Expat health insurance in Germany: What is it & how does it work?

Moving abroad is exciting, but figuring out how to stay insured can feel a little overwhelming at first.

That’s where expat health insurance comes in.

Unlike travel insurance, expat insurance is specifically designed for medium-term living, covering essential expenses such as medication, dental care, maternity care, and more.

It also provides coverage across the EU.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

What expat health insurance is
When and why you might need it
What it covers
How claims, reimbursements, and direct billing work
And our tips for choosing the right plan for you

Let’s jump in.

What is expat health insurance?

If you’re moving abroad, standard travel insurance won’t cut it. That’s because travel insurance is designed for short trips.

Expat health insurance, also known as short-term health insurance, is designed for medium-term medical needs in a foreign country.

Think of it as a temporary replacement for the local healthcare system while you’re not eligible or applying for a visa.

The best part?

Many policies cover you across Europe, and some even extend worldwide, perfect if you move often or split your time between countries.

Here’s how expat insurance compares to public and private health insurance in the EU:

insurance type	coverage	access
Public insurance	EU-wide cover via EHIC	Requires legal residency or employment
Private insurance	EU-wide, plus 1 month outside Europe	Requires income or professional status
Expat insurance	EU-wide, with optional worldwide coverage	No residency or employment requirements; plans often issued in English

Why expat insurance makes sense for newcomers

Flexibility: Get coverage before you have local residency or a work contract.
Clarity: Policies are usually written in English—no need to guess in another language.
Mobility: Maintain consistent coverage even if you move between countries.

Who is expat health insurance for?

Expat health insurance isn’t just for one type of person. It’s built for anyone living abroad who can’t (or doesn’t want to) rely on the local healthcare system.

Here are some common situations:

Visa seekers & applicants: If you’re applying for a visa or residence permit, expat insurance covers all first-time visas.
Freelancers and self-employed individuals: Offers a cost-effective alternative for those who are not eligible for (or can’t afford) public or private insurance.
Digital nomads: Ensures you remain covered across borders and avoids the disruption of switching insurers each time you move.
International students: Especially helpful in countries where public systems are closed to foreign students or require specific conditions.
Retirees abroad: Provides an alternative to local health services, covering hospitalization, ongoing treatments, and preventive checkups.

When it’s especially useful

Expat insurance also fills gaps when local systems are hard to access:

You’re on a short-term work contract or internship that doesn’t qualify for public care.
You’re in the residency application process and not yet eligible for the national system.
You’re between countries or planning another move soon and want uninterrupted coverage.

Expat vs. travel insurance: The differences

At a glance, expat and travel insurance seem similar.

But they’re built for very different needs… Here’s a simple side-by-side comparison:

Feature	Travel insurance	Expat insurance
Duration	Short trips, holidays, or business travel.	Long-term living abroad, with cover for checkups, chronic conditions, and maternity care.
Depth of coverage	Lower claim limits, focused mainly on emergencies.	Higher claim limits and broader protection for everyday health needs.
Visa eligibility	Rarely accepted for visa applications.	Often required (and accepted) for long-term visas or residency permits.
Visa extensions & work permits	Never accepted.	Only Feather’s extended plan qualifies.

Which one should you choose?

On holiday? → Travel insurance is enough.
Relocating (even for a few months)? → Expat health insurance gives you real peace of mind.

👉 Learn more in our full guide to travel insurance in Germany.

How does expat insurance work?

1. Claims and reimbursement

Most expat health insurance works on a reimbursement model:

You pay your medical bill upfront.
Keep all receipts and ask your doctor for a medical report or certificate.
Submit these documents through your insurer’s claims portal.
The insurer reimburses you (usually within a few weeks).

2. What’s covered (and what’s not)

A solid policy should always include:

Doctor visits and diagnostic tests
Hospital stays and emergency treatment
Prescription medication
Preventative care, like dental check-ups
Mental health support (often limited but included)

What’s usually excluded?

Experimental or unproven treatments
Cosmetic surgery
Pre-existing conditions

Always check the “General Exclusions” section of your policy. If you’re with Feather, you can also see what’s covered here.

3. Coverage regions

You choose where your plan applies:

Worldwide, including the U.S.: most comprehensive, but also the most expensive.
Worldwide, excluding the U.S.: broad coverage at a lower price.
Regional plans: restricted to certain countries, good if you stay in one place.

With Feather, the Newcomer plan covers you across the EU. The Extended plan provides worldwide coverage, with optional U.S. protection available for a small additional fee.

How much does expat insurance cost?

The cost of expat health insurance depends on your personal circumstances and location.

While you can get an instant online quote, here’s what to expect:

Range of prices: Plans can start as low as €50 and go up to over € 400 per month.
Feather plans: our 5-year options range from €72–€134 per month, while unlimited plans range from €118–€519 per month.

What affects your premium?

Several factors influence your monthly cost:

Age: the biggest factor, older applicants usually pay more.
Medical history: Pre-existing conditions could result in higher premiums. It depends if your plan covers them. For example, at Feather, our expat plans don’t cover pre-existing conditions, meaning your premium remains the same regardless of your health profile.
Destination: high-cost countries (especially the U.S.) raise rates significantly.

Ways to reduce your cost

You can adjust coverage to lower your premium, but each option comes with trade-offs:

Adjustment	What it means for you
Higher deductible	You’ll pay more out-of-pocket before insurance starts covering costs
Lower annual maximum	Risk of reaching your cap during a major illness
Remove extras (like dental or vision)	You’ll pay the full cost of those services

How to choose an expat insurance plan

Choosing expat health insurance isn’t just about finding the lowest price. The right plan should protect you when it matters, fit your lifestyle, and meet legal requirements in your new country.

The best way to understand what’s covered is by reviewing the policy documents.

Pay close attention to:

Summary of Benefits
Coverage and limits table
General exclusions
Regions and network information

Key features to check

When comparing plans, look out for:

Direct billing: Can the insurer pay hospitals directly for expensive treatments so you don’t have to pay upfront?
Emergency evacuation: Does the plan cover medical evacuation or repatriation if local care isn’t available?
Mental health support: Are therapy, counselling, or psychiatric care included — and how many sessions per year?
Customer support: Is help available 24/7, in English, and through multiple channels (phone, email, app)?
Telemedicine: Can you book video consultations for non-urgent issues, especially if you’re in a remote area?