How to Switch from Public to Private Health Insurance in Germany
16 abr 2025
Índice
How to Switch from Public to Private Health Insurance in Germany – 2025 Guide
For many high-earning expats in Germany, public health insurance (GKV) feels like a costly system with long wait times and limited service in English. If you’re earning more than €73,800 per year, you have the option to switch to private health insurance (PKV).
But how exactly does that work? Can you go back if you change your mind? Is it really worth it?
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about switching from public to private insurance in Germany in 2025.
Who Can Switch to Private Health Insurance in Germany?
To switch to private insurance, you must meet one of the following conditions:
Be an employee earning above €73,800/year (the 2025 threshold)
Be self-employed or a freelancer
Be a civil servant (Beamter)
If you're employed, your eligibility is reviewed annually based on your gross salary. As soon as you reach the threshold of €73,800/year you have the option to switch from statutory to private health insurance.
Why Expats Are Switching to Private Health Insurance
Here’s why many expats are making the switch:
Lower premiums for high earners – You stop paying a percentage of your income. Public health insurance in 2025 charges 14.6% plus an average additional contribution of 2.5% – a total of 17.1% of your gross salary.
Shorter wait times – See specialists faster, get appointments sooner
English-speaking service – Myhealthcarebroker offers a dedicated English-speaking concierge service for clients
Better benefits – Private rooms, chief physician treatment, top-tier dental care, and international coverage
¡Reserva tu consulta gratuita ahora!
El seguro de salud en Alemania puede ser sencillo. Nuestro amable equipo te ayuda a encontrar el plan de seguro de salud privado perfecto, ya seas empleado, autónomo o estés solicitando un visado. Obtén asistencia personalizada y tranquilidad.
Step-by-Step: How to Switch from Public to Private Insurance
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Make sure your income is above the annual threshold (€73,800 in 2025). If you're self-employed or a freelancer, there’s no income requirement.
Step 2: Compare Plans
Not all private insurance is created equal. Compare plans based on:
Monthly premium
Deductible (Selbstbehalt)
Benefits: dental, hospital, alternative medicine
Stable premiums
Step 3: Get a Consultation (Recommended)
We strongly recommend speaking to an independent advisor. They help you:
Understand all providers (not just one)
Avoid hidden traps (e.g., tariff lock-ins)
Clarify what happens if you go abroad, start a family, or change jobs
✅ Our service is free, non-binding, and independent
Step 4: Apply for Private Insurance
Once you’ve chosen a provider, you’ll need to:
Fill out a health questionnaire
Submit income proof
Provide cancellation notice to your public insurer
Our service for you: We at Myhealthcarebroker will take care of all the paperwork and bureaucracy for you – including the cancellation of your public insurance (GKV).
Step 5: Cancel Public Insurance (GKV)
After acceptance, your private provider will usually notify your public insurer.
¡Reserva tu consulta gratuita ahora!
El seguro de salud en Alemania puede ser sencillo. Nuestro amable equipo te ayuda a encontrar el plan de seguro de salud privado perfecto, ya seas un empleado, autónomo o si estás solicitando un visado. Obtén asistencia personalizada y tranquilidad.
What Happens After You Switch?
Once insured privately:
Your employer will cover up to 50% of your premium
You’ll get invoices from doctors and submit them to your insurer for reimbursement
You’ll enjoy faster appointments, access to premium services, and more personalized care
Private health insurance is structured around flexibility and individual needs. You pay for the services you actually use, and you can design a plan that grows with you over time – including options for families, better dental care, and international coverage.
With proper planning, private insurance can be a powerful long-term solution that gives you more control and better value.
Is Switching to Private Health Insurance Worth It?
It depends on your situation. Private health insurance can save you hundreds per month if you’re a healthy, high-earning individual.
But it requires commitment and good planning. That’s why it’s best to make this decision with an experienced, neutral consultant.
Get Help from an Independent Expert
We’re not tied to any single insurer – our job is to help expats like you find the best private insurance solution, risk-free.
✅ 100% free & non-binding
✅ English-speaking experts
✅ All major insurers in one place
✅ Tailored recommendations based on your profile
¡Reserva tu consulta gratuita ahora!
El seguro de salud en Alemania puede ser sencillo. Nuestro amable equipo te ayuda a encontrar el plan de seguro de salud privado perfecto, ya seas empleado, autónomo o estés solicitando un visado. Obtén asistencia personalizada y tranquilidad.
