How long does it take to get health insurance after applying?

Having health insurance in Germany is a legal requirement—so it’s no wonder that getting insured is a must-do for any newcomer.

Applying for public health insurance is simple (if you qualify for it).

But you might be wondering:

How long will it take to get an approval?
What happens once you’ve submitted your application?
When will you receive a confirmation that you’re covered?
How long does it take to receive the insurance card?

If this is the case, then this post is for you. Let’s get started.

How to apply for public health insurance in Germany

Through the Feather website, you can submit your public health insurance application to one of the four main public health providers in Germany:

You just need to handle some basic information (all in English) and we’ll handle the rest!

How long until you’re covered?

If you’re applying for public health insurance through Feather, the process usually moves along quickly.

Here’s a basic idea of how long each step takes:

Application submission

After you submit your application, you’ll receive a confirmation email immediately.

This is just to let you know your application was received—it is not an official coverage approval.

Getting your confirmation of coverage

Official enrollment usually takes about two weeks.

It might be shorter if you have a full-time job and it is your first time getting insurance in Germany, but it could be longer if additional documents are required.

You’ll receive an email that includes your policy number and an official membership confirmation. You can use this membership confirmation for all administrative tasks and medical treatments.

Getting your insurance card

After you’re officially enrolled, the insurance company will ask for a passport photo to create your insurance card.

Getting your physical card can take up to eight weeks, but no worries—you’re covered before it arrives.

In fact, you’re covered as soon as you receive the confirmation of coverage.

It’s been a few days and I haven’t been approved. Why?

Sometimes, the process takes more time. The most common reasons include:

Additional documents are required: If you’ve had health insurance from another EU country, the insurer may need extra paperwork to confirm your previous coverage.
Employer timing: Some employers might register you with the health insurance at the end of your first month, which can slow things down a bit. However, when they do, they’ll backdate the start of your insurance, meaning that you are covered regardless.

This is generally because German insurers ask for additional documentation (like a letter from a previous EU-country insurer or GP) to prove previous coverage.

What can I do to speed up the process?

If you have been waiting and are tired of doing so, here are a couple of things you could try:

Talk to your employer: Sometimes, employers forget a step while registering you, especially if they outsource services like HR or accounting.

Check in with them and ask for your membership certificate (Mitgliedsbescheinigung). This document can help prove you’re insured while waiting for your card.

Contact the works council: If your company has one, the works council (Betriebsrat) can help make sure everything is on track and help you identify the most relevant next steps for your case.