Health Insurance in Germany

Insurance is MANDATORY

In Germany everyone must have health insurance. Without it, you cannot legally work.

Two Systems: GKV and PKV

GKV (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) — Public

• For whom: Employees earning up to €69,300/year (2024)
• Cost: ~15% of salary (employer pays half!)
• Advantages: Family covered for free, fixed benefits
• Disadvantages: Longer waiting times for appointments

Most popular health funds (Krankenkasse):
- TK (Techniker Krankenkasse) — largest, good service
- AOK — available everywhere, regional
- Barmer — good for families
- DAK — competitive premiums

PKV (Private Krankenversicherung) — Private

• For whom: Earners above €69,300/year, freelancers
• Cost: Depends on age and health (€200-800/month)
• Advantages: Faster appointments, better hospital rooms
• Disadvantages: More expensive with age, family pays separately

How to Register?

If you work (employment contract):

1. Choose a health fund (GKV)
2. Fill out form online or at branch
3. Give employer your insurance number

If you're a freelancer:

1. You can choose GKV (voluntary) or PKV
2. You pay the full premium yourself (~€800/month in GKV)

What's Covered?

✅ Doctor visits
✅ Hospital
✅ Surgery
✅ Prescription drugs (€5-10 copay)
✅ Pregnancy and childbirth
✅ Rehabilitation

❌ Dentist (partially — crowns, implants)
❌ Optometrist (glasses for adults)
❌ Alternative medicine

EHIC Card

If you have insurance from an EU country, you can temporarily use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). But once you start working — you must have German health insurance.

Editorial hamboorg.city · As of: April 2026 · Carefully prepared, regularly updated. Content is informational and does not replace legal advice.