Why is public long-term care insurance often insufficient?

Public long-term care insurance is only intended as basic coverage. It only covers part of the actual costs. Especially with inpatient care in a nursing home or intensive outpatient care, a monthly gap of several thousand euros often arises, which you must pay yourself.

How do the different care levels (Pflegegrade) work?

There are five care levels that assess the degree of independence. Level 1 represents minor impairments, level 5 the most severe impairments. The higher the care level, the higher the insurance benefits.

Is home care by relatives supported?

Yes, specifically a daily care allowance (Pflegetagegeld) is ideal for this. The insurance pays a fixed daily rate that you can use freely – for example, to financially support family members who care for you or to hire additional help.

Are there waiting periods for long-term care insurance?

Most tariffs have a waiting period of three to five years before benefits can be claimed. Exceptions are usually made for accidents that lead to an immediate need for care. Early signup is therefore extremely important.

Long-Term Care Insurance for Expats in Germany

No one likes to think about needing help from others one day. However, statistics show that the probability of needing long-term care at some point is high. Despite the healthcare system in Germany, public long-term care insurance is only "partial coverage". Long-Term Care Insurance for expats ensures that your hard-earned assets or your family's inheritance are not consumed by rising care costs.

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At a glance:

The Story of Maria: When Care Costs consume Savings

Maria lived a fulfilled life in Germany, working hard and paying off her home. She wanted to leave a legacy for her grandchildren. At 78, a sudden stroke changed everything. Suddenly, Maria needed intensive care.

She wanted to stay in her familiar environment, but 24-hour home care was extremely expensive. Eventually, a move to a nursing home became necessary. The costs exceeded 4,500 Euros per month. Public insurance only covered a fraction, leaving a monthly gap of nearly 2,500 Euros.

Within a few years, Maria's life savings were gone. Even her house had to be sold to cover the ongoing costs. For her children and grandchildren, nothing was left. Maria's story is common. With the right Long-Term Care Insurance, her assets would have remained untouched, and she would have received high-quality care without being a financial burden to her relatives.

Protect your Assets

Ensure your savings and property stay within your family.

Quality of Life

Choose the level of care you deserve, whether at home or in a premium facility.

The Reality of Care Costs for Expats in Germany

Care costs are rising steadily. The "uniform institutional personal contribution" (EEE) must be paid by the person needing care. Add to that the costs for accommodation, meals, and investment costs in a home. Even for outpatient care at home, costs often exceed what public insurance provides.

If your pension and assets aren't enough, social welfare steps in – but only once you are practically "destitute". Furthermore, under certain income thresholds, children can also be held liable for their parents' care costs (Elternunterhalt).

Insurance Options for Expats

As your neutral broker, I typically present two concepts:

Daily Care Allowance (Pflegetagegeld): You receive a fixed daily rate (e.g., 50 Euros) which you can use freely – for home care, nursing homes, or to compensate caring relatives. This is the most flexible form.
State-Funded Care (Pflege-Bahr): A state-subsidized policy with no medical exam, making it ideal for those with pre-existing conditions.

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A good policy is defined by clear terms. We focus on:

Coverage in all Care Levels: Does the insurance pay big amounts even at Level 1 or 2?
Inflation Protection: Do the benefits increase over the years?
Premium Waiver: Do you stop paying premiums once you need care?
No Waiting Periods: Does the insurance cover you immediately in case of an accident?

Requirements for Expats

Valid German Address (Anmeldung)
German Bank Account (IBAN)
Valid Residence Permit (for at least 12 months for some providers)
Proof of income

Frequently Asked Questions

Why isn't public insurance enough?

Public long-term care insurance is designed as a basic subsidy. It only covers a portion of the actual costs. For professional care, the monthly gap can easily reach several thousand Euros.

How do care levels (Pflegegrade) work?

There are five levels of care based on the degree of independence. Level 1 is for minor needs, Level 5 for most severe cases. Benefits scale according to these levels.

Does it help protect my inheritance?

Yes, this is a primary reason for many clients. By closing the cost gap, you avoid having to spend your savings or sell property to fund care, preserving your estate for your family.

Can I take my insurance with me if I leave Germany?

Many high-quality private long-term care policies offer worldwide coverage. This means if you decide to retire in another country, your insurance protection remains active, provided you continue to pay your premiums.

Does it protect my children from care costs?

In Germany, children may be required to contribute to their parents' care costs (Elternunterhalt) if their income exceeds a certain threshold. Private coverage ensures your children are not financially burdened.

What is the difference between daily care allowance and care cost insurance?

The daily care allowance (Pflegetagegeld) pays a fixed sum per day for you to use as you wish. Care cost insurance reimburses a part of the actual costs incurred. The allowance is usually the preferred choice for expats due to its flexibility.

Long-Term Care Insurance: Protect your Assets and Dignity for Expats in Germany