Health & Care
Travel health insurance
Does my health insurance also apply abroad?
Does my health insurance also cover me abroad? Your comprehensive guide for travel and long-term stays
A sudden illness while on holiday can become expensive. Find out when your German health insurance is valid abroad and what additional coverages would be beneficial for you to travel worry-free.
The topic in brief and concise terms
German statutory health insurance offers only basic coverage via the EHIC when abroad in the EU; repatriation is almost never covered.
A private international health insurance is available for a few euros a year and covers important gaps, particularly for repatriation and private treatments.
Outside the EU, the protection provided by the statutory health insurance is often not available, making private insurance essential.
Quick Facts: Your health insurance coverage abroad at a glance
For readers in a hurry, we have compiled the key points on the topic: "Does my health insurance also cover me abroad?" Within the EU and EEA, there is basic protection through the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This covers medically necessary treatments under the conditions of the destination country. However, costs are often only reimbursed up to the amount of German rates. Medical repatriation is almost never included. Outside the EU, coverage is usually even lower or non-existent. A private international health insurance policy fills these gaps for a few euros per year.
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC): Understanding Basic Protection in Europe
The European Health Insurance Card, or EHIC for short, is typically found on the back of your German health card. It allows you access to medically necessary services in all 27 EU states, as well as in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. This means you receive treatment as if you were insured in the respective country. Billing is then handled between social security institutions, although you often have to pay upfront. Important: The EHIC only covers services provided by the country's state system. Treatments in private clinics or by private doctors are often not covered. For more comprehensive coverage, even within Europe, European travel health insurance is a sensible addition. The EHIC is valid for temporary stays, such as holidays lasting up to six weeks. If you are planning a longer stay, you should seek further information. The card is not a substitute for private international health insurance, as it does not cover many costs. For example, a medical repatriation to Germany is generally not paid for by the EHIC. The expenses for this can quickly amount to tens of thousands of euros. Remember that medical standards and cost structures can greatly vary abroad.
Scope of statutory health insurance abroad: What is really covered?
If you need medical assistance while abroad in the EU, your statutory health insurance will cover the costs for treatments that cannot wait until your return to Germany. This applies to medical and dental treatments, medications, and hospital stays. The extent of coverage corresponds to services received by residents in the respective country. This may mean you have to make co-payments that are uncommon in Germany. For example, in some countries, a co-payment of twenty percent for doctor visits is standard. You will need to cover these costs yourself. The German health insurance will reimburse up to the maximum amount that would be incurred for a comparable treatment in Germany. If costs are higher abroad, you will bear the difference. For countries outside the EU, with which Germany does not have a social security agreement, there is often no protection through the GKV. In such cases, travel health insurance is indispensable. Even when travelling within the EU, for example to Spain, gaps in coverage can occur if you consult a private doctor. Therefore, inform yourself in advance about health insurance in Spain.
The following costs are typically not or only partially covered by the GKV abroad:
Costs for a medically advisable patient repatriation (often exceeding 10,000 euros).
Treatment in private clinics or by private doctors (can mean a hundred percent personal contribution).
Additional costs due to higher treatment rates abroad (difference to German rates).
Specific optional services such as single rooms in hospitals.
Treatments that are not considered medically necessary or are planable.
Costs for search, rescue, or recovery operations.
These potential costs highlight the importance of additional coverage.
Private international health insurance: The indispensable shield
A private international health insurance is strongly recommended for almost any trip outside Germany. It covers the significant coverage gaps of statutory health insurance for often less than ten euros a year for individuals. The most important benefit is the coverage of costs for a medically necessary or sensible medical repatriation. Depending on the distance and the patient's condition, this can quickly reach five-figure sums. Additionally, good international health insurance also covers treatment in private clinics and by private doctors. In serious cases, this can mean faster access to better medical care. Coverage is often up to one hundred percent, even if the treatment rates are higher than in Germany. Many plans are worldwide and cover trips up to six to eight weeks. For longer stays, like a semester abroad or a world trip, there are special long-term plans. When signing up, pay attention to the exact conditions, for example, whether pre-existing conditions are covered or if there is an excess. An international health insurance for 30 days is often available at a very reasonable price. Compare the costs of international health insurance to find the right protection.
Conclusion: Travel worry-free with the right protection
The question "Does my health insurance also cover me abroad?" cannot be answered with a simple Yes or No. Within the EU, the EHIC provides basic protection, but often it is not sufficient and excludes important services such as medical repatriation. For travel outside the EU, private overseas health insurance is generally indispensable. Considering the low cost of often less than ten euros per year for comprehensive cover, a good overseas health insurance should not be missing from any trip. It offers security and protects you from potentially ruinous costs in the event of illness. Invest in your health and travel enjoyment. Comprehensive advice will help you find the right package for your individual needs. This way, you can enjoy your holiday or stay abroad without worry, knowing that you are well covered in an emergency. Remember: The best insurance is the one you hopefully never need but reliably delivers when it matters.
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More useful links
The Deutsche Verbindungsstelle Krankenversicherung Ausland (DVKA) provides comprehensive information on coordinating health insurance in an international context and social security agreements.
The Federal Ministry of Health offers detailed information about health insurance coverage for international travel and the applicable regulations.
The Foreign Office provides general advice on travel and health to inform travellers of important precautions.
Specific information on health risks and medical care in individual countries can also be found at the Foreign Office.
The GKV-Spitzenverband offers insights into the European and international aspects of statutory health insurance.
Detailed information about the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and its use abroad is also available at the GKV-Spitzenverband.
FAQ
Does my German health insurance cover me worldwide?
No, German statutory health insurance primarily applies within the EU/EEA area and countries with social security agreements. Outside these regions, coverage is usually non-existent or very limited. Therefore, a private international health insurance is essential for worldwide travel.
Does international health insurance cover costs for a COVID-19 illness?
Most newer policies for international health insurance also cover treatments related to a COVID-19 illness. However, it is advisable to check the specific terms in the contract or directly inquire with the insurer.
What happens if I forget my EHIC abroad?
If you have forgotten your EHIC, your health insurance provider can issue a provisional replacement certificate (PRC) and send it, for example, by fax or email to the foreign healthcare provider. Contact your health insurance provider immediately.
Are children covered under my international health insurance?
Many international health insurances offer family policies that include coverage for children up to a certain age. Check your policy's terms or inquire about relevant options when purchasing a new insurance plan.
Does international health insurance cover dental treatments?
Yes, most international health insurances cover the costs of analgesic dental treatments and simple fillings. Extensive dental prostheses are often not covered or only partially covered. The exact benefits vary depending on the policy.
Do I have to pay upfront for treatment abroad?
Even with an EHIC, you may need to pay upfront for treatment abroad, especially in countries where this is common practice, or when visiting private doctors. A private international health insurance will then reimburse these costs upon presentation of the receipts.
