Experts' recommendation
Expat First Class
for Non-EU Expats only
Premium Economy
ottonova PC100
Business Class
ottonova BC100
First Class
ottonova FC100
Outpatient
Outpatient medical treatment
100%
100%
100%
100%
Specialist treatments
100%
Primary physician principle100% reimbursement for a visit to your primary physician or when you use the ottonova Concierge service; otherwise 80%
100%
100%
Physician's Fees
up to 5-fold
up to 3.5-fold
up to 3.5-fold
up to 5-fold
Medication
100%
100%
100%
100%
Medication as part of direct specialist treatments
100%
Primary physician principle 100% reimbursement for treatment by primary physician or use of the ottonova Concierge Service – otherwise 80%
100%
100%
Ambulance Transportation
Vision
(e.g. glasses, contact lenses)
up to €300 every 2 years
up to €150 every 3 years
up to €500 every 2 years
up to €300 every 2 years
Elective Vision Correction Surgery (i.e. Lasik)
€250 (per eye) in the first 12 months, €500 (per eye) until 24 months, from the 25th month €750 per eye within 24 months
€250 (per eye) in the first 24 months, from the 25th month €750 per eye within 24 months
€500 (per eye) in the first 24 months, from the 25th month €1000 per eye within 24 months
€750 (per eye) in the first 24 months, from the 25th month €1500 per eye within 24 months
Open Catalog of Medical Aids (including future innovations)
General reimbursement for Medical Aids
100%
for more than €500
100% with permission, otherwise 75%
Hearing aids: up to €1,500 per hearing aid once per contract period, with BAHA (hearing aid implant) up to €4,000 per hearing aid. Shoe inserts: 2 pairs every 2 insurance years. Orthopedic tailored shoes: 4 pairs every 2 insurance years, minus €100 per pair
100%
Up to €500 for medical aids
100% with permission above €500, otherwise 75%
Hearing aids: up to €1,000 per hearing aid. Shoe inserts: 2 pairs every 2 insurance years. Custom orthopaedic shoes: 4 pairs every 4 insurance years, minus €100 per pair.
100%
for more than €500
100% with permission, otherwise 75%
Hearing aids: up to €1,500 per hearing aid, with BAHA (hearing aid implant) up to €4,000 per hearing aid. Shoe inserts: 2 pairs every 2 insurance years. Orthopedic tailored shoes: 4 pairs every 2 insurance years, minus €100 per pair
100%
for more than €500
100% with permission, otherwise 75%
Hearing aids: up to €1,500 per hearing aid, with BAHA (hearing aid implant) up to €4,000 per hearing aid. Shoe inserts: 2 pairs every 2 insurance years. Orthopedic tailored shoes: 4 pairs every 2 insurance years, minus €100 per pair
General Reimbursement for Natural Healing Methods (i.e. Massages, Ergotherapy)
100%
100%
100%
100%
Alternative practitioner
100%
up to €1,000 every insurance year
100%
up to €500 every insurance year
100%
up to €1000 every insurance year
100%
up to €1,500 every insurance year
General Reimbursement for Alternative Medicine Methods - administered by a doctor
100%
100%
100%
100%
Psychotherapy
75% reimbursement per session
75% for a maximum of 50 sessions
90% reimbursement per session for session 1-25,
75% reimbursement per session after 25 sessions
90% reimbursement per session for session 1-25,
75% reimbursement per session after 25 sessions
Previously Approved Psychotherapy
Permission required for the 6th session and following sessions
Permission required for the 6th session and following sessions
Permission required for the 6th session and following sessions
Permission required for the 6th session and following sessions
Fertility Treatments
up to €3,000 during the first 36 month, afterwards unlimited
up to €3,000 during the first 36 month, afterwards unlimited
Prenatal Courses, Pregnancy and Postnatal Therapy
100%
100%
100%
100%
Birthing centers
Lump sum for childbirth
Inpatient
Attending Physician
Free choice of physician (including chief physician)
Free choice of physician (including chief physician)
Free choice of physician (including chief physician)
Free choice of physician (including chief physician)
Better accommodation
private room
double room
private room or double room
private room or double room
In-patient Treatment Above the Highest Fee Rate (3.5-fold)
up to 5-factor
up to 5-factor
unlimited
Private clinic
up to 200% Hospital Remuneration Act (Krankenhausentgeldgesetz) or Federal Hospital Rate Regulation (Bundespflegesatzverordnung)
up to 150% Hospital Remuneration Act (Krankenhausentgeldgesetz) or Federal Hospital Rate Regulation (Bundespflegesatzverordnung)
up to 150% Hospital Remuneration Act (Krankenhausentgeldgesetz) or Federal Hospital Rate Regulation (Bundespflegesatzverordnung)
up to 200% Hospital Remuneration Act (Krankenhausentgeldgesetz) or Federal Hospital Rate Regulation (Bundespflegesatzverordnung)
Accompanying Adult with Children in Hospital
Children up to 11 years old, no limitation on duration of stay
Children up to 14 years old, no limitation on duration of stay
Children up to 14 years old, no limitation on duration of stay
Children up to 14 years old, no limitation on duration of stay
Replacement daily hospital benefits
€60
in the event of renunciation of private medical services €20 in the event of renunciation of accommodation in a double room
€60
in the event of renunciation of private medical services €20 in the event of renunciation of accommodation in a double room
€60
for waiver of private medical services (First Class single bed and First Class double room), €35
for waiver of accommodation in a private room (First Class single room), €20
for waiver of accommodation in a twin room (First Class single room and First Class two-bed room)
Acute In-patient Psychotherapy without Required Pre-Approval
Previously Approved Treatments in 'Gemischte Krankenanstalten'
pending prior approval
(except for psychological treatment)
(except for psychological treatment)
(except for psychological treatment)
Dental
Dental treatment
100%
100%
100%
100%
Dental prostheses (including Inlays and Implants)
90%
80%
in ottonova dentist network
60% with all other dentists
90%
in ottonova dentist network
80% with all other dentists
100%
in ottonova dentist network
90% with all other dentists
Dental Treatments up to the highest rate (3.5 fold)
up to 5-fold
up to 3,5-fold
up to 3,5-fold
up to 5-fold
Professional dental cleanings
100%
2x each insurance year, maximum of €125 per treatment.
100%
1x each insurance year, maximum of €125 per treatment. Without limitation on costs in ottonova dental network.
100%
2x each insurance year, maximum of €125 per treatment. Without limitation on costs in ottonova dental network.
100%
2x each insurance year, maximum of €125 per treatment. Without limitation on costs in ottonova dental network.
Orthodontia
up to 100%
before the insured person turns 21 (reimbursement of personal cost after the successful completion of the treatment), for adults, up to 90%
up to 100%
before the insured person turns 21 (reimbursement of personal cost after the successful completion of the treatment), for adults up to 60%, 80% in ottonova dentist network
up to 100%
before the insured person turns 21 (reimbursement of personal cost after the successful completion of the treatment), for adults up to 80%, 90% in ottonova dentist network
up to 100%
before the insured person turns 21 (reimbursement of personal cost after the successful completion of the treatment), for adults up to 90%, 100% in ottonova dentist network
Dental levels - Limitation for prostheses and dentures
does not apply to professional cleanings and dental treatments
does not apply to professional cleanings and dental treatments
does not apply to professional cleanings and dental treatments
does not apply to professional cleanings and dental treatments
Reimbursement for Healing and Cost Planning
100%
100%
100%
100%
Dentistry Services in the Dental Treatment
100%
100%
100%
100%
Additional Full-Insurance Subjects
Preventive and curative health services
max. €360
within 36 months in First Class private room
max. €180
within 36 months in First Class double room
Follow-up treatments
Additional Rehabilitation Measures (including outpatient and inpatient therapies)
up to €2,500 during the total contract period
up to €5,000 within 10 years (including withdrawal treatments)
up to €5,000 in 10 years
up to €5,000 in 5 years
Withdrawal Treatments (outpatient and inpatient)
One treatment during the contract period
Up to €5,000 within 10 years (including other rehabilitation measures),
optional inpatient services are not reimbursable
3 treatments in 10 years,
optional stationary benefits are not reimbursable
3 treatments in 10 years,
optional stationary benefits are not reimbursable
Preventative Treatments Above the Public Insurance Level
Preventative Vaccinations for Foreign Travel
Insurance Protection for Travel (outside of Europe)
2 months at no extra charge
6 months at no extra charge
(extension with country-specific premium supplement possible)
6 months at no extra charge
(extension with country-specific premium supplement possible)
6 months at no extra charge
(extension with country-specific premium supplement possible)
Insurance Protection for Travel Within the European Economic Area
unlimited cover
unlimited cover
unlimited cover
unlimited cover
Repatriation
organized by ottonova
organized by ottonova
organized by ottonova
organized by ottonova
Deductible
10% per invoice amount
up to a €500 deductible/calendar year
10% per invoice amount
up to a €500 deductible/calendar year
or50% per invoice amount
up to a €1,000 deductible/calendar year
10% per invoice amount
up to a €500 deductible/calendar year
or25% per invoice amount
up to €1,250 deductible/calendar year
10% per invoice amount
up to a €500 deductible/calendar year
or25% per invoice amount
up to €1,250 deductible/calendar year
Deductible for Children (not applicable for dental services)
10% per invoice amount
up to a €500 deductible/calendar year
10% per invoice amount
up to a €500 deductible/calendar year
or50% per invoice amount
up to a €1,000 deductible/calendar year
10% per invoice amount
up to a €500 deductible/calendar year
or25% per invoice amount
up to €1,250 deductible/calendar year
10% per invoice amount
up to a €500 deductible/calendar year
or25% per invoice amount
up to €1,250 deductible/calendar year
Possibility to Insure Children Independently
Daily sickness allowance
Maximum Daily Sickness Allowance
maximum of €300 per day
maximum of €300 per day
maximum of €300 per day
maximum of €300 per day
Possibility to Increase Daily Sickness Allowance Without a Health Assessment
for full-time employees with salary increases, 2 months after the raise at the latest
for full-time employees with salary increases, 2 months after the raise at the latest
for full-time employees with salary increases, 2 months after the raise at the latest
for full-time employees with salary increases, 2 months after the raise at the latest
General Dynamic – Possibility to Increase Daily Sickness Allowance without a Health Assessment
5% every 3 years
first payable after 5 years
5% every 3 years
first payable after 5 years
5% every 3 years
first payable after 5 years
5% every 3 years
first payable after 5 years
Daily sickness benefits for cure, rehabilitation, etc.
in the event of total incapacity for work
in the event of total incapacity for work
in the event of total incapacity for work
in the event of total incapacity for work
Additional Payment Deadline for Disability
for 3 months
for 3 months
for 3 months
for 3 months
Adjust your rate with our daily sickness allowance.
Personalize your ottonova rate with our add-on for a daily sickness allowance.
Daily sickness allowance
Compensate your salary when you're sick
If you're self-employed, you know the issue: Once you're sick, your salary drops to zero. To some extent, this also applies if you're employed: After six weeks, your employer will stop paying you. In this case, our daily sickness allowance kicks in and ottonova compensates your salary - so you can fully focus on getting healthy again.
All you need to know about living in Germany: We put together an essential life admin for you, so you can understand and embrace the German peculiarity when moving to the country that loves bureaucracy, beer and bread.
Your Welcome Guide
We put together an essential life admin for you, so you can understand and embrace Germany's peculiarities.
Reviews of our customers with expat health insurance.
FAQs to the expat health insurance
Health insurance is a mandatory requirement for all residents in Germany, including expatriates. The choice between the two main types of health insurance, the statutory health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung, GKV) and private health insurance (private Krankenversicherung, PKV), is a personal one with pros and cons for both options. Expats in Germany must have health insurance. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual needs and circumstances.
Public health insurance is the predominant option in Germany and is funded by contributions from both employees and employers. Employees in Germany are automatically enrolled in statutory health insurance, and the costs are based on income and household size. Private health insurance is an alternative for individuals earning more than €66,600 per year or those who are self-employed. Private health insurance offers more extensive coverage options compared to statutory health insurance.
Germany has several private health insurance companies. It is essential to compare policies and coverage options, ensuring the chosen company is reputable and financially stable. Your health insurance card of your insurance company is crucial for accessing medical care in Germany. Always carry it with you when visiting doctors or hospitals.
You're free to go! No wiggling out of a tricky contract, no matter which health insurance tariff you choose. If you leave Germany sooner, simply contact us and attach your deregistration form from the German Immigration Office - an Abmeldungsbescheinigung. We'll close your contract and wish you the best of luck on your journey. Promise!
As a regulated health insurance, we cannot just increase premiums any time we want. Premiums can increase when actual health costs in general differ more than 5% from what we calculated. This can only happen due to inflation and rising medical costs.
However, this will never happen for single individuals but rather for all insured people at the same time. Specifically, we cannot increase your premiums because you get sick or because you get older. We also cannot terminate your contract for those reasons. We guarantee you coverage for a lifetime when you sign up.
You can start your sign-up process from abroad. As soon as you arrive in Germany, we will organize a general check-up with an English-speaking nurse for you. When we receive the results, we will be able to finalize your policy.
Definitely! ottonova is a fully licensed German health insurance and fulfills all regulatory requirements, unlike other providers such as Mawista, Cigna or Allianz Worldwide Care.
We are regulated in § 257 SGB V, which is necessary for your visa applications. This also includes the Expat tariff.
We can help you write your cancellation letter for your current insurer and send it to you by email. Piece of cake! Just contact our team!
If you’re insured in the public system, we can also offer you one of our top-up insurances. We can offer Dental Top-Up and Hospital Top-Up tariffs. You can give us a call and we will help you find the best option for you!
In Germany, individuals who reside or work in the country for an extended period of time are required to possess health insurance. To comply with this requirement, it is necessary to register with the German authorities in your local area. During this process, you will receive a German social insurance number, which is essential for accessing the German healthcare system. The subsequent step involves enrolling with a health insurance fund to gain access to healthcare services.
The choice between private and public health insurance options or mandatory enrollment in public health insurance depends on your employment status and income.
Not obtaining health insurance is against the law and can result in significant expenses. If you are discovered to be residing in Germany without health insurance, you may be required to pay retroactive premiums to cover the entirety of your stay.
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