Name: Expat Health Insurance
Brand: Feather
Rating: 4.9 (921 reviews)

Question 1

Am I eligible for expat insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you’ve recently relocated to Germany and are looking for your first health insurance plan, you're eligible for expat health insurance.

Question 2

What if I am self-employed or a freelancer?

Accepted Answer

Expat health insurance is an excellent option if you're a freelancer or self-employed. Expat insurance provides emergency and accidental coverage in addition to any illness you might have.
If you’ve been insured in the EU or the UK within the last three months, you have to get on public insurance after moving to Germany. You should check out our recommendation tool to go through the other options before signing up for expat insurance.
Freelancers and those who are self-employed are considered to be "voluntarily insured,” or freiwillig versichert, which means public health insurance companies are not obligated to insure them.

Question 3

Does this policy fulfill the requirements for my visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this policy meets the legal requirements for getting your first visa or residence permit in Germany and qualifies as your proof of health insurance.
However, it may not meet the requirements to renew your visa or residence permit.
If you need help getting health insurance to renew your visa or residence permit, reach out to us. We can talk you through your options after having expat insurance.

Question 4

When will I get my documents after signing up?

Accepted Answer

Immediately. Your policy documents will be waiting for you in your Feather account after you finish signing up.
You can use these documents as proof of health insurance for your visa or residence permit application.

Question 5

What is the maximum amount of time that I can be covered?

Accepted Answer

Expat health insurance has a maximum term limit of five years. This five-year term starts on the first day you arrive in Germany.
For example, if you moved to Germany on the 1st of January 2020 but signed up for Expat Insurance on the 2nd of June 2021, you can only remain on the policy until the 1st of January 2025.

Question 6

What is the expat cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

If you purchase a policy and the policy becomes active within 14 days of purchase, then you have 14 days to cancel your policy from the date of purchase and receive a full refund (as long as no claims were made during this period).
However, if you purchase a policy with a start date in the future (over 14 days), then you have any time before the policy becomes active to cancel it and receive a full refund.
After this period, you can still cancel anytime! Whenever you cancel, you would then no longer be charged during the next monthly billing cycle.
For more information about how to cancel, please check out our handy FAQ.

Question 7

Are there any waiting periods?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a standard 31 day waiting period applies before you can use the insurance. However, sometimes a waiting period can be waived, you can learn more about the waiting period and when it can be waived at our FAQ here.

Question 8

Do I have to pay medical costs myself before getting reimbursed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you'll have to pay upfront and submit photos of all the bills or receipts from your account to get reimbursed. You must pay the doctor or clinic as soon as possible. The reimbursement will be made to you, not to the doctor.

Question 9

Can I add dependents to my expat plan?

Accepted Answer

Yes, dependents can be added to your plan. Please note that each dependent will have to have their own policy purchased, but we can add them all under one account for ease of access.

To add a dependent, simply:
1. Sign up for expat insurance for yourself first (or for the person you want to be the main policyholder)
2. Once you sign up, log into your Feather account and click on your expat policy.
3. Click 'add dependents', then add the dependent with whichever policy you wish (basic or premium). You don't have to purchase the same policy for each person.
4. The basic policy price for dependents under 18 years of age is the same (72 euros), but the premium plan is cheaper than for adults (96 euros per month).

Question 10

Are dental treatments covered?

Accepted Answer

Yes, expat insurance will cover some dental treatment for new dental conditions requiring pain relief like simple fillings and cleanings. This treatment is covered for up to €500 per year on the Basic plan and up to €1,000 a year on the Premium plan. Additional dental treatments, including cosmetic dental treatments like teeth cleaning or whitening are not included.

Question 11

Can I switch between the basic and premium expat policies?

Accepted Answer

Yes! If you upgrade from basic to premium expat insurance, then your policies will be linked and medical events that occurred in your basic policy will be included for coverage in your premium policy.
A switch from premium to basic expat is also still possible, however, please note if you switch from premium to basic expat health the policies will not be linked.

Get a recommendation based on your lifestyle

Expat health insurance in Germany starting at €72/month

Why get expat health insurance?

Who can benefit from expat health insurance?

What’s covered?

Accidents and emergencies

Sudden illness and hospitalization

Repatriation

Coverage across the EU & Schengen area

What isn’t covered?

Plans that fit your lifestyle

Advantages of expat health insurance

Visit private or public hospitals

Easily upgrade to public or private health insurance

Don’t take our word for it

Am I eligible for expat insurance?

What if I am self-employed or a freelancer?

Does this policy fulfill the requirements for my visa?

When will I get my documents after signing up?

What is the maximum amount of time that I can be covered?

What is the expat cancellation policy?

Are there any waiting periods?

Do I have to pay medical costs myself before getting reimbursed?

Can I add dependents to my expat plan?

Are dental treatments covered?

Can I switch between the basic and premium expat policies?

Public, private, or expat?

Public health

Private health

Dental

Personal liability