In short: Health insurance is mandatory for every person with a residence in Germany (section 193 of the Insurance Contract Act). The law sets a minimum cover for outpatient and inpatient treatment. For non-EU citizens, statutory insurance duty depends on the residence permit.

Is health insurance mandatory when moving to Germany?

Yes, for people who live in Germany. Section 193, paragraph 3 of the Insurance Contract Act (VVG) says: every person with a residence in Germany must have health insurance. This article describes the law and gives no advice on which cover to choose. The law texts used here are the versions retrieved on 24 October 2026.

What must the insurance cover at least?

The law sets a minimum. The insurance must reimburse at least outpatient and inpatient treatment (section 193 VVG). This page does not name providers or prices.

When does statutory health insurance become mandatory?

Section 5, paragraph 1, number 13 of the Social Code V (SGB V) makes statutory insurance mandatory for people who have no other claim to protection in case of illness. A second condition applies: the person was last insured in the statutory system, or was so far neither statutory nor privately insured.

What applies to citizens from outside the EU?

For citizens of third countries, section 5, paragraph 11 SGB V adds a condition. The duty under number 13 applies only with a settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) or a residence permit that lasts more than twelve months. This paragraph was checked in a page summary only, so read the exact text before you rely on it.

Does a visa require proof of health insurance?

The sources are not clear on this. Section 2, paragraph 3 of the Residence Act (AufenthG) says that your living costs count as secured only with sufficient health insurance cover. The page of the Federal Foreign Office on national visas (dated 27 June 2025) states no separate insurance proof. Ask the mission that handles your visa what it wants to see.

What you need to bring

No official list of insurance documents was found. Ask the insurer or the responsible authority for the current list. The Federal Foreign Office has a page on national visas. The law names these points:

  • Cover for outpatient and inpatient treatment as a minimum (section 193 VVG).
  • Sufficient health insurance as part of secured living costs (section 2, paragraph 3 AufenthG).

What should you check before you move?

  1. Check your planned residence permit, for example the opportunity card or the blue card.
  2. Ask your authority whether proof of insurance is needed for your visa.
  3. Ask a qualified adviser or insurer about your own case.
  4. After the move, register your address within two weeks.

The overview is on the page Moving to Germany.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need health insurance in Germany?

Yes. Every person with a residence in Germany must have it (section 193, paragraph 3 VVG).

What is the minimum cover?

The insurance must at least reimburse outpatient and inpatient treatment (section 193 VVG).

Does a visa require proof of insurance?

Section 2, paragraph 3 AufenthG links secured living costs to sufficient insurance. The Federal Foreign Office page on national visas names no separate proof.

When must non-EU citizens join statutory insurance?

Under section 5, paragraph 11 SGB V, the duty under number 13 applies with a settlement permit or a residence permit of more than twelve months.

How much does health insurance cost?

No official figure was found, so this page gives no price. Ask insurers and the authority for your case.

Sources

  1. Section 193 Insurance Contract Act (VVG), 2026 (As of: retrieved 24.10.2026)
  2. Section 5 Social Code V (SGB V), 2026 (As of: retrieved 24.10.2026)
  3. Section 2 Residence Act (AufenthG), 2026 (As of: retrieved 24.10.2026)
  4. Federal Foreign Office, national visas, 2025 (As of: 27.06.2025)

General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the linked official pages before you act.

Author: Vathanakone Prakosay · Updated on October 24, 2026