What type of health insurance do you need when you have a German visa?
You're applying for a German visa, and somewhere in the checklist, you've hit "proof of health insurance"
Sounds simple… Right?
Except nobody tells you which type of health insurance you should get.
In today’s post, Feather will walk you through exactly what the German authorities expect, which type of insurance fits your situation, and how to get covered.
Health insurance is mandatory for everyone, no matter which visa you have
German law requires everyone living in Germany to have health insurance.
No exceptions.
Under paragraph 193 of the Versicherungsvertragsgesetz (VVG), it's a legal obligation (and the authorities take it very seriously). This applies to whatever visa you have, whether you have a:
- Work visa
- Freelance visa
- Student visa
- Jobseeker visa
- Family reunion visa
- Or even the Chancenkarte…
When you apply at the embassy or the Ausländerbehörde (Foreigners' Office), they'll ask for a health insurance certificate. It's called a “Bescheinigung”.
A policy number alone won't do: you'll need an official document from your insurer confirming your coverage. So, the question isn't whether you need health insurance. It's “which kind?”.
Which type of health insurance do you need?
That depends on three things:
- Whether you already have a job in Germany
- What type of visa you're applying for
- And how much you earn
Here’s a video on how they compare:
Let’s break it down.
No job yet? Start with expat health insurance
This is the most common scenario. You're applying for a freelance visa, a jobseeker visa, or a language learning visa. You don't have a German employer yet (meaning you can't join the public health insurance system).
This is where expat health insurance comes in. It's a short-term plan designed for people new to Germany who don't yet qualify for the statutory system.
Here's what you need to know about it:
- It's accepted for visa applications: If you sign up with Feather, you'll get a Confirmation of Coverage and Anlage 6, which you need to submit with your visa paperwork.
- It's designed for this very situation: Unlike travel insurance, expat health insurance actually covers you as a resident in Germany.
- It's temporary by design: Most people use expat insurance as a bridge. It covers you for up to five years while you're getting settled.
- Costs are straightforward: Plans typically start around €70 to €150 per month, depending on your age and the level of coverage you choose.
Feather provides expat health insurance accepted for all German visa types, with plans you can compare and activate online in just five minutes.
Got a job offer? Check if you qualify for private health insurance
If you're coming to Germany with a job already lined up, your options depend on your salary. In Germany, there's an income threshold called the Jahresarbeitsentgeltgrenze (JAEG), currently around €77.400 gross per year. If your salary is above that, you can opt out of the public system and choose private health insurance (PKV), but you're not obliged to; you can also stay in the public system.
Why would you choose private health insurance?
Private insurance often means shorter waiting times for specialists, a wider choice of doctors, and single or double hospital rooms. For younger people in good health, premiums can also be lower than those for statutory insurance.
What are the trade-offs?
Private insurance premiums tend to increase as you get older (though the latest data suggests public health insurance costs climb faster than private ones).
Switching back to public insurance later can also be difficult, especially after age 55. And unlike public insurance, family members aren't automatically covered (each person needs their own policy).
Private insurance makes sense if you're earning well, you're relatively young, and you plan to stay in the private system long-term (or move out of Germany at some point).
Feather has a health insurance calculator to help you determine whether it’s the right fit.
Employed but below the threshold?
If your salary is below the JAEG threshold, you'll be enrolled in public health insurance. Around 90 percent of the German population is covered by public health insurance. Here's how it works:
- You and your employer split the cost: Roughly 14,6% of your salary, plus a small charge that varies by insurer (these are the most affordable in 2026). Your share is deducted directly from your paycheck.
- You choose your provider: The main public insurers include TK (Techniker Krankenkasse), AOK, Barmer and DAK. They all cover the same core benefits. There are small differences in service, offerings, and contribution rate. You can compare those here.
- Coverage is comprehensive: Public insurance covers doctor visits, hospital treatment, prescription medication, mental health care, maternity care, and more. It's a solid system, and for most employed people, it works well.
- Family members can be covered for free: If your spouse or children don't have their own income, they're covered under your policy at no extra cost. This is one of the biggest advantages of the public system.
If you're starting a job in Germany and your salary is below the threshold, public insurance is the way to go.
Need help choosing your health insurance?
Feather can help you compare the main public health providers in Germany and find one that suits you best!