What is incoming insurance (visa law)?

Anyone applying for a visa for Germany must generally provide proof of valid health insurance – and this is where incoming insurance comes in. This is a special travel health insurance policy designed for foreign guests who are only temporarily staying in the Schengen area . It meets the requirements of German diplomatic missions abroad and is generally accepted for short stays (e.g., visitor visas, language courses, or business trips).

Scope of incoming insurance

Incoming insurance covers, among other things, the costs of medical treatment such as doctor's visits or hospital stays, acute emergencies, and prescription medications. Medically necessary repatriation to the home country is also generally covered. Depending on the plan, additional benefits such as dental treatment or psychotherapeutic support may be included. This makes incoming insurance a central component of the visa application process for many third-country nationals.

Is incoming insurance sufficient for a visa?

For short-term stays —especially for visitor, tourist, or business visas —incoming insurance is generally sufficient to fulfill the health insurance requirement during the visa process. However, the insurance must meet certain minimum requirements, such as a minimum coverage of €30,000 and be valid for the entire Schengen area and the entire duration of the stay.

It's important to note, however, that for longer-term visas (e.g., for studies, training, or employment), immigration authorities often do not permanently accept incoming insurance . In these cases, German statutory or private health insurance that also meets the requirements for permanent coverage is usually required. Furthermore, incoming plans generally do not cover pre-existing conditions, routine examinations, or planned treatments—thus, they are not comparable to comprehensive German health insurance (not "substitutive" health insurance).

Conclusion Incoming Insurance Visa

Incoming insurance is necessary and sensible coverage for many types of visas – especially for short stays. However, anyone planning to stay in Germany longer should clarify early on whether the chosen insurance will also cover their subsequent residence permit. At VISAGUARD, we help you select the right health insurance for your visa application – customized, legally compliant, and recognized.

Do you need insurance that's recognized by the authorities? Our law firm uses Feather Insurance and has consistently had positive experiences with it. If you purchase your insurance through Feather's insurance brokers using this link, you'll support our firm's blog. Use the code " VISAG-15 " to receive additional cashback when purchasing insurance through Feather.