Question 1

What does "Medically appropriate repatriation" mean?

Accepted Answer

If you fall seriously ill or have an accident abroad, it may be better to bring you back to your home country – for example because you can be treated better there or because you are closer to your family. The insurance can cover the cost of this transport. 'Medically advisable' means: a doctor decides whether the transport makes sense from a medical point of view – not you, and not simply because you want to go home. What exactly is covered is written in the terms and conditions (AVB) of your plan.

Question 2

What does "Medical transport (Krankentransport)" mean?

Accepted Answer

Trips by ambulance or medical transport that are necessary for medical reasons – for example from the scene of an accident to the hospital or between two clinics. This is not the same as medical repatriation to your home country. Whether and to what extent such transport is covered is set out in the terms of insurance (AVB).

Question 3

What does "Deductible" mean?

Accepted Answer

The deductible is the part of the medical bill you pay yourself. Only after that does the insurance pay. Example: if your deductible is €100 per year, you pay the first €100 of the year yourself. Anything above that is covered by the insurance – within the terms of your plan. Plans with a deductible are usually cheaper, but you pay something yourself when you need treatment.

Question 4

What does "Deductible per calendar year" mean?

Accepted Answer

A deductible means: you pay part of the medical bills yourself, and only after that does the insurance pay.

With this plan the deductible applies per CALENDAR YEAR. A calendar year always runs from 1 January to 31 December. This is important: the deductible does NOT depend on when your contract started, and it does not apply per doctor's visit. For example, if your insurance starts in October, the deductible still resets on 1 January of the following year.

The exact amount and what the deductible applies to is written in the terms of insurance (AVB) and in the provider's tariff description.

Question 5

What does "Deductible per insurance year" mean?

Accepted Answer

In this plan the deductible applies per insurance year (12 months from the start of the contract). Example: with a €150 deductible per insurance year, you pay the first €150 of costs in that period yourself. Anything above that is covered by the insurance within the terms. This is not the same as a calendar year (1 January – 31 December).

Question 6

What does "Deductible per insurance case" mean?

Accepted Answer

In this plan you pay the deductible for EACH individual insurance case. An insurance case is, for example, an illness or an accident. Example: with a €25 deductible and three doctor visits in a year for different conditions, you pay 3 × €25 = €75 yourself. This is different from a deductible per calendar year or per insurance year.

Question 7

What does "Insurance year" mean?

Accepted Answer

An insurance year starts on the day your contract begins and lasts exactly 12 months. If your insurance starts, for example, on 15 March, the first insurance year ends on 14 March of the following year. It is NOT the calendar year (1 January to 31 December). Many benefit limits and deductibles are calculated per insurance year.

Question 8

What does "Waiting period" mean?

Accepted Answer

A waiting period is a period of time at the beginning during which the insurance does not yet pay for certain things. Example: if a benefit has a waiting period of 8 months, the insurance will only pay for it once you have been insured for 8 months. Which benefits have a waiting period, and how long it is, is written in the terms and conditions (AVB).

Question 9

What does "Instant confirmation" mean?

Accepted Answer

With many Care Concept plans you receive digital confirmation of your cover by email directly after the online application and payment. You can present this at the embassy or on entry. Important: with some plans and above a certain age or amount, additional checks (e.g. health questions) may be needed – in that case the confirmation is not instant.

Question 10

What does "Outpatient treatment" mean?

Accepted Answer

A treatment in which you do NOT stay overnight in a hospital. You go to a doctor or a practice, are examined or treated, and then go home again.

Question 11

What does "Inpatient treatment" mean?

Accepted Answer

A treatment in which you stay in a hospital and spend the night there – for example after an operation or for a serious illness.

Question 12

What does "Pre-existing condition" mean?

Accepted Answer

An illness you already had or have before taking out the insurance. Many insurances do not pay for such illnesses, or only to a limited extent. If you have an illness, always check the terms and conditions (AVB) before signing up, or ask the provider directly.

Question 13

What does "Dental prosthetics" mean?

Accepted Answer

Artificial replacement for teeth that are missing or badly damaged – for example crowns, bridges or dentures. This is different from a normal dental treatment such as a filling.

Question 14

What does "Pain-relieving dental treatment" mean?

Accepted Answer

Dental treatments that serve to relieve acute pain – for example emergency treatment for toothache, simple fillings or root canal treatment for complaints. Complex measures such as dental prosthetics (crowns, bridges, dentures) or purely cosmetic treatments do NOT fall under this. The exact limits are set out in the terms of insurance (AVB).

The stated limit applies per insurance year. This means: within one insurance year the insurance reimburses at most this amount for this benefit. An insurance year starts when your contract starts – not on 1 January. The exact amounts and conditions are set out in the terms of insurance (AVB).

Question 15

What does "Professional dental cleaning" mean?

Accepted Answer

A thorough cleaning of the teeth by trained staff at the dentist. Plaque and discolouration are removed, which helps to prevent cavities and gum disease. The statutory health insurance (GKV) usually does not cover the full cost – some funds like DAK give a subsidy. Details are in the benefit information of the fund.

Question 16

What does "Therapeutic services (Heilmittel)" mean?

Accepted Answer

Treatments prescribed by a doctor and performed by specially trained staff – for example physiotherapy, massage, occupational therapy or speech therapy. These are different from medications (Arzneimittel) or aids (Hilfsmittel) such as walking aids.

The stated limit applies per insurance year. This means: within one insurance year the insurance reimburses at most this amount for this benefit. An insurance year starts when your contract starts – not on 1 January. The exact amounts and conditions are set out in the terms of insurance (AVB).

Question 17

What does "Aids (Hilfsmittel)" mean?

Accepted Answer

Medical items you need because of an illness or disability – for example walking aids, bandages or hearing aids.

The stated limit applies per insurance year. This means: within one insurance year the insurance reimburses at most this amount for this benefit. An insurance year starts when your contract starts – not on 1 January. The exact amounts and conditions are set out in the terms of insurance (AVB).

Question 18

What does "Statutory health insurance (GKV)" mean?

Accepted Answer

The public health insurance system in Germany. Anyone who works here as an employee or is enrolled at a university normally has to join the statutory health insurance. The contribution is usually based on income, not on age or state of health.

Question 19

What does "Private health insurance (PKV)" mean?

Accepted Answer

A health insurance with a private company instead of the public system. The contribution is usually based on age and the scope you choose. Whether you can take out private insurance depends on your situation (e.g. age, reason for stay, employment).

Question 20

What does "Private patient" mean?

Accepted Answer

Anyone with private health insurance (PKV) – for example Care Student – is a “private patient” at the doctor. Among other things this means: free choice of doctor, often shorter waiting times, and in some cases different treatment options. Unlike in the statutory scheme (GKV), the doctor bills you directly, and you submit the invoice to your insurance.

Question 21

What does "Personal liability insurance" mean?

Accepted Answer

This insurance helps when YOU accidentally cause damage to someone else – for example if you drop a friend's phone or cause water damage in your apartment. It protects your own money, because in Germany you normally have to pay for such damage yourself. Important: it is NOT for your own health – that is what health insurance is for.

Question 22

What does "Accident insurance" mean?

Accepted Answer

This insurance pays money if an accident leaves you with a permanent physical impairment. It is different from health insurance: health insurance pays for the treatment, accident insurance pays a sum in case of lasting consequences.

Question 23

What does "Blocked account (Sperrkonto)" mean?

Accepted Answer

A special bank account required for some visas. You pay a fixed amount into it in advance and may then only withdraw a certain part of it each month. This shows the authorities that you have enough money for your stay.

Question 24

What does "AVB (general terms of insurance)" mean?

Accepted Answer

These are the official rules of your contract. They state exactly what the insurance pays for, what it does not pay for, and which conditions apply. These rules are binding – even if websites explain things in a shorter or simpler way.

Question 25

What does "Enrolment (Immatrikulation)" mean?

Accepted Answer

The official registration as a student at a German university. Without valid health insurance, enrolment in Germany is normally not possible.

Question 26

What does "Subject to social insurance" mean?

Accepted Answer

You work in Germany with a regular employment contract, and contributions for health, pension and other insurances are automatically deducted from your salary. Employer and employee normally share these contributions.

Question 27

What does "Premium / contribution" mean?

Accepted Answer

The money you regularly (usually monthly) pay to the insurance so that your cover remains in place.

Question 28

What does "Money-back guarantee" mean?

Accepted Answer

With some plans (e.g. Care College) you receive part of the premium back if you claimed no or only certain benefits during the insurance period. The exact conditions (e.g. minimum term, what counts as a benefit, how much is refunded) are set out in the tariff description and the terms of insurance (AVB).

Question 29

What does "Minimum three years of membership" mean?

Accepted Answer

Some DAK add-on benefits (e.g. Garantietarif 120 or Fit & Travel) require you to remain a member for at least 3 years. If you leave DAK before this time, the refund can be fully or partly reclaimed. Exception: returning to the home country. The exact rules are in the DAK tariff conditions.

Question 30

What does "Post-contract cover" mean?

Accepted Answer

A period of time after the end of the insurance during which cover may still exist for certain cases. Whether, and for how long, is written in the terms and conditions (AVB).

Question 31

What does "Schengen visa" mean?

Accepted Answer

A visa for a short stay (up to 90 days) in the Schengen area – which includes most EU countries and a few others. Health insurance with at least €30,000 of cover is required for this visa.

Question 32

What does "M10 notification" mean?

Accepted Answer

An electronic notification sent by the health insurance to the university confirming that you are insured. Without this notification, enrolment at a German university is normally not possible.

Question 33

What does "Insurance in home country" mean?

Accepted Answer

During a long stay abroad, coverage often also exists if you return temporarily to your home country (e.g. for a vacation). With Care Expatriate (Comfort), this is up to 60 days per insurance year, provided the insurance has been in place for at least 6 months.

IMPORTANT: Such trips to the home country must be REPORTED IN WRITING to the insurer BEFORE the trip begins. Without this prior notification, there is no insurance cover during this time. The exact rules are set out in the terms of insurance (AVB).

Question 34

What is incoming health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Health insurance for people coming to Germany from abroad. It covers doctors, hospital, medication and emergencies during your stay.

Question 35

Difference between incoming insurance and travel insurance?

Accepted Answer

Travel insurance is for short holidays abroad. Incoming insurance is for people who come to Germany and stay longer.

Question 36

Do EU citizens also need incoming insurance?

Accepted Answer

With the EHIC card EU citizens are covered for emergencies. For longer stays (study, work) a full health insurance is still required.

Question 37

Can I sign up online from my home country?

Accepted Answer

Yes — all Care Concept tariffs can be taken out online before departure. You receive instant confirmation by e-mail.

Question 38

Do I get instant confirmation?

Accepted Answer

Yes, after successful online sign-up you immediately receive an insurance confirmation — also valid for the visa application.

Question 39

Sign up before or after entering Germany?

Accepted Answer

Before entering. For a Schengen visa you need the insurance already at the time of application.

Question 40

Am I covered during short visits to my home country?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the tariff. Many Care Concept tariffs also cover short stays in other Schengen countries and home visits. Note: For Care Economy and Care College, the stay in the home country must be reported in writing BEFORE the trip begins. Please check the AVB (terms).

Question 41

What is instant confirmation?

Accepted Answer

After signing up online, you will receive your insurance documents immediately by e-mail as a PDF. You can print these out directly for your visa application or enrolment.

Question 42

What does 'insurance year' mean?

Accepted Answer

A period of 12 months starting from the chosen insurance start date. It differs from the calendar year (January to December). Some benefits or deductibles refer to this period.

Question 43

What is the difference in the deductible?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the tariff, there are different forms: 'Per insurance case' (for every new illness), 'Per insurance year' (one-off amount per 12 months) or 'Per calendar year' (one-off per year from Jan-Dec).

Question 44

What does 'private patient' mean?

Accepted Answer

In tariffs such as Care Student or Care Austria, you are treated like a privately insured person. You can often get appointments faster and have access to a wider range of benefits and doctors.

Question 45

What are remedies (Heilmittel)?

Accepted Answer

These include physical therapies such as physiotherapy, massages, speech therapy or occupational therapy prescribed by a doctor.

Question 46

What is a money-back guarantee?

Accepted Answer

If you do not claim any benefits during the first few months and then end the insurance (e.g. with Care College Comfort), the insurer will refund parts of the premium under certain conditions.

Question 47

Which doctor can I go to?

Accepted Answer

You have free choice of doctors and hospitals in Germany.

Question 48

Do I need prior approval?

Accepted Answer

Not for emergencies. For planned inpatient stays and remedies, prior clarification with the insurer is recommended.

Question 49

How does billing work?

Accepted Answer

You pay the bill yourself first (reimbursement principle), submit it to Care Concept and receive the refund.

Question 50

What do I do in an emergency?

Accepted Answer

Dial 112 (emergency number in Germany). For non-emergency medical help call the 24/7 emergency line of Care Concept.

Question 51

Is there a 24/7 emergency number?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all Care Concept products include a 24/7 emergency hotline.

Question 52

What is covered — what is not?

Accepted Answer

Covered: medically necessary treatment, emergencies, medication. Not covered: cosmetic surgery, intentionally caused damage, individual tariff-specific exclusions — see AVB.

Question 53

Are pre-existing conditions covered?

Accepted Answer

Acute treatment of pre-existing conditions is covered. Chronic, plannable treatments are often excluded — please check the AVB.

Question 54

Is pregnancy covered? From when?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with most tariffs after 8 months waiting time from the start of the insurance.

Question 55

What about dental treatment?

Accepted Answer

Pain-relieving dental treatment is always covered. Dental prosthetics depending on tariff (e.g. Care College Comfort: 50 %, up to €500).

Question 56

Are medications covered?

Accepted Answer

Yes — medications prescribed by a doctor are reimbursed under all Care Concept tariffs.

Question 57

What happens during a hospital stay?

Accepted Answer

Inpatient treatment is covered. For planned stays, prior arrangement with Care Concept is recommended.

Question 58

Which insurance do I need for university enrolment?

Accepted Answer

You need a recognised German insurance: either statutory (DAK) or private (Care Student). The university requires the M10 notification.

Question 59

What is an M10 notification?

Accepted Answer

An electronic message from the health insurer to the university confirming that you are insured. No M10, no enrolment.

Question 60

Can I take private insurance as a student?

Accepted Answer

Yes — with Care Student you choose private insurance. Careful: this choice is binding for the entire duration of your studies.

Question 61

What is the DAK Guarantee tariff 120?

Accepted Answer

You get €120 back once a year — effectively €10 saved per month. Requirement: at least 3 years DAK membership (except return to home country).

Question 62

What is DAK Fit & Travel — does it cost extra?

Accepted Answer

Up to age 39 completely free with 3 years minimum membership. Includes worldwide travel protection, chief-physician treatment after accident, €60 fitness bonus.

Question 63

Until when am I in the student insurance?

Accepted Answer

Until the age of 30 — after that normal statutory contributions or private insurance.

Question 64

Can I co-insure my family?

Accepted Answer

In statutory insurance: yes, free of charge. In private insurance (Care Student): only individually insured.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Insurance terms explained simply

A — General about Incoming Health Insurance

F — Insurance terms explained simply

B — At the doctor / claims process

C — For students

D — For employees

E — Sign-up & Legal

Important notice on independence