Health Insurance in Germany Explained
Krankenversicherung is mandatory for all residents. Here is everything you need to know — which provider to choose, what it costs, and how to enrol.
Statutory vs Private
Which one applies to you?Statutory Insurance (GKV)
For most employed workers and anyone earning below €69,300/year. Premium is a percentage of your salary, paid half by you, half by employer.
Private Insurance (PKV)
Available if you earn above €69,300/year, are self-employed, or a civil servant. Premium is based on age and health status at signup.
Top Providers Compared
All are statutory (GKV) — choose based on servicesTK (Techniker Krankenkasse)
AOK
Barmer
DAK-Gesundheit
How to Enrol
Choose your insurer
Go to the insurer's website (TK has an English site: tk.de/en). Compare add-on coverages and select a plan.
Submit your application online
You'll need your passport, residence address (Anmeldung confirmation), and your employment contract or income details.
Receive your insurance card (Gesundheitskarte)
Arrives by post within 1–2 weeks. Take it to every GP and specialist appointment — it's your access card to the health system.
Share your insurance details with your employer
Send your insurer's name and your insurance number to HR. They will coordinate premium deductions from your salary.
Register with a GP (Hausarzt)
Find a GP near your home who accepts new patients (GKV-Patienten). Many Indians in Germany prefer doctors who speak English — ZocDoc.de or Jameda.de are useful directories.
Health Insurance FAQs
Q: Is health insurance mandatory in Germany for Indian expats?
Yes, health insurance is mandatory for all residents in Germany without exception. If you are employed, your employer registers you with a statutory insurer and splits the premium (around 14.6% of your salary, paid half each). If you are self-employed, freelancing, or between jobs, you must enrol independently and pay the full premium yourself.
Q: What is the difference between statutory (gesetzlich) and private (privat) health insurance?
Statutory insurance (GKV — gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) covers everyone based on income. Private insurance (PKV — private Krankenversicherung) is available to employees earning above €69,300/year, freelancers, and civil servants. Private insurance often offers faster specialist access and single rooms in hospital, but premiums rise sharply with age and pre-existing conditions.
Q: Which health insurance should Indians new to Germany choose?
For most new arrivals, TK (Techniker Krankenkasse) is the most recommended — English-speaking support, excellent digital tools, and widely accepted by doctors. AOK is the best if you need local office support. Barmer is great if you want a modern app experience.
Q: Can I keep my Indian health insurance in Germany?
No. German law requires you to enrol in a German health insurance scheme if you are a resident (regardless of income or visa type). An Indian policy alone does not fulfill the legal requirement. Some people maintain both while in transition.
Q: Does German health insurance cover my family in India?
No, German statutory health insurance only covers you (and your dependants living in Germany). For visiting family members or trips to India, you need separate travel health insurance. Services like OTTONOVA or HanseMerkur offer good India coverage for short trips.
Q: How much does health insurance cost for a freelancer in Germany?
For freelancers, the minimum contribution is based on a minimum income of around €1,178/month, resulting in a minimum monthly premium of approximately €220–€250. If you declare higher income, your contribution rises accordingly. The average full premium for a self-employed person is €320–€380/month (including long-term care insurance).
What to do next?
Health insurance sorted — here is what to tackle next as a new arrival.