Just arrived on an Opportunity Card or job-seeker visa
Who it is for: You're in Germany looking for work and not yet employed.
Without an employment contract you can't join statutory public health insurance (GKV). You need private 'incoming'/expat health coverage that satisfies the residence-permit requirement until you sign a job.
Your options
Expat / incoming health insurance
Purpose-built for new arrivals and job-seekers; accepted by immigration offices for the Opportunity Card. Month-to-month, cancel when you start a job.
Typical cost: Typically €70–160/month depending on age and coverage.
Travel insurance (short gap only)
Cheap but often NOT accepted for residence permits and excludes pre-existing conditions — only for the first days.
Typical cost: €30–60/month, limited coverage.
Our take
Take a proper expat/incoming policy from day one and switch to public insurance the moment your employment starts.
Frequently asked questions
Will the Ausländerbehörde accept expat insurance?
Reputable expat policies designed for German residence permits are accepted for job-search stays. Confirm the policy explicitly states it meets § 5 AufenthG coverage requirements.
Can I keep expat insurance after I get a job?
No — once employed above the mini-job level you are normally mandatorily in public insurance (or eligible for private if you earn above the threshold).
Last verified: 21 July 2026