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.
Key Facts at a Glance
| What is covered | A monthly care allowance depending on the care level, which you can use freely, in addition to statutory long-term care insurance. |
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| What is not covered | Care needs that already existed when the policy started, benefits during the waiting period and often low care levels in cheap tariffs. Details |
| Who needs it | For anyone who wants to protect their savings and relatives in case of care; the personal share in a nursing home averages around €3,245 per month in the first year in 2026. |
| What does it cost | Simple tariffs for young people are available for under €15 per month; strong tariffs cost around €40 at age 30 and about €100 per month at age 50. Non-binding guide value (as of 2026); your premium depends on your situation. I will gladly prepare a non-binding quote for you: get in touch. |
| What to look out for | Benefits from care level 1 or 2, premium waiver in case of care and indexation against rising care costs. |
The Story of Maria: When Care Costs consume Savings
Fictional example for illustration; all persons and events are invented.
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". In addition, under the Relatives Relief Act (Angehörigen-Entlastungsgesetz), children can also be held liable for their parents' care costs (Elternunterhalt) if a child's gross annual income exceeds €100,000.
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.
Expert Digital Advice in English
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
What Is Not Covered
Long-term care supplementary insurance closes the gap left by statutory long-term care insurance. Typical limits:
- Existing care needs: People who already need care or have a serious pre-existing condition are usually no longer accepted.
- Low care levels: Cheap tariffs often pay little or nothing in care levels 1 and 2.
- Waiting period: Some tariffs only pay after a waiting period, except for accidents.
- Rising costs: Without indexation, a fixed care allowance loses value over the years.
How I Help You When You Need to Claim Benefits
Here you deal with the insurer directly for everyday matters, which is usually the fastest way. As your broker, I am legally on your side, not the insurer's, and I step in as soon as something gets stuck:
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1. Care fund first, then the insurer
You apply for the care level with the long-term care fund of your health insurer. You then send the decision to the supplementary insurer. The contact details are in your policy document.
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2. Keep your records
Keep invoices, letters and decisions until the money has arrived. If there are queries or a dispute, they are your proof.
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3. Apply for a care level
Apply for a care level with the long-term care fund and prepare for the assessment, for example with a care diary. The decision is the basis for the supplementary insurance.
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4. I help when it gets stuck
If the insurer refuses, cuts benefits or takes too long, contact me. I check the settlement and the policy conditions and follow up with the insurer.