Public health insurance providers in Germany
About 95 public Krankenkassen operate in Germany. The big four (AOK, TK, Barmer, DAK) cover the majority. Here's the overview.
How public providers differ
Statutory benefits are identical
Every public Krankenkasse covers the same statutory benefit catalogue. Differences are at the edges (prevention programmes, service quality).
Zusatzbeitrag varies
Each Krankenkasse sets its own. In 2026 it ranges from 2.18% to 4.30% of gross income on top of the standard 14.6% rate, with a statutory average of 2.9%. The lowest rate is not always the best deal.
Regional vs. national
AOK is regional (per state). TK, Barmer, DAK and BKK schemes are national.
Switching is easy
Two months' notice, paperwork handled by the new insurer. Benefits continue uninterrupted.
Not everyone has to pick a Krankenkasse
Employees earning above €77,400 gross a year, the self-employed, freelancers and civil servants can leave the public system entirely. Private health insurance is priced on your age and the cover you choose rather than your income, and employers still pay half for employees. Sixty seconds tell you whether you qualify.
Common questions
Related guides
Two more pages that come up most often when people are at this stage.