Long-Term Living Abroad and German Nursing Care Insurance
Moving Abroad and German Nursing Care Payments
If you have registered your move abroad and plan to stay for more than six weeks, you will be considered a permanent resident abroad from the perspective of the German nursing care insurance fund (Pflegekasse). However, if your new residence is within the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, you will continue to be entitled to nursing care benefits.
Nursing Home Care Abroad and German Nursing Care Benefits
Relocating to a nursing home abroad raises questions about the continuation of German nursing care payments. As a general rule, benefits from the German social nursing care insurance are not provided outside of Germany.
Exceptions to the Rule
- EU, EEA, or Switzerland: German nursing care benefits may be provided if you move to a care facility in an EU, EEA, or Swiss member state.
- Bilateral Agreements: Germany has bilateral agreements with some non-EU countries, such as Australia, Brazil, and Israel, that may allow for the provision of nursing care benefits abroad.
Applying for Nursing Care Benefits Abroad
To receive German nursing care benefits while living abroad, you must apply to the German nursing care insurance fund (Pflegekasse). The application process may vary depending on the specific country you are moving to.
Additional Information
For more detailed information and guidance on this topic, please refer to the following resources:
- German Pension Insurance - Nursing Care Abroad
- Federal Ministry of Health - Social Nursing Care Insurance
- Social Code Book V - Section 38a: Nursing Care Abroad (in German)
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