Choosing health insurance while keeping costs low can be difficult and time-consuming, especially for freelancers, digital nomads, and all expats moving to Germany.
That’s why we’ve analysed and reviewed the best short-term health insurance plans and providers to help you make informed decisions.
In this guide, we evaluate the best short-term health insurance options in Germany based on:
- Coverage
- Affordability
- And ease of use
Be sure to read our in-depth reviews of each provider below and scroll past the list for key insights on each policy.
And, if you’re new to Germany, be sure to check out our guide on how the German healthcare system works.
Disclaimer:
This article reflects our independent assessment and should be considered alongside your criteria for determining the “best” short-term health insurance. Consulting with an insurance broker may be more beneficial than relying solely on this article to find a plan that truly meets your needs.
Our rankings are based on a structured methodology, which we recommend reviewing to ensure it aligns with your priorities.
Insurance plans, pricing, and reviews are subject to change. The information in this article was last updated on March 10, 2025.
With that covered, let’s begin.
Where to start looking for the best short-term health insurance in Germany
| Company | Recommended for | Starting price (monthly) | Trustpilot rating |
| Feather | English speakers | €72 | 4.8 out of 5 |
| Provisit by Dr. Walter | Short-term stays with no visas | €38.5/month | 3.8 out of 5 |
| AXA | Worldwide coverage | €72.87/month | 1.4 out of 5 |
Feather: Recommended for English Speakers
| Pros | Cons |
 Excellent online reviews |  Unlimited coverage duration only available on the Extended plan |
| English support via voice and video calls, email, and chat | Renewals of visas & work permits only possible on the Extended plan |
| Fast, easy claims with their intuitive app | Limits apply on dental coverage |
| Excellent coverage | |
| Coverage applies all over the EU |
Covered treatments overview
| Covered (across the EU) | Not covered |
| Doctor visits & hospitalization | Pre-existing conditions |
| Prescription drugs | Routine check-ups without symptoms |
| Therapeutic massage | Regular vaccination |
| Dental pain relief | Dentures and major dental treatments |
| Dental check-ups & cleanings | Gynecology |
| Visual aids | Mental health therapy |
| Cancer screening | |
| Pregnancy exams and delivery |
Our take
Feather stands out as the best-rated health insurance option in Germany, which makes it an excellent choice for English speakers.
Feather offers two main plans: the Newcomer plan starting at €72 per month, and the Extended plan at €118 per month.
While both provide excellent overall coverage, the Extended plan includes perks like unlimited coverage duration and eligibility for visa and work permit renewals.
Plus, Feather’s even provides documents to help strengthen visa applications—something no other provider offers.
With that said, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Pre-existing conditions aren’t covered, so it’s not ideal if you already need treatment.
- €25 deductible per insured event, though reasonable for the price.
Overall, Feather is hard to beat for an affordable, hassle-free insurance experience tailored to expats.
Disclaimer:
This is our list, so we acknowledge that our recommendations may not be entirely unbiased. However, with seven years of experience, thousands of positive reviews, and a strong commitment to improving the insurance experience, we believe we have rightfully earned a top spot for expats in Germany. That said, we encourage you to evaluate our claims critically and consult an independent insurance broker who may provide more tailored advice.
Provisit by Dr. Walter: Recommended for short-term stays with no visas
| Pros | Cons |
| Good online reviews | Can only cover you for up to 2 years |
| Efficient coverage | Difficult to contact English-speaking support |
| Age limit of 69 years old (higher than most) | Price increases after the first 12 months |
| €0 deductible | Not valid for visa applications |
Covered treatments overview
| Covered (across the EU) | Not covered |
| Doctor visits & hospitalization | Any pre-existing conditions |
| Prescribed medication | Psychotherapy, psychoanalysis and hypnosis |
| Pregnancy and childbirth | Dental treatments that go beyond acute pain relief treatment |
| Physiotherapy and physical therapy (up to €250) | Dental prostheses including crowns, inlays and onlays |
| Medical transports (if they are “medically necessary”) | Orthodontics |
| Doctor-prescribed repatriation costs | Visual aids |
| Check-ups | |
| Double treatments (for the same disease) |
Our take
If you’re staying in Germany for less than 24 months, Provisit by Dr. Walter is a solid insurance choice.
What sets it apart is that it already includes private liability and accident insurance—two essentials that you’d typically have to purchase separately. This means you can buy it and feel confident that your key coverage needs are handled.
And with a 3.8 out of 5 rating, it seems customers enjoy their experience with Dr. Walter.
Another standout perk?
Provisit offers direct billing with doctors and hospitals, so you won’t have to cover medical expenses out of pocket before getting reimbursed.
That said, there are a few drawbacks:
- It’s not valid for visa applications, or renewals.
- English support is limited, which could be a challenge if you don’t speak German.
- The 24-month maximum term also makes it unsuitable for longer stays.
- Plus, since accident and liability coverage is bundled in, you won’t have the flexibility to choose a policy that’s tailored to your specific needs.
Still, for short-term stays in Germany, Provisit keeps things simple, covering the essentials without hassle.
Disclaimer:
Dr. Walter offers a range of plans, some of which may allow you to be insured for longer than 24 months. Some may offer more value than others, and we do not claim that the Provisit Germany plan is their best. We simply believe that it offers good benefits for those staying less than 24 months, and wanted to share it with our readers. Please visit the Provisit by Dr. Walter website for more information on their available plans.
AXA: Recommended for worldwide coverage
| Pros | Cons |
| Worldwide coverage | Trustpilot rating of 1.4 out of 5 |
| Highly customizable plans | Dental, pregnancy, childbirth and out-patient consultations are part of add-ons |
| Overall annual plan limit of €125,000 |
Covered treatments overview (Foundation plan, no add-on)
| Covered (across the EU) | Not covered |
| Hospital charges and surgery | Chronic conditions |
| Evacuation and repatriation | Routine pregnancy cover |
| Range of cancer treatment | Health checks |
| Second opinions from another doctor | Routine dental check-ups |
| Out-patient consultation and tests |
Our take
If you’re looking for worldwide coverage, AXA is a strong contender.
With over 14 different short-term international health insurance plans, it offers flexibility—but that also means coverage limits and benefits can vary depending on the plan you choose.
One of AXA’s biggest advantages is its global reach. No matter where you go, you’ll have coverage (though you’ll pay extra if you want coverage for the USA).
Plus, you can tailor your policy to fit your needs by selecting your deductible and choosing different add-ons. For instance, if you don’t need dental or maternity coverage, you can skip them and focus on outpatient care instead.
However, AXA’s entry-level “Foundation” plan has a relatively low annual limit of €125,000, which may not be enough for everyone.
And while the extensive customization options are a plus, navigating them can be tricky.
Online reviews also suggest that customer satisfaction isn’t AXA’s strongest suit.
Still, AXA is worth considering if you want the freedom to fine-tune your policy and need coverage that has your back no matter where you are.
Disclaimer:
AXA offers a variety of short-term international health insurance plans. Some plans may provide coverage beyond certain limits, while others may offer different levels of value depending on your specific needs. We do not claim that any single AXA plan is the best; rather, we aim to highlight options that may be particularly beneficial in certain situations. The coverage limits and benefits mentioned may not apply to your circumstances, so we encourage you to explore AXA’s full range of plans to find the best fit for you.
Methodology
To create our rankings, we followed a rigorous, multi-step research process designed to provide an unbiased and well-rounded evaluation of each insurance provider.
Here’s how we did it:
1. Shortlisting the top providers
We began by consulting our in-house insurance experts to identify an initial pool of 20 contenders based on industry reputation, financial stability, and overall market presence.
2. Policy comparison
For each company, we gathered quotes and reviewed sample policies, totaling approximately 60 different plans.
We assessed the policies based on key criteria such as:
- Price: How competitive the premiums are for the level of coverage offered.
- Coverage details: What the plan includes and excludes.
- Coverage limits: The maximum amount payable for claims.
- Deductibles: The out-of-pocket cost before coverage kicks in.
3. Deep-dive into customer reviews
To gauge customer satisfaction, we analyzed reviews from Trustpilot as a primary source.
While we recognize that online reviews can be skewed (as dissatisfied customers are more likely to leave feedback), this still provides valuable insight into common complaints and praise. We encourage checking Google Reviews, Yelp, and other review platforms for a more balanced perspective.
We last reviewed and updated customer ratings for these companies on March 10, 2025.
4. English-speaking support test
To evaluate this, we contacted each company’s helpline 10 times over three weeks—at different times and days—to assess response times and whether they could connect us with an English-speaking representative.
Conclusion
There you have it—our picks for some of the best short-term health insurance providers.
We’ve given you a solid overview, but the most valuable insights often come from customer reviews.
We highly recommend researching online ratings to ensure the plan suits your short-term needs, budget, and expectations. Better yet, consult an insurance expert to find the right temporary coverage for your situation.
Need help understanding short-term health insurance? Check out our expat insurance guide for a deeper dive into what it covers and who it’s best for.
If you’re wondering whether Feather’s short-term health insurance is right for you, contact our team or leave your questions below—we’ll get back to you within a couple of days!
