Health insurance is mandatory for every resident of Germany. Without it, you won't be able to register your place of residence (Anmeldung) or find work.
Step 1: Determine Which Type of Insurance You Are Eligible For
In Germany, there are two main health insurance systems. Your choice depends on your employment status and income.
1. Statutory Health Insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung - GKV) Who it is mandatory for:
Employees with a gross annual income below €77,400 (the general 2026 income threshold for mandatory insurance).
Students up to the age of 30 (or up to the 14th semester).
Pensioners.
Unemployed individuals.
Key Features:
Contribution: A percentage of your gross salary. The base rate is 14.6% , and on top of that, every health fund charges an additional individual contribution (Zusatzbeitrag). The average additional contribution in 2026 is 2.9% . Some funds charge higher rates.
Employer Contribution: Your employer pays half of your total contribution (the 14.6% base plus half of the additional contribution).
Family Insurance: Your spouse and children (up to age 23, or 25 if they are not working) can be covered at no extra cost, provided their income remains below the threshold.
Service Package: All insured persons have the same basic statutory benefits package.
2. Private Health Insurance (Private Krankenversicherung - PKV) Who it is available for:
Employees with an annual salary above €77,400 (the general 2026 income threshold) who can choose to switch. Freelancers and self-employed individuals can also enter the PKV regardless of income.
Civil servants (Beamte).
Key Features:
Contribution: A fixed premium that depends on age, health, and the chosen plan. It is not income-based like the GKV.
Separate Contracts: Each family member needs their own separate insurance contract.
Customizable: You can choose a tariff that fits your needs, from a basic plan to a premium plan.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
To apply for health insurance, you will generally need the following documents:
Valid passport or national ID card.
Birth certificate (required for registering children).
Confirmation from your previous health insurance provider (if applicable).
Step 3: Choose an Insurance Provider and Register
Option A: If you choose statutory health insurance (GKV) 1 Compare health insurance funds. The main providers include:
Techniker Krankenkasse (TK): Popular among expats, known for good English-language service.
AOK: Has regional branches throughout Germany.
Barmer
DAK-Gesundheit
2 Key selection criteria:
Additional contribution (Zusatzbeitrag): Each health fund sets its own percentage. In 2026, the average additional contribution is 2.9%, though some funds charge more or less, ranging from around 2.18% to 4.38%.
Additional services: Wellness programs, bonuses, and courses.
Service: Availability of English-language support and a user-friendly app.
3 Registration process:
Online: Fill out the application on the health fund's website.
In person: Visit a local branch.
By post: Send the completed forms.
After your application is processed, you will receive:
A temporary insurance certificate.
A permanent electronic health card (eGK) within 1-2 weeks.
Option B: If you choose private health insurance (PKV)
Consult an independent insurance broker (Versicherungsberater). This is a critical step because the application process for private insurance can be complex and have long-term financial implications.
Fill out the health questionnaire carefully. You are legally required to answer all questions truthfully. Your answers will influence the premium, potential risk surcharges, or even acceptance by the insurer.
Compare offers from different companies (e.g., Allianz, AXA, Debeka, etc.).
Sign the contract and provide a copy to your employer.
Step 4: Start Using Your Insurance
Carry your electronic health card (eGK) with you at all times. It is valid for 2-3 years and is automatically renewed.
How to see a doctor:
Find a doctor with the designation "Kassenarzt" (works with statutory insurance).
Call and book an appointment.
Present your eGK at the appointment.
Buying medication:
With a prescription (a prescription with the letter "R"), you pay only a small co-payment. Without a prescription, you pay the full cost yourself.
Emergency cases:
116 117: For urgent, non-life-threatening medical problems that cannot wait until the next regular office hour. 112: For life-threatening emergencies (e.g., severe chest pain, unconsciousness, major bleeding).
Important Nuances and Tips
Insurance for Students:
Up to age 30: You are entitled to the subsidized student tariff (Krankenversicherung der Studierenden - KVdS) in the statutory health insurance (GKV), which costs about €120-140 per month.
After age 30: The KVdS tariff ends. You must switch to either voluntary statutory insurance (with income-based contributions) or private health insurance (PKV). The exact timing depends on your university's semester end date.
Insurance for the Unemployed:
If you receive ALG I (unemployment benefit): The Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) covers your health and long-term care insurance contributions in full. This coverage also applies during the first month of the blocking period (Sperrzeit).
If you receive Bürgergeld (citizen's allowance): The Jobcenter covers your health insurance contributions.
If you receive no benefits: You may still be subject to mandatory insurance and must pay the contributions yourself. As a voluntary member of the GKV, the minimum contribution is around €286 per month (including care insurance).
Supplementary Insurance:
Dental (Zahnzusatz): Covers expensive dentures and additional dental treatments that the statutory health insurance does not fully cover.
Hospital (Krankenhauszusatz): Covers benefits such as a single room or treatment by a chief physician.
Occupational Disability (Berufsunfähigkeit): Particularly important for freelancers and self-employed individuals to secure their livelihood in case of illness.
When Changing Jobs:
You must inform your health insurance company about the change.
Provide them with your new employment contract so they can update their records and ensure contributions are calculated correctly.
What to Do If Problems Arise:
If you cannot get insurance: Contact the social welfare office (Sozialamt) in your place of residence.
If you have problems with payments or benefits: File a formal objection (Widerspruch) with your health insurance company. For GKV members, you have one month to object to a decision. For PKV members, the deadline for legal action is three years. If the objection is unsuccessful, you can consult a lawyer or file a lawsuit with the Social Court.
