Top 10 Mistakes Expats Make When They Move to Germany (And How to Avoid Them)
January 15, 2026
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If you’re planning a trip to Germany — whether it’s for work, study, a long stay, or a future move — one of the things that’s absolutely essential is health insurance. In Germany, everyone needs valid health coverage, and private plans can be especially useful if you’re not eligible for the public system or want more flexibility and faster access to care. But with so many options out there, it can feel confusing to choose the right one.
First of all, private health insurance in Germany (often called Private Krankenversicherung or PKV) is different from the public system. It’s available to people who earn above a certain income, the self‑employed, students above a certain age, and civil servants — and it lets you tailor your coverage, often with perks like quicker specialist appointments or private hospital rooms.
One of the most talked‑about options for expats is Ottonova. This company focuses on English‑friendly service and modern digital tools that make signing up and managing your insurance much easier if you’re new to Germany. Travelers and expats appreciate Ottonova because you can do most of the process through an app, get help in English, and choose from plans that are suited for different lengths of stay and needs. Expats Germany
If you prefer a customizable and flexible plan, Feather Insurance is another provider worth checking out. Based in Berlin, Feather offers private health cover with different levels of benefits depending on what you want — from basic everyday care all the way up to top‑tier plans with extensive dental and specialist coverage. Its online process is straightforward and built with expats in mind. Feather Insurance
Beyond those two names, there are also several established German insurers with strong reputations that offer private health coverage tailored to residents and long‑term visitors. Big names like Allianz Private Krankenversicherung and Hallesche have been around for decades and provide a wide range of tariff options, from comprehensive plans to ones that focus on specific needs like dental or hospital upgrade coverage. myhealthcarebroker.com+1
Another option worth exploring is Care Concept’s Expatriate plans, which are designed for people staying in Germany for a few months up to several years. These policies can often be arranged online and provide coverage that meets visa and residency requirements, which is especially helpful if you’re sorting out paperwork for your stay. Care Concept
Before you choose, think about what matters most for you: do you want worldwide coverage, English support, quick specialist appointments, or lower monthly costs? Private insurance premiums in Germany are based on your age, health status, and level of coverage — and unlike public insurance, each person has their own contract and price. IamExpat in Germany
Helpful links to explore:
🔗 Ottonova (expat‑friendly private health insurance) – https://ottonova.de
🔗 Feather Insurance (digital private health options) – https://feather‑insurance.com
🔗 General guide to private health insurance in Germany – https://expats.de/en/health‑insurance/private‑health‑insurance/
Choosing the right health insurance can feel overwhelming, but taking the time to compare plans and understand what you need will make your travel or move to Germany much smoother. Once you’ve got it set up, you can focus on enjoying your time in this beautiful and well‑organized country with peace of mind that your health is covered.
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