What does expat health insurance?

Private health insurance for expats is short-term incoming private insurance designed for temporary use as a bridging insurance until you can get onto a more comprehensive plan (public or full private insurance). It covers accidents, emergencies, and new illnesses but does NOT cover pre-existing conditions or routine check-ups. Feather offers Short-term plans (starting at €72/month, up to 5 years) and Long-term plans (indefinite coverage).

What does the difference between expat health and private health insurance?

Expat Health: Basic coverage for new conditions only, limited duration (5 years), suitable for first-time visas (§193 VVG), no salary minimum, no health screening, fixed price based on age, EU & Schengen travel cover + 6 weeks home, can switch to public insurance, up to 75 years old. Full Private Health: Comprehensive long-term coverage, unlimited duration, suitable for all visas (§257 par. 2a SGB V), €30000+ salary minimum typically required, medical screening needed, individualized pricing, customizable worldwide coverage, possible switch before age 55, no age limit.

What does the difference between expat health and travel health insurance?

Private health insurance for expats includes additional health-related benefits like dental care, physical therapy, cancer screenings, and fitness app budgets. Travel health insurance typically offers more basic health coverage but may include optional add-ons like trip cancellation and luggage insurance depending on the plan.

What does and isn't covered by the Long-term Expat health insurance?

Covered: General out-patient & in-patient treatments (up to €1.5M limit), medications and surgical dressings, dental pain relief (up to €1000), preventative checkups (up to €200), dental cleanings (up to €100), psychiatric care, travel & repatriation, maternity care, physical therapy, telehealth consultations (up to 2), preventative care (€300 for cancer screenings & skin checkup). NOT Covered: Pre-existing conditions, routine checkups (unless specified), elective/cosmetic treatments, STD preventative care, learning difficulties, ADHD, speech therapy, dietician, occupational therapy, contraception, eating disorder treatment, self-harm related treatment, gender reassignment, extreme sports injuries. 2026 Update: €30 outpatient excess removed; waiting period for routine screening reduced to 6 months.

Who qualifies for expat health insurance?

You're eligible if: you're new to Germany, you don't yet qualify for public or full private health insurance, you're planning to stay in Germany for limited time (up to 5 years for short-term plan), and you meet your visa requirements.

Am I eligible for expat health insurance if I am self-employed or a freelancer?

Yes, freelancers and self-employed individuals can apply for expat health insurance if they meet the general eligibility requirements for expat health insurance.

Who is not eligible for expat health insurance in Germany?

Several groups are NOT eligible: Persons employed by German company earning >€556/month, individuals living in Germany >5 years, persons aged 75+ years, applicants for secondary visas or visa renewals, people with pre-existing conditions with treatment costs >€416.66/month, individuals requiring permanent or high care levels, and professional athletes.

How long can expat health insurance be used in Germany?

Private health insurance for expats Newcomer plans provide coverage for up to 5 years from arrival. After 5 years, residents must switch to full public or private German health insurance. Those ineligible for public/private can enroll in Extended plans for longer-term coverage.

Which types of visas does Feather expat insurance meet the requirements for?

A minimum coverage amount of €30000 is guaranteed. If you qualify for full public or private health insurance, Feather recommends signing up for one of those options instead.

How does payment and billing work for expat health insurance?

Payment Methods: Credit card, Debit card, IBAN, or PayPal. Billing: First month is prorated based on your start date (charged at sign-up), then billed on the 1st of every month. You may change payment method anytime in your Feather account.

Is it possible to change my payment method?

Yes, you can change your payment method at any time in your Feather account.

What payment methods are accepted for expat health insurance?

Accepted methods: Credit/Debit Card (Visa, Mastercard), PayPal, and IBAN (any IBAN including UK, Switzerland, etc. as long as SEPA payments are supported). All payments processed in euros (EUR).

Will I be charged immediately upon signing up?

Yes, the initial payment is processed immediately at checkout. This secures and confirms your policy, triggers document creation and verification, and ensures your coverage starts as scheduled. You'll receive a digital invoice via email and in your account.

How does the first payment work?

Your checkout payment covers the partial month from your selected start date through the end of that month. Example: If policy starts May 10th, checkout covers May 10-31. Your first full month (June) charges on June 1st automatically.

When do I normally get billed?

After initial checkout charge, you're charged on the 1st of each month via automated subscription. This covers that entire month's insurance coverage (prepaid billing). You may view/download invoices in your account.

What happens if my payment fails?

You'll receive an email notification and a billing error appears in your account. You may update your payment method or retry payment by: checking card details (expiration, CVV), ensuring sufficient funds, confirming international payments enabled with your bank, or trying an alternative payment method. Retry directly in account under Billing section.

Is it possible to cancel my policy at any time?

Yes, expat health policies are flexible and can be canceled on a monthly basis anytime through your account. You'll receive confirmation in account and by email.

How can I cancel my policy?

Log in to account → Go to 'My Account' → Click 'Policies' under Your Coverage → Select policy to cancel → Click 'Cancel this policy' and choose reason → Click 'Confirm' to complete cancellation.

When should I cancel?

You should cancel before the end of the month to avoid being billed the following month.

Is it possible to get a refund if I cancel before the policy starts?

Yes, if you cancel before your policy's effective start date, you'll receive a 100% refund. No coverage will have started, so no costs will be incurred.

How long does it take to receive a refund?

If eligible for a refund, it takes 3-7 business days to appear depending on your bank. You'll receive a confirmation email when the refund is initiated.

What if I cancel after my policy starts?

Expat insurance offers a 14-day withdrawal period: If canceled and policy started within 14 days = full refund (as long as no claims made). If canceled after 14+ days = no refund, but policy ends after current paid month. Cancel before 1st of next month to avoid future charges.

Everything you need to know about expat health insurance claims?

Do I need a healthcare card? No, a healthcare card is not provided; you're a private patient and pay upfront. What can I claim for? Accidents, emergencies, new illnesses. Does NOT cover pre-existing conditions, routine checkups, or preventative care. Deductible? Yes, €25 copay per medical event (not per appointment).

What documents do I need to submit for expat health insurance claims?

Outpatient: Invoices with diagnosis and cost breakdown of services. Medication: Prescription + pharmacy receipt. Referrals: Not required for specialists, but required for physical therapy aids. Hospital visits: Final invoice after visit (not pre-payments). NOT accepted: Invoices without diagnostic info/cost breakdown, pre-payments (Vorauszahlung), payment reminders, payment receipts alone, invoices from non-medical practitioners.

How can I submit expat health insurance claims?

Click on your expat health insurance policy → Click 'make a claim' → Fill out form with total amount, IBAN, and all relevant documents → Submit.

What if I am asked to provide more information for my claim?

You may be asked for further documentation if initial documents were insufficient. Go back to that claim in your Feather account, attach the additional requested documents, and claim moves forward.

How long does an expat health claim take to process?

Most claims take 2 weeks if all documents submitted and no further info needed, but can take up to 4 weeks. You'll receive notification of outcome via email once processed. For longer processing times, contact support.

How do reimbursements work for expat health?

If claim is processed and reimbursement determined, Feather sends reimbursement directly to the IBAN provided when you made the claim.

How to claim for hospital visits under expat health?

Submit final invoices and any transport receipts through the claims submission system in your expat health insurance account. Upload the complete final invoice and any supporting documents for claim approval.

What information is required to complete my expat health insurance claim?

After obtaining necessary documents/information, upload them to your expat health claim through your Feather account. Once submitted, the updated claim is reviewed and processed; you'll receive updates via email. Additional info may be requested to review/process claims.

What are the main differences between public and private health insurance?

Public: Mandatory for some groups, covers broad medical services, premiums income-dependent (~15.5% gross salary), premium increases historically ~3.4%/year. Private: Optional for higher earners, customizable coverage, fixed premiums based on age/health at sign-up, premium increases historically ~2.8%/year, often better dental & vision coverage.

Income threshold for private health insurance?

The minimum income threshold for private health insurance is generally around €30000 gross annually. However, exact requirements vary by insurance company and can be higher depending on age and occupation.

I'm pregnant - can I apply for private health insurance?

Yes, you can apply even while pregnant, but pre-existing conditions (including pregnancy) may lead to coverage restrictions or surcharges. Private health insurance doesn't offer family plans; each family member needs separate premium. Review maternity coverage details before application.

Is it possible to pause my private health insurance?

This depends on your specific policy terms. Contact Feather to discuss options for pausing coverage.

What happens to my private health insurance if I leave Germany?

Your coverage may be affected if you leave Germany. Contact Feather for specific guidance on your situation and options for maintaining coverage abroad or canceling your policy.

I've just lost my job. What happens to my private health insurance?

If receiving unemployment benefits, you may be automatically included by statutory health insurance. To remain privately insured, you may need to apply for exemption from compulsory insurance. If under 55, you can potentially keep private insurance with proper exemption. If over 55, you'll generally remain privately insured. Situation varies - contact Feather for specific guidance.

What happens when the income threshold increases and my income falls below?

If income threshold increases and your income falls below it, contact Feather to understand your options as this may affect your eligibility for continuing private insurance.

How to cancel your Feather private health insurance?

For standard/premium long-term plans (2-year contract): Can cancel after initial 2 years by giving 3-month notice before insurance year end (e.g., if started 01.09.2021, earliest end is 31.08.2023; cancel by 31.05.2023). After first 2 years = yearly rolling contract. For short-term plans (monthly rolling): Notify by 15th of month for 15-day minimum notice; cancellation effective end of month. For sick pay/travel add-on (1-year contract): Cancel after 1 year with 3-month notice.

Extraordinary cancellation reasons?

You may cancel extraordinarily if: (1) Subjected to compulsory public health insurance (send proof), (2) Monthly premium increased (cancel within 2 months for retrospective termination; send proof of follow-up insurance), (3) Contract expiring (need proof of follow-up private insurance). Feather customers can cancel through account without writing letters. Continue account access after cancellation for invoices/documents.

How payment works for private health insurance?

You may set up direct debit during application or anytime in your Feather account. If behind on payments, you'll need to clear the balance. Specific payment terms depend on your policy details.

What does the difference between the Basic and Advanced dental policies?

Basic Plan (€10.90+/month): Dental cleaning up to €150/year, root canals, composite fillings, periodontal disease treatments, mouthguards. Advanced Plan: Unlimited dental cleaning from start, all Basic coverage plus teeth whitening (bleaching) up to €200 every 2 years, more extensive tooth replacement coverage, cosmetic procedures.

Does dental insurance cover tooth whitening?

Teeth whitening (bleaching) is included ONLY by Advanced dental plan, limited to €200 every 2 years.

Are treatments for periodontitis covered by supplemental dental insurance?

Yes, treatments for periodontitis are included by both Basic and Advanced dental insurance plans.

I want to get my teeth straightened. Will dental insurance cover the costs?

Coverage for tooth straightening (orthodontic treatment) depends on your specific policy. Check coverage details or contact Feather to confirm if included.

Are there any waiting periods for dental insurance?

Yes, there are waiting periods for dental insurance. Specific waiting period details vary by policy - contact Feather for details about your coverage.

How does dental insurance define 'missing teeth' and why does that matter?

The definition of missing teeth is important because it affects coverage for tooth replacement procedures. Teeth that were already missing before insurance start date are typically not included.

How does my dental insurance premium change as I grow older?

Your dental insurance premium changes as you grow older. Specific details vary by policy - contact Feather for information on how your age affects your premiums.

How can I add family members to my supplemental dental insurance policy?

You may add family members to your supplemental dental insurance policy. Specific process details should be obtained from Feather.

What does defined as an ongoing?

planned, or recommended dental treatment?,"Ongoing, planned, and recommended treatments have specific definitions in policy terms. Contact Feather for detailed explanation of how these terms apply to your coverage."

Does submitting a dental claim affect when I can cancel the policy?

Yes, submitting dental claims may affect when you can cancel the policy. Check your policy terms or contact Feather for specific details.

How can I upgrade or downgrade my dental policy?

You may upgrade or downgrade your dental policy. Contact Feather to discuss options and process for changing your coverage level.

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I understand that if insurance duration is less than a year, it's required to present documentation to justify the period. Examples of valid proof include: invitation letter, study certificate, or any document specifying the exact period of stay in Spain.
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