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Complication insurance for surgery abroad

Anyone who has surgery abroad often has no insurance cover for complications. What applies, what does not – and which provider covers procedures abroad in full.

Last updated
12 March 2026

This is a translation for convenience. The German version and the insurers' policy terms prevail.

A globe with a medical symbol, a passport and surgical instruments

Is the number of procedures abroad growing?

Yes – and considerably. According to estimates, more than 100,000 Germans have aesthetic operations carried out abroad every year, above all in Turkey, Poland, the Czech Republic and Thailand. The price difference is the main reason: a breast augmentation often costs EUR 2,000–3,500 in Turkey and EUR 5,000–8,000 in Germany.

The central insurance problem

Complication insurance (Folgekostenversicherung) protects you against complications following aesthetic procedures – but does this cover also apply if the original operation took place abroad?

This is where providers differ considerably:

Scroll sideways to see all providers

ProviderSurgery abroad insured?Follow-up treatment in Germany
beautyprotect✓ Yes, in full✓ Covered
lipo-protect~ Selected countries only~ Limited
Other providers✗ Often excluded✗ Not covered

Basis: AVB comparison by Gehling Consulting

What do you need to look out for when taking out a policy?

  • Check the territoriality clause: Many policies limit cover to procedures carried out in Germany, the EU or certain countries.
  • Timing of the policy: The insurance must be taken out before the procedure – not afterwards.
  • Note the waiting periods: Some providers have short waiting periods of 14–30 days after conclusion of the contract.
  • Which complications are covered: Capsular contracture (Kapselfibrose), infections, implant failure, asymmetries – check the AVB carefully.
  • Place of the follow-up treatment: What usually matters is where the follow-up treatment takes place – not where the procedure was. beautyprotect covers follow-up treatment in Germany, even if the operation took place in Turkey.

Checklist: complication insurance for surgery abroad

  • ☑ Take out the insurance before the procedure
  • ☑ Check the AVB for a territoriality clause
  • ☑ Verify the scope of cover for capsular contracture
  • ☑ Make sure follow-up treatment in Germany is covered
  • ☑ Keep the medical documentation of the operation abroad (surgical report, implant passport)

Conclusion

Anyone having surgery abroad needs complication insurance that explicitly includes procedures abroad. According to the AVB analysis by Gehling Consulting, beautyprotect is the only provider that does so without geographical restrictions.