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ottonova Private Health Insurance
- English Support: Fully available across the app, customer support, and services
- Digital / Claims Handling: Fully app-based management, including submission of medical bills, document storage, concierge service, and video consultations
- Best For: Expats and professionals seeking a digital private health insurer with English-language support, app-based management, and predefined plans instead of modular tariff structures
ottonova Private Health Insurance Overview
ottonova is a digital private health insurance provider in Germany, founded in 2015, that combines private insurance coverage with app-based management and integrated services. Unlike many digital insurance platforms, ottonova operates as a licensed insurer and offers its own plans rather than acting as an intermediary.
In addition to comprehensive private health insurance, which is available across all core target groups such as employees, self-employed people, students, and civil servants, ottonova offers a dedicated expat tariff for temporary stays. Dental supplementary insurance is available to individuals insured under the public health insurance system. The mobile app serves as the central hub for managing policies, submitting invoices, and interacting with support and medical services. It also includes features such as a concierge function to coordinate appointments and access to video consultations via an external partner.
Key Health Insurance Tariffs
ottonova offers 3 private health insurance plans – Premium Economy, Business Class Pro, and First Class Pro+ – which follow a clear progression in coverage levels rather than a modular tariff structure.
Comprehensive ottonova Insurance Plans
The Premium Economy plan includes a mandatory deductible of 10% or 50%, capped at €500 per year. In the Business and First Class plans, the deductible is optional and can be selected at 0%, 10%, or 25% to reduce private health insurance costs.
Access to specialist treatment varies across plans. In Premium Economy, specialist consultations are coordinated through the ottonova concierge, which acts as a central point for arranging appointments. In higher plans, direct access to specialists is available without this coordination requirement.
Coverage increases consistently from Premium Economy to Business Class Pro and First Class Pro+. This is reflected in higher reimbursement levels, broader benefits, and improved hospital accommodation, ranging from shared rooms in Premium Economy to single rooms in First Class Pro+. A notable feature is that treatment by a head physician is included across all plans. Benefits such as vision correction procedures and alternative treatments follow the same tiered structure.
Daily sickness benefits are not included in the core health insurance plans and must be arranged as a separate policy. The benefit amount is based on income and can be selected individually, with a maximum of €300 per day. Payments typically begin after a defined waiting period, usually around 42 days, reflecting the standard setup for employees after continued salary payments end. ottonova distinguishes between arrangements for employees and the self-employed but does not clearly specify whether shorter waiting periods are available to self-employed people.
International coverage applies within the EU without time limits. Coverage within the EEA and worldwide is typically limited to 6 months. For longer stays, coverage can be extended, with additional premiums of around 20% within the EEA and at least 20% worldwide.
Health Insurance for International Professionals
ottonova offers dedicated expat tariffs for international professionals and students temporarily staying in Germany. The plan is structured as a comprehensive health insurance policy, but without the formation of aging reserves, resulting in lower private health insurance premiums than standard long-term coverage.
Temporary ottonova Insurance Plans
The tariff is limited to a maximum duration of 5 years and is intended for expats who do not plan to remain in Germany permanently. In terms of benefits, coverage is broadly aligned with the Business Class Pro tariff, following a similar structure with only minor adjustments.
The policy is accepted for visa applications and can be used as proof of health insurance for the visa appointment at a German embassy.
Expat Reality Check
- Clear tariff structure: 3 predefined plans with a consistent progression in coverage and pricing
- Strong digital integration: App-based management combined with concierge support and video consultations
- Specialist access and hospital coverage: Direct access to specialists in higher plans and treatment by a head physician included across all tariffs
- Limited flexibility in plan design: No modular tariff structure, with adjustments mainly limited to the deductible
- Concierge-based access in entry plan: In Premium Economy, specialist access is coordinated through the concierge rather than being directly accessible
Dental and Vision Coverage
Dental and vision benefits are integrated into ottonova’s private health insurance plans and increase in line with the selected tariff. Dental treatment is covered at 100% across all plans, while reimbursement for prosthetics rises from 60% to 80% and 90%, depending on the tariff level. Professional dental cleaning is included with defined limits in lower plans and more extensive coverage in the highest tier.
Vision benefits are provided through fixed allowances for glasses or contact lenses, as well as contributions toward refractive eye surgery, with increasing limits across plans.
For individuals insured under the statutory health insurance system, ottonova offers dental supplementary insurance with 3 tariff levels and no waiting period, although benefits are limited during the initial years. A notable feature is the flexibility within each plan, including selectable reimbursement levels for prosthetics in lower tiers and different co-payment options for professional dental cleaning. A comparable vision add-on is not available.
Compare ottonova Dental Insurance
Alternatives to ottonova Private Health Insurance
Digital providers differ in how they combine fully digital interaction with the scope of available health insurance coverage and the depth of service integration.
- Feather: Focuses on clear plan structures and a simplified application process, with an emphasis on accessibility and straightforward policy management
- Getsafe: App-based platform that primarily acts as an intermediary, offering access to private health insurance solutions provided by partner insurers rather than its own tariff system
Traditional private health insurers are primarily distinguished by how they structure their tariffs, the level of customization available, and the role of long-term premium stability within their models.
- Signal Iduna: Established German health insurance provider with structured tariff systems and a strong focus on self-employed individuals and certain professional groups
- Barmenia: Combines core tariffs with optional extensions, allowing for a balanced approach between structure and flexibility
- Debeka: Focuses on individually configured coverage rather than clearly defined tariff tiers, with benefits structured across core areas and adjusted through consultation
ottonova positions itself as a fully digital insurer with comprehensive tariff structures, combining a broad scope of coverage with app-based management, while alternative providers may differ in terms of tariff design, flexibility, and overall system complexity.
Conclusion
ottonova combines private health insurance with a digital, service-oriented approach based on a small number of predefined plans rather than complex modular tariff structures. The model focuses on simplifying access while still offering comprehensive coverage across the core areas of private health insurance.
This approach results in a more defined framework, with fewer configuration options than highly flexible tariff systems. Specialist access in the entry plan is coordinated through the concierge rather than being directly accessible.
Overall, ottonova is a suitable option in German private health insurance for those who prefer a digital environment with integrated services and a clearly defined product setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
ottonova offers 3 predefined plans with increasing levels of coverage. Instead of a modular system, most benefits are fixed within each plan. The deductible can be adjusted within the available options, while changes beyond this typically require switching to a different tariff level.
Daily sickness benefits are arranged as a separate policy. The benefit level can be selected based on income, up to the level of regular net income.
Yes. The expat tariff is accepted as proof of health insurance for visa applications and can be used for a visa appointment. It is designed for temporary stays and has a maximum duration of 5 years.
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