Health insurance in Germany, made simple

Neither is universally better. Public is the default and works well for most employees and families. Private wins on premium efficiency for high-earning singles, self-employed people in good health, and civil servants. The right answer depends on income, family plans, age, and whether you'd realistically stay in Germany long-term.

Usually no, especially after age 55. Below 55 you can sometimes switch back — but only if your situation changes (drop below the income threshold for 12 months, become an employee from self-employment, or unemployment). Treat the choice to go private as a long-term decision.

For employees, you must earn more than €77,400 gross per year (€6,450 / month) for three consecutive years to opt out of public health insurance. Self-employed people and civil servants can choose private regardless of income.

Yes. Health coverage is mandatory from the day you register your address (Anmeldung) or start work. Most newcomers either get statutory cover via their employer or sign up to a public Krankenkasse directly. Private is an option from day one if you qualify.

On public insurance, yes — non-working spouses and children are covered for free under family insurance. On private, every family member is a separate contract with a separate premium. That's a major reason families with one earner often stay public.

Public insurance is 14.6% of gross salary (about 7.3% paid by you, 7.3% by your employer) plus an additional contribution with an official 2026 average of 2.9%, so about 17.5% in total. Long-term care insurance adds around 3.6%. Private premiums depend on age, health and chosen benefits but typically range from €280 to €700 per month for full cover.

Public is income-based, includes spouse and children for free, and is the default. Private is risk-based (age and health), covers each person individually, and unlocks shorter wait times, single-bed rooms and broader benefits. Once in private, going back to public is restricted.

Yes, but you need to fall into a category that allows it:

• Job seeker visa or freelancer: private or voluntary public
• Student: student tariff (public) or private student plan
• Family member of someone publicly insured: free family insurance
• Pensioner: pensioner public insurance (KVdR) or stay private

There is no version of Germany where you simply have no insurance.

Yes. Health insurance is legally mandatory for every resident, including visitors staying longer than 90 days. The residence permit and city registration both require proof of valid German-compliant insurance.

There is no single best provider. The right plan depends on your age, health profile, family situation and budget. Insurers like DKV, Hallesche, HanseMerkur, ottonova, Barmenia and ARAG all have strong tariffs but they target different profiles. We compare across all of them in one free consultation.