For visa applicants

Incoming insurance for your entry visa

Health insurance is a legal requirement in Germany, including for your entry visa application. Full German health insurance can only be arranged once you officially reside in the country — incoming insurance covers you for exactly this initial period, and you can apply directly online today.

Please note: incoming insurance is accepted for your entry visa only. If you're applying for a long-term residence permit, you'll need full private health insurance (PKV) instead — see Full Health Insurance (PKV).

A traveler with luggage arriving at the airport in Berlin, Germany

Basic vs Pro comparison

Comparison Basic Pro
At the doctor✓✓
In the hospital✓✓
Pain-relieving dentistry€500€1,000
Dentures✗€1,250
Dental check-ups✗€200
Medical check-ups✗✓
Massages, packs & inhalations✗✓
Medical aids€500 (after accident only)✓
Visual aids (glasses / lenses)✗€200
Pregnancy check-ups & childbirth✗✓
Deductible€25€25
Price per day (age 0–64)€2.40€3.40
Apply — Basic Apply — Pro

Both plans meet these standards

The cover fulfils all requirements for a Schengen visa under Regulation (EC) No. 810/2009, and the requirements of Article 7 (1c) of Directive 2004/38/EC (EC Free Movement Directive).

Coverage includes medical and hospital costs, medicinal products, dental treatment, and patient return transport — with a minimum guaranteed coverage of €30,000.

Applying for a long-term residence permit rather than an entry visa? Incoming insurance won't be accepted — you'll need full private health insurance (PKV) instead. See Full Health Insurance (PKV) or run our free health insurance check to see what applies to you.

Common questions

About incoming insurance

If any of these sound familiar, that's exactly what our free online check is for.

Is incoming insurance accepted for a residence permit application?

No — incoming insurance only covers the gap before you're officially resident. For a residence permit, authorities require full German health insurance (GKV or PKV) instead. See Full Health Insurance (PKV).

What's the difference between Basic and Pro?

Both tiers cover doctor visits, hospital treatment, and a defined level of dental and medical aid. Pro adds broader benefits — things like medical check-ups, visual aids, or pregnancy-related care — for a modestly higher daily rate. See the comparison table above for the full breakdown and current pricing.

Can I switch from incoming insurance to full PKV later?

Not automatically — they're separate products for separate stages of your move. Once you're applying for a residence permit, you'll need to enroll in full German health insurance instead.

How long does incoming insurance cover me for?

It's designed to cover exactly the initial period before you're officially resident in Germany. Once you've registered and are applying for a residence permit, you'll switch to full German health insurance (GKV or PKV).

What happens if I need treatment not covered by my plan?

If a treatment isn't included in your tier — for example, some dental and check-up benefits are Pro-only — you'd cover that cost yourself. The comparison table above shows exactly what's included in each tier, so there's no surprise once you're covered.

Not sure incoming insurance is right for you?

Run your free health insurance check

If you're employed, planning a long-term stay, or just unsure which insurance your visa or permit application needs, our free online check can save you from a costly mistake.

Free & non-binding · Takes about 3 minutes.