Question 1

How long does it take to sign up?

Accepted Answer

Submitting your application only takes a few minutes, and getting covered is pretty quick too. You can expect your coverage to be confirmed in as little as a few business days for employed persons. Self-employed and unemployed persons can expect a longer application process, but usually no longer than 14 business days. Let us know if it's super urgent, and we can make it happen much faster!

Question 2

Do I need to sign up separately for public health insurance and for travel insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, these are two separate insurance policies. Public health insurance is your permanent one but your coverage will only start once your employment starts. Travel insurance is only there to cover you from when you land in Germany to when you start your employment. Therefore, you'll receive two policy confirmations.

Question 3

How does public health insurance work?

Accepted Answer

Public, or state health insurance is really quite simple and easy to understand. Your insurance contributions are calculated as a flat percentage of your income. So, if you're earning a high income you can expect to pay more than someone earning a low income. To find out your exact price, see our useful price calculator.

Question 4

How does travel insurance work?

Accepted Answer

Travel insurance is temporary insurance for the period between your arrival in Germany and the beginning of your employment. If in that period you need to use the insurance and process a claim, reach out to us and we will assist you in getting your reimbursement processed.

Question 5

Do these policies fulfill my visa requirements?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely. No matter which visa you are applying for, coverage by public health insurance topped with travel insurance for the period prior to your employment will satisfy the insurance requirement, no questions asked.

Question 6

Will I get a social security number or pension number? If so, when?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Shortly after you've been confirmed as a new member, an official letter will be sent to you from the pension service via post with your social security number. However, if you need the number sooner, or you can't receive postal mail, feel free to get in contact with us and we'll do our best to get it emailed to you.

Question 7

Will I receive a public health insurance card? If so, when?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Again, shortly you've been confirmed as a new member, you will be receiving some post mail with more information about how to acquire your ID card. Generally speaking, it takes just one week after your confirmation to get the physical ID card.

Question 8

Am I eligible for public health insurance?

Accepted Answer

As long as it’s your first time becoming employed in Germany, yes. And for anyone who has recently relocated to Germany from somewhere else within the E.U. and has been publicly insured there (whether they are self-employed, a freelancer, or unemployed) then yes. In all other cases, it’s hard to say for sure without more specific details. If you have a tricky situation, please feel free to get in touch with our team and they’d be happy to help you.

Question 9

Am I eligible for travel insurance - free of charge?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as long as you sign up for public health insurance and for travel insurance with Feather, and you're coming from outside Germany.

Question 10

What is the maximum duration of the complementary travel insurance?

Accepted Answer

The maximum period for free coverage is 30 days. Beyond that you'll need to pay out of pocket.

Question 11

The embassy is asking for a 3-month travel insurance, and you're offering only 1 month, why?

Accepted Answer

Indeed, certain embassies ask for 3-month travel insurance, but that's when you don't have comprehensive public health insurance on top and are planning to apply for it once you're in Germany. In this case, you'll have both and therefore fully covered not only for 3 months but for the duration you are in Germany thanks to the public health system.

Question 12

Will this cover my spouse or my family?

Accepted Answer

Yes. On public health insurance, your children (under 18 years old) and a non-working spouse can be covered for free. On travel insurance, we will cover up to 3 dependents. They need to be under your public health insurance, though.

Question 13

How do I pay for this policy?

Accepted Answer

For public health, If you are employed, then your insurance payments will be made directly from your paycheck. Your employer is required by law to pay for half of your policy. The other half will be deducted from your monthly salary. For travel insurance, Feather will bear the cost. That's our way of thanking you for signing up with us.

Question 14

Does public health insurance cover dental?

Accepted Answer

Yes, however coverage for dental under public health is quite limited. For example, only simple check ups, fillings, and x-rays are covered. If you'd like a dental cleaning or high-end composite white-colored fillings you would need to consider adding a supplemental dental insurance. Please note that there is no dental coverage while you are still in the period using travel insurance. You'll need to wait until you're covered by your public health insurance to have some dental coverage.

Question 15

Are my pre-existing conditions covered by public health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Chronic illnesses and pre-existing conditions are not excluded from coverage under public health insurance. In most cases, all ongoing medication schedules or treatments are covered. However, certain medications and specific treatments might not be covered outright or may require a copay.

Question 16

What's the cancellation period for public health insurance?

Accepted Answer

There is a binding period of 12 months. After the first year, you are free to switch providers at any time. A waiting period of two to three months applies when you choose to switch. In case you are leaving Germany, no cancellation period applies and you can cancel immediately.Explanation: You can only cancel your public health insurance when you leave the country. Otherwise, you can only switch to other providers or private. The waiting period of two months plus the ongoing month always applies even for switchers to private or irregular switchers because of price changes. If the conditions don’t change, the binding period is 12 months applies to everybody.

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