Health Insurance in Germany
How health insurance works in Germany: compare public vs private (GKV vs PKV), understand costs, and check if you qualify. Free calculator included.
Reviewed by MyHealthcareBroker, licensed German insurance broker · 2026-04-16
Health insurance in Germany is mandatory for everyone — including expats and foreign nationals — from day one. Every resident must choose one of two systems:
- ≈14.6 % of your salary
- Family insured for free
- Available to all employees
- Fixed premium by age and coverage
- Direct specialist access
- Income ≥ €77,400 or self-employed
Public vs private health insurance in Germany
Calculate your premium
Answer 4 quick questions. We'll show your exact public health insurance (GKV) cost and a realistic private health insurance (PKV) estimate side by side — based on 2026 rates.
What's your employment situation?
Your health insurance options in Germany as an expat
When you arrive in Germany, you'll need health insurance from day one. Most foreigners and expats start on public health insurance (GKV) by default, but depending on your income and situation, private health insurance (PKV) may be significantly cheaper and better. Here's how to tell the difference.
Public health insurance in Germany (GKV)
Public health insurance (GKV, Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) covers around 90% of people in Germany. Most employees are enrolled automatically when they start a job. Your contribution is a fixed percentage of your gross salary — in 2026, the combined rate with TK is around 20.9%, split equally between you and your employer. At €55,000/year your share is roughly €479/month. Contributions are capped once you earn above €69,750/year.
Key benefit: your spouse and children are covered for free if they have no income. Key limitation: no direct access to specialists, limited dental, no private hospital room.
Full guide: Public health insurance in Germany (GKV) →
Private health insurance in Germany
Private health insurance (PKV, Private Krankenversicherung) is available to employees earning above €77,400/year in 2026, and to all self-employed and freelancers regardless of income. Unlike GKV, your premium is based on your age and health at sign-up — not your salary. The earlier you join, the cheaper your premium for life.
Private health insurance includes direct specialist access, private hospital rooms, and comprehensive dental. Downside: no free family coverage — each family member needs their own policy.
Full guide: Private health insurance in Germany →
Just arrived in Germany?
If you've just moved to Germany without a job lined up, you can't join GKV or sign up for private health insurance yet. You need a bridge policy — short-term expat insurance (€50–150/month) covers emergency and routine care, is accepted for visa applications, and holds you over until you're employed or registered as self-employed. Popular options: Feather, Expatrio, Care Concept.
EU citizens: your EHIC card only covers emergencies in Germany — not routine care. Don't rely on it as your main coverage once you're a resident.
Detailed guides by topic
Each guide below covers one topic in full — costs, comparisons, and step-by-step advice.
Is private health insurance worth it in Germany?
| Your situation | Best option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Employee, salary < €77,400 | GKV | PKV not available |
| Employee, salary ≥ €77,400, age < 40 | PKV | Significant savings + better coverage |
| Employee, salary ≥ €77,400, age > 45 | Depends | Get a comparison, savings shrink with age |
| Self-employed, good health | PKV | GKV costs €900–1,300/month self-employed |
| Just arrived, no job yet | Expat insurance | Bridge until you have employment |
| Family with kids, salary < €100k | GKV | Free family coverage is a major advantage |
How to get health insurance in Germany
If you're joining GKV as an employee
- Choose a provider: TK, Barmer, or AOK are all solid. Go to their website and fill in the application (TK has an English version).
- Receive your membership confirmation: the insurer sends you a letter within a few days.
- Give it to your employer: they handle the rest. Your first contribution is deducted directly from your paycheck.
- Receive your insurance card (Gesundheitskarte): arrives by post within 2–3 weeks.
If you're switching from GKV to PKV
- Check eligibility: confirm you've been above €77,400 for 12+ consecutive months (employees) or that you're self-employed.
- Get quotes: use an independent broker to compare 3–5 providers side by side. Do not go direct; premiums are identical and you get no advice.
- Complete the health questionnaire: be honest. Omitting pre-existing conditions can void your policy later.
- Sign the PKV contract: coverage typically starts the following month.
- Cancel your GKV: you need to give 2 months' notice. Your GKV cannot refuse the cancellation once you have a PKV confirmation.
If you're self-employed and new to Germany
- Register your business (Gewerbeanmeldung or Freiberufler registration at the tax office).
- Get PKV quotes, you qualify immediately, no waiting period.
- Or join GKV voluntarily, you'll pay the full 14.6%+ yourself (~€900–1,300/month). Most freelancers choose PKV.
Frequently asked questions
Get a free comparison
The German health insurance market has over 40 private insurers with hundreds of plan combinations. Comparing them yourself takes weeks and requires understanding complex German contracts.
The smarter move: work with a specialist who is not tied to any single insurer, who advises in English, and who can tell you within 15 minutes whether PKV makes sense for your situation.