Definition. Health insurance abroad (Auslandskrankenversicherung) is a private travel health insurance that covers treatment abroad. Depending on the tariff, it also pays for medically necessary repatriation to Germany. Anyone who studies abroad, does an internship or travels often adds this to German cover. It depends on the tariff, so a close look at benefits and term is worthwhile.
What health insurance abroad covers
Typical benefits are doctor and hospital costs abroad, prescribed medicines and often repatriation. The scope differs strongly between tariffs. A tariff with repatriation usually costs more than one that covers treatment only. Check whether pre-existing conditions are included and for how long the stay abroad is covered at most.
When you need it in addition
Within the EU and the EEA, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) helps with necessary treatment, but it does not replace comprehensive cover abroad. Outside these countries, German cover often applies only to a limited extent. For an exchange semester, an internship abroad or a longer trip, it is therefore worth checking the tariff before you leave.
Figures for 2026 and their sources
The fact base contains no premium for health insurance abroad, because costs vary by tariff, age and length of stay. German cover remains compulsory insurance in the KVdS, whose contribution in 2026 is 87.38 euros per month without the additional contribution (GKV-Spitzenverband, fact sheet on calculation variables 2026).
An example for an exchange semester
You spend one semester in a country outside the EU and stay enrolled in Germany. Statutory cover only partly pays for what arises there. You therefore compare tariffs that include treatment and repatriation, and check beforehand whether the tariff applies to your length of stay.
Related terms
- Health insurance abroad for Erasmus, USA and work and travel: Health insurance abroad at a glance (in German)
- Health insurance for students planning to go abroad: Private health insurance for students outside the EU (in German)
- Private health insurance in the EU: Private health insurance for students in the EU (in German)
- European Health Insurance Card: Health insurance for Erasmus students (in German)
- All terms at a glance: Health insurance for students: glossary from A to Z
Frequently asked questions
Is the European Health Insurance Card enough for an exchange semester?
The card helps with medically necessary treatment in EU and EEA countries and in Switzerland. For repatriation and benefits that go beyond what is necessary, it is usually not enough.
Do I need health insurance abroad within Germany as well?
No. For stays in Germany, your existing health insurance is responsible. Health insurance abroad concerns only trips and stays outside the country.
When should I take out the tariff?
Take out the tariff before you leave and check the cover for your exact period. Taking out a policy after a claim has occurred is generally no longer possible.
Last updated: October 2026. This entry is general information, not individual advice. The German version is authoritative.
Sources: GKV-Spitzenverband, fact sheet on calculation variables 2026, tariff conditions of the respective providers.
