Anyone entering Germany without a German residence, for example as a visitor, for a language course or to look for a job, is not covered by a German health insurance fund. That is why embassies require suitable health insurance for a visa: so-called incoming insurance.
Important first
At the moment I can only arrange incoming tariffs if a person resident in Germany takes out the contract, for example if you invite family or friends. If you still live abroad, you will find providers below where you can sign up directly online. I receive no commission for this. As soon as you are registered in Germany, I am happy to advise you on the right health insurance. I do not help with the visa application itself, that is handled by the German embassy or consulate.
Key Facts at a Glance
| What is covered | Medical treatment, hospital and repatriation for acute illness and accidents during your stay in Germany or the Schengen area. |
|---|---|
| What is not covered | Pre-existing conditions and planned treatment, pregnancy depending on the tariff; not a substitute for health insurance when working or studying. Details |
| Who needs it | Visitors with a Schengen visa, family visits, language learners, au pairs and job seekers until they join a German health insurance. |
| What does it cost | Rough guide: visa tariffs for visitors often start at around €1 per day; tariffs for language courses or studies usually from around €30 per month. Non-binding guide value (as of 2026); your premium depends on your situation. You can calculate the exact premium directly with the providers listed below. |
| What to look out for | For the Schengen visa at least €30,000 cover including repatriation, cover from the day of entry for the entire stay, maximum age and deductible. |
Priya's Story: A Visit from India with a Scare
Fictional example for illustration; all persons and events are invented.
Priya has been working as an engineer in Rheine for two years. In summer, her parents visit her for six weeks. For the Schengen visa they take out incoming insurance in advance, mostly as a formality for the embassy.
In the third week, Priya's father gets severe chest pain. The emergency doctor takes him to hospital, and after a cardiac catheter examination he stays on the ward for five days. The bill: around €9,000.
Because the insurance meets the visa requirements, it pays for the acute treatment. Priya is relieved: without insurance, the family would have had to pay the bill themselves.
Who Needs Incoming Insurance?
- Visitors from countries that require a visa and apply for a Schengen visa, for example for a family visit.
- Language learners, au pairs and visiting scholars, as long as they are not in public health insurance.
- People coming to Germany to look for a job, until they have German health insurance when they start work.
- Guests from visa-exempt countries who want to be covered during their stay.
Requirements for the Schengen Visa
- A sum insured of at least €30,000.
- Valid in the entire Schengen area and for the entire duration of the stay.
- Costs of repatriation in case of illness or death are covered.
- Taken out before entry so that cover applies from day one.
- Proof via the insurance certificate from the insurer, which you enclose with your visa application.
For a national visa, for example to study or work, different requirements apply depending on the purpose of stay. At the latest when you start work or enrol, you need public or private health insurance. The embassy decides which insurance it accepts. The official portal Make it in Germany explains which visa fits your plans.
Providers You Can Sign Up with from Abroad
These insurers offer incoming tariffs that people without a residence in Germany can take out directly online. The list is alphabetical, not exhaustive and not a recommendation of any particular tariff. Check the conditions carefully and, if in doubt, ask the embassy whether it accepts the tariff.
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Care Concept
Incoming tariffs for students, language learners, visiting scholars and visitors to Germany and Europe, among others.
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DR-WALTER
Specialised in foreign visitors for over 60 years, including PROVISIT-VISUM, customized to Schengen visa requirements.
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HanseMerkur
Visa travel insurance for guests up to age 75, meets Schengen visa requirements and covers stays of up to one year.
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MAWISTA
MAWISTA Visum for stays of 8 to 183 days in the Schengen area, can be taken out before or during your stay.
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TravelSecure (Würzburger Versicherung)
Incoming insurance for foreign guests in Germany.
What Is Not Covered
Incoming tariffs cover acute treatment during your stay. Typical limits:
- Pre-existing conditions and planned treatment: Known conditions and treatment that someone travels for are usually excluded.
- Work and studies: Anyone working or studying in Germany needs public or private health insurance. Incoming insurance is not sufficient for this.
- Maximum duration and age: Many tariffs only apply up to a certain length of stay and up to a maximum age.
- Pregnancy: Childbirth and check-ups are excluded or limited depending on the tariff.
- Dentures: Usually only pain-relieving treatment is covered.
Arrived: Switching to German Health Insurance
As soon as you work in Germany or are registered here, the incoming insurance period ends. Then the choice between public health insurance and private health insurance matters. If you come to work or for vocational training, my guide Health Insurance with an EU Blue Card, Opportunity Card or Work Visa explains the deadline you shouldn't miss. I am happy to advise you on this in English.