Private health insurance 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 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.

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. While initially cheaper for some, you consider that premiums increase with age and family members require separate policies.

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.