Applicants for any category D visa must have health insurance cover commensurate with the minimum level of the German statutory health insurance system (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung). The minimum benefits required are outlined in sec. 11 (1) to (3) SGB V (Social Insurance Code, Vol. 5).

Travel insurance is not sufficient for any D visa application.

The portal “Make it in Germany” provides comprehensive information on health insurance in Germany.

Long-term/ permanent stays

Should you be taking up employment in Germany your employer will need to indicate in the Employer’s declaration to be submitted with your visa application as to whether you will be insured in the German statutory health insurance.

Joining family/ relocating with a family member

Applicants joining family or relocating together with a family member that already is insured in the German statutory health insurance system will generally be insured through the family insurance based on the family member’s employment.

In case you will not be insured in the German statutory system you will need to provide evidence that you have other health insurance cover commensurate with the minimum requirements. This evidence can be provided in form of a letter or insurance certificate, issued by the insurer, naming you as the beneficiary and outlining the scope of cover. Please note that we will not be able to read the fine print of your insurance terms and conditions. The letter or insurance certificate must therefore clearly state that the insurance will cover your during your secondment to Germany. It must also clearly state the level of insurance cover provided as well as any limitations and/or deductibles/ excess.

Temporary stays

Workers temporarily posted/seconded by their employer to Germany and students undertaking a year abroad or an internship can access healthcare in Germany using a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). For the purpose of your visa application, these cards will be considered sufficient evidence if they are valid for the entire duration of the visa applied for. For further information on how to apply for a EHIC or GHIC card, please contact NHS Overseas Health Care Services.

In case a EHIC/ GHIC cannot be submitted you will need to provide evidence that you have other health insurance cover commensurate with the minimum requirements. This evidence can be provided in form of a letter or insurance certificate, issued by the insurer, naming you as the beneficiary and outlining the scope of cover. Please note that we will not be able to read the fine print of your insurance terms and conditions. The letter or insurance certificate must therefore clearly state that the insurance will cover your during your secondment to Germany. It must also clearly state the level of insurance cover provided as well as any limitations and/or deductibles/excess.

Please note that the validity of the visa can only start with the day for which you can provide proof that you have sufficient health insurance cover in Germany.