Question 1

What does expat health insurance?

Accepted Answer

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).

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

Who qualifies for expat health insurance?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 7

Who is not eligible for expat health insurance in Germany?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

How long can expat health insurance be used in Germany?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

How does payment and billing work for expat health insurance?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

Is it possible to change my payment method?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 12

What payment methods are accepted for expat health insurance?

Accepted Answer

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).

Question 13

Will I be charged immediately upon signing up?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

How does the first payment work?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

When do I normally get billed?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 16

What happens if my payment fails?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

Is it possible to cancel my policy at any time?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 18

How can I cancel my policy?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 19

When should I cancel?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 21

How long does it take to receive a refund?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 22

What if I cancel after my policy starts?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 23

Everything you need to know about expat health insurance claims?

Accepted Answer

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).

Question 24

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 25

How can I submit expat health insurance claims?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 26

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 27

How long does an expat health claim take to process?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 28

How do reimbursements work for expat health?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 29

How to claim for hospital visits under expat health?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 30

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 31

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 32

Income threshold for private health insurance?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 33

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 34

Is it possible to pause my private health insurance?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 35

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 36

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 37

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 38

How to cancel your Feather private health insurance?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 39

Extraordinary cancellation reasons?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 40

How payment works for private health insurance?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 41

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 42

Does dental insurance cover tooth whitening?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 43

Are treatments for periodontitis covered by supplemental dental insurance?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 44

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 45

Are there any waiting periods for dental insurance?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 46

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 47

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 48

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 49

What does defined as an ongoing?

Accepted Answer

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."

Question 50

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 51

How can I upgrade or downgrade my dental policy?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 52

How to check if your dental treatment will be covered?

Accepted Answer

Check coverage details in your policy or contact Feather to confirm whether your specific treatment is included.

Question 53

What coverage does dental insurance provide for tooth replacement procedures?

Accepted Answer

Coverage for tooth replacement procedures varies by plan (Basic vs. Advanced). Advanced plan provides more extensive coverage. Check your specific policy for details.

Question 54

Does dental insurance cover the costs of veneers?

Accepted Answer

Coverage for veneers depends on your specific policy. Check coverage details or contact Feather to confirm.

Question 55

Are teeth straightening costs covered by dental insurance?

Accepted Answer

Coverage for tooth straightening depends on specific policy. Contact Feather to confirm if this is included in your plan.

Question 56

How can I submit a dental insurance claim?

Accepted Answer

Submit dental insurance claims through your Feather account or contact Feather for specific submission procedures.

Question 57

Why was my dental claim not fully reimbursed?

Accepted Answer

Reasons for partial reimbursement may include coverage limits, deductibles, severity factors, or policy exclusions. Contact Feather with your claim details for explanation.

Question 58

What does the severity factor (Steigerungsfaktor) mean on my dental bill?

Accepted Answer

The severity factor (Steigerungsfaktor) on dental bills relates to how dental treatments are billed. Contact Feather for detailed explanation of how this factor affects your coverage and reimbursement.

Question 59

Why does Feather want me to pay for dental treatments with my bank account?

Accepted Answer

Payment methods for dental treatments may be required for proper documentation/claims processing. Contact Feather for explanation of their payment requirements.

Question 60

What does an itemized invoice or cost plan and why do we need it?

Accepted Answer

Itemized invoices/cost plans provide detailed breakdown of dental treatments and costs. These are needed for proper claims processing and to ensure coverage compliance.

Question 61

Getting dental fillings on front teeth: What changed in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Specific changes to dental filling coverage in 2026 - check Feather FAQ for updated details on front tooth filling coverage.

Question 62

Who is eligible to apply for Feather life insurance?

Accepted Answer

To apply for Feather life insurance, you must: Be between 18 and 55 years old, Be employed or self-employed, Reside in one of: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Belgium, France, or Liechtenstein. Application is fully digital with no medical examination required.

Question 63

How can I apply for Feather term life insurance?

Accepted Answer

The application process is fully digital and does not require a medical examination. Eligible applicants can get coverage within minutes through an online application.

Question 64

What are the advantages of life insurance with Feather?

Accepted Answer

Key advantages include: Customizable coverage amounts based on your needs, straightforward pricing, fast digital sign-up process, coverage available for various life situations.

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