Private health insurance in Germany

Private Health Insurance in Germany: Key Points

• Germany has a dual healthcare system with Statutory Health Insurance (GKV) covering 90% of the population and Private Health Insurance (PKV) available to high-income employees (above €73,800 annually), self-employed individuals, civil servants, and specific other groups.
• Private health insurance premiums are based on an individual risk assessment rather than income, sometimes requiring health examinations before acceptance and offering more comprehensive benefits like shorter waiting times and private hospital rooms.
• The process of signing up for private insurance includes comparing providers, requesting personalised quotes, answering questions regarding your health status, and submitting required documentation such as a residence permit.
• Monthly costs for private insurance vary significantly based on age, health condition, and chosen benefits, ranging from €300-500 for young individuals to €700+ for those over 50, with premiums including ageing provisions to prevent steep increases later.

Healthcare in Germany

Health insurance in Germany is organised in a dual structure consisting of Statutory Health Insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung or GKV) and Private Health Insurance (Private Krankenversicherung or PKV). It is mandatory to have health insurance in Germany.

Statutory Health Insurance (GKV)

The public health insurance, or GKV, operates on solidarity principles, and you are automatically insured via your employer if you earn more than €556 per month.

Some key facts about the Statutory Health Insurance in Germany:

• Mandatory for employees earning below €73,800 annually (2025) and optional if you earn more (optional means that you can choose the Private Health Insurance instead).
• Contribution rates are income-dependent (typically 14.6% shared by employee and employer plus additional contributions set by your chosen provider).
• Family members can be covered at no additional cost.
• Mostly standardised coverage for all members regardless of health status with some extra offerings depending on your provider.
• No health examinations are required to join.

Private Health Insurance (PKV)

Individuals exceeding specific income thresholds (€73,800 annually in 2025), civil servants, and self-employed workers in Germany can opt for private health insurance coverage.

Some key facts about the Private Health Insurance in Germany:

• Premiums based on individual risk assessment rather than income.
• Health examination required before acceptance.
• Each family member needs separate coverage.
• Premium calculations consider age, health condition, and selected benefits.
• Generally offers more comprehensive benefits than GKV.
• Coverage includes shorter waiting times, private hospital rooms, and expanded treatment options.
• Medical bills are paid upfront by the patient and later reimbursed.
• Difficult to switch back to the statutory system once enrolled.
• Mandatory ageing provisions to stabilise premiums over time.

Who Is Eligible for Private Insurance in Germany?

In Germany, not everyone can choose private health insurance. You have to belong to of one of the following groups, or otherwise you will be automatically enrolled in the Statutory Health Insurance:

• High-income employees earning above €73,800 annually (2025)
• Self-employed individuals including freelancers and business owners
• Civil servants (Beamte or Beamtenanwärter) who receive governmental allowances (Beihilfe)
• Students who opt for private insurance if they apply for exemption within the first 3 months of university enrolment or if they are over 30 years old or exceed the standard period of study.
• Short-term employees with contracts limited to 3 months or 70 working days per year

How to Sign up for Private Insurance

If you're eligible for private health insurance (PKV) in Germany, follow these steps:

Research and compare providers: Start with thorough research of multiple insurance companies. Compare coverage scope, premium structures, additional benefits, customer service quality, and financial stability of providers. Making an informed decision early on can save thousands of euros in the long term and ensure better benefits.

Request personalised quotes: After selecting a shortlist of insurers based on their benefits and premiums, ask an insurance broker (i.e. CHECK24) to contact these insurers for individualised offers based on your health status. Pay attention to different deductible options and special needs like international coverage. Quotes can vary significantly, even for the same level of benefits.

Health assessment: The health evaluation is a critical step. Complete the health questionnaire truthfully and provide access to your medical records if requested. Concealing pre-existing conditions can later invalidate your policy. Note that certain pre-existing conditions may result in premium loadings, benefit exclusions or outright rejection of your application.

Review contract terms: Carefully examine the insurance offer for coverage details, exclusions, premium calculations, and waiting periods for specific treatments. Pay particular attention to reimbursement rules and direct billing options with doctors.

Submit the application and accept the offer: File your formal application with all required information, sign the contract, and ensure you understand all details of your coverage from this contractually binding point forward.

Compare private health insurance with CHECK24

Are you looking for private health insurance? At CHECK24, you can compare numerous top insurers and find the best deal with the CHECK24 Private health insurance comparison.

Documents required to register for private health insurance

When applying, prepare these documents:

• Previous health insurance details
• Residence permit for non-EU citizens
• Health questionnaire (provided by the insurer)
• Tax assessment notice (for self-employed)
• Proof of student status (if applicable)

List of private health insurance companies in Germany

Freqently asked questions

• What Does Private Insurance Cover in Germany?

  Private health insurance in Germany typically provides more comprehensive coverage than statutory insurance. Like public health insurance, it covers essential medical treatments, including ambulatory care (doctor visits), dental care, hospital treatments, and long-term nursing care. Standard benefits also include preferential treatment by doctors with shorter waiting times, private or semi-private hospital rooms, treatment by chief physicians, higher reimbursement for dental care, and international coverage. Most insurers offer customisable plans with basic options, comprehensive packages, or budget plans with higher deductibles for lower premiums. Unlike public insurance, children are not covered free of charge under private health insurance. Each child requires their own separate insurance contract with individual premiums, though these are typically much lower than adult rates. Insurance companies are legally obligated to accept children of existing customers regardless of health status, provided the parent has been insured for at least three months before the child's birth and notification occurs within two months after birth.

• How Much Does Private Insurance in Germany Cost?

  The cost of private health insurance varies based on age at entry, health condition, chosen benefits, and deductibles. Younger, healthier applicants pay lower premiums. Average monthly costs range from €300 to €500 for young individuals (25-35), €450 to €750 for middle-aged (35-50), and €700 plus for those over 50. Premiums include a base rate, ageing provisions to prevent steep increases later, and mandatory nursing care insurance.

• What if a Private Health Insurance Provider Rejects Me?

  If rejected by a private insurer, you have several options. You can apply with other providers, as they have different risk assessment criteria, accept coverage with exclusions for specific conditions, or pay premium surcharges. All private insurers must offer a basic tariff (Basistarif) to eligible applicants regardless of health status, which cannot exceed the maximum GKV contribution. You might also return to statutory insurance if you still qualify or consider international insurance options designed for expats with less stringent requirements. Note that international insurance plans are generally not recognised as compliant substitutes for German health insurance for long-term residents and may not meet legal requirements for visa renewals after your initial stay. Using such insurance beyond short-term periods could result in penalty back-charges when switching to a German-compliant plan later.