Which Visum types exist for Germany — and which health insurance do you need for them?

Key facts at a glance

• Germany distinguishes between four main types of visas: A, C, D, and special categories
• For almost all visas, proof of health insurance is mandatory
• A Schengen Type C visa is valid for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period
• A Type D national visa is required for stays exceeding 90 days
• Universities do not accept travel health insurance alone
• Missing or incorrect insurance regularly leads to visa denial
• Proof of insurance must be provided before entry

Overview

• What you need to know before taking the first step
• Schengen Visa Type A: Transit (Airport Transit)
• Schengen Visa Type B: Transit Visa (Land Route)
• Schengen Visa Type C: Short Stay (up to 90 days)
• Schengen Visa Type D: National Visa (over 90 days) 
• Common visa mistakes and how to avoid them
• Questions about visa types and health insurance in Germany

What you need to know before taking the first step

Germany is part of the Schengen Area. This means that a valid visa for Germany is also valid for 26 other European countries—so you can travel within the Schengen Area without border controls.

Not everyone needs a visa. Citizens of the EU, the EEA, and Switzerland can enter without a visa. Citizens of certain countries—including the U.S., Canada, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Israel, and South Korea—can also enter for short stays without a visa and apply for residence permits locally.

For everyone else, the following applies: The visa must be applied for before entry at the German embassy or consulate in your home country. Anyone who enters too early or has the wrong visa risks being denied entry.

A common mistake: People apply for the visa—but forget to provide proof of valid health insurance. Almost all visa types require proof of adequate health insurance coverage. Without this proof, the visa will not be issued.

Provisit insurance policies are recognized by German embassies, consulates, and universities. 

The Schengen Type A Visa allows you to stay in the international transit area of a German airport—without entering the actual territory of Germany. This means you do not leave the airport’s security area.

You only need this visa if your home country is on Germany’s list of countries requiring a transit visa. Citizens of many countries can transit through German airports without a Type A visa.

Health insurance: For airport transit only, you generally do not need your own health insurance for Germany, as you are not entering the country. However, as soon as you continue your journey and enter another country, the respective requirements of that country apply.

The Schengen Type B Visa has been replaced by the general Schengen visa since the Visa Code came into effect. 

Applicants receive the Type C visa with the designation “Transit”. 

Originally, the Schengen Type B visa was valid for transit through the Schengen Area by land. It had a maximum validity of 5 days.

The Schengen Type C Visa is the most commonly used visa for entry into Germany. It allows for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period throughout the entire Schengen Area.

Who uses it: Tourists, family visitors, business travelers, and trade fair participants.

The Type C visa is available in three variants:

• Single Entry – single entry
• Double Entry – two entries
• Multiple Entry – multiple entries and exits permitted

Health insurance requirement for the Type C visa: Schengen regulations require travel health insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros, valid throughout the Schengen Area. Proof must be provided at the time of visa application.

For this purpose, Provisit Visa is the right solution: The insurance is valid for 1 to 180 days, meets all Schengen requirements, and you receive confirmation immediately via email—ready to use at the embassy. Starting at €1.10/day, no deductible.

Instant confirmation from Provisit Visum – accepted by German embassies worldwide. 

Get Provisit Visa now →

You need the Type D national visa if you plan to stay in Germany for more than 90 days—for studying, working, language courses, internships, or an extended family visit. It is valid for a maximum of 12 months and also entitles you to short stays (up to 90 days) in other Schengen countries.

After entering the country, you can apply for a residence permit at the relevant Foreigners’ Registration Office to extend your stay.

Citizens of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea, and the USA can also enter Germany for work or study stays without a prior visa and apply for a residence permit directly in Germany.

Health insurance for the Type D visa: The right insurance depends on the purpose of your stay—not all products are suitable for every situation.

Depending on why you're coming to Germany:

Studying at a university (enrolled) The requirements of German universities and immigration authorities are clear: You need comprehensive health insurance, not just travel health insurance.

• Under 28 years old → Provisit Student TK (statutory health insurance through Techniker Krankenkasse, starting at €141.16/month)
• Ages 28 to 37 → Provisit Study Secure (private health insurance through ottonova, starting at €125.86/month)
• Aged 38 and older → Provisit Student (private comprehensive health insurance, starting at €129.00/month)

All three products are recognized by German universities, can be purchased before arrival, and provide immediate confirmation for visa and enrollment purposes.

Visiting scholars, doctoral candidates, scholarship recipients (not enrolled) → Provisit Science (private comprehensive insurance, starting at €79.00/month, no deductible, valid in Germany and throughout Europe)

Language students, interns, college students (not enrolled in a university) → Provisit Educare24 (International health insurance, starting at €34.50/month, up to 24 months)

Au pairs → Provisit Au-pair24 (specifically for au pairs in Germany)

Working professionals, skilled workers, expatriates → Provisit Come In (comprehensive private health insurance for international professionals)

Visitors and long-term tourists (no studies, no work) → Provisit Germany (International health insurance, starting at €38.50/month, up to 24 months, including accident and liability coverage)

Not sure which product is right for your situation? Let our experts help you.

For vacations of up to three months in Germany, a C visa is sufficient. However, if you want to work or study in Germany, you need a D visa. You have to apply for it at the German embassy before entering Germany. This rule does not apply to citizens of the following countries:

• Australia
• Israel
• Japan
• Canada
• New Zealand
• Republic of Korea
• USA

If you have a passport from one of these countries, you can also arrange for permission locally in Germany.

With the LTV visa (LTV stands for "limited territorial validity") you are only allowed to enter the country that issued you the visa. It is issued for humanitarian reasons or as a result of international obligations.

Common visa mistakes and how to avoid them

Waiting too long to apply. Depending on the embassy and the time of year, visa processing can take between two and twelve weeks. Plan for at least two months, especially for the Type D visa.

Submitting the wrong insurance. Basic travel health insurance is not sufficient for a Type D visa or for enrollment at a German university. You need comprehensive health insurance (GKV or substitute PKV).

Forgetting the incoming gap. There is often a gap of several weeks between entry and the official start of studies. Provisit Student TK and Provisit Study Secure automatically close this gap with free incoming insurance for up to 90 days.

Take out insurance only after entry. Provisit Visum can be taken out up to 10 days after entry, Provisit Germany up to 12 months after entry. Nevertheless, the following applies: Anyone who enters the country already ill is not insured for existing medical conditions.

No cancellation coverage. If your visa is denied or you fall ill shortly before your trip, Provisit Visum will refund the premium you paid—a benefit not offered by all insurance providers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visa Types and Health Insurance in Germany

What kind of insurance do I need for a Schengen visa (Type C)?

For a Schengen Type C visa, you need travel health insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros that is valid throughout the Schengen Area. Provisit Visa meets this requirement and is recognized by German embassies and consulates worldwide. You will receive confirmation immediately after purchasing online.

What health insurance do German universities accept for enrollment?

German universities accept either statutory health insurance (GKV) or private health insurance (PKV) for enrollment. Health insurance for travel abroad or travel health insurance alone is not sufficient. Provisit Student TK (GKV), Provisit Study Secure, and Provisit Student (both PKV) meet this requirement.

Can I purchase my health insurance for the visa before entering the country?

Yes – all Provisit products can be purchased before entering the country. Confirmation is sent immediately via email and can be used directly for the embassy, consulate, or university.

I am 32 years old and am coming to Germany to study. What kind of insurance do I need?

At 32, you are no longer required to have statutory health insurance for students (which normally ends at age 30). You therefore need private health insurance as a substitute for statutory health insurance. Provisit Study Secure is designed for students between the ages of 28 and 37 and is recognized by all German universities.

What is the difference between Provisit Visum and Provisit Germany for the Type D visa?

Provisit Visum is valid for up to 180 days and is a travel health insurance policy designed primarily for short stays and the Type C visa. Provisit Germany is valid for up to 24 months, is suitable for the Type D visa, and is designed as a more comprehensive package—including accident and liability coverage as well as deportation cost insurance.

My visa was denied. Will I get my insurance premium back?

With Provisit Visum: yes. If your visa is denied or you cannot enter the country due to illness, Provisit will refund the premium paid. This cancellation policy is included directly in the product.

I am a visiting researcher with a DAAD scholarship. Which insurance plan is right for me?

For visiting scholars, scholarship recipients, and postdocs who are not enrolled as students, Provisit Science is the right choice. This comprehensive private health insurance has no age limit, no deductible, is valid in Germany and throughout Europe—and is often more affordable than the DAAD’s own health insurance (starting at €79.00/month).

Didn’t find your question here? Our experts are happy to help. 

How to purchase your Provisit insurance

The process consists of three steps:

1. Select a product – Choose the insurance that fits your purpose of stay from our product overview. If you’re unsure, feel free to contact our experts. 

2. Take out the policy online – The entire process is handled online, directly from abroad. No paper forms, no waiting time.

3. Receive confirmation – Immediately after taking out the policy, you will receive the officially recognized insurance confirmation via email. This can be used directly for the embassy, consulate, or university.

Provisit is a product of DR-WALTER GmbH – with over 60 years of experience in international health insurance and TÜV-certified service quality.

^{Note: Visa requirements and insurance requirements are subject to change. You can find the latest information on visa applications at the Federal Foreign Office.}