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Health insurance for national visa: Which is required?

  • Writer: Mirko Vorreuter
    Mirko Vorreuter
  • Jul 11
  • 2 min read
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Anyone applying for a national visa (D visa) for Germany not only needs a valid passport and a specific purpose of stay – proof of appropriate health insurance is also required. But which insurance is right for you? The answer depends entirely on what you plan to do in Germany.


1. Travel insurance is not sufficient for a work visa

Many people initially think of travel health insurance, as is common for vacations. But be careful: These policies apply only to tourist stays or short visits. They usually explicitly exclude professional activities. Therefore, anyone who wants to come to Germany with a national visa to work, study, or live here permanently needs more than simple travel health insurance.


2. Transitional period before starting work: Exception with travel health insurance

However, a short transition period between entry and the start of work can be bridged with travel health insurance. For example, if you arrive in Germany one or two weeks before the official start of your employment, your statutory health insurance (GKV) will not take effect until you start work . You can temporarily use travel health insurance for this period – provided you do not take up employment during this time.


3. Incoming and expat insurance: Usually not sufficient

So-called incoming or expat health insurance policies are generally not sufficient for a long-term visa . These policies are often time-limited, not fully comprehensive, and do not cover all the services necessary for permanent residence. Exceptions apply in some cases, such as for business trips or for representatives of international companies, but even then, you should check in advance whether the chosen insurance meets the requirements of the German authorities.


4. Statutory or private full insurance is the rule

For a long-term stay – whether for employment, study, or family reunification – statutory health insurance (GKV) or private substitute health insurance (PKV) is generally required. Both must be comprehensive and valid for the long term in Germany. A simple foreign policy is not sufficient. It is generally possible to apply for a national visa with foreign health insurance – but only if you can prove that the insurance is liable to pay benefits in Germany and meets the requirements. In such cases, immigration authorities or embassies require confirmation in German or English stating that the benefits meet German standards and are valid in Germany.


Which insurance meets the requirements?

The most frequently used insurance providers at our law firm are Feather Insurance (e.g., Techniker Krankenkasse TK) . Feather Insurance offers English-speaking customer service and a fully digital platform. Many of our clients use Feather Insurance or the Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) insurance provider brokered through Feather, and there have never been any issues with regulatory approval. By using our referral link to book Feather insurance, you support our blog ( click here ).


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