UKV international health insurance: Optimising worldwide cover and covered countries
13.05.25
4
Minutes
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
Are you planning a longer stay abroad and wondering which countries your UKV overseas health insurance covers? Inadequate cover can quickly lead to financial costs of several thousand euros. This article explains the scope of cover and the benefits of UKV in detail.
The topic in brief and concise terms
UKV long-term overseas health insurance offers worldwide cover for up to five years, although an additional premium applies for countries such as the USA, Canada or China.
There are various plans (e.g. Compact, Optimal, Premium) that differ in scope of benefits and price and can be tailored to individual travel needs.
A medically appropriate repatriation is usually included, and pre-existing conditions require careful review and consultation with the insurer.
Laying the foundations: What sets UKV overseas health insurance apart
The UKV long-term overseas health insurance offers worldwide cover for up to five years. A key advantage is that many policies have no excess. Travelling to certain countries such as the USA, Canada, China or Switzerland may incur an additional premium. The insurance covers outpatient and inpatient treatment as well as medicines and remedies. Medically necessary repatriation is also a key component of the cover.
This basic information helps you recognise the need for comprehensive overseas health insurance. The exact terms vary depending on the chosen plan, with there often being three to choose from.
Optimise your tariff selection: Tailor-made protection for your individual travel plans
UKV offers various plans such as "GesundheitGLOBAL" (Kompakt, Optimal, Premium). An au pair in New Zealand for one to two years could choose the Kompakt plan. For a one-year school exchange in the USA, the Optimal plan is often recommended, as it offers more comprehensive cover. A teacher working abroad for four years may benefit from the Premium plan. This can also include benefits for alternative practitioners or massages.
Choosing the right plan can save several hundred euros in potential costs. Charges are calculated to the exact day if you return earlier than planned. Also find out about a annual travel health insurance for shorter but more frequent trips. Choosing the right plan is an important step towards protection.
Check global coverage: Your UKV cover applies in these countries
In principle, the UKV long-term international health insurance provides worldwide cover. Important: For certain countries such as the USA, Canada, China, England, Hong Kong and Switzerland, a premium surcharge applies. This is due to the often significantly higher treatment costs there.
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) provides basic cover only within the EU and in some countries with reciprocal agreements. For all other countries, particularly outside Europe, private travel health insurance is essential. Some insurers generally exclude certain crisis regions; a list of such countries includes Afghanistan or North Korea, for example. Therefore, always clarify the exact scope of cover for your destinations before you travel.
Important aspects of the scope of cover:
A precise review of the scope of cover is crucial. Here are four important points:
Worldwide cover: The UKV long-term international health insurance applies globally in principle.
High-cost countries: A surcharge is charged for the USA, Canada, China, England, Hong Kong and Switzerland.
EHIC limits: Statutory health insurance is often not sufficient outside the EU.
General exclusions: Certain countries may generally be excluded by insurers.
These details help assess the scope of cover correctly.
Understanding benefit details: What really matters in an emergency
UKV covers the costs of medical treatment, hospital stays and medicines, dressings and remedies. A key point is medically sensible and reasonable repatriation, which is included in many tariffs. Dental treatments for pain relief are also covered, with the level of reimbursement varying depending on the tariff, for example up to 300 euros in the Compact tariff.
Please pay attention to the exact benefit limits. In the Optimal tariff, dental prosthetics in the event of an accident are covered up to eighty per cent and 2,000 euros. Psychotherapy can be reimbursed in the Premium tariff at up to eighty per cent and 2,000 euros per calendar year.
Different conditions often apply for a short-term trip. You can find the exact details in the insurance conditions (AVB) of your chosen tariff. This knowledge is crucial for preparation.
Additional benefits and services: More than just reimbursement
In addition to the core benefits, UKV often offers valuable additional services. These include a 24-hour emergency service that is there for you worldwide. This service can help you find doctors or hospitals and provide medical information.
Some plans, such as GesundheitGLOBAL Premium, reimburse the cost of glasses and contact lenses. This applies up to EUR 150 over three calendar years. Another advantage is health insurance cover for a temporary return to Germany, which can apply for up to six weeks per calendar year.
The ability to submit invoices conveniently via an app makes claims handling much easier. These services increase comfort and security on your trip. You should also consider a annual travel health insurance if you travel several times a year. The next consideration often concerns pre-existing conditions.
Leveraging expert knowledge: managing pre-existing conditions and special situations
A key point is pre-existing conditions. Treatments whose necessity was already established when crossing the border are generally excluded from cover. Unexpected deterioration in chronic illnesses, however, may be insured. Under the GesundheitGLOBAL Premium tariff, it is possible to have the inclusion of pre-existing conditions reviewed by answering health questions.
Our expert tip: Be sure to clarify this with UKV before signing the contract to avoid gaps in cover. In the case of pregnancy: if it is already known when the policy is taken out, costs for examinations and delivery are often not covered. If the pregnancy begins during the insured stay, medically necessary treatment is usually insured. A tax deductibility of the 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: As a rule, treatment for known pre-existing conditions is often excluded.
Check the premium option: The premium tariff can include pre-existing conditions following a health assessment.
Pregnancy rules: Different levels of cover apply depending on whether pregnancy occurs before or during the trip.
Use advice services: If in doubt, always contact the insurer’s advice hotline.
Proactive clarification ensures your protection.
The UKV international health insurance, in particular the long-term tariffs such as GesundheitGLOBAL, offers comprehensive cover for worldwide travel of up to five years. Knowledge of the covered countries, especially the rules for high-cost countries such as the USA with a required premium surcharge, is crucial. By choosing the right tariff (Kompakt, Optimal, Premium), you tailor your cover to your needs. This can help you avoid costs of several thousand euros in an emergency. Important aspects such as medically necessary repatriation and the rules on pre-existing conditions should be clarified before travelling.
Use the advice services to ensure that your insurance cover meets your needs. Careful planning and the right international health insurance are the key to a worry-free time abroad. Bear in mind that the cost of treatment abroad can quickly reach five-figure sums.
Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation checked free of charge and receive specific suggestions for improvement.
More useful links
The Federal Statistical Office offers insights into topics relating to hospitality and tourism, as well as travel behaviour.
The Federal Statistical Office highlights current developments in tourism in a press release.
The Federal Ministry of Health provides comprehensive information on health insurance cover abroad.
The Federal Ministry of Health offers a publication with detailed information on health insurance cover abroad.
The Federal Foreign Office provides current travel and safety advice for various countries.
The Federal Foreign Office provides information on current travel warnings and particular 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 UKV long-term international health insurance?
The UKV long-term international health insurance, such as the GesundheitGLOBAL tariff, provides insurance cover for stays abroad of between two months and five years.
Does UKV cover the costs of a return transport?
Yes, a medically sensible and justifiable repatriation to Germany or to the nearest suitable hospital is generally included in the benefits of UKV overseas health insurance.
Is there an excess on the UKV international health insurance?
Many UKV overseas health insurance plans, particularly long-term options, do not include an excess. This means that, in the event of a claim, you will not incur any additional costs up to the agreed sum insured.
What should I do if I need to see a doctor abroad?
For outpatient treatment, you usually pay the invoice directly on site and then submit it to UKV, e.g. via the app. For inpatient stays, the UKV emergency call centre can help, often also with a guarantee of cost coverage.
Which documents does UKV require for reimbursement?
As a rule, UKV requires invoices showing the name and address of the practitioner, the name of the person treated, the diagnosis, and an itemised breakdown of the individual services by treatment date and cost.
Can I also use UKV overseas 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 plan is recommended for young people for such trips, for example.
