International
Health Insurance

International Health Insurance Abroad

Q: International health insurance vs. travel insurance – what's the difference?

The difference is crucial: Travel insurance: • Only 6-8 weeks coverage • Only emergencies covered • No routine treatments International health insurance: • 365 days worldwide coverage • Prevention, routine & chronic conditions • Free choice of doctors and hospitals • Direct billing with clinics For digital nomads and expats, IPMI is essential – travel insurance leaves you uninsured after weeks.

Q: What does international health insurance cost?

Costs depend on age, health status and coverage level: • Basic plans: from EUR 72/month (without USA) • Standard coverage: EUR 120-180/month (30 years, EUR 500 deductible) • With USA coverage: +30-40% (EUR 160-250/month) • Premium plans: from EUR 250/month (no deductible, comprehensive dental) Savings tip: Higher deductible (EUR 1,000-2,500) significantly reduces premiums. As brokers, we compare all providers free of charge – our clients often save 20-30%.

Q: How flexible is cancellation and adjustment?

International health insurance is extremely flexible: Cancellation: • Contract term: 12 months with automatic renewal • Notice period: 1-3 months to year-end • Special cancellation right upon return to Germany Adjustments possible at any time: • Change deductible • Add/remove modules (dental, USA coverage) • For life events (marriage, birth, relocation) We support you with all adjustments free of charge.

A medical emergency abroad can drain your bank account – a hospital stay in the USA can quickly cost EUR 50,000 or more. International health insurance (IPMI) protects you worldwide with access to quality care, from private clinics in Singapore to emergency treatment in Bangkok – anywhere in the world.

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For Expats & Nomads

Imagine: Emergency room in New York, a CT scan and one night for observation – the bill is $18,000. Without international coverage, you pay out of pocket. With IPMI, you benefit from direct billing and 24/7 support without paying a cent in out-of-pocket costs.

For digital nomads, emigrants and expats, this protection is essential. Insurance coverage is often cheaper than German health insurance and also applies in your home country.

💡

Waysafe offers exclusive framework agreements (group contracts) that are only available through us – savings of up to 40% compared to purchasing directly from the insurer. With 15+ years of experience in international health insurance and as a BaFin-regulated insurance broker, we find the optimal plan for your needs. Free consultation and lifelong support included.

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International health insurance for expats

Benefits

Outpatient & inpatient treatment
Hospital stays worldwide
Dental & preventive care

Advantages

High-quality medical care
24/7 support in multiple languages
Global network of healthcare providers
Personal consultation included

Coverage Area

Worldwide in 195 countries
Also valid in home country
For the entire duration of stay

Target Group

Expats, emigrants and expatriates
Digital nomads abroad
International students

Benefits

Outpatient & inpatient treatment
Hospital stays worldwide
Dental & preventive care

Advantages

High-quality medical care
24/7 support in multiple languages
Global network of healthcare providers
Personal consultation included

Coverage Area

Worldwide in 195 countries
Also valid in home country
For the entire duration of stay

Target Group

Expats, emigrants and expatriates
Digital nomads abroad
International students

Compare the best
offers

Your international options

We offer three tailored solutions for every situation: Long-term protection for digital nomads, classic international health insurance (IPMI) for emigrants, and incoming coverage for visitors to Germany. Together we'll find the right coverage for you.

International Health Insurance

AbFrom EUR 72.20 monthly

Access to quality care worldwide. Unlimited duration for permanent stays. Flexible plans.

Ideal for:

Self-employed and emigrants
Posted expatriates
Digital nomads

Your benefits:

Comprehensive worldwide healthcare
Outpatient and inpatient treatment
Hospital stay coverage

Learn more

Incoming Health Insurance

AbFrom EUR 6 daily premium

Often required for visas and residence permits in Germany. Meets legal requirements. Up to 1 year.

Ideal for:

Visitors from abroad
Guest researchers
For a Schengen visa

Your benefits:

For visa and residence permit
Legal requirements met
Price from EUR 6 per day

Learn more

Long-term Travel Insurance

AbFrom EUR 37.50 monthly

Flexible long-term health insurance abroad for extended stays. National insurers only cover short stays – this protection is valid for up to 5 years.

Ideal for:

World travelers & emigrants
Professionals and freelancers
Digital nomads

Your benefits:

Worldwide coverage (except USA)
Travel insurance included
For people without permanent residence abroad

Learn more

International Health Insurance

AbFrom EUR 72.20 monthly

Access to quality care worldwide. Unlimited duration for permanent stays. Flexible plans.

Ideal for:

Self-employed and emigrants
Posted expatriates
Digital nomads

Your benefits:

Comprehensive worldwide healthcare
Outpatient and inpatient treatment
Hospital stay coverage

Learn more

Incoming Health Insurance

AbFrom EUR 6 daily premium

Often required for visas and residence permits in Germany. Meets legal requirements. Up to 1 year.

Ideal for:

Visitors from abroad
Guest researchers
For a Schengen visa

Your benefits:

For visa and residence permit
Legal requirements met
Price from EUR 6 per day

Learn more

Long-term Travel Insurance

AbFrom EUR 37.50 monthly

Flexible long-term health insurance abroad for extended stays. National insurers only cover short stays – this protection is valid for up to 5 years.

Ideal for:

World travelers & emigrants
Professionals and freelancers
Digital nomads

Your benefits:

Worldwide coverage (except USA)
Travel insurance included
For people without permanent residence abroad

Learn more

Benefits comparison
at a glance

Compare benefits

Plans cover outpatient and inpatient treatment as well as hospital stays worldwide. Costs vary depending on age, health status and chosen coverage. A direct comparison helps you find the right plan.

Benefit	Basic	Comfort Popular	Premium
Free choice of doctors worldwide
Outpatient treatment
Inpatient treatment
Preventive care		EUR 500/year	unlimited
Dental treatment	Emergency only
Dental prosthetics & implants		EUR 2,500/year	EUR 5,000/year
Pregnancy & childbirth		EUR 25,000	unlimited
Single room
Chief physician treatment
Medical evacuation	EUR 100,000	unlimited	unlimited
24/7 Emergency hotline
Alternative medicine		EUR 300/year	EUR 1,000/year

Basic

Free choice of doctors worldwide

Outpatient treatment

Inpatient treatment

Preventive care

Dental treatment

Emergency only

Dental prosthetics & implants

Pregnancy & childbirth

Single room

Chief physician treatment

Medical evacuation

EUR 100,000

24/7 Emergency hotline

Alternative medicine

Popular

Comfort

Free choice of doctors worldwide

Outpatient treatment

Inpatient treatment

Preventive care

EUR 500/year

Dental treatment

Dental prosthetics & implants

EUR 2,500/year

Pregnancy & childbirth

EUR 25,000

Single room

Chief physician treatment

Medical evacuation

unlimited

24/7 Emergency hotline

Alternative medicine

EUR 300/year

Premium

Free choice of doctors worldwide

Outpatient treatment

Inpatient treatment

Preventive care

unlimited

Dental treatment

Dental prosthetics & implants

EUR 5,000/year

Pregnancy & childbirth

unlimited

Single room

Chief physician treatment

Medical evacuation

unlimited

24/7 Emergency hotline

Alternative medicine

EUR 1,000/year

Our
Recommendations

Leading Insurers for Expats

Modular health insurance with a building block system. Over 40 years of experience with 150,000 insured expats.

Highlights:

Modular system - pay only for what you need
Easy Claim App - submit receipts digitally
24/7 teleconsultation included
Easy Pay Card - no advance payment needed

Our Tip:

Save 20% through Waysafe

Learn more

Exclusive EIC framework contract with German traditional insurer. Highest quality standards for expats worldwide.

Highlights:

SOS International network worldwide
Direct billing inpatient + outpatient from EUR 1,000
Chief physician treatment & private room included
Dental incl. dentures & orthodontics

Our Tip:

Exclusive EIC Weltpolice framework contract

Learn more

Luxembourg's leading insurance group. No annual limit, immediate coverage even abroad, pre-existing conditions coverable.

Highlights:

No annual limit on reimbursements
Only 2 zones: Worldwide & Worldwide excl. USA
Pre-existing conditions coverable after review
Best Doctors second opinion included

Our Tip:

Simple 2-zone model

Learn more

The health insurance for digital nomads. All activities included, flexible online management from anywhere.

Highlights:

100% focus on digital nomads
Motorcycle, diving, surfing, climbing incl.
Telemedicine worldwide included
Monthly cancellable after 1 year

Our Tip:

Flexible online management via genki.world

Learn more

Expat specialist with 100% focus on international health insurance. Unlimited coverage, no waiting periods, local service centers worldwide.

Highlights:

Unlimited coverage, no waiting periods
Direct cost coverage worldwide
My Globality App with telemedicine
Local service centers 24/7/365

Our Tip:

EIC group contract with Globality CoGenio

Learn more

Free debit card for direct doctor payments worldwide. German-speaking service team in Hamburg, premium plans insured by Allianz.

Highlights:

Debit card - direct payment without advance
German service team with fast support
Executive: up to 5M EUR insured by Allianz
7 flexible price zones for every location

Our Tip:

Includes free debit card

Learn more

Modular health insurance with a building block system. Over 40 years of experience with 150,000 insured expats.

Highlights:

Modular system - pay only for what you need
Easy Claim App - submit receipts digitally
24/7 teleconsultation included
Easy Pay Card - no advance payment needed

Our Tip:

Save 20% through Waysafe

Learn more

Exclusive EIC framework contract with German traditional insurer. Highest quality standards for expats worldwide.

Highlights:

SOS International network worldwide
Direct billing inpatient + outpatient from EUR 1,000
Chief physician treatment & private room included
Dental incl. dentures & orthodontics

Our Tip:

Exclusive EIC Weltpolice framework contract

Learn more

Luxembourg's leading insurance group. No annual limit, immediate coverage even abroad, pre-existing conditions coverable.

Highlights:

No annual limit on reimbursements
Only 2 zones: Worldwide & Worldwide excl. USA
Pre-existing conditions coverable after review
Best Doctors second opinion included

Our Tip:

Simple 2-zone model

Learn more

The health insurance for digital nomads. All activities included, flexible online management from anywhere.

Highlights:

100% focus on digital nomads
Motorcycle, diving, surfing, climbing incl.
Telemedicine worldwide included
Monthly cancellable after 1 year

Our Tip:

Flexible online management via genki.world

Learn more

Expat specialist with 100% focus on international health insurance. Unlimited coverage, no waiting periods, local service centers worldwide.

Highlights:

Unlimited coverage, no waiting periods
Direct cost coverage worldwide
My Globality App with telemedicine
Local service centers 24/7/365

Our Tip:

EIC group contract with Globality CoGenio

Learn more

Free debit card for direct doctor payments worldwide. German-speaking service team in Hamburg, premium plans insured by Allianz.

Highlights:

Debit card - direct payment without advance
German service team with fast support
Executive: up to 5M EUR insured by Allianz
7 flexible price zones for every location

Our Tip:

Includes free debit card

Learn more

Testimonials
and experiences

What our
customers say

Real expats. Real experiences. How we help digital nomads worldwide.

"I can highly recommend E.I.C. Expatriate insurance consulting for everyone – especially international people – seeking advice and appropriate coverage on a win-win basis. The E.I.C. team is patient and professional. If I could give 10 stars, I would. Thank you, E.I.C.!!"

Caroline K

Review onGoogle

"I had a very good experience with EIC. The team is competent, professional, and took the time to understand my specific insurance needs. They provided clear advice and helped me find the best insurance options. I can recommend EIC to anyone looking for personal insurance consulting."

Berat Akan

Review onGoogle

"I was referred to EIC for support with my insurance. I am very satisfied with the service and quick response time, especially with the fast and efficient support from Dominik and Ida. I feel reliably supported in managing my health insurance needs."

Krishna Chaitanya

Review onGoogle

"My employer chose EIC for my insurance matters, and as an expat, I can say this decision was more than justified. The team is very responsive, helpful, and recognizes our concerns as expats in advance, solving problems before they arise. Highly recommended!"

Eren Sen

Review onGoogle

"Great colleagues who were able to solve what seemed like an unsolvable problem for one of my clients, saving them an expensive and time-consuming exit and re-entry to the USA. Thank you for the great collaboration. I'm glad to have colleagues like you."

Pascal Holz

Review onGoogle

"EIC proceeds professionally. They provide appropriate advice and conduct due diligence. The colleagues also try to find solutions when there are teething problems. I'm glad to be served by them. (I give 4 stars for a small issue, but it's not critical to mention as they quickly found a solution.) All the best for the EIC team."

Prafulla Gade

Review onGoogle

"Excellent support and quick response. They helped me find the best insurance plan for my situation. Tim is my contact person! He actively engaged in my process and took care of everything. I can only recommend them."

Sahil Mehta

Review onGoogle

"Mr. Scheulen advised us very professionally and took intensive care, even though it became clear early in the consultation process that there would be no insurance conclusion in the near future. I highly appreciated this and thank him sincerely for the thorough and committed consultation."

Elke Dr. Müller-Schneck

Review onGoogle

More about us
Our team

Your Experts

Waysafe belongs to EIC Versicherungsmakler GmbH with 15+ years of experience in international health insurance for expats and digital nomads. As BaFin and IHK-regulated insurance brokers, we work closely with leading insurers for international solutions.

Tailored solutions for your life abroad. We have collected, compared and made comparable the data of leading providers. This allows us to compare independently and objectively to find the best insurance for your needs and duration of stay.

Free consultation. The right choice protects against financial risks and provides security worldwide.

Our team

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

IPMI stands for International Private Medical Insurance – worldwide health insurance for permanent stays abroad. Unlike German health insurers, it applies 365 days a year in over 190 countries, without the obligation to return. The benefits: Free choice of doctors and hospitals worldwide, often 30-50% cheaper than German private health insurance plans and no time limits. As specialized brokers, we compare over 15 leading providers for you – completely free of charge.

Ideal for: • Emigrants and expats • Digital nomads without a fixed residence • International students • Long-term travelers (over 6 months) • Families who want to be globally mobile Unlike statutory health insurance, your coverage doesn't end after 6 weeks. You stay flexible without constant renewals.

International health insurance offers comprehensive coverage: • Outpatient & inpatient treatment • Emergency transport and evacuations • Dental treatment (depending on plan) • Maternity benefits including birth • Mental health & therapy • Routine examinations & check-ups • Rehabilitation and physiotherapy • Medications and medical aids Premium plans additionally include vision aids, alternative treatments and worldwide assistance service.

Yes, most IPMI plans allow 30-180 days per year in Germany – depending on the plan. You can return fully insured for family visits or vacations. Important: For permanent return (over 180 days), a special termination right usually applies. Planning regular longer stays in Germany? Then we'll advise you on plans with extended home country coverage.

The difference is crucial: Travel insurance: • Only 6-8 weeks coverage • Only emergencies covered • No routine treatments International health insurance: • 365 days worldwide coverage • Prevention, routine & chronic conditions • Free choice of doctors and hospitals • Direct billing with clinics For digital nomads and expats, IPMI is essential – travel insurance leaves you uninsured after weeks.

Costs depend on age, health status and coverage level: • Basic plans: from EUR 72/month (without USA) • Standard coverage: EUR 120-180/month (30 years, EUR 500 deductible) • With USA coverage: +30-40% (EUR 160-250/month) • Premium plans: from EUR 250/month (no deductible, comprehensive dental) Savings tip: Higher deductible (EUR 1,000-2,500) significantly reduces premiums. As brokers, we compare all providers free of charge – our clients often save 20-30%.

Yes, worldwide and without restrictions! You decide: • Specialist in London • Private clinic in Bangkok • GP in Lisbon • Dentist in Bali Inpatient: Direct billing with the hospital – no advance payment needed. Outpatient: Submit invoice via app, reimbursement within 5-10 days. No insurance system, no referral slip – true private patient status worldwide.

Yes, all major providers offer family plans with discounted rates: • Partners and children up to 18-21 years can be insured • Individual coverage level selectable per person • Pregnancy and birth often included • Children pay approx. EUR 60-80/month • Unmarried partners also insurable Tip for families: Premium plans with comprehensive preventive and dental benefits usually pay off, as children need them more often.

Pre-existing conditions must be fully disclosed. The insurer then reviews individually: • Surcharges: 10-30% for hypertension or back problems • Benefit exclusions: for certain known conditions • Rejection: in rare cases Important: Many providers find fair solutions even for chronic conditions (diabetes, asthma). As experienced brokers, we know providers that offer good conditions even with pre-existing conditions. Don't be discouraged – we'll find a solution.

International health insurance is extremely flexible: Cancellation: • Contract term: 12 months with automatic renewal • Notice period: 1-3 months to year-end • Special cancellation right upon return to Germany Adjustments possible at any time: • Change deductible • Add/remove modules (dental, USA coverage) • For life events (marriage, birth, relocation) We support you with all adjustments free of charge.

Inpatient (hospital, surgery): Direct billing between clinic and insurer – no advance payment. Outpatient (doctor visit, medications): 1. You pay first 2. Submit invoice via app/online portal 3. Reimbursement in 5-10 days to your account Tip: Many insurers offer a guarantee letter for emergencies that you can request from the hospital in advance.

Yes, fully digital from anywhere in the world: 1. Fill out online form 2. Answer health questions 3. Upload documents (passport, medical records if applicable) 4. Processing: 3-7 business days 5. Confirmation via email Important: Apply ideally before departure or within the first 30 days – this avoids waiting periods. We advise you in German via video call, email or WhatsApp – regardless of time zone.

For permanent return (over 180 days) you have several options: End IPMI: Usually special cancellation right upon return to home country. Insurance in Germany: • Employed → Statutory health insurance (GKV) • Self-employed/high earners → Private health insurance (PKV) • After 5+ years abroad: special return regulations Important: IPMI periods don't count as prior insurance for German PKV. We support you with the seamless transition.

Yes, typical waiting periods are: • Accidents & emergencies: no waiting period (immediate) • General treatments: 30-90 days • Maternity: 10-12 months • Dental treatments: 6-24 months Some premium providers offer plans without waiting periods for an additional charge. Important: Take out insurance before you get sick – ideally before departure or shortly after arrival abroad.

International Health Insurance (IPMI): • Designed for global living • Unlimited worldwide coverage • 30-50% cheaper • No aging reserves • Premiums increase with age German PKV: • Primarily for living in Germany • Abroad only 6-12 months • Aging reserves • More stable long-term Important: IPMI periods don't count for PKV upon return. For permanent stays abroad, IPMI is the better choice.

Yes, under certain conditions: • As German taxpayer: Special expenses/business expenses (up to basic coverage level) • Living abroad: Host country regulations apply • Self-employed/freelancers: Often fully deductible as business expenses Important: Deductibility depends on residence status, tax liability and plan. Our recommendation: Clarify details with a tax advisor for international matters. We'll gladly provide you with a premium confirmation.

Documents & Resources

Download brochures and insurance conditions from our partner insurers.

Customer Brochure Insurance Conditions

International Health Insurance Abroad

For Expats & Nomads

Benefits

Advantages

Coverage Area

Target Group

Your international options

International Health Insurance

Incoming Health Insurance

Long-term Travel Insurance

International Health Insurance

Incoming Health Insurance

Long-term Travel Insurance

Compare benefits

Basic

Comfort

Premium

Leading Insurers for Expats

What ourcustomers say

Your Experts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is international health insurance (IPMI)?

Who is international health insurance suitable for?

What benefits are covered?

Is the insurance also valid in Germany?

International health insurance vs. travel insurance – what's the difference?

What does international health insurance cost?

Do I have free choice of doctors and hospitals?

Can I insure my family?

What happens with pre-existing conditions?

How flexible is cancellation and adjustment?

How does billing work abroad?

Can I apply for insurance from anywhere?

What happens when returning to Germany?

Are there waiting periods?

IPMI vs. German PKV – what's the difference?

Is the insurance tax-deductible?

Documents & Resources

For Expats & Nomads

Benefits

Advantages

Coverage Area

Target Group

Your international options

International Health Insurance

Incoming Health Insurance

Long-term Travel Insurance

International Health Insurance

Incoming Health Insurance

Long-term Travel Insurance

Compare benefits

Basic

Comfort

Premium

Leading Insurers for Expats

Your Experts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is international health insurance (IPMI)?

Who is international health insurance suitable for?

What benefits are covered?

Is the insurance also valid in Germany?

International health insurance vs. travel insurance – what's the difference?

What does international health insurance cost?

Do I have free choice of doctors and hospitals?

Can I insure my family?

What happens with pre-existing conditions?

How flexible is cancellation and adjustment?

How does billing work abroad?

Can I apply for insurance from anywhere?

What happens when returning to Germany?

Are there waiting periods?

IPMI vs. German PKV – what's the difference?

Is the insurance tax-deductible?

Documents & Resources

What our
customers say