Does my health insurance also apply abroad? Your comprehensive guide to travel and long-term stays
05.05.25
7
Minutes
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
A sudden illness while on holiday can be expensive. Find out when your German health insurance applies abroad and which additional cover makes sense for you so you can travel worry-free.
The topic in brief and concise terms
German statutory health insurance offers only basic cover in other EU countries via the EHIC; medical repatriation is almost never covered.
A private overseas health insurance policy is available for just a few euros a year and fills important gaps in cover, especially for repatriation and private treatment.
Outside the EU, coverage through statutory health insurance (GKV) is often not available, which makes private cover indispensable.
Quick Facts: Your health insurance cover abroad at a glance
For readers in a hurry, we have summarised the key points on the topic “Is my health insurance also valid abroad?”. Within the EU and the EEA, basic cover is provided by the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This covers medically necessary treatment on the same terms as in the host country. However, costs are often reimbursed only up to the level of German rates. Medical repatriation is almost never included. Outside the EU, cover is usually even more limited or nonexistent. A private travel health insurance policy closes these gaps for just a few euros a year.
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC): understanding basic cover in Europe
The European Health Insurance Card, or EHIC, is usually found on the back of your German health card. It gives you access to medically necessary treatment in all 27 EU member states, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. This means that, if you fall ill, you will be treated as if you were insured in the respective country. The costs are then settled between the social security institutions, although you often have to pay upfront. Important: the EHIC only covers services that are provided for in the public system of the country you are visiting. Treatment in private clinics or by private doctors is often not covered. For more comprehensive cover, including when travelling within Europe, travel health insurance for Europe is a sensible addition. The EHIC is valid for temporary stays, such as holiday trips of up to six weeks. If you are planning a longer stay, you should find out more. The card is not a substitute for a private travel health insurance, as it does not cover many costs. For example, medical repatriation to Germany is generally not paid for by the EHIC. The costs for this can quickly amount to several tens of thousands of euros. Bear in mind that medical standards and cost structures abroad can vary greatly.
Scope of benefits of statutory health insurance abroad: what is really paid?
If you need medical help in another EU country, your statutory health insurance will cover the costs of treatment that cannot wait until you return to Germany. This applies to medical and dental treatment, medicines and hospital stays. The scope corresponds to the benefits that local residents receive in the respective country. This can mean that you have to make co-payments that are unusual in Germany. For example: in some countries, a 20 per cent excess for doctor visits is standard. You must cover these costs yourself. The German health insurance fund will reimburse at most the amount that would have been incurred for comparable treatment in Germany. If the costs abroad are higher, you pay the difference. For countries outside the EU with which Germany has no social security agreement, there is often no protection at all through statutory health insurance. Here, travel health insurance is essential. Even when travelling within the EU, for example to Spain, gaps in coverage can arise if you visit a private doctor. You should therefore find out in advance about health insurance in Spain.
The following costs are typically not covered, or only partially covered, by statutory health insurance abroad:
Costs for medically sensible repatriation by ambulance or air ambulance (often over 10,000 euros).
Treatment in private clinics or by private doctors (can mean 100 per cent out-of-pocket costs).
Additional costs due to higher treatment rates abroad (difference to German rates).
Specific optional extras such as a single room in hospital.
Treatments that are not considered medically necessary or are planned in advance.
Costs for search, rescue or recovery operations.
These potential costs make it clear how important additional cover is.
Private overseas health insurance: the indispensable shield
Private travel health insurance is strongly recommended for almost every trip outside Germany. It closes the significant gaps in coverage left by statutory health insurance for often less than ten euros per year for individuals. The most important benefit is the coverage of costs for medically necessary or advisable repatriation. Depending on the distance and the patient's condition, this can quickly run into five-figure sums. In addition, a good travel health insurance policy also covers treatment in private clinics and by private doctors. In an emergency, this can mean faster access to better medical care. Costs are often covered up to 100%, even if treatment rates are higher than in Germany. Many policies apply worldwide and for trips lasting up to six to eight weeks. For longer stays, such as a semester abroad or a round-the-world trip, there are special long-term policies. When taking out a policy, pay attention to the exact terms and conditions, for example whether pre-existing conditions are covered or whether there is an excess. A travel health insurance policy for 30 days is often very affordable. Compare the costs of travel health insurance to find the right cover.
In-depth expertise: legal foundations and latest information
The legal basis for health insurance cover in other EU countries is Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 on the coordination of social security systems. This stipulates that insured persons are entitled to benefits in kind during a temporary stay in another Member State that become medically necessary during the stay. The expected length of stay is taken into account. Our expert tip: always clarify cost coverage with your health insurer before planned treatment abroad. For long-term stays, for example when pensioners relocate their residence to another EU country, form S1 (formerly E121) may be relevant in order to receive healthcare benefits in the new country of residence. For employees posted abroad by their German employer, special rules apply (§ 17 SGB V). In such cases, German health insurance cover often remains in place. When travelling to countries without social security agreements, statutory health insurance generally has no obligation to provide benefits. Current information on agreements and special features is provided by the Federal Ministry of Health. Please note that the EHIC does not guarantee cost coverage if you travel abroad specifically for treatment. This requires prior approval from your health insurer. It is also important to know that not every medical practice abroad accepts the EHIC, which may mean you have to pay upfront.
Important aspects of cover abroad are:
Check the scope of cover of your EHIC and your private overseas health insurance before every trip.
Always carry the emergency number for your overseas health insurance with you.
Keep all invoices and receipts carefully in case you need to submit expenses for reimbursement.
Find out about the healthcare system in your destination country, especially contracted hospitals and doctors.
If you have a chronic condition: discuss medical care abroad with your health insurer and doctor in advance.
Check whether your overseas health insurance also covers pandemic-related cases.
Thorough preparation can save you a great deal of hassle and high costs in an emergency.
Conclusion: Travel worry-free with the right cover
The question „Does my health insurance also apply abroad?“ cannot be answered with a simple yes or no. Within the EU, the EHIC provides basic cover, but this is often not enough and excludes important benefits such as medical repatriation. For trips outside the EU, private travel health insurance is generally essential anyway. Given the low cost, often less than ten euros per year, for comprehensive cover, a good travel health insurance policy should never be missing from any trip. It provides peace of mind and protects you from potentially ruinous costs in the event of illness. Invest in your health and enjoyment of travel. Comprehensive advice helps you find the right plan for your individual needs. This way, you can enjoy your holiday or stay abroad without a care, knowing you will be well looked after in an emergency. Remember: the best insurance is the one you hopefully never need, but that reliably comes through when it matters.
Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation checked free of charge and receive specific suggestions for optimisation.
More useful links
The German Liaison Office for Health Insurance Abroad (DVKA) provides comprehensive information on the coordination of health insurance in an international context and on social security agreements.
The Federal Ministry of Health provides detailed information on health insurance cover for travel abroad and the applicable regulations.
The Federal Foreign Office provides general guidance on travel and health to inform travellers about important precautions.
Specific information on health risks and medical care in individual countries can also be found at the Federal Foreign Office.
The National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds offers insights into the European and international aspects of statutory health insurance.
Detailed information on the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and its use abroad is also available from the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds.
FAQ
Does my German health insurance apply worldwide?
No, German statutory health insurance applies primarily within the EU/EEA area and in countries with social security agreements. Outside these regions, there is usually no coverage, or only very limited cover. A private travel health insurance policy is therefore essential for worldwide travel.
Does the travel health insurance also cover costs in the event of a coronavirus infection?
Most newer international health insurance plans also cover treatment related to a COVID-19 illness. However, it is advisable to check the exact terms and conditions in the policy or enquire directly with the insurer.
What happens if I forget my EHIC abroad?
If you have forgotten your EHIC, your health insurance provider can issue you with a provisional replacement certificate (PEB) and send it, for example by fax or email, to the foreign healthcare provider. Please contact your health insurance provider without delay.
Are children covered under my overseas health insurance?
Many overseas health insurance policies offer family rates in which children are covered up to a certain age. Check the terms and conditions of your policy or ask about suitable options when taking out a new insurance policy.
Does the overseas health insurance also cover dental treatment?
Yes, most overseas health insurance policies cover the costs of pain-relieving dental treatment and simple fillings. More extensive dental prosthetics are often not covered, or only partially covered. The exact benefits vary depending on the plan.
Do I have to pay upfront for treatment abroad?
Even with an EHIC, it may happen that you have to pay upfront while abroad, particularly in countries where this is customary or when seeing private doctors. A private overseas health insurance policy will then reimburse these costs upon presentation of the invoices.
