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Health Insurance
25 September 2025
Incoming
Health Insurance
Health Insurance for Visitors, Students and Guests in Germany
Alexander MilkereitPRO
Introduction
Quick Answer: Incoming health insurance is mandatory for foreign visitors to Germany who need a visa. It provides basic health coverage during your stay. Costs: €30-100/month depending on age and coverage level. Required for: Tourist visas, language courses, visiting family, and more.
Planning to visit Germany? Whether you're coming for tourism, to visit family, learn German, or for business, you'll likely need health insurance. This guide explains everything about incoming health insurance – what it is, who needs it, and how to get the right coverage.
Key Facts
€30-100
Monthly Cost
depending on age and coverage
Up to 5 years
Coverage Duration
renewable policies available
30,000€
Minimum Coverage
required for Schengen visa
What is Incoming Health Insurance?
Incoming health insurance (Incoming-Krankenversicherung) is a special type of health insurance for foreign nationals visiting Germany or the Schengen area. It's designed to meet visa requirements while providing essential medical coverage during your stay.
Key Characteristics
- Specifically designed for non-EU visitors
- Meets Schengen visa requirements
- Covers emergency medical treatment
- Usually valid for the entire Schengen area
- Affordable compared to regular health insurance
Who Needs Incoming Health Insurance?
Incoming health insurance is typically required for:
- Tourists visiting Germany/Schengen area
- Family visitors coming to see relatives
- Language students (before enrollment in regular programs)
- Business travelers on extended stays
- Au pairs (initial period)
- Visa applicants requiring proof of insurance
- Guests from non-EU countries
Visa Requirements and Health Insurance
For Schengen visa applications, you must prove you have health insurance that:
- Has minimum coverage of €30,000
- Covers emergency medical treatment
- Covers medical repatriation
- Is valid for the entire Schengen area
- Covers the complete duration of your stay
Important: Without valid health insurance, your visa application will be rejected!
What Does Incoming Health Insurance Cover?
Typically Covered
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospital stays
- Emergency dental treatment
- Ambulance transport
- Prescribed medications
- Medical repatriation
- Repatriation of remains
Usually NOT Covered
- Pre-existing conditions
- Routine check-ups
- Preventive care
- Elective procedures
- Pregnancy care (unless complications)
- Chronic disease treatment
- Mental health (non-emergency)
Costs of Incoming Health Insurance
Prices vary based on:
- Age: Older visitors pay more
- Duration: Longer stays may have discounts
- Coverage level: Basic vs. comprehensive
- Provider: Different companies, different prices
Typical Price Ranges (Monthly)
| Age Group | Basic Coverage | Standard Coverage | Premium Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 30 | €30-40 | €40-60 | €60-80 |
| 30-50 | €40-60 | €60-90 | €90-120 |
| 50-65 | €60-90 | €90-130 | €130-180 |
| Over 65 | €90-150 | €150-250 | Limited availability |
Top Providers for Incoming Health Insurance
- Care Concept - Specialist for incoming insurance
- HanseMerkur - Good coverage, fair prices
- ERGO - Well-known German insurer
- Allianz - Global brand recognition
- Mawista - Online-focused provider
How to Choose the Right Policy
Step 1: Check Your Requirements
- What does your visa require?
- How long will you stay?
- What's your age group?
- Do you have any health conditions?
Step 2: Compare Options
Consider:
- Coverage limits
- Exclusions
- Claim process
- Customer service language
- Price
Step 3: Apply Online
Most incoming insurance can be purchased online:
- Choose your provider
- Enter your details
- Pay the premium
- Receive confirmation instantly
Incoming Insurance vs. Other Options
| Type | Best For | Duration | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incoming Insurance | Short-term visitors | Up to 5 years | Basic/Emergency |
| Travel Insurance | Tourists | Up to 90 days | Emergency only |
| Student Insurance | Enrolled students | Study duration | More comprehensive |
| IPMI | Long-term residents | Unlimited | Comprehensive |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I extend my incoming insurance?
Yes, most providers allow extensions. Apply before your current coverage expires.
Is incoming insurance accepted for all visa types?
It's accepted for tourist and visitor visas. Student and work visas may have different requirements.
What if I need ongoing medical care?
Incoming insurance only covers emergencies. For ongoing care, you need regular health insurance (private or public).
Can I use incoming insurance after getting a residence permit?
Usually only for a transition period. Once you have a residence permit, you'll need regular German health insurance.
Conclusion
Incoming health insurance is essential for visiting Germany. It's affordable, meets visa requirements, and provides peace of mind during your stay.
Ready to Get Covered? Get a quote or compare incoming insurance options to find the best coverage for your visit to Germany.
