Health Insurance in Germany
Germany operates a dual healthcare system with public (GKV) and private (PKV) insurance. As an expat, understanding your options is essential – your choice impacts your coverage, costs, and access to medical care for years to come.
Find the Right Health InsuranceHow Health Insurance Works in Germany
Germany's healthcare system is built on two pillars. Every resident must be insured, but which system you join depends on your employment and income.
Public Health Insurance (GKV)
The Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung is based on the solidarity principle: everyone pays the same percentage of their income (currently 14.6% plus a fund-specific surcharge), regardless of age or health status.
- Income-based premiums (employer pays half)
- Free coverage for non-working spouse & children
- Standardized benefits across all providers
- Mandatory for employees earning under €77,400/year
Private Health Insurance (PKV)
Private Krankenversicherung offers individually tailored plans. Premiums depend on your age at entry, health status, and chosen coverage level – not your income. This often means better value for young, healthy professionals.
- Premiums based on age, health & coverage level
- Faster access to specialists and shorter wait times
- Private or semi-private hospital rooms
- Available for high earners, self-employed & civil servants
Explore Health Insurance Options
Choose the type of health insurance that fits your situation. Each guide is written specifically for expats living in Germany.
Private Health Insurance
Premium coverage for high earners, self-employed, and civil servants. Shorter wait times, private hospital rooms, and comprehensive dental care.
Compare NowPublic Health Insurance
Income-based contributions with solidarity principle. Covers dependents for free and provides a standardized benefits package for all members.
Learn MoreDental Insurance
Supplementary coverage for dental treatments, crowns, implants, and orthodontics. Essential add-on for public insurance members.
Learn MoreSupplementary Insurance
Upgrade your public insurance with extras like single hospital rooms, alternative medicine, vision care, and overseas travel coverage.
Learn MoreHealth Insurance in Numbers
Key statistics about Germany's healthcare system that every expat should know.
87M+
People Insured
Nearly all residents in Germany have health insurance coverage
96
GKV Providers
Public health insurance funds to choose from in Germany
€77,400
JAEG Threshold
Annual income threshold to qualify for private insurance (2025)
14.6%
Base Contribution
Standard GKV contribution rate, split equally between employer and employee
Frequently Asked Questions
Is health insurance mandatory in Germany?▾
Yes. Health insurance is mandatory for all residents in Germany, including expats. Whether you are employed, self-employed, a student, or a retiree, you must have either public (GKV) or private (PKV) health insurance. Failure to maintain coverage can result in penalties and backdated premium payments.
What is the difference between GKV and PKV?▾
GKV (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) is the public system with income-based premiums and standardized benefits. PKV (Private Krankenversicherung) offers individually tailored plans with premiums based on age, health, and chosen coverage. PKV typically provides faster specialist access, private hospital rooms, and comprehensive dental care, but does not offer free family coverage.
Which health insurance should I choose as an expat?▾
It depends on your employment status and income. Employees earning below the JAEG threshold (€77,400/year in 2025) must join GKV. Those earning above the threshold, self-employed individuals, and civil servants can choose PKV. Key factors include your age, health status, family situation, and long-term plans in Germany.
Can I keep my health insurance from my home country?▾
Generally no. Germany requires residents to have German health insurance. EU/EEA citizens may use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) temporarily, but must register with a German insurer once they establish residency. Travel insurance or international plans are typically not accepted as a substitute for German health insurance.
How do I register for health insurance as a new expat?▾
If employed, your employer will typically enroll you in a public health insurance fund (you can choose which one). Self-employed expats and high earners must apply directly to their chosen insurer. You should arrange coverage before or immediately upon arriving in Germany, as it is required for your residence permit application.
Find the Right Health Insurance
Not sure which health insurance is right for you? Get a free, personalized comparison from our English-speaking experts – tailored to your situation as an expat in Germany.
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