Best International Insurance Plans for Germans Living Abroad
In Germany, there are ample options for self-employed people to participate in the public health system at the same economic rate as those in traditional employment. This is not the case for Germans living abroad in most other countries. German expats will need to purchase a private international health insurance plan to cover them while living in a foreign country.
Purchasing global health insurance for Germans abroad is a competitively priced process that offers comprehensive support, extensive worldwide coverage, and fewer headaches. Additionally, this means that Germans living abroad can access services through private facilities.
Very few countries have public hospitals and clinics that operate to the same high standards as those in Germany. Carrying a private health plan abroad means that German expats enjoy private, comfortable, multi-lingual services with significantly reduced wait times.
Find the Best International Medical Insurance
- Compare multiple quotes from top insurers
- Get expert advice at no additional cost
- Find the right plan for your needs and budget
Our Recommended Health Plans for German Expats Living Abroad
Three top international health insurance plans offer excellent options for Germans living abroad. Cigna Global, IMG Global Prima, and William Russell provide worldwide coverage, exceptional benefits, and high-quality service.
These insurers maintain offices in Europe and the United States, supporting clients in over 100 countries through a global network of doctors and hospitals.
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- Flexible plans tailored to your needs and budget
- 1.5M+ providers in 200+ countries
- 24/7 multilingual customer support
IMG Global Prima Medical Insurance
- Five flexible plan levels with optional add-ons
- Choose your coverage area based on where you live or travel
- Freedom to select your healthcare provider anywhere in the world
William Russell Health Insurance
- Worldwide coverage with access to private hospitals and trusted medical networks.
- Comprehensive benefits, covering inpatient care, outpatient treatment, mental health, and emergency evacuation.
- Flexible plan levels that let expats choose the coverage and budget that fit their lifestyle.
Our Recommended Global Insurance Plan for German Expats Living in the US
For German expats living in the United States, we recommend the BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier plan. It offers comprehensive coverage and provides access to the Blue Cross Blue Shield network of hospitals and providers in the U.S.
BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier
- Unlimited annual and lifetime coverage
- Pre-existing conditions covered with prior insurance
- For U.S. citizens abroad or foreign nationals in the U.S.
German Health Insurance While Living Abroad
German citizens are highly educated and slightly older than the average international expatriate. They are using their skills, degrees, and work experience to their advantage when they move abroad.
59% of German expatriates have a Master’s degree or higher. And an incredible 93% learn the language of their new country.
That is an incredible advantage for them – and their new host country. Being an international citizen is a repeat experience for many Germans. 78% have lived in at least one foreign country before settling into their new residence.
About 40% living in their new country for 10 years or more. With such a dedicated approach to experiencing expat life, Germans living abroad understand that settling in is crucial.
They are eager to adjust to their new country, learn the language, and understand what to expect from health insurance.
Does Your German Health Plan Cover You Abroad?
Like most countries, health insurance coverage in Germany is based on residency. The system does not cover you when you move abroad.
There is one exception, however. German citizens who sign up for the free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can enjoy medical services in other participating European countries.
Under the scheme, a German citizen in France or Ireland will receive the same standards of service and the exact associated costs as a resident would.
What about Anwartschaftsversicherung (AWV)?
Through the AWV program, you secure certain contract rights relating to your current health insurance plan.
If you join before leaving Germany and return at a later date, the insured can easily return to their current private insurance on favorable terms, without having to undergo renewed health checks or wait periods.
- It is not a health insurance plan.
- Your insurance company will be obliged to insure you (even if you are seriously ill) when you return home.
- Your premium will not increase if you are sick or injured; rates are guaranteed to remain the same.
If You Are Enrolled in the German State Health Insurance Plan
You will be able to re-enroll in the state system when you return to Germany. The AWV in the state system costs approximately €50 per month.
If You Have a Private Health Insurance Plan
In this case, you can choose between either the “Small AWV” or the “Big AWV”.
Small AWV (Kleine Anwartschaftsversicherung)
This program will ensure that you will be reinstated to private insurance upon your return to Germany. No matter what happens to you and how ill you are.
The rates charged will be equivalent to those charged to others of your age. There will not be a surcharge if you are sick. This costs about 5% of your current premium.
Big AWV (Große Anwartschaftsversicherung):
Big AWV includes the benefits of the Small AWV as described above. However, it freezes the premiums based on the age at which you left Germany.
When you return home, your premium will be lower than that of others your exact age. The cost of this will be approximately 30-40% of your current premium.
Adjusting to Differences in Care
The German healthcare system has exceptionally high standards. It also puts a strong emphasis on choice.
As such, the quality of care in most other countries, combined with the limited flexibility available to patients, can come as quite a shock.
Many services that Germans once enjoyed for free or at a very reasonable cost are now out-of-pocket expenses. These might include prescriptions, diagnostic tests, and even ambulance rides.
How Health Insurance Plans Are Funded in Germany
In Germany, when you sign up for public health insurance through a “Krankenkasse” unit, the rates are based on your income.
There may even be special incentives to choose a particular unit, like offering no-claims bonuses. This is a rarity among developed countries.
Not only is mandatory enrollment with a particular medical unit and doctor unusual, but there are also no bonuses for doing so.
As well, not all international medical costs are based on income. Some systems are funded through general taxation or health-specific taxes.
Others are funded primarily by employers and the co-payment fees of those who frequently use the medical system. It is safe to say that Germany’s “Kranenkasse” system is unlike any other.
Depending on where German expats relocate, they will find their new system either streamlined and efficient or straightforward and chaotic.
In Germany, opting out of the public system and for private health insurance is only available to those with a high income.
Residents whose income is higher than € 57,600 per year, or € 4,800 per month, have this option. In other countries, opting out of the public health plan is not tied to income.
As such, German expats at any income level can opt for a private plan, which covers all the services they are accustomed to enjoying at home.
The Challenges of Physician Care for Germans Abroad
The actual funding of the medical system is not the only thing that requires some adjustment. Visiting a doctor can be a vastly different experience overseas.
In some countries, there is no option to choose your own family doctor. You are assigned to a practitioner based on availability or location.
In other cases, family doctors are scarce, and healthcare is primarily administered through hospitals. In these cases, the patient is mainly responsible for keeping track of their own records to bring to each appointment.
Government Recommendations for German Expats
The German government provides comprehensive online information about its embassies and consulates worldwide, but lacks robust resources for Germans moving abroad or returning home.
Alternative Medicine for Germans Living Abroad
Alternative medicine is very popular in Germany. However, few developed countries adopt alternative practices within their daily healthcare practices as thoroughly as Germany.
As such, Germans living abroad might be surprised that homeopathy, naturopathy, and chiropractic services are not included in health coverage, even private medical insurance.
In fact, in some countries, these are not considered credible health services. Or, when they are, a physician’s referral is required to schedule an appointment.
Time Abroad and Planning to Return Home
After returning home, former German expats need to reapply for health care insurance. Their return does not guarantee automatic re-enrollment, and they must complete all the usual paperwork.
Returning expats may find it challenging to re-establish themselves in various ways. For instance, obtaining a new apartment lease might require a credit check.
However, the organization that issues credit reports, Schufa, requires you to have a residential address before it can issue its report. You can become stuck in a circular problem as you try to obtain the necessary forms to secure an apartment.
Expats are rightly frustrated. Some workarounds include providing your former address abroad and having your mail forwarded or using the address of a parent or closest friend.
Fun Fact: Where German Expats Are Moving To
Here is a list of the top 10 countries to which Germans immigrate.
- Switzerland
- United States of America
- Austria
- United Kingdom
- Turkey
- Spain
- France
- Poland
- Australia
- Netherlands
Find the Best International Medical Insurance
- Compare multiple quotes from top insurers
- Get expert advice at no additional cost
- Find the right plan for your needs and budget
Joe Cronin, President of ICI, is a leading expert in international health, life, and travel insurance. An MBA and founder of multiple global businesses, he helps expatriates and travelers access trusted, comprehensive insurance solutions worldwide.
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