Health insurance on holiday

Here you can find out whether you are covered by your German health insurance when you go on vacation abroad.

Home Living in Germany Health insurance on holiday abroad

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Am I still insured by my German health insurance provider if I go on holiday abroad?

Most health insurance providers offer you unlimited health insurance cover if you are travelling within the EU or even throughout the Schengen Area.

The Schengen Area is made up of a total of 26 states, 22 of which are member states of the EU. Citizens of the Schengen Area can cross the borders of all member states without border checks. If the visa you were granted is valid in all Schengen countries, this regulation also applies to you. More information on this is available here.

Insurance only covers the costs of treatment provided by registered doctors. Often, the costs of treatment by persons such as natural health professionals and alternative medicine practitioners are not reimbursed.

If I am travelling in the EU or Schengen Area, how long does my health insurance cover me for?

The length of time for which your health insurance cover is valid varies from insurer to insurer. As such, you should make sure you are aware of the maximum length of time you are covered for before your trip. Generally speaking, you are covered by health insurance when abroad for up to 30 days per year. Semesters abroad as part of your studies or stays at a language school are usually exceptions to this limit. To qualify for this exception, you must still be enrolled as a student and then return to Germany to complete your studies.

Is my health insurance cover valid if there is a travel warning?

If the Federal Foreign Office in Germany has issued a travel warning for your destination, your health insurance cover will be limited or will not be valid. If you are already abroad on holiday, and a travel warning is issued for your destination at that time, then your insurance cover will remain in effect for approximately 14 days, so that you have enough time to leave the country. As such, it is best to make sure you are aware of possible travel warnings issued by the Federal Foreign Office before each trip you go on.

What happens if I become injured or ill while on holiday?

If you become injured or become ill while on holiday, it is best to contact your health insurance provider directly.

Some providers have an emergency number in place. A team of doctors and specialists will be available around the clock and can help you find a suitable doctor in your area, for example. The costs of all necessary and insured treatments will be covered by your health insurance. Please always keep an eye on the latest travel warnings.

What should I do if I get COVID-19 while on holiday?

If you get COVID-19 during your holiday, call your health insurance provider’s emergency number. The trained staff will provide you with quick assistance and find a suitable doctor for you in your area. Alternatively, you can search for your own doctor. Your health insurance will cover all insured treatments.

Can I still see a doctor if I lose my policy documents or insurance card while on holiday?

If this happens, the best thing to do is to contact your health insurance provider’s customer service team. They can issue and send you the missing documents.

Alternatively, you can see a doctor without an insurance policy. In such cases, you usually have to pay the invoice immediately. However, you can submit it to your health insurance provider afterwards to get reimbursed.

If you have any further questions about this, please contact our customer service team.

What do I need to consider if I want to get a job while I’m studying?

You’re free to earn money by getting a job alongside your studies. Here, you can find out more about the most important points you need to consider.

How do I extend my visa or apply for a residence permit in Germany?

You can extend your visa or apply for a residence permit at the foreigners’ registration office where you live. Find out everything you need to consider here.

How do I submit my medical invoices to get reimbursed?

After your visit to the doctor/hospital, you will get an invoice, which you need to submit to your health insurance provider. Once it has been submitted and everything has been processed, the amount will be credited to your account. Find out everything you need to consider here.

Who do I contact if I have questions about the healthcare system?

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact our customer service team. We speak German, English and Chinese. Please also feel free to send us an email. You can find our contact info here.