Health Insurance — How to Choose a Health Fund in Germany

Introduction / Who is it for

In Germany, health insurance (Krankenversicherung) is MANDATORY for every resident. Without insurance, you cannot sign an employment contract or register for long-term residency. The system has two branches:

• Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung (GKV) — public, ~90% of residents
• Private Krankenversicherung (PKV) — private, ~10% (mainly high earners and self-employed)

Who MUST be in GKV

• Employees with a salary up to €69,300 per year (2026) — mandatory GKV
• Students up to 30 years old
• Unemployed individuals
• Pensioners (with the appropriate contribution period)

Who CAN choose PKV

• Employees earning above €69,300 (Jahresarbeitsentgeltgrenze)
• Self-employed individuals and freelancers
• Public servants (Beamte)

Main public health funds (GKV)

All GKV funds offer the same range of benefits (legally defined). They differ in additional services, supplementary contributions (Zusatzbeitrag), and customer service.

• Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) — the largest, good online service and app
• AOK (Allgemeine Ortskrankenkasse) — regional, popular among older individuals
• Barmer — the second largest, strong in prevention
• DAK-Gesundheit
• IKK and BKK — industry-specific
• HKK — low Zusatzbeitrag

Contribution — how much will you pay

The GKV contribution is a percentage of gross salary:

• 14.6% — basic contribution (half employee, half employer)
• 0.7-2.5% — Zusatzbeitrag (varies by fund; check current rates)
• In total, the employee pays ~7.95% of gross salary

Contribution assessment ceiling 2026: ~€62,100 — above this amount, contributions do not increase.

Step by step — registration after arrival

1. Make an Anmeldung (registration)
2. Receive your Steuer-ID
3. Choose a health fund (compare funds at krankenkasseninfo.de or check24.de)
4. Apply online or in person — at the fund's office
5. Provide documents:
   • Passport / ID
   • Anmeldebestätigung
   • Steuer-ID
   • Employment contract (if employed)
   • Certificate from the previous health fund (if changing)
6. You will receive your elektronische Gesundheitskarte (eGK) within 2-3 weeks

Health card (eGK)

A plastic card with a chip. You show it to the doctor at every visit. It contains your data, insurance information, and a history of some benefits.

What GKV covers

• Visits to Hausarzt (family doctor) and specialists
• Hospitalizations
• Surgical procedures
• Prescription medications (usually €5-10 co-payment)
• Preventive examinations
• Vaccinations
• Psychological assistance (upon approval)
• Partial dental care (check-ups, fillings, basic treatment)

What GKV does NOT cover (or only partially)

• Dental implants and premium prosthetics
• Glasses and contact lenses (most)
• Visits to osteopaths, acupuncturists
• Treatment abroad outside the EU (except emergencies)
• Cosmetic procedures

For the above, you can purchase Zusatzversicherung (additional insurance) — e.g., €15-50/month for a dental package.

Hausarzt

In Germany, you usually choose a Hausarzt (family doctor) who is your first point of contact. A referral to a specialist (Überweisung) is usually required, although some specialties (gynecologist, dentist, ophthalmologist) can be visited directly.

Can I change my health fund?

YES. After 12 months with a fund, you can switch to another with a 2-month notice period. There can be no gaps in coverage — the new fund must accept you.

Common mistakes

• Choosing a fund without comparing Zusatzbeitrag — differences of 1-2% per year
• Not informing the fund about job/salary changes
• Switching from GKV to PKV without considering long-term costs (PKV contributions increase with age)
• Confusing eGK with the old red insured person's passport
• Not having the Versichertenkarte during a visit — the office charges a Privatrechnung of €25-150