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ARAG Private Health Insurance
- English Support: Limited
- Digital App / Claims Handling: Available, including app-based submission and status tracking
- Best For: Expats looking for straightforward tariffs, simplified billing, and integrated legal protection for patient disputes
ARAG Private Health Insurance – Company Overview
ARAG Krankenversicherung is part of the ARAG Group, the largest family-owned insurance company in Germany and one of the leading providers of legal protection insurance worldwide. Within this broader group structure, private health insurance represents one component of a more diversified insurance portfolio rather than the sole core business.
This positioning is reflected in ARAG’s approach to health insurance, which combines solid medical coverage with additional service elements. A distinctive feature is the inclusion of legal protection for patient-related disputes, alongside practical aspects such as direct billing with healthcare providers and app-based claims management. In addition to private health insurance, ARAG also offers a range of supplementary health insurance products, including dental care, outpatient services, and travel health insurance.
Key Health Insurance Tariffs
ARAG Private Krankenversicherung offers a tiered tariff system with 3 main plans: Komfort, MedExtra, and MedBest. These plans follow a straightforward structure, with clearly increasing coverage levels from basic to premium.
Across all tariffs, outpatient care, inpatient treatments, and preventive services are covered at a solid level. A notable feature is that enhanced hospital treatment, including single or double room accommodation and treatment by the chief physician, is already included in all plans, without requiring additional upgrades.
The main differences between the tariffs lie in reimbursement levels and specific conditions. In the entry-level Komfort tariff, specialist treatment follows a primary care model, with full reimbursement only when patients are referred by a general practitioner. Higher-tier plans remove this restriction and provide more comprehensive coverage.
Further differences appear in areas such as medication, medical aids, and psychotherapy. The Komfort tariff applies stricter limits and lower reimbursement levels, while MedExtra and MedBest offer broader coverage and fewer restrictions. Preventive services and rehabilitation are also more limited in the basic tariff, with no coverage for certain treatments.
Sick pay (Krankentagegeld) is not included by default and must be added as a separate module, allowing policyholders to tailor income protection to their individual situation. Overall, ARAG’s tariff structure emphasizes clarity and accessibility, with stronger coverage in higher-tier plans.
Coverage applies across Europe and continues for permanent stays within the EU and EEA. Outside Europe, coverage is typically limited to short-term stays of up to 3 months and can be extended upon request, often subject to additional conditions.
Expat Reality Check
- Direct Billing: Invoices are settled directly with doctors and hospitals, reducing the need for upfront payments
- Integrated Legal Protection: Includes patient legal protection, offering support in case of treatment errors or disputes
- Simple Tariff Structure: Clear plan levels make the system easier to understand than highly modular providers
- Digital Handling: App-based claims submission and status tracking simplify everyday administration
- Strong Inpatient Coverage: Chief physician treatment and single or double room accommodation are included across all tariffs
- Primary Care Model in Basic Tariff: Full reimbursement for specialist treatment in the Komfort plan requires a referral
- Weaker Basic Coverage: Lower reimbursement levels and stricter limits for medication, aids, and psychotherapy in entry-level tariffs
- Sick Pay Not Included: Must be added separately, particularly relevant for self-employed individuals
- Limited International Coverage: Outside Europe, standard coverage is restricted to short-term stays
- Less Flexible Structure: Fewer customization options compared to fully modular insurers
Dental and Vision Coverage
Dental coverage in ARAG’s private health insurance is part of the core tariffs rather than structured as a separate module. Preventive and conservative dental treatments are covered at 100% across all plans, while reimbursement for dental prosthetics increases by tariff level, reaching up to 90% in the highest plan. In the initial years, reimbursement is subject to defined benefit limits that are lifted after a certain period or upon an accident.
For individuals covered under statutory health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung), ARAG provides separate tariffs for dental supplementary insurance, including Dent70, Dent90, Dent90+, and Dent100. These plans provide tiered reimbursement levels, ranging from 70% to 100% for dental prosthetics. A notable feature is that coverage is available without waiting periods, allowing immediate access to benefits. Preventive services, such as professional teeth cleaning, are included, though typically with defined annual limits, and certain treatments, such as bleaching, are only covered in higher-tier plans.
Vision benefits are included within ARAG’s private health insurance tariffs, with fixed allowances for glasses and contact lenses depending on the tariff. LASIK benefits are only included in more comprehensive tariff options.
ARAG also offers ambulatory supplementary insurance (Basis, Komfort, and Premium) for public health insurance members, covering areas such as visual aids, alternative treatments provided by Heilpraktiker, and selected outpatient expenses.
Alternatives to ARAG Private Health Insurance
Traditional private health insurers in Germany are mainly differentiated by how they structure their coverage levels and the flexibility they offer for long-term adjustments.
- Allianz: Broad, modular coverage with a strong focus on flexibility and long-term planning
- AXA: Structured tariffs with integrated benefits and a balance between service and simplicity
- ERGO: Established provider offering a wide range of tariffs with varying levels of customization
Digital providers focus on streamlined access, English-language support, and fully digital policy management.
- ottonova: App-based private health insurance with integrated services and a fully digital experience
- Feather: English-first provider designed for expats with simplified onboarding
- Getsafe: Mobile-first insurer with streamlined products and a focus on ease of use
ARAG differentiates itself through its simplified billing process and integrated legal protection, while alternative providers may offer greater flexibility, broader customization, or a more advanced digital setup.
Conclusion
ARAG Private Krankenversicherung follows a service-oriented approach, combining solid core coverage with practical features such as direct billing and app-based claims handling. The tariff structure is straightforward, and key benefits such as enhanced hospital treatment are included across all plans.
At the same time, the entry-level tariff comes with certain restrictions, and important elements such as sick pay must be added separately. ARAG is particularly suitable for expats who value simpler processes and additional legal protection, while other providers may offer more flexibility or more comprehensive default coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is ARAG best suited for?
ARAG Private Krankenversicherung is best suited for expats who prefer straightforward tariffs, simplified billing, and practical service features. It is particularly suitable for individuals who value ease of handling and the added security of integrated legal protection in healthcare matters.
Does ARAG include sick pay (Krankentagegeld)?
No, sick pay is not included by default. It can be added as a separate module, allowing policyholders to tailor income protection based on their employment situation, which is especially relevant for self-employed individuals.
How does ARAG handle medical bills?
ARAG offers a simplified billing process, with invoices settled directly with doctors and hospitals. In addition, claims can be submitted digitally via the ARAG GesundheitsApp, allowing users to track the processing status and manage reimbursements more easily.
40472 Düsseldorf