Travel insurance and health insurance for work in Germany

 I finally got the official offer for a part time job in Germany, I am just waiting for the original contract. Now my questions come to the health insurance. 

1. Some of you mentioned travel insurance and health insurance, do I need both?
2. I know I must present a proof of the health insurance, but then should I take one private by myself to present it to the embassy the appointment day or how does it work? I really don't get it cause with the contract I will have public health insurance in Germany, no? But can it only be provided once in Germany? Or also without being in Germany? It's really confusing for me. In the documents mentioned in the colombian embassy's PDF file that are required to be submitted, there is no mention of accommodation or ticket. Do I still need to have them present on the day of the appointment? I appreciate if someone could guide me at this point.

Given your situation with securing a part-time job in Germany and the need for health insurance for your visa application, here's how you can navigate through:

Health Insurance Requirements:

1. Travel Insurance vs Health Insurance:
   • Travel Insurance: This is typically required for Schengen visa applications, covering emergency medical expenses up to a certain amount (usually around €30,000) for the duration of your stay in the Schengen area. Since you're looking at a longer-term stay with employment, this might not be your primary concern unless you're initially entering on a tourist visa before switching to a work visa.
   • Health Insurance: For a work visa or residence permit, you'll need proof of comprehensive health insurance. This can be either public (statutory health insurance) or private (private health insurance) health insurance.
2. Health Insurance Before Arrival:
   • If you're applying for a work visa or residence permit from outside Germany, you might need to show proof of health insurance coverage from the start of your stay in Germany. Here's what you can do:
     • Expat Health Insurance: Before you start working, you might opt ​​for an expat or international health insurance plan. This can be arranged before you leave your home country and is often valid from the moment you arrive in Germany until you switch to German public or private insurance.
     • Public Health Insurance: Once you start working, especially if your salary is below a certain threshold (around €69,300 per year in 2024), you'll likely be enrolled in the public health insurance system through your employer. However, you can't get this insurance before you're in Germany and have started working.
     • Private Health Insurance: If your salary exceeds the threshold or if you opt for private insurance for other reasons, you can arrange this before moving, but it would typically start from your arrival in Germany.

Visa Application Process:

• Proof of Insurance: You'll need to show that you have or will have health insurance coverage from the moment you enter Germany. If you're not yet enrolled in German public health insurance, presenting a certificate from an expat or international health insurance provider might be your best bet for the visa application.
• Accommodation and Ticket: For work visas, especially if you're coming for employment, these might not be strictly required, but having a plan or proof of where you'll stay initially can strengthen your application. It shows you have planned your move. However, the embassy might not mandate these if you're coming for a job.

Steps Forward:

• Secure Health Insurance: If you haven't already, look into expat health insurance that can cover you from your arrival in Germany. Companies like Allianz Worldwide Care or Cigna Global might offer suitable plans.
• Prepare Documentation: Ensure your job contract, proof of health insurance, and other required documents are ready for your visa application.
• Consult the Embassy: Since requirements can vary slightly by embassy, ​​it's wise to check directly with the German embassy or consulate in Colombia for any specific requirements or clarifications, especially regarding health insurance and other documents not explicitly mentioned in the general guidelines.

Remember, while public health insurance through employment is common, you might need a temporary solution (like expat insurance) to cover the gap between your arrival and starting work. This approach ensures you meet visa requirements and have health coverage continuity.