Health Insurance for Your German Visa
Get private health insurance that satisfies German consular and Ausländerbehörde requirements — for Blue Card EU, freelancer, skilled worker and family reunification visas.
Independent advice
No ties to any insurer.
Personal contact
One advisor – start to finish.
Digital worldwide
Video or phone consultation.
Switch or new policy
We guide you the entire way.
Not sure if PHI fits your situation?
Take the free 2-minute PHI Check — independent, non-binding and in English.
What German authorities require
To grant a residence permit, the German consulate or the local Ausländerbehörde requires proof of adequate health coverage. For most long-stay visas this means either statutory health insurance or a substantive private health insurance policy — travel insurance is not enough.
The insurance officer typically checks that your policy:
- Is unlimited in duration (no fixed end date after 12 months).
- Covers inpatient and outpatient treatment in Germany.
- Includes maternity, dental basic care and prescription drugs.
- Has no low annual coverage cap.
- Is issued by an insurer authorised to operate in Germany.
Which German visas accept private health insurance?
- Blue Card EU — for skilled professionals above the salary threshold.
- Skilled Worker Visa (§ 18a / § 18b).
- Freelancer / Self-employed Visa (§ 21 AufenthG).
- Job Seeker Visa.
- Family Reunification Visa — see our family reunification page.
- Researcher, Student and Guest Scientist permits.
How we help you
- Free English-speaking consultation by video or phone.
- Selection of visa-compatible PHI from 40+ German insurers.
- Insurance certificate ready for your consulate appointment.
- Coordination of start date with your arrival in Germany.
- Support at the Ausländerbehörde if follow-up documents are requested.
Related resources
- Private health insurance in Germany for expats
- PHI for freelancers
- PHI for international employees
- Start the free 2-minute PHI Check
Frequently asked questions
Is private health insurance accepted for a German visa?
Yes. For most residence permits — Blue Card EU, freelancer (§ 21), skilled worker, job seeker and family reunification visas — private health insurance is accepted if the tariff is unlimited in duration and meets minimum inpatient and outpatient coverage requirements.
Can I get German private health insurance before arrival?
Yes. Coverage can typically be arranged before you enter Germany, so you can present proof of insurance to the consulate or Ausländerbehörde with your visa application.
Does travel health insurance count for a long-stay visa?
Short-term travel insurance is only accepted for Schengen/short-stay visas. For a national D-visa or residence permit, you need substantive German private or statutory health insurance.
What if my visa application is delayed?
Many PHI tariffs let you set a start date that matches your arrival, and adjust it if your visa is delayed. We coordinate this with the insurer for you.
Book a free consultation — we usually respond within one business day.
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