What does private health insurance actually cover?
Private cover ranges from public-equivalent (basic tariffs) to top-tier with concierge service (premium tariffs). Here's what to look for.
Standard coverage categories
Outpatient (Ambulant)
GP and specialist visits, diagnostics, prescriptions. Higher tariffs reimburse 100% for most treatments.
Inpatient (Stationär)
Hospital stays. Higher tariffs include single-room and chief-physician treatment; basic tariffs match public-system standard.
Dental (Zahn)
From standard cleanings to major work. Coverage scales with tariff — premium tariffs cover up to 100% of major dental.
Alternative medicine
Many tariffs include alternative practitioners, naturopaths and acupuncture — a benefit not available in public.
What's typically not covered
Cosmetic procedures, IVF beyond limited cycles, and certain elective treatments. Read your tariff terms.
Common questions
Related guides
Two more pages that come up most often when people are at this stage.
Cost factors
How tariff choice affects your monthly premium.
Learn moreCompare 11 providers
Coverage breadth varies sharply between insurers.
Learn moreFor families
Covering a partner and children privately.
Learn moreFor students
Options for international students.
Learn moreFor freelancers
Cover for the self-employed.
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