Incoming health insurance is usually required for a national (type D) visa until your health cover in Germany begins. The policy must meet the requirements of the German mission.
What the policy must include
The policy should provide cover of at least €30,000 for the entire stay, be valid throughout the Schengen area and cover emergency treatment, hospitalisation and repatriation in case of illness or death.
Why travel insurance is not always enough
Standard travel policies often exclude people entering for a long-term stay or to work. For a national visa you usually need an incoming policy designed for newcomers and job seekers in Germany.
Providers
Such policies are offered, for example, by Care Concept, Dr. Walter, Mawista and HanseMerkur. They are usually taken out online. Before buying, compare the policy terms with the requirements of the German mission that will process your visa.
Switching to statutory insurance once you start work
When you start employment, you are usually insured with a statutory health insurance fund (GKV, for example TK, Barmer or AOK). You then need to cancel the incoming policy: tell the insurer when your statutory cover begins. Whether premiums are refunded depends on the contract.
What to check
- Check that the policy covers at least €30,000 and what the deductible is.
- Make sure your name is spelled exactly as in your passport.
- Keep the insurance certificate in German or English.
- Print a copy of the policy to show at border control.
Example situation
A professional takes out incoming insurance for 180 days, prints the confirmation in German and submits the visa documents without any objections.
Next step
Incoming insurance protects you during the transition until your long-term health insurance in Germany starts; do not skimp on repatriation cover.
Official information on this topic
- Make it in Germany: first steps after arrival
- BAMF: “Welcome to Germany” guide
- Federal Foreign Office: visa rules and application requirements
Checklists and examples are organisational recommendations. Requirements depend on the procedure, the city and your situation; check them with the relevant office before you act. Please discuss legal and tax questions with an authorised professional.
This article was prepared with the help of AI. The example illustrates the approach and does not describe a client case.