Private health insurance in Germany with pre-existing conditions
Having Vorerkrankungen doesn't automatically mean you can't access PKV. What matters is understanding how insurers assess your medical history and weighing your options carefully before you submit an application.
Every case needs careful analysis
Not all insurers assess the same pre-existing condition in the same way or apply the same terms.
What does "Vorerkrankungen" mean in Germany?
In the context of German private health insurance, Vorerkrankungen are illnesses, diagnoses, treatments or prior medical history that the insurer takes into account before accepting you into the PKV. Unlike the public system, private insurance assesses your health profile through specific medical questions.
The outcome depends on the type of condition, the insurer and how the application is presented. There's no universal rule: two people with similar diagnoses can receive completely different assessments.
Having a pre-existing condition doesn't automatically mean rejection. Depending on the type of condition, whether it's under control, how much time has passed and the insurer, you could access private insurance on normal terms, with a surcharge or with specific restrictions.
Possible scenarios if you have pre-existing conditions
After reviewing your case, these are the most common situations that can arise when applying for private health insurance in Germany.
Normal acceptance
Some mild, old or already-resolved conditions needn't affect your application.
Risk surcharge
The insurer accepts you but applies a monthly surcharge because it considers there to be a higher medical risk.
Special terms
In some cases there may be limits, additional reviews or a stricter assessment of your history.
Rejection
If the risk is considered too high, the company may not accept the application.
What insurers usually review
The medical questions aren't always the same, but they usually revolve around these points.
Diagnoses and medical visits
Recent appointments, diagnosed illnesses, check-ups, allergies, treatments or follow-ups.
Hospital stays and procedures
Admissions, operations, rehabilitation and any relevant hospital treatment.
Psychotherapy or psychological treatment
Mental health is often assessed in particular detail in many medical questionnaires.
Medication and current condition
If you take medication regularly or are still in treatment, that can influence the assessment.
How we help you
Our job is to help you understand your real situation and avoid unnecessary or poorly thought-out steps.
We review your case calmly
We guide you on which medical history may be relevant and what information is worth preparing properly.
We look for the most sensible route
Not all companies assess a pre-existing condition in the same way. Analysing this properly makes the difference.
We explain your real options
If there might be a surcharge, special terms or difficulties, we explain it clearly from the start.
You avoid rushed decisions
The aim isn't to 'try your luck', but to approach the application sensibly and with realistic expectations.
How we handle this kind of case
When there are pre-existing conditions, the process needs to be more careful. That's why we follow a clear, structured methodology.
1. Tell us your situation
You tell us about your profile, your income and which medical history concerns you regarding private insurance.
2. We review your history
We assess which diagnoses, treatments or periods may be relevant based on insurers' usual questions.
3. We assess viability
We analyse whether the case fits better with normal acceptance, a surcharge or other specific terms.
4. We compare options
We look at which companies may be most suitable for your profile and which can offer better terms.
5. We explain the outcome
We tell you clearly what real options you have and what to expect before taking the next step.
6. Only then do we proceed
If the case is viable and the terms fit, we support you with the final private insurance application.
Important warning
It's not advisable to hide illnesses, treatments or previous diagnoses. Answering the medical questionnaire incompletely or incorrectly can cause problems later with the insurer. In cases like these, transparency and good initial preparation are essential.
Frequently asked questions about private insurance and pre-existing conditions
These are some of the most common questions when someone wants to access PKV in Germany with a medical history.
Have Vorerkrankungen and unsure whether you can access PKV?
We help you assess your case, understand what options you might have and take the next step with more clarity. If your situation is viable, we support you throughout the whole process.