Business

German Private Health Insurance

Published

8 months ago

January 29, 2025

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As part of our comprehensive service for the international community, The Eye Newspapers (owners of The Germany Eye and The Munich Eye) have secured exclusive deals for expatriates seeking German private health insurance. Whether it’s health insurance, personal liability insurance, or other types of coverage, we are proud to collaborate with responsive insurers who specialize in the unique needs of expatriates. This partnership ensures excellent coverage, English-speaking customer support, and expert guidance to help you find the best private health insurance in Germany for you and your family.

It is a legal requirement in Germany to have health insurance. Whether you choose private health insurance (PKV) or public health insurance (GKV), all residents must secure coverage through an accredited German insurer.

The Eye Newspapers work closely with leading insurers to streamline the application and service processes, making them as simple and customer-friendly as possible. We always welcome feedback to improve our services.

In Germany, there are two main types of health insurance: provided by over 100 insurance companies (called Krankenkasse). Health insurance is mandatory, and you must choose between these two options (although in some cases, a combination of both is possible).

The first option is available to everyone and is called:
Public Health Insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung, GKV).

The second option, available depending on your salary, is called:
Private Health Insurance (Private Krankenversicherung, PKV).

So, what sets them apart?

The primary difference is that Private Health Insurance (PKV) is available only if you earn more than €73,800 annually (as of 2025). If your income is below this threshold, you must opt for Public Health Insurance (GKV). The second major distinction is the higher quality of service typically offered by PKV. For instance, PKV offers:

Access to a wider range of medications

More private hospital room options in case of hospitalization

Some doctors prefer to treat only PKV-insured patients

Often, PKV costs are comparable to GKV for healthy individuals

However, there are also some drawbacks to Private Health Insurance:

It can become more expensive with age or health decline

Claiming reimbursements often requires filling out forms in German (though we work with insurers that offer English-language services)

Dependents are generally not covered under PKV

Some doctors may prescribe unnecessary medication since they know PKV will cover the costs

Public Health Insurance (GKV) is typically more suitable if you are married (especially if your partner does not earn an income) or have children, as they will be covered under your policy. The cost of GKV is usually 14.6% of your annual gross salary, with the cost split between you and your employer. If you choose PKV, your employer will still contribute half of the cost.

Note that not all hospitals and doctors are covered under the GKV system, so it’s essential to verify coverage before receiving treatment. Both PKV and GKV provide coverage for overseas treatment, but it’s crucial to check whether your destination country is included. Generally, PKV offers a more extensive list of countries for international medical coverage.

To the right of this page, you’ll find helpful links to articles that dive deeper into the nuances of German health insurance, covering both public and private options. Once you’ve reviewed the information, ask yourself the following questions to determine the best plan for your needs:

Do I have dependents or a non-working partner?

Am I comfortable with sharing a hospital ward, or would I prefer the privacy offered by PKV?

Do I need English-language services for medical consultations?

Am I planning to start a family soon or bring a partner to Germany?

Do I earn over the annual salary threshold for Private Health Insurance eligibility?

Reflecting on these questions will help you decide whether PKV or GKV is the right choice for you.

Now that you’re better informed about German private health insurance, fill out the form below for more information or to have an agent contact you. As part of The Eye Newspapers, we are dedicated to assisting you every step of the way, ensuring you receive the best possible service in English. You’ll be surprised by how simple and straightforward our partners make the process for expatriates like you.