Additional Care InsuranceGermany 2026
Compare care insurance (Pflegezusatzversicherung) and find the right coverage for your situation. Free comparison in English.
At a Glance
Updated: April 2026What You Should Know
- - Germany uses 5 care levels (Pflegegrad 1-5)
- - Statutory insurance covers only part of actual care costs
- - The gap (Pflegelucke) can be over EUR 2,000/month
- - Applying while healthy means lower premiums
Why It Matters
- - Protect your savings from nursing home costs
- - Get coverage for home care and facility care
- - State-subsidized option (Pflege-Bahr) available
- - Compare options in English right here
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What Is Pflegezusatzversicherung?
Germany's statutory care insurance (Pflegepflichtversicherung) covers basic care costs, but only partially. If you ever need professional nursing care, whether at home or in a facility, the statutory system leaves a gap. Sometimes a big one.
Pflegezusatzversicherung fills that gap. It is a private supplementary insurance that pays additional benefits on top of what the statutory system provides.
Think of it this way: statutory insurance might cover around 30-50% of actual nursing home costs. You or your family would need to pay the rest out of pocket. That is where the care gap, or Pflegelucke, comes in.
The Care Gap (Pflegelucke)
Nursing home care in Germany is expensive. Depending on the facility and region, monthly costs can run well into the thousands of euros. The statutory system assigns you a care level (Pflegegrad 1 through 5) and pays a fixed amount. The difference between that payment and the actual bill is yours to cover.
According to the Verbraucherzentrale, most people in care level 3 or higher face out of pocket costs of over EUR 2,000 per month.
Planning your finances in Germany? You might also want to compare loan offers from German banks or check out health insurance options for expats.
Germany's 5 Care Levels (Pflegegrad)
Germany uses a system of five care levels to determine support
| Care Level | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Pflegegrad 1 | Minor impairment in daily activities |
| Pflegegrad 2 | Significant impairment |
| Pflegegrad 3 | Severe impairment |
| Pflegegrad 4 | Very severe impairment |
| Pflegegrad 5 | Maximum impairment with special needs |
Three Types of Care Insurance in Germany
Not all Pflegezusatzversicherung products work the same way
Care Daily Allowance
Pflegetagegeldversicherung
Pays a fixed daily amount regardless of actual costs. You decide how to use the money.
Care Cost Insurance
Pflegekostenversicherung
Reimburses actual care costs up to a limit. You submit bills. Less flexible but can cover more in some cases.
Care Pension
Pflegerentenversicherung
Pays a fixed monthly pension when you need care. Works like a regular insurance payout. Generally the priciest option.
When Should You Get Coverage?
The short answer: earlier is better. Insurance companies check your health when you apply (Gesundheitsfragen). If you already have health conditions, coverage gets more expensive or might not be available at all.
People in their 30s and 40s pay significantly lower premiums than those applying in their 50s or 60s. If you are healthy and under 50, now is a good time to at least compare options.
There is also a state-subsidized option called Pflege-Bahr. The government adds EUR 5 per month to your premium. The catch is that Pflege-Bahr plans offer limited coverage, so many advisors recommend a regular private plan instead if you can afford it.
FAQ: Care Insurance for Expats in Germany
Do I need Pflegezusatzversicherung as a foreigner in Germany?
It is not legally required, but if you plan to stay in Germany long term, it is worth considering. The statutory care insurance that comes with your health insurance covers only part of actual care costs. Without supplementary coverage, you or your family would need to cover the gap.
How much does supplementary care insurance cost in Germany?
Monthly premiums depend on your age, health, and chosen coverage level. Younger applicants in good health typically pay lower premiums. Use the comparison tool above to see actual quotes based on your situation.
Can I get care insurance if I have pre-existing conditions?
It depends on the condition and the insurer. During the application, you answer health questions (Gesundheitsfragen). Some conditions may lead to higher premiums or exclusions. Each insurer evaluates differently, which is why comparing multiple offers matters.
What is the difference between Pflegegeld and Pflegezusatzversicherung?
Pflegegeld is the cash benefit paid by statutory care insurance to people with a recognized care level. Pflegezusatzversicherung is a separate private insurance that pays additional money on top of the statutory benefit to help close the care gap.
Is Pflege-Bahr worth it?
Pflege-Bahr is state-subsidized care insurance where the government contributes EUR 5 per month. While the subsidy sounds appealing, these plans typically offer lower benefits than regular private plans. For most people under 60 in good health, a standard Pflegezusatzversicherung provides better coverage.
Can I take my care insurance if I leave Germany?
Most German Pflegezusatzversicherung policies only pay benefits if you receive care in Germany or the EU. If you plan to retire outside Europe, check the specific policy terms. Some insurers offer worldwide coverage at higher premiums.
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