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
€541
Experts' recommendation
First Class Expats
€167
Business Class
€295
First Class Pro+
€352
Appointment booking through our Concierge
Directly to the specialist, access to private doctors
Reimbursement of all medications
Reimbursement of visual aids
up to €300 in 2 years
up to €300 in 2 years
up to €500 in 2 years
Free choice of doctor (including head of department)
Accommodation
multi-bed room
private room
double room
private room
Dental treatment
0 – 100%
100%
100%
100%
Dental prostheses
10 - 65%
90%
80%
90%
Professional dental cleaning (PZR)
small subsidy possible
2x per year, max. €125 per treatment
2x per year, max. €125 per treatment
100% (unlimited reimbursement)
Worldwide coverage & repatriation
Preventive medical checkups without age limits
Fully digital
Deductible
up to €10 co-payment for medicines, remedies and aids as well as per day in hospital, max. 2% of income, 1% for chronically ill patients
10% per invoice amount
up to a €500 deductible/calendar year
10% per invoice amount, max. €500 deductible per calendar year or 50% per invoice amount, max. €1,250 deductible per calendar year
no deductible
Guaranteed premium refund
(only with optional tariff)
This is a summary of the coverage details with maximum rates and reductions. Please note that this table is not conclusive. You will find all tariff-details such as the concrete requirements and limitations for the reimbursement in the tariff and insurance conditions of the respective tariff.
The English translation is a non-binding version for your information only and has no legally binding character. The contract language will be German only. The terms and conditions of the individual insurance contract shall prevail and apply.
*Exemplary premium for employees not including employer contribution, calculated for a 32 year old customer with income higher than 69,300 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 (€69,300 per year or €5,775 per month as of 2024) 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.
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.
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.
Adjust your selection
for Non-EU Expats only
First Class Expats
Top performance
First Class Pro+
First Class
Experts' recommendation
Business Class Pro
Business Class
Premium Economy
First Class Expats
First Class Pro+
First Class
Business Class Pro
Business Class
Premium Economy
Contribution refund
none
up to 1 annual average monthly premium
none
up to 1 annual average monthly premium
none
none
Deductible
10% per invoice amount up to a €500 deductible/calendar year
none
10% per invoice amount max. €500 deductible per calendar year
or
25 % per invoice amount max. €1,250 deductible per calendar year
none
10% per invoice amount max. €500 deductible per calendar year
or
25 % per invoice amount max. €1,250 deductible per calendar year
10% per invoice amount max. €500 deductible per calendar year
or
50 % per invoice amount max. €1,000 deductible per calendar year
Outpatient
Outpatient medical treatment
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
Direct access to specialist care
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
Primary physician principle100% reimbursement for treatment by your primary physician or use of the ottonova concierge service; otherwise 80%
Doctors' Fees
up to 5 times the rate
up to 5 times the rate
up to 5 times the rate
up to 3.5 times the rate
up to 3.5 times the rate
up to 3.5 times the rate
Medication
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
Medication prescribed directly by a medical specialist
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
Primary physician principle100% reimbursement for treatment by your primary physician or use of the ottonova concierge service; otherwise 80%
Outpatient transportation costs
rescue costs up to €2,500
rescue costs up to €2,500
rescue costs up to €2,500
rescue costs up to €2,500
rescue costs up to €2,500
rescue costs up to €2,500
Vision
(e.g. glasses, contact lenses)
up to €300 in 2 years
up to €500 in 2 years
up to €500 in 2 years
up to €300 in 2 years
up to €300 in 2 years
up to €150 in 3 years
Elective Vision Correction Surgery (i.e. Lasik)
up to €750 (per eye) from the 25th month within 24 months
before €500 (per eye) in the first 24 months and €250 per eye in the first 12 months
up to €5,000 (both eyes together) in 5 years
up to €1,500 (per eye) from the 25th month within 24 months
before that up to €750 per eye
up to €1,000 (per eye) from the 25th month within 24 months
before that up to €500 per eye
up to €1,000 (per eye) from the 25th month within 24 months
before that up to €500 per eye
up to €500 (per eye) from the 25th month within 24 months
before that up to €250 per eye
General reimbursement for medical devices
100% up to €500 aids from €500 100% after approval, otherwise 75%
Hearing aids: up to €1,000 per hearing aid, with BAHA (hearing implant) up to €4,000 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% up to €500 aids from €500 100% after approval, otherwise 75%
Hearing aids: up to €2,500 per hearing aid, with BAHA (hearing implant) up to €4,000 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%
up to €500 aids from €500 100% after approval, otherwise 75%
Hearing aids: up to €1,000 per hearing aid, with BAHA (hearing implant) up to €4,000 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%
up to €500 aids from €500 100% after approval, otherwise 75%
Hearing aids: up to €1,000 per hearing aid, with BAHA (hearing implant) up to €4,000 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%
up to €500 aids from €500 100% after approval, otherwise 75%
Hearing aids: up to €1,000 per hearing aid, with BAHA (hearing implant) up to €4,000 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%
up to €500 aids from €500 100% after approval, otherwise 75%
Hearing aids: up to €1,000 per hearing aid, with BAHA (hearing implant) up to €4,000 per hearing aid Shoe inserts: 2 pairs every 2 insurance years Custom orthopaedic shoes: 4 pairs every 4 insurance years, minus €100 per pair.
General Reimbursement for therapy (i.e. massages, ergotherapy)
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
Primary physician principle100% reimbursement for treatment by your primary physician or use of the ottonova concierge service; otherwise 80%
Alternative practitioner
100% up to €1,000 per insurance year including osteopatic and chiropractic services by non-medical practitioners
100% up to €2,000 per insurance year including osteopatic and chiropractic services by non-medical practitioners
100%
up to €1,500 per insurance year including osteopatic services by non-medical practitioners
100%
up to €1,000 per insurance year including osteopatic and chiropractic services by non-medical practitioners
100%
up to €1,000 per insurance year including osteopatic services by non-medical practitioners
100%
up to €500 per insurance year including osteopatic services by non-medical practitioners
Osteopatic services provided by non-medical practitioners
100% up to €2,000 per insurance year including non-medical practitioner treatments
100%
up to €1,500 per insurance year including non-medical practitioner treatments
100%
up to €1,000 per insurance year including non-medical practitioner treatments
100%
up to €1,000 per insurance year including non-medical practitioner treatments
100%
up to €500 per insurance year including non-medical practitioner treatments
Alternative medicine by physicians
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
Primary physician principle100% reimbursement for treatment by your primary physician or use of the ottonova concierge service; otherwise 80%
Psychotherapy
75% reimbursement per session
100% reimbursement for 50 sessions, 80% reimbursement per session from the 51st session
90% reimbursement for 50 sessions,
75% reimbursement per session from the 51st session
90% reimbursement for 25 sessions,
75% reimbursement per session from the 26th session
90% reimbursement for 25 sessions,
75% reimbursement per session from the 26th session
75% for a maximum of 50 sessions
Prior approval for psychotherapy
Permission required for the 6th session and following sessions
no authorization required
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
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%
100%
100%
Birthing centers
Lump sum for childbirth
€600 per delivery
€600 per delivery
€400 per delivery
€400 per delivery
Inpatient
Treating 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)
Free choice of physician (including chief physician)
Free choice of physician (including chief physician)
Better accommodation
private room
private room
private room, optional: double room
double room
double room
double room
Inpatient services above the maximum rate (3.5 times)
up to 5 times the rate at most
unlimited
unlimited
up to 5 times the rate at most
up to 5 times the rate at most
Private clinic
up to 200% in accordance with the Hospital Remuneration Act (Krankenhausentgeldgesetz) or Federal Hospital Rate Regulation (Bundespflegesatzverordnung)
up to 200% in accordance with the Hospital Remuneration Act (Krankenhausentgeldgesetz) or Federal Hospital Rate Regulation (Bundespflegesatzverordnung)
up to 200%
in accordance with the Hospital Remuneration Act (Krankenhausentgeldgesetz) or Federal Hospital Rate Regulation (Bundespflegesatzverordnung)
up to 200% in accordance with the Hospital Remuneration Act (Krankenhausentgeldgesetz) or Federal Hospital Rate Regulation (Bundespflegesatzverordnung)
up to 150% in accordance with the Hospital Remuneration Act (Krankenhausentgeldgesetz) or Federal Hospital Rate Regulation (Bundespflegesatzverordnung)
up to 150% in accordance with Hospital Remuneration Act (Krankenhausentgeldgesetz) or Federal Hospital Rate Regulation (Bundespflegesatzverordnung) €150 personal cost per day
Accompanying person for children in hospital (rooming-in)
Children up to 14 years old, no limitation on duration
Children up to 14 years old, no limitation on duration
Children up to 14 years old, no limitation on duration
Children up to 14 years old, no limitation on duration
Children up to 14 years old, no limitation on duration
Children up to 14 years old, no limitation on duration
Replacement daily hospital benefits
€60 if private medical services are waived €35 if accommodation in a private room is waived €20 if accommodation in a double room is waived
€60
if private medical services are waived (First Class one-bed and First Class twin bed) €35 if accommodation in a private room is waived (First Class one-bed) €20
if accommodation in a double room is waived (First Class one-bed and First Class twin-bed)
€60
if private medical services are waived €20 if accommodation in a double room is waived
€60
if private medical services are waived €20 if accommodation in a double room is waived
€60
if private medical services are waived €20 if accommodation in a double room is waived
Acute in-patient psychotherapy without Required Pre-Approval
(Exception: combined hospital and rehabilitation centers)
(Exception: combined hospital and rehabilitation centers)
(Exception: combined hospital and rehabilitation centers)
(Exception: combined hospital and rehabilitation centers)
(Exception: combined hospital and rehabilitation centers)
(Exception: combined hospital and rehabilitation centers)
Treatments in mixed hospitals without prior approval
pending prior approval
(Exception: psychotherapy)
(Exception: psychotherapy)
(Exception: psychotherapy)
(Exception: psychotherapy)
(Exception: psychotherapy)
Dental
Dental treatment
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
Dental prostheses (including inlays and implants)
60 - 90%
90%
90%
80%
80%
60%
Fee rates for dental services
up to 5-fold
up to 5-fold
up to 5-fold
up to 3,5-fold
up to 3,5-fold
up to 3,5-fold
Professional dental cleanings
100% 2x per insurance year, max €125 per treatment
100% unlimited reimbursement
100%
2x per insurance year, max €125 per treatment
100%
2x per insurance year, max €125 per treatment
100%
2x per insurance year, max €125 per treatment
100%
1x per insurance year, max €125 per treatment
Orthodontia
up to 100% before the age of 21 (reimbursement of personal cost after the successful completion of the treatment), for adults up to 90%
up to 100% before the age of 21 (reimbursement of personal cost after the successful completion of the treatment), for adults up to 90%
up to 100% before the age of 21 (reimbursement of personal cost after the successful completion of the treatment), for adults up to 90%
up to 100%
before the age of 21 (reimbursement of personal cost after the successful completion of the treatment), for adults up to 80%
up to 100%
before the age of 21 (reimbursement of personal cost after the successful completion of the treatment), for adults up to 80%
up to 100%
before the age of 21 (reimbursement of personal cost after the successful completion of the treatment), for adults up to 60%
Dental levels - Limitation for prostheses and dentures
max. €500 up to 12 months after your insurance coverage begins max. €1,000 up to 24 months after your insurance coverage begins max. €2,000 up to 36 months after your insurance coverage begins max. €3,000 up to 48 months after your insurance coverage begins max. €5,000 from the 49th month after your insurance coverage begins till 60th month of insurance
does not apply for professional teeth cleanings and dental treatments
max. €1,000 in the first year of insurance max. €2,000 in the first two years of insurance max. €4,000 in the first three years of insurance
does not apply for professional teeth cleanings and dental treatments
max. €500 up to 12 months after your insurance coverage begins max. €1,000 up to 24 months after your insurance coverage begins max. €2,000 up to 36 months after your insurance coverage begins max. €4,000 up to 48 months after your insurance coverage begins unlimited from the 49th months on
does not apply for professional teeth cleanings and dental treatments
max. €500 in the first year of insurance max. €1,000 in the first two years of insurance max. €2,000 in the first three years of insurance max. €4,000 in the first four years of insurance
does not apply for professional teeth cleanings and dental treatments
max. €500 up to 12 months after your insurance coverage begins max. €1,000 up to 24 months after your insurance coverage begins max. €2,000 up to 36 months after your insurance coverage begins max. €4,000 up to 48 months after your insurance coverage begins unlimited from the 49th months on
does not apply for professional teeth cleanings and dental treatments
max. €500 up to 12 months after your insurance coverage begins max. €1,000 up to 24 months after your insurance coverage begins max. €2,000 up to 36 months after your insurance coverage begins max. €4,000 up to 48 months after your insurance coverage begins unlimited from the 49th months on
does not apply for professional teeth cleanings and dental treatments
Reimbursement for healing and cost planning
100% with previous approval of treatment and cost schedule also for smaller measures else 60%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
Dental technical services during dental treatment
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
Additional Full-Insurance Subjects
Preventive and curative electronic health services
max. €360 within 36 months
max. €360
within 36 months in First Class private room
max. €180
within 36 months in First Class double room
max. €5,000 within 10 years (incl. withdrawal treatment)
Withdrawal treatment (outpatient + inpatient)
One treatment during the contract period
max. 3 treatments within 10 years optional inpatient services are not reimbursable
max. 3 treatments within 10 years optional inpatient services are not reimbursable
max. 3 treatments within 10 years optional inpatient services are not reimbursable
max. 3 treatments within 10 years optional inpatient services are not reimbursable
max. €5,000 within 10 years (incl. other rehabilitation measures) optional inpatient services are not reimbursable
Preventive medical checkups without age limit
Preventative vaccinations for foreign travel
Insurance cover outside the European Economic Area (EEA)
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)
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)
Repatriation
organized by ottonova
organized by ottonova
organized by ottonova
organized by ottonova
organized by ottonova
organized by ottonova
Deductibles (not applicable for dental services, preventive health screenings, medical devices, outpatient psychotherapy)
10% per invoice amount up to a €500 deductible/calendar year
no deductible
10% per invoice amount
up to a €500 deductible/calendar year
or25% per invoice amount
up to €1,250 deductible/calendar year
no deductible
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
or50% per invoice amount
up to a €1,000 deductible/calendar year
Digital Health Applications
Reimbursement up to the amount also paid by the GKV
Reimbursement up to the amount also paid by the GKV
Daily sickness allowance
Amount of daily sickness allowance
max. €315 per day for employed, max. €331 per day for self-employed
max. €315 per day for employed, max. €331 per day for self-employed
max. €315 per day for employed, max. €331 per day for self-employed
max. €315 per day for employed, max. €331 per day for self-employed
max. €315 per day for employed, max. €331 per day for self-employed
max. €315 per day for employed, max. €331 per day for self-employed
Possibility to increase daily sickness allowance without further health examination
for employees who received a pay raise, no later than 2 months after the raise
for employees who received a pay raise, no later than 2 months after the raise
for employees who received a pay raise, no later than 2 months after the raise
for employees who received a pay raise, no later than 2 months after the raise
for employees who received a pay raise, no later than 2 months after the raise
for employees who received a pay raise, no later than 2 months after the raise
General dynamic - increase of daily sickness allowance without health examination
every 3 years 5% for the first time after 5 years
every 3 years 5% for the first time after 5 years
every 3 years 5% for the first time after 5 years
every 3 years 5% for the first time after 5 years
every 3 years 5% for the first time after 5 years
every 3 years 5% for the first time after 5 years
Daily sickness allowance in case of cure, rehabilitation, etc.
in case of total incapacity for work
in case of total incapacity for work
in case of total incapacity for work
in case of total incapacity for work
in case of total incapacity for work
in case of total incapacity for work
Additional payment period in case of occupational disability
3 months
3 months
3 months
3 months
3 months
3 months
Contribution exemption
Contribution-free during parental leave
(up to 9 months)
Exemption from premiums for newborns
(up to 4 months)
(up to 4 months)
(up to 4 months)
(up to 4 months)
(up to 4 months)
(up to 4 months)
Guaranteed premium refund
Guaranteed premium refund
(maximum 1 annual average monthly premium, excluding the statutory surcharge)
(maximum 1 annual average monthly premium, excluding the statutory surcharge)
Satisfaction guarantee
Satisfaction guarantee
no aging provisions in this tariff
This is a summary of the coverage details with maximum rates and reductions. Please note that this table is not conclusive. You will find all tariff-details such as the concrete requirements and limitations for the reimbursement in the tariff and insurance conditions of the respective tariff.
The English translation is a non-binding version for your information only and has no legally binding character. The contract language will be German only. The terms and conditions of the individual insurance contract shall prevail and apply.
How to proceed now?
Talk to our experts or check out all benefits.
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
Under the private health insurance system, every family member needs their own individual policy, and the cost (premium) is calculated based on each person's health and age when they enroll. Because of this, children's premiums are typically quite affordable. To insure your children in private health insurance can have a lot of advantages. Read more in our article aboutprivate health insurance for families!
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.
Germany offers two primary types of health insurance: statutory health insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung - GKV) and private health insurance (Private Krankenversicherung - PKV).
Statutory Health Insurance (GKV) is compulsory for most residents with income below a defined threshold. Contributions are income-dependent and are shared between individuals and their employers. GKV provides standardized comprehensive coverage for essential medical services and has an extensive network of healthcare providers.
On the other hand, Private Health Insurance (PKV) is an option for higher-income individuals or specific professional groups. Contributions are based on various factors like age, health condition, selected coverage, and risk assessment. PKV offers personalized and flexible coverage options, potential additional benefits, and quicker access to specialists.
The choice between GKV and PKV depends on factors such as income, employment status, preferences, and the level of coverage one seeks.
In Germany, it is a legal obligation for all residents, including non-EU citizens, to have health insurance coverage. This requirement is not only essential for access to healthcare services but is also a prerequisite when applying for a visa to stay in the country. The penalties for not having health insurance in Germany can vary depending on the individual circumstances and the duration of non-compliance.
Firstly, individuals without valid health insurance may face fines imposed by the government or public authorities. These fines can accumulate over time until the individual obtains the necessary health insurance. Additionally, lacking health insurance can result in delayed or denied medical treatment, which can have serious health implications.
Moreover, non-compliance with health insurance requirements can adversely affect an individual's legal standing in Germany. It may impact visa renewals, residency permits, or future visa applications. Furthermore, individuals without health insurance may encounter challenges in various administrative and legal processes within the country.
To ensure legal compliance and access to essential healthcare services, it is crucial for everyone, especially non-EU citizens, to obtain the required health insurance coverage while residing or staying in Germany.
Non-EU citizens moving to Germany generally need to obtain German health insurance to qualify for a residence permit. Therefore, getting German health insurance is a crucial step upon your arrival. Some exceptions to these requirements apply to students.
If you are an EU citizen, your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) covers you during short-term visits. However, once you register officially in Germany, it's essential to obtain local health insurance.
No, travel health insurance like Mawista is not adequate for an extended stay in Germany.
If Germany is going to be your home country for at least the next few years, travel insurances are not eligible for obtaining a visa in Germany, as they do not comply with §257 SGB V, §61(6) SGB XI. Unlike ottonova's health insurance, these insurances also do not contribute to the required long-term care insurance.
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