Visa for medical treatment in Germany: requirements, costs, legal basis

The German healthcare system enjoys a high reputation, which is why over 250,000 people annually travel to Germany for medical treatment. For non-EU citizens, the visa and residence permit for medical treatment are subject to various conditions, such as a Schengen travel insurance. In this article, we will explain how to apply for the Schengen visa for medical treatments, what to consider, and what costs you can expect. We have gathered all the essential information about medical treatment for foreigners in Germany.

Table of contents:

What is a visa for medical treatment?

A medical visa is a travel document required when non-EU citizens wish to travel to Germany for medical treatment. The conditions for issuing the visa depend, among other factors, on the applicant's country of origin and the planned length of stay. Typically, proof of the necessity of the medical treatment and the financial means to cover it is required.

Who needs a medical visa for Germany?

The visa for medical treatment in Germany must be applied for by citizens of countries outside the Schengen area that do not have a visa liberalization agreement with the EU. According to the German Foreign Office, this currently applies to 107 countries worldwide.

❗You can quickly find out whether you need a visa for medical treatment in Germany by checking our list of visa-required countries.

No visa for medical treatment in Germany is required for citizens of the EU and EFTA, as well as visa-exempt third countries. You can read about which countries those are in our article on visa-exempt third countries.

Can anyone be treated in Germany with a medical visa?

No, unfortunately, it’s not that simple! The visa for medical treatment for foreigners in Germany depends not only on the applicant’s country of origin. It is important that the medical necessity of the treatment can be proven with a doctor's certificate. You should also have sufficient financial means to cover both the cost of treatment and your stay—such as accommodation, food, travel insurance, etc.

Which type of visa is required for medical treatments in Germany?

In principle, you can apply for the medical visa for Germany in two different ways:

Option 1: Visa Type C (Schengen Visa)

With the Schengen Visa, also called a visitor visa, your stay in Germany and all other Schengen countries is approved for a period of up to 90 days within 180 days. If it is expected that your medical consultation or treatment will be completed within this time, the Type C visa is recommended. If the medical treatment lasts longer than the approved 90 days, the Type C visa may be extended under certain circumstances (e.g., humanitarian reasons, urgent medical treatment) to a national Type D visa.

Option 2: Visa Type D (National Visa)

The national visa allows you to stay for a longer period only in the country where you applied for it. The exact duration of stay will be determined based on the submitted documents and medical records, as well as the estimated length of the medical treatment. If the medical treatment lasts longer than the validity of your national Type D visa, a temporary residence permit for medical treatment may be granted. More details can be found in the corresponding section below in the article.

How and where can I apply for a medical treatment visa for Germany?

To apply for a medical treatment visa in Germany, you generally need to contact the German embassy or consulate in your home country or the country of your permanent residence. In some countries, the German foreign representations work with visa application centers, which can also be used to submit your application.

Steps to follow when applying:

  1. Book an appointment online with the responsible visa office
  2. Complete, print, and sign the application form
  3. Gather the required documents (see checklist)
  4. Obtain Schengen travel health insurance (Tips here)
  5. Submit the application and required documents to the visa office
  6. Pay the visa fee
  7. Pick up the issued visa (processing time may vary)

Checklist: Documents for a Medical Visa to Germany

The necessary documents and requirements for your medical visa to Germany may vary depending on your nationality, individual situation, and the German mission you are applying to.

However, the following documents are usually required for the application:

  1. Visa application form: Available on the website of the German mission in your home or residence country or on the Federal Republic of Germany’s Make it in Germany page
  2. Passport: Valid for at least three months after the planned departure from Germany, issued within the last 10 years
  3. Biometric passport photos: Must meet the requirements of the German Embassy
  4. Travel confirmation: Proof of accommodation during the stay through a hotel reservation or an invitation letter from friends or family
  5. Medical documents and doctor's certificate: Letter from the clinic or treating physician, including proof of the necessity of the medical treatment through treatment plans and diagnoses, the treatment appointment, as well as the expected duration and costs
  6. Proof of financial means: Through current bank statements, salary slips, or a third-party obligation letter
  7. Proof of intent to return: Through family ties, employment contracts, or property ownership
  8. Travel health insurance: Must be valid in all Schengen countries and provide coverage of at least 30,000 Euros

Note: This list includes all the basic documents you need to submit for the visa application. Depending on the type of visa, the German mission, and your individual situation, additional documents may also be required. Therefore, make sure to check with the relevant visa office beforehand!

How early should the visa be applied for?

The processing time for your medical treatment visa depends on various factors and can range from 14 days to several months. The Schengen Visa Type C is usually associated with less bureaucracy and can generally be processed within 15 calendar days. On the other hand, the national Visa Type D may require proof of German language skills, and the visa process may take several months.

❗So, pay attention to the timing of the application and prepare the necessary documents in advance! You can submit the application up to 6 months before the planned travel date.

How much does a medical visa to Germany cost?

For non-EU citizens, in addition to the costs of the treatment itself, there are other financial expenses when receiving medical treatment in Germany. The largest item is the consular fee for the visa application, which varies depending on the type of visa and the applicant’s age:

Schengen Visa Type C

  • 80 Euros for individuals aged 12 and older
  • 40 Euros for children between 6 and 11 years
  • Free for children under 6 years

National Visa Type D

  • 75 Euros for individuals aged 18 and older
  • 37.50 Euros for individuals under 18 years

For certain groups of people, a fee reduction or exemption may apply.

Important: In both cases, the fee paid is not refunded if the visa application is rejected.

How long can I stay in Germany with a medical visa?

The approved duration of stay in Germany depends on the type of visa and the conditions specified in it. The Schengen Visa Type C, as a medical visa for Germany, generally allows you to stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. If it is expected before the trip that the medical treatment will require a stay longer than 90 days, a national Visa Type D should be applied for. The validity is tailored to your situation and is stated in the visa approval. Normally, the duration of the Type D visa ranges from 3 months to up to one year.

Can the medical visa be extended to a residence permit?

Yes, under certain circumstances, it is possible to temporarily convert your medical treatment visa into a residence permit if the treatment duration exceeds the approved stay. If you are staying in Germany with a Schengen Visa Type C, you cannot obtain a residence permit for medical treatment. However, under certain conditions, you can extend the Schengen Visa to a national Visa Type D. A Type D Visa can be converted into a temporary residence permit for both the patient and a companion as long as the medical treatment is ongoing. The required documents can be found on the ServicePortal Berlin.

Which Travel Insurance is Required for a Visa?

Obtaining a medical visa is possible for foreigners from third countries only with proof of a sufficient travel health insurance. This insurance must meet specific criteria, otherwise, there is a risk that the visa application will be rejected. AXA Schengen is recognized by all embassies as an insurer and offers travel insurances that meet all the conditions for a successful visa application:

  • valid in all Schengen countries
  • minimum coverage of 30,000 Euros (or 100,000 Euros if required)
  • covers the entire stay, including medical emergency and/or hospital emergency room costs
  • covers the cost of repatriation in case of illness or death
  • accepted by all consulates and embassies

But beware: The AXA Schengen travel insurance does not cover planned medical costs, and is only a requirement for obtaining the visa. A visitor intentionally traveling to Germany (or another Schengen country) for medical treatment must pay for the treatment themselves or may be covered by their own national health insurance.

AXA-Schengen meets all the criteria and offers three different incoming insurances for visas to Germany. Choose the appropriate travel insurance for your visa based on your budget and needs:

Calculate your individual insurance costs and get a quote from AXA online.

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FAQ Medical Treatment Visa for Germany

Is it possible for foreigners to get cancer treatment in Germany with a medical visa?

Yes, as long as the necessity of the treatment in Germany is confirmed by the clinic/doctor, and the duration and cost of treatment are specified, the medical visa can also be used for cancer treatment.

How long are Type C and Type D visas valid before they expire?

The validity period - within which the issued visa must be used - is stated on the visa sticker in the passport. Typically, this period is 12 months.

Which AXA travel insurance is best for a medical treatment visa?

For foreigners traveling to Germany for medical treatment, we recommend choosing either the Low Cost insurance for 22 € per week or the extended Europe Travel health insurance for 33 € per week. Have your personal quote calculated and complete your insurance online with just a few clicks.

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