UKV foreign health insurance: Optimise global protection and covered countries
13 May 2025
8
Minutes
Katrin Straub
CEO at nextsure
Are you planning an extended stay abroad and wondering which countries your UKV international health insurance covers? Insufficient coverage can quickly lead to financial burdens of several thousand euros. This article explains in detail the scope and benefits of the UKV.
The topic in brief and concise terms
The UKV long-term international health insurance provides worldwide coverage for up to five years, with an additional contribution required for countries such as the USA, Canada, or China.
There are different plans (e.g., Compact, Optimal, Premium), which vary in scope and price and can be tailored to individual travel needs.
A medically necessary return transport is usually included, and pre-existing conditions require careful examination and coordination with the insurance.
Laying the Foundation: What Sets the UKV International Health Insurance Apart
The UKV long-term international health insurance provides worldwide coverage for up to five years. A key advantage is the waiver of deductible in many plans. For travel to certain countries like the USA, Canada, China, or Switzerland, an additional premium may apply. The insurance covers outpatient and inpatient treatments, as well as medication and remedies. Medically necessary repatriations are also a core component of the coverage.
These basic details help you recognize the necessity of comprehensive international health insurance. The exact conditions vary depending on the chosen plan, of which there are often three to choose from.
Optimise tariff selection: Tailored protection for your individual travel plans
Die UKV offers various plans such as "GesundheitGLOBAL" (Compact, Optimal, Premium). An au pair in New Zealand for one to two years might choose the Compact plan. For a one-year student exchange in the USA, the Optimal plan, which offers more comprehensive coverage, is often recommended. A teacher working abroad for four years might benefit from the Premium plan, which can also include services for alternative practitioners or massages.
Choosing the right plan can save several hundred euros in potential costs. The contributions are calculated to the exact day if you return earlier than planned. Also, consider an annual travel health insurance for shorter, but more frequent trips. Deciding on the right plan is an important step towards financial security.
Check global coverage: Your UKV protection applies in these countries
Basically, the UKV long-term international health insurance offers worldwide coverage. It is important to note: For certain countries such as the USA, Canada, China, England, Hong Kong, and Switzerland, an additional premium is required. This is due to the often significantly higher treatment costs in these countries.
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) offers basic coverage only within the EU and in some agreement countries. For all other countries, particularly those outside Europe, private international health insurance is indispensable. Some insurers generally exclude certain crisis areas; a list of such countries includes, for example, Afghanistan or North Korea. Therefore, always clarify the exact coverage for your destinations before you travel.
Important Aspects of the Coverage:
Carefully checking the coverage is crucial. Here are four important points:
Worldwide Coverage: The UKV long-term international health insurance is generally valid worldwide.
High-Cost Countries: An additional premium is required for the USA, Canada, China, England, Hong Kong, and Switzerland.
EHIC Limits: Statutory health insurance is often insufficient outside the EU.
General Exclusions: Certain countries can be generally excluded by insurers.
These details help to accurately assess the extent of coverage.
Understanding Performance Details: What Really Matters in an Emergency
The UKV covers costs for medical treatments, hospital stays, as well as medication, dressings, and remedies. A key feature is the medically advisable and justifiable repatriation, which is included in many plans. Pain-relieving dental treatments are also covered, with the reimbursement amount varying depending on the plan, for example, up to 300 euros in the Compact plan.
Pay attention to the specific coverage limits. In the Optimal plan, dental prosthetics in case of an accident are covered up to eighty per cent and 2,000 euros. Psychotherapy can be reimbursed up to eighty per cent and 2,000 euros per calendar year with the Premium plan.
For a short-term trip, different conditions often apply. You will find the precise details in the policy conditions (AVB) of your chosen plan. This knowledge is crucial for preparation.
Additional benefits and services: More than just reimbursement
Besides the core benefits, UKV often offers valuable additional services. This includes a 24-hour emergency service that supports you worldwide. This service can assist in finding doctors or hospitals and provide medical information.
Some plans, such as the GesundheitGLOBAL Premium, reimburse costs for glasses and contact lenses. This applies up to 150 euros over three calendar years. Another advantage is the health insurance cover for temporary returns to Germany, which can be valid for up to six weeks in a calendar year.
The ability to conveniently submit invoices via an app significantly simplifies processing in the event of a claim. These services increase comfort and security during your travels. Also, consider an annual travel health insurance if you travel several times a year. The next consideration often concerns pre-existing conditions.
Leverage expert knowledge: Navigate pre-existing conditions and special situations
An important point is pre-existing conditions. Treatments that were already deemed necessary when crossing the border are usually excluded from the coverage. However, unexpected deteriorations in chronic conditions may be covered. In the GesundheitGLOBAL Premium plan, there's the option to have the inclusion of pre-existing conditions reviewed by answering health questions.
Our expert tip: Make sure to clarify this with UKV before signing the contract to avoid coverage gaps. Regarding pregnancy: If this is already known at the time of signing, costs for examinations and delivery are often not covered. If pregnancy occurs during the insured stay, medically necessary treatments are usually covered. A tax deduction of contributions may be possible under certain circumstances. These aspects require careful planning.
Dealing with pre-existing conditions and pregnancy:
Special situations require particular attention. Here are four key points:
Clarify pre-existing conditions: By default, treatments for known pre-existing conditions are often excluded.
Check Premium option: The Premium plan can include pre-existing conditions following a health check.
Pregnancy regulations: Different coverage depending on whether pregnancy occurs before or during the trip.
Use consultation: Always contact the insurance consultation hotline if uncertain.
Proactively clarifying ensures your protection.
Conclusion: Well-informed and optimally insured abroad with UKV
The UKV international health insurance, especially long-term policies like GesundheitGLOBAL, offers comprehensive protection for worldwide travel up to five years. Knowing which countries are covered, particularly the rules for high-cost countries like the USA with a required premium surcharge, is crucial. By choosing the appropriate plan (Compact, Optimal, Premium), you can tailor your coverage individually. This way, you can avoid costs of several thousand euros in an emergency. Important aspects such as medically necessary repatriation and the regulations on pre-existing conditions should be clarified before departure.
Make use of the advisory services to ensure that your insurance coverage meets your needs. Careful planning and the right international health insurance are essential for a worry-free time abroad. Remember, the cost of treatment abroad can quickly reach five-figure amounts.
Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation checked for free and receive concrete suggestions for optimization.
More useful links
The Federal Statistical Office offers insights into topics related to the hospitality industry and tourism, as well as travel behaviour.
The Federal Statistical Office highlights recent developments in tourism in a press release.
The Federal Ministry of Health provides comprehensive information on health insurance coverage abroad.
The Federal Ministry of Health offers a publication with detailed information on health insurance coverage abroad.
The Foreign Office provides up-to-date travel and safety advice for various countries.
The Foreign Office informs about current travel warnings and special risks in certain regions.
The German Liaison Office for Health Insurance Abroad (DVKA) offers information on international health insurance.
FAQ
How long can I stay abroad with the UKV long-term international health insurance?
The UKV Long-term Overseas Health Insurance, such as the GesundheitGLOBAL plan, provides coverage for stays abroad ranging from two months to five years.
Does UKV cover the costs for repatriation?
Yes, a medically sensible and justifiable repatriation to Germany or to the nearest suitable hospital is generally included in the services of the UKV international health insurance.
Is there a deductible with the UKV foreign health insurance?
Many plans of the UKV international health insurance, especially for long-term coverage, do not include a deductible. This means that in the event of a claim, no additional costs will be incurred for you up to the agreed coverage limit.
What should I do if I need to see a doctor abroad?
For outpatient treatments, you usually pay the bill directly on site and then submit it to UKV, for example via the app. For inpatient stays, the UKV emergency call centre assists, often providing a cost guarantee.
What documents does UKV require for reimbursement?
The UKV typically requires invoices with the name and address of the practitioner, the name of the treated person, diagnosis, as well as a breakdown of individual services according to treatment dates and costs.
Can I also use the UKV foreign health insurance for work and travel?
Yes, the UKV long-term international health insurance is also suitable for Work and Travel stays. The GesundheitGLOBAL Kompakt tariff is recommended for young people for such journeys.
