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Gothaer Private Health Insurance
Edited by
Sadie Voss
Content Lead & Editor
Sadie Voss is the Lead Editor for How-to-Germany.com. As an expat who carved her own way into Berlin from the United States, Sadie is deeply...
- English Support: Limited; most communication and documentation are provided in German
- Digital App / Claims Handling: App-based claims submission and digital services available, complemented by personal consultation
- Best For: Expats who prefer a standardized tariff structure with the option to enhance specific benefits through additional components
Gothaer Private Health Insurance Overview
Gothaer is an established private German health insurance provider and part of the BarmeniaGothaer group following the merger of Barmenia and Gothaer. The company offers a broad insurance portfolio, including health, property, liability, and financial products.
In the health insurance segment, Gothaer offers comprehensive private health insurance with additional tariff options that can enhance selected areas within the core plans. This creates a structure where coverage can be expanded through internal tariff adjustments and targeted add-ons, rather than being fully integrated into one single plan.
Further elements, such as sick pay and telemedicine, are available as dedicated modules. These are arranged separately from the core tariff structure.
- Two main tariff lines for new private health insurance customers
- Targeted extensions for dental, hospital, alternative treatment, and mental health benefits
- Digital tools for claims, contract management, and health services
- Dedicated expat tariff for temporary stays in Germany
- Some benefits are only available through additional tariff components
- Sick pay is arranged separately
- Older tariff lines may still exist but are not open to new customers
- The expat tariff is limited to a maximum duration of 5 years
Alongside comprehensive private health insurance, Gothaer also offers supplementary insurance for people insured within the public health insurance system. These products can cover areas such as dental care, outpatient treatment, inpatient upgrades, and vision care.
A key feature of Gothaer is the combination of traditional advisory services and digital functionality. Tariff selection and contract setup are typically handled through personal consultation, while claims submission, contract management, and access to health services can be supported digitally.
Gothaer’s private health insurance setup usually involves personal advice. Once insured, digital tools can support claims submission, contract management, and access to selected health services.
Key Health Insurance Tariffs
Gothaer private health insurance is structured around 2 main tariff lines for new customers: MediStart and MediVita. These are complemented by targeted extensions that can improve specific benefit areas.
MediStart is the entry-level tariff. It focuses on essential private health insurance coverage at lower premiums and includes standard benefits across outpatient care, inpatient care, and dental treatment.
MediStart is typically combined with a defined deductible. Higher deductibles can reduce the monthly premium, making the tariff more cost-focused.
MediStart is designed as Gothaer’s lower-premium entry route into private health insurance. It covers the main areas of care, but with a more basic structure than MediVita.
MediVita is the more flexible tariff line. It offers different deductible levels of €250, €500, or €700 and provides broader options for adjusting the scope of coverage.
Instead of changing the entire tariff structure, selected benefit areas can be enhanced through additional tariff components.
These extensions include:
- MediVita Z 70 / Z 90 for dental prosthetics and orthodontics
- MediClinic Plus for hospital upgrades, including private rooms and specialist treatment
- MediNatura P for expanded alternative treatment coverage
- MediMPlus for extended psychotherapy and addiction treatment benefits
Gothaer’s private health insurance can be expanded through specific tariff extensions. This means the exact level of cover depends not only on the main tariff, but also on which additional components are selected.
Older tariff series, such as the EinsA line, still exist for existing policyholders. However, they are no longer available to new customers.
Abroad German travel health insurance is included within the core tariffs and generally protects temporary stays abroad. This can also include medical repatriation.
Health Insurance for International Professionals
Gothaer offers a dedicated expat health insurance tariff for international professionals staying in Germany temporarily. This product may be a good option to meet Germany visa Schengen insurance requirements, called MediHealth Prime. Those seeking private German study health insurance might also find it useful.
MediHealth Prime provides comprehensive coverage for outpatient care, inpatient care, and dental treatment. It has a simplified structure and gives immediate access to benefits without waiting periods.
MediHealth Prime is designed for international professionals planning a temporary stay in Germany. Eligible family members can also be insured during this period.
The product is offered as an integrated solution within the BarmeniaGothaer group. It is marketed under both the Gothaer and Barmenia brands in identical form and under the same name.
Coverage includes 100% reimbursement for most core medical services, including outpatient treatment, medication, and preventive care. Dental treatment is fully covered, while dental prosthetics are reimbursed at 90%.
Vision benefits are also included, with up to €500 every 2 years for visual aids.
- No deductible
- No waiting periods
- Free choice of doctors and hospitals
- Private treatment and upgraded hospital accommodation included
- Telemedicine and online appointment booking included
- Designed for temporary stays only
- Maximum duration of 5 years
- Not a long-term standard private health insurance tariff
The tariff allows free choice of doctors and hospitals, including private treatment and upgraded accommodation. Additional services such as telemedicine and online appointment booking are integrated into the offering.
MediHealth Prime can be used for a maximum of 5 years. It is intended for temporary stays in Germany, not as a permanent private health insurance solution.
Expat Reality Check
- Flexible structure with targeted extensions: Standardized core plans can be enhanced in selected areas, supported by additional elements such as sick pay and telemedicine
- Strong international protection: Coverage for temporary stays abroad, including medical repatriation
- Digital and health services: App-based claims handling and access to health services alongside personal consultation
- Limited English support: Most communication and documentation are primarily available in German
- More complex setup: The combination of tariff lines and extensions requires more active decision-making
- Less transparent upfront: Detailed benefit differences are not always clearly outlined before consultation
Dental and Vision Coverage
Dental benefits within Gothaer private health insurance follow a consistent structure across the core tariffs, with full reimbursement for treatment and preventive care. Reimbursement for prosthetics such as crowns, inlays, and implants typically reaches up to around 90%, depending on the selected tariff and any additional extensions. These features represent key advantages for policyholders seeking stronger dental coverage within private insurance without altering the plan’s overall structure.
Vision benefits are included in the core tariffs, with reimbursement for glasses and contact lenses up to €600 in higher-tier configurations. Compared to some other providers, this represents a relatively strong allowance within the standard coverage.
In addition to the integrated benefits within comprehensive private health insurance, Gothaer also offers separate supplementary products for statutory health insurance members. These include 3 private German dentist insurance tariffs with defined reimbursement levels, as well as dedicated vision insurance that covers visual aids, eye surgery, and preventive examinations under a standalone policy.
Alternatives to Gothaer Private Health Insurance
Traditional private health insurers differ in how they balance modular tariff systems with more standardized plan structures and predefined benefit levels.
- Allianz: Offers a highly configurable system with numerous optional components, allowing coverage to be adjusted in detail across multiple areas
- AXA: Features a broad tariff landscape with multiple performance levels and more granular differentiation between plans
- Generali: Relies on clearly structured tariff levels with limited customization, focusing on predefined benefit combinations rather than flexible extensions
Digital providers focus on ease of use, English-language support, and fully digital application, contract management, and claims processing.
- ottonova: Digital insurer with a fully app-based setup covering application, contract management, and claims processing
- Feather: Provider with English-language support and a focus on accessible private health insurance solutions
- Getsafe: Digital-first model combining a streamlined user interface with private health insurance products offered through partner insurers
Gothaer positions itself between these models, combining standardized core tariffs with targeted extensions that expand selected benefits without requiring a fully modular system.
Conclusion
Gothaer private health insurance combines standardized core tariffs with targeted extensions in specific areas. With MediStart and MediVita, the structure remains clear, while selected benefits can be expanded without requiring fully modular plans.
For expats, Gothaer suits those who prefer a structured system with some flexibility in key areas and a focus on long-term financial security. Personal consultation plays a central role, supported by digital tools for contract management and claims handling, although most communication remains in German.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gothaer combines standardized core tariffs with targeted extensions. Instead of a fully modular system, selected areas can be enhanced with additional tariff components, strengthening certain benefits without changing the overall structure.
Tariff extensions are used in the private health insurance plans to enhance specific areas, such as dental coverage, hospital accommodation, or alternative treatments. Additional modules, such as sick pay or telemedicine, are separate elements that complement the core coverage but are not part of the main tariff structure.
Yes, Gothaer offers a dedicated expat tariff with MediHealth Prime, designed for international professionals staying in Germany for a limited period. It provides comprehensive coverage with a simplified structure and is typically limited to a defined duration.
50969 Köln