About
Ottonova is Germany's pioneering digital-first private health insurance company (Private Krankenversicherung / PKV), designed for the mobile age. Unlike traditional insurers, ottonova delivers a fully digital experience — from getting a quote and signing up to submitting claims and managing your policy — all through a sleek mobile app. The platform offers a wide range of insurance products tailored to different life situations: private health insurance for employees, the self-employed, and students; civil servant supplemental insurance (Beihilfeversicherung); and add-on plans for dental and hospital coverage. For expats, ottonova provides a dedicated "Full Insurance" tariff with special rates and excellent coverage. Businesses can also provide employees with corporate health insurance through the CrewCare program, enhancing workplace attractiveness. Key features include a personal Concierge service that acts as a central point of contact for all health-related questions, and health X — a rewards program that incentivizes healthy behavior. Certain premium plans (Business Class Pro and First Class Pro+) even offer premium refunds if policyholders go a year without claiming certain benefits. Ottonova combines insurance expertise with modern technology to make healthcare management simpler, faster, and more transparent for individuals and companies alike.
Key Features
- 100% Digital Insurance Management: Apply, manage policies, submit claims, and communicate with support entirely through the ottonova mobile app — no paperwork required.
- Personal Concierge Service: A dedicated health concierge serves as a central point of contact, helping policyholders navigate healthcare questions, find doctors, and manage their coverage.
- health X Rewards Program: An integrated rewards system that incentivizes healthy living, offering benefits and recognition for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
- Diverse Insurance Plans: Tailored plans for employees, self-employed, students, expats, and civil servants, plus supplemental dental and hospital coverage.
- Premium Refund (Beitragsrückerstattung): Business Class Pro and First Class Pro+ policyholders can receive a partial refund of monthly premiums if no or limited health services are used within a year.
Use Cases
- A freelancer in Germany seeking fully digital, comprehensive private health insurance without dealing with paper forms or in-person visits.
- An international expat relocating to Germany who needs specialized health coverage with English-language support and competitive rates.
- A company HR team looking to offer employees premium corporate health benefits through an easy-to-manage digital platform.
- A civil servant (Beamter) needing a straightforward supplemental insurance (Beihilfeversicherung) to complement their government healthcare allowance.
- A health-conscious individual who wants to be rewarded for healthy behaviors through an integrated wellness rewards program linked to their insurance.
Pros
- Fully Digital Experience: Every interaction — from onboarding to claims — is handled digitally via app, saving significant time and eliminating bureaucratic friction.
- Broad Coverage Options: Ottonova caters to a wide range of life situations including employees, freelancers, students, expats, and civil servants, with both full and supplemental plans.
- Innovative Rewards & Refund Programs: The health X rewards program and premium refund options provide tangible financial and wellness incentives beyond standard coverage.
Cons
- Germany-Only Availability: Ottonova exclusively serves the German market, making it inaccessible to users outside of Germany.
- Private Insurance Cost: As a private health insurer, premiums can be substantially higher than statutory (public) health insurance, especially for older applicants or those with pre-existing conditions.
- App Dependency: The fully digital model may be a drawback for users less comfortable with mobile-first interactions or those who prefer in-person or phone-based customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is ottonova suitable for?
Ottonova offers private health insurance for employees, self-employed individuals, students, expats, and civil servants in Germany, as well as supplemental plans for those with statutory (public) insurance.
How do I manage my insurance with ottonova?
All insurance management — including submitting claims, accessing documents, contacting support, and tracking your rewards — is handled through the ottonova mobile app on iOS or Android.
What is the Concierge service?
The ottonova Concierge is a personal health advisor available through the app who helps you find doctors, clarify coverage questions, and navigate the healthcare system.
Can I get a premium refund?
Yes. Policyholders on the Business Class Pro and First Class Pro+ tariffs can receive a partial refund of monthly premiums if they go a full year without claiming certain health services.
Does ottonova offer corporate health insurance?
Yes. Through its CrewCare program, ottonova provides businesses with group health insurance solutions designed to increase employee satisfaction and company attractiveness.
