Waiting Periods in Private Health Insurance in Germany
When you take out a new PKV policy in Germany, you will typically encounter Wartezeiten — waiting periods during which specific types of planned treatment are not yet covered. Understanding these is essential so you are not caught out shortly after your policy begins.
Always covered from day one: Emergency medical treatment is covered immediately regardless of any waiting period. Wartezeiten apply only to non-emergency, planned treatments.
The Two Standard Waiting Periods
| Type | German Term | Duration | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Waiting Period | Allgemeine Wartezeit | 3 months | Most standard medical treatments not covered by the special period |
| Special Waiting Period | Besondere Wartezeit | 8 months | Psychotherapy, maternity care, complex dental, orthodontics |
What Is Always Covered From Day One?
- Emergency medical treatment — ambulance, A&E, emergency surgery
- Accident injuries — covered immediately under virtually all tariffs
- Acute illness GP consultations — typically covered immediately
- Emergency dental treatment — pain relief and acute dental emergencies
When Are Waiting Periods Waived?
The 8-Month Maternity Waiting Period
The 8-month maternity waiting period is one of the most practically significant Wartezeiten. If you became pregnant within 8 months of starting PKV without prior continuous coverage, some maternity-related hospitalisation costs may not be fully covered. Crucially:
- Routine prenatal check-ups are covered immediately under most tariffs
- Switching from GKV immediately before pregnancy typically waives this period
- Emergency obstetric care is always covered regardless
The Dental and Orthodontic Waiting Period
Major dental restoration and orthodontic treatment plans initiated within the waiting period are typically not covered once the period ends — they must not be started until coverage is active. Routine check-ups and emergency dental treatment are generally exempt. If you are planning significant dental work, check the exact timing relative to your policy start date before booking any consultations that could be interpreted as initiating a treatment plan.
Psychotherapy and Psychiatric Treatment
The 8-month waiting period for psychotherapy affects planned, ongoing therapy — not acute psychiatric crises. If you are already in treatment when joining PKV, discuss this with your insurer before switching. Some insurers will exclude ongoing treatment as a pre-existing condition rather than apply a blanket waiting period.