Questions before the move: eight answers on health insurance

As a rule it is not enough for a move abroad, because it is meant for temporary trips. According to Stiftung Warentest (German consumer testing foundation), most policies only cover trips abroad of up to 70 days, some less.

According to Stiftung Warentest, anyone who is away abroad for more than ten weeks needs long-term cover for medical costs abroad. Anyone who moves their home base abroad also needs cover that is meant for living there, that is, international or local health insurance.

Whether a product fits your situation is decided not by its name but by what the terms say. Check three things before you apply: For what duration per trip does the cover apply, for which countries, and what is the product meant for according to its terms?

Sources: [2], [3], [4]

The difference lies in the purpose: travel health insurance covers temporary trips, international health insurance is meant for living abroad, and local insurance comes from the destination country and follows its rules.

The terms are not defined by law, so the terms and conditions count, not the product name. Three questions help: Are you moving your home base, or are you travelling? For what period and which countries should the cover apply? What is the product meant for according to its terms? Neither “international is better” nor “local is enough” applies across the board.

Sources: [2], [4]

If possible, before the move: submit the application, wait for the written confirmation with the start of cover, and only then end your current cover.

For long-term travel cover, Stiftung Warentest expressly points out that the insurance must be taken out before the trip begins. The Verbraucherzentrale (consumer advice centre) advises clarifying cover ahead of the move.

The reason is the application: the insurer usually asks for health information, and the result can affect acceptance, scope or premium. Anyone who has already ended their previous cover and is then declined can be left without cover. As long as you have a Wohnsitz (residence under German law) in Germany, there is an insurance obligation: anyone not in statutory health insurance generally has to take out and maintain private health insurance (§ 193 (3) VVG, German Insurance Contract Act). Whether your destination country requires proof of health insurance is something you clarify with the authorities there.

Sources: [3], [4], [5], [6]

That depends on the insurer and on your individual case; there is no general assurance. The insurer asks health questions when you apply.

If there is an increased health risk, it can charge a risk surcharge, exclude certain benefits or decline the application. Another insurer may come to a different result with a similar assessment. Existing illnesses and treatments can therefore affect acceptance, scope and premium.

That is why the order matters: only cancel your previous cover once the new contract is in place. Answer the questions on the application completely and correctly (see the answer on health questions in the application). Your health information belongs in the application, not in an email, in comments or in the call booking. You do not need it for the first call.

Sources: [5]

Each insurer sets in its application which questions are asked, and you must answer them completely and correctly because the law requires it.

Under § 19 (1) VVG (German Insurance Contract Act), until you submit your contract declaration you must disclose to the insurer the circumstances known to you that are significant to its decision and about which it has asked in text form. If you breach this duty, the insurer may, depending on fault, withdraw from the contract, terminate it or continue it on changed terms. It only has these rights if it has previously pointed out the consequences to you in a separate notice in text form. If it withdraws after an insured event, it generally does not have to pay, and in the case of fraudulent misrepresentation it can contest the contract.

These rules apply where German law applies to the contract. Which law applies is stated in the application documents. So have unclear questions explained to you rather than guessing.

Sources: [7], [8], [9], [10]

This is decided in two places: at your home base and in the area of cover of your plan, not by the number of countries.

You can have a Wohnsitz (residence under German law) in several places at the same time (§ 7 BGB, German Civil Code). If you keep a Wohnsitz in Germany, you generally have to remain health insured there, statutory or private (§ 193 (3) VVG, German Insurance Contract Act).

Whether your cover also applies between several countries is set out in the area of cover of the plan: only one country, one region or worldwide, with or without the USA, and for what duration per stay. Many travel insurances limit the duration of each trip, most to up to 70 days. So ask before you apply: How long may I stay in one country or in Germany per stay? What applies if I move on to another country? For this, write down your travel plan for the next twelve months.

Sources: [11], [6], [2]

For digital nomads, three things count more than the price: where your cover applies, for what duration per stay and where you want to be treated. There is no blanket recommendation without your profile.

Travel cover is meant for temporary trips; most policies only cover trips of up to 70 days. Anyone living on the move permanently checks whether the terms provide for exactly that way of life. Ask specifically: Does the cover apply in all the countries where I stay? Do visits to Germany count? Do I have to name a country of residence, and what happens if it changes? What applies if I stay longer in one country than planned?

Whether you still have a Wohnsitz (residence under German law) in Germany is part of what decides whether you remain subject to compulsory health insurance there. You clarify that before you book.

Sources: [2], [6]

First write down what your cover has to do, and only then lay quotes side by side. Compare six points: area of cover, scope of benefits, deductible and billing, visits to Germany, acceptance and health assessment, and waiting periods.

In a test of 94 plans for long trips abroad, Stiftung Warentest described the price differences as enormous and without meaning for quality. The premium alone therefore does not show what applies in an emergency. A higher deductible can lower the ongoing premium but shifts costs into the case of treatment.

For every quote, ask: What exactly does the deductible apply to? Are there waiting periods, and for which benefits? What happens if I move? Do not give health data in emails, only in the application.

Sources: [3], [2]