What Happens to Your PKV if You Move Abroad from Germany?
Germany's private health insurance system is designed primarily for residents living and working in Germany. When you move abroad — whether temporarily for work, permanently, or for an extended period — your PKV situation requires careful consideration. The good news is that several options exist to protect your healthcare coverage and your accumulated insurance rights.
Key principle: Before leaving Germany, always contact your PKV provider to discuss your options. The right solution depends heavily on whether your move is temporary or permanent and how long you plan to be abroad.
International Emergency Coverage
Most standard German PKV tariffs include emergency medical coverage worldwide. If you fall ill or are injured while abroad — on holiday, a short business trip, or even a longer stay — your PKV will typically cover emergency treatment. However, the specifics vary by tariff:
- Emergency coverage duration is typically limited (commonly up to 6 or 12 weeks per trip)
- Repatriation to Germany may be covered if medically necessary
- Planned medical treatment abroad (elective surgery, specialist consultations) is usually not covered under standard emergency clauses
- Some premium tariffs include broader international coverage for planned treatment
Short-Term Stays Abroad (Under 6 Months)
For stays of up to 6 months — a common scenario for remote workers, researchers, or seconded employees — most PKV policies continue to apply with standard international emergency coverage. You should:
- Notify your insurer before extended travel
- Check the specific duration limits in your tariff's international section
- Consider whether a supplementary international health insurance plan is needed to fill any gaps
Long-Term and Permanent Moves: The Anwartschaft Option
If you are moving abroad for an extended period but intend to return to Germany, the Anwartschaft (dormant insurance) is one of the most valuable options available to PKV holders. An Anwartschaft allows you to:
Permanently Leaving Germany
If you are leaving Germany permanently with no intention of returning, you will generally need to cancel your PKV policy. PKV contracts typically have a standard notice period of three months, though policies often include special termination rights (Sonderkündigungsrecht) on premium increases. Cancellation means you forfeit your accumulated ageing provisions — a significant financial loss if you have been in PKV for many years.
Before cancelling, consider whether a dormant Anwartschaft makes sense even for a long absence, particularly if there is any possibility of returning to Germany within 10–15 years.
Practical Steps Before Moving Abroad
- Contact your PKV insurer to discuss your specific plans and timeline
- Request written confirmation of your international emergency coverage terms
- Ask about Anwartschaft options and their costs
- Research health insurance requirements in your destination country
- If staying in the EU, check your rights under EU health insurance coordination rules
- Keep your German address registration (Anmeldung) active if you are not permanently deregistering