Non-EU Citizens Living in Germany

Everyone living in Germany must have health insurance. Becoming a member of a statutory health insurance fund is not a problem when you start studying or working. However, more complicated rules apply when you live in Germany without studying or working. What needs to be clarified is whether the person falls within the ambit of statutory or private health insurance.

Immigration of non-EU citizen from an EU country
All persons coming from an EU country where they had statutory health insurance can join a statutory health insurance fund in Germany – regardless of whether they are EU citizens or not. The statutory health insurance provider in the country of origin issues a form E104 or S1, which proves that the person was a member of a statutory health insurance fund. It is important to remember that non-employed persons must exercise their right to statutory health insurance within three months.

Those who have lived in Germany before and had statutory health insurance can usually return to their old statutory health insurance fund. This does not apply if they were privately insured in their time abroad. Anyone unsure as to whether they can take out statutory or private insurance should apply to a statutory health insurance fund. The statutory health insurance fund will then review the application and determine their status.

Private health insurance
If you come from abroad and fall outside the German statutory health insurance system, you must take out private health insurance. This is definitely the case if you were privately insured while abroad. Generally, persons coming from non-European countries will have to take out private health insurance.

The normal prerequisite for taking out private health insurance is proof of sufficient financial means to pay the premiums, a good state of health, and being below 60 years of age.

Here you can learn more about how to find and apply for private health insurance.

Insurance under the “Basistarif” of private health insurance
Those who cannot afford private health insurance or cannot take out a policy for other reasons should insure themselves under the “basic tariff” (Basistarif) of private health insurance. Every private health insurance company must offer a “basic tariff”. Those who want to insure themselves under the “basic tariff” can choose the company they want to be insured with. The private health insurance company is legally obligated to accept the applicant.

The “basic tariff” offers benefits comparable to the benefits offered by statutory health insurance. The premiums must not exceed the maximum contribution for statutory health insurance. Currently, the monthly insurance premium is around 807.98 euros. Those who cannot afford the premiums should contact the office responsible for basic social security (Grundsicherung).

Guest insurance as a short-term alternative
If your health insurance status is uncertain, you should cover yourself by taking out guest insurance before entering the country. The premiums are lower than the premiums for regular private health insurance. A contract for up to five years is possible for guest insurance. During this time, any questions about health insurance coverage should be clarified. This clarification should be sought quickly because guest insurance is not a long-term alternative to regular health insurance for residents.

An important note: You should choose a generous timeframe for guest insurance. Generally, it cannot be extended after entry into the country.