Does my health insurance also apply abroad? Your comprehensive guide for travel and long-term stays
5 May 2025
8
Minutes
Katrin Straub
CEO at nextsure
A sudden illness while on holiday can become expensive. Find out when your German health insurance applies abroad and what additional coverage makes sense for you to travel worry-free.
The topic in brief and concise terms
German statutory health insurance only provides basic coverage abroad within the EU through the EHIC; repatriation is almost never covered.
A private international health insurance is available for a few euros per year and covers important gaps, particularly in repatriation and private treatments.
Outside the EU, protection by the statutory health insurance is often not provided, making private insurance indispensable.
Quick Facts: Your health insurance coverage abroad at a glance
For readers in a hurry, we have compiled the key points on the topic "Is my health insurance also valid abroad?" Within the EU and EEA, there is basic coverage through the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This covers medically necessary treatments under the conditions of the country you are visiting. However, costs are often only reimbursed up to the level of German rates. Medical repatriation is almost never included. Outside the EU, coverage is usually even less or not present at all. A private travel health insurance fills these gaps for just a few euros per year.
Understanding the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC): Basic protection in Europe
The European Health Insurance Card, abbreviated as EHIC, is usually found on the back of your German health card. It grants you access to medically necessary services in all 27 EU countries, as well as in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. This means you are treated as if you were insured in the respective country in the event of illness. Billing is then settled between the social security institutions, although you often have to pay upfront. Important: The EHIC only covers services provided by the public healthcare system of the destination country. Treatments in private clinics or by private doctors are often not covered. For more comprehensive coverage, even when travelling within Europe, a European travel health insurance 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 seek more information. The card is not a substitute for private international health insurance, as it does not cover many costs. For instance, medical repatriation to Germany is not covered by the EHIC. The costs for this can quickly amount to several tens of thousands of euros. Remember that medical standards and cost structures can vary significantly abroad.
Scope of GKV coverage abroad: What is really paid for?
If you need medical assistance while abroad in the EU, your statutory health insurance will cover the cost of treatments that cannot be postponed until your return to Germany. This applies to medical and dental treatments, medications, and hospital stays. The coverage corresponds to the benefits that locals in the respective country receive. This may mean that you have to make co-payments that are not common in Germany. For example, in some countries, a twenty percent co-payment for doctor's visits is usual. These costs have to be borne by you. The German health insurance reimburses up to the amount that would have been incurred for a comparable treatment in Germany. If the costs abroad are higher, you must pay the difference. For countries outside the EU with which Germany does not have a social security agreement, there is often no protection through public health insurance. Here, travel health insurance is essential. Even when travelling within the EU, for example to Spain, there can be gaps in coverage if you visit a private doctor. Therefore, make sure you are informed in advance about the healthcare system in Spain.
The following costs are typically not or only partially covered by statutory health insurance abroad:
Costs for a medically necessary repatriation (often over 10,000 euros).
Treatment in private clinics or by private doctors (can mean one hundred percent personal cost).
Additional costs due to higher treatment rates abroad (difference to German rates).
Specific optional services like single rooms in hospitals.
Treatments that are not deemed medically necessary or are planned in advance.
Costs for search, rescue, or recovery operations.
These potential costs clearly highlight the importance of additional coverage.
Private international health insurance: The essential protective shield
A private foreign health insurance is highly recommended for almost every trip outside Germany. It covers the significant coverage gaps in statutory health insurance for often less than ten euros per year for individuals. The most important advantage is the coverage of costs for a medically necessary or advisable repatriation. Depending on the distance and the patient’s condition, this can quickly reach five-figure amounts. Additionally, a good foreign health insurance also covers treatments in private clinics and with private doctors. In serious cases, this can mean quicker access to better medical care. Costs are often covered up to one hundred percent, even if treatment rates are higher than in Germany. Many policies are valid worldwide and for trips lasting up to six to eight weeks. For longer stays, such as a semester abroad or a world tour, there are special long-term tariffs. When taking out insurance, pay attention to the exact conditions, for example, whether pre-existing conditions are covered or whether there is a deductible. A foreign health insurance for 30 days can often be obtained very cheaply. Compare the costs of foreign health insurance to find the right protection.
Expert Depth: Legal Foundations and Current Notes
The legal basis for health insurance coverage abroad within the EU is provided by Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 on the coordination of social security systems. This regulation ensures that insured individuals have the right to benefits in kind during a temporary stay in another member state, which are deemed medically necessary during the stay. The expected duration of the stay is taken into account. Our expert tip: Always clarify coverage with your health insurance provider before planning treatments abroad. For long-term stays, such as when retirees move their residence to another EU country, the S1 form (formerly E121) may be relevant to receive health services in the new country of residence. Special regulations apply to employees posted abroad by their German employer (§ 17 SGB V). Here, the German insurance coverage often remains in effect. When travelling to countries without a social security agreement, statutory health insurance (GKV) is generally not obliged to provide coverage. The Federal Ministry of Health provides up-to-date information on agreements and specificities. Please note that the EHIC does not guarantee cost coverage when travelling abroad specifically for treatment. Prior approval from your health insurer is required in these cases. It is also important to know that not all medical practices abroad accept the EHIC, which could lead to having to pay upfront.
Key aspects for health insurance coverage abroad include:
Check the validity of your EHIC and private international health insurance before every trip.
Always carry the emergency number of your international health insurance with you.
Keep all invoices and receipts carefully in case you need to submit them for reimbursement.
Learn about the healthcare system of your destination country, especially about contracted hospitals and doctors.
For chronic conditions: Discuss the medical care available abroad with your health insurer and doctor beforehand.
Check if your international health insurance also covers pandemic cases.
Careful preparation can save you a lot of trouble and high costs in an emergency.
Conclusion: Travel worry-free with the right protection
The question "Does my health insurance also apply abroad?" cannot simply be answered with yes or no. Within the EU, the EHIC offers basic coverage, but this is often insufficient and excludes important benefits such as medical repatriation. For travel outside the EU, private international health insurance is usually essential. Given the low costs, often less than ten euros per year for comprehensive coverage, a good international health insurance policy should not be missing from any trip. It provides security and protects you from potentially ruinous costs in case of illness. Invest in your health and travel enjoyment. A comprehensive consultation helps you find the right plan for your individual needs. This way, you can enjoy your holiday or stay abroad without worries, knowing that you are well covered in case of an emergency. Remember: The best insurance is the one you hopefully never need, but can rely on when necessary.
Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation reviewed for free and receive concrete optimization suggestions.
More useful links
The German Liaison Office 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 about health insurance coverage for overseas travel and the applicable regulations.
The Federal Foreign Office offers general advice 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 (GKV-Spitzenverband) provides 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 GKV-Spitzenverband.
FAQ
Is my German health insurance valid worldwide?
No, the German statutory health insurance primarily applies within the EU/EEC area and in countries with social security agreements. Outside of these regions, there is usually no or very limited coverage. Therefore, private overseas health insurance is essential for worldwide travel.
Does the international health insurance also cover costs in case of a coronavirus illness?
Most newer tariffs for international health insurance also cover treatments related to a Covid-19 illness. However, it is advisable to check the exact conditions in the contract or ask the insurer directly.
What happens if I forget my EHIC abroad?
If you forget your EHIC, your health insurance provider can issue you a provisional replacement certificate (PRC) and send it, for example, via fax or email to the foreign service provider. Contact your health insurance provider immediately for this.
Are children included in my international health insurance?
Many international health insurance policies offer family plans that cover children up to a certain age. Check the terms of your policy or inquire about such options when taking out new insurance.
Does the international health insurance also cover dental treatments?
Yes, most international health insurance policies cover the costs for pain-relieving dental treatments and simple fillings. Extensive dental prostheses are often not or only partially covered. The exact benefits vary depending on the plan.
Do I need to pay upfront for a treatment abroad?
Even with an EHIC, you may have to pay upfront abroad, especially in countries where this is common or with private doctors. A private travel health insurance will reimburse you for these costs upon presentation of the invoices.
