Public health insurance (GKV) provides solid basic care, but many premium services are not covered. Whether it's alternative medicine, high-quality glasses, or modern screening examinations, you often have to pay out of pocket. Our Outpatient Supplementary Insurance for expats closes these gaps and secures the treatment you desire.
Key Facts at a Glance
| What is covered | Benefits that public health insurance does not pay or only partially pays, such as glasses, alternative practitioners, check-ups and co-payments for medicines and aids. |
|---|---|
| What is not covered | Ongoing treatment, benefits above the tariff limits and inpatient treatment. Details |
| Who needs it | For people with public health insurance who regularly need glasses, use naturopathy or want extra check-ups. |
| What does it cost | Simple tariffs are available from around €5 to €10 per month; comprehensive packages cost more. Non-binding guide value (as of 2026); your premium depends on your situation. You can calculate your exact premium in the comparison calculator on this page. |
| What to look out for | Annual budgets, benefits for glasses and alternative practitioners, and any waiting periods. |
The Story of Jonas: Pain-free thanks to Osteopathy
Fictional example for illustration; all persons and events are invented.
Jonas is a 38-year-old software developer working in Germany. Spending long hours at his desk, he suffered from chronic back pain. His doctor prescribed painkillers and classic physical therapy, both only provided short-term relief.
A colleague recommended an osteopath. Jonas was skeptical, but the treatment noticeably improved his quality of life after the first session. The problem: public insurance covers osteopathy either not at all or only a tiny fraction. One session cost Jonas 90 Euros. "Daniel," he told me, "I need at least six appointments. That's over 500 Euros out of my own pocket."
Fortunately, Jonas had recently signed up for an outpatient supplementary policy. His tariff covers 80% of alternative practitioner costs up to a budget of 1,000 Euros per year. Instead of 540 Euros, Jonas ended up paying only 108 Euros himself. "The insurance allowed me to find a path to being pain-free without worrying about the money," Jonas says today. In addition, when he needs new glasses next year, the insurance will contribute a large part to that as well.
Alternative Medicine
Coverage for Osteopathy, Acupuncture, and many other natural healing methods.
Vision & Prevention
Regular budgets for glasses and contact lenses, plus advanced medical check-ups.
Why Public Insurance saves on Outpatient Care for Expats in Germany
The benefits of public insurance are strictly regulated. Anything not "medically necessary" in a basic sense is often cut. This particularly affects:
- Natural Healing: Osteopathy, acupuncture, homeopathy, etc.
- Vision Aids: GKV only pays tiny amounts for glasses in cases of extreme visual impairment.
- Screenings: Many sensible check-ups must be paid privately.
- Travel: Without supplementary cover, you are not protected outside Europe.
Expert Digital Advice in English
In our neutral Remote consultation, we tailor the protection to your lifestyle. We focus on:
- Reimbursement Rates: Does the tariff pay 100% or 80%? Are there limits per session?
- Hufeland List: Ensuring the policy covers a wide range of natural healing methods.
- Waiting Periods: Finding tariffs that provide protection as quickly as possible.
Requirements for Expats
- Valid German Address (Anmeldung)
- German Bank Account (IBAN)
- Proof of Income
- Medical History (Health check required)
What Is Not Covered
Outpatient supplementary insurance specifically tops up your public health insurance. These points are typically not covered:
- Ongoing treatment: Anything already started or recommended before the policy began is not covered.
- Maximum amounts: Most tariffs limit reimbursement, for example to an annual budget or once every two years for glasses.
- Hospital: Hospital benefits are covered by inpatient supplementary insurance.
- Dental treatment: Dentures and dental treatment are covered by dental insurance.
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. Contact the insurer directly
Invoices and prescriptions go directly to the insurer, via app, upload or post. 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. Collect receipts
Collect invoices and prescriptions and submit them together, most easily digitally. Make sure the diagnosis and treatment are stated on the invoice.
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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.
Compare Rates Yourself
Use our comparison tool to calculate premiums and find the best rates for your situation. You can sign up directly online.
Comparison calculator by blau direkt GmbH (maklerinfo.biz)
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Please note: this calculator is provided by a German platform and is only available in German. If you need help filling it in, I am happy to go through it with you in English.