Healthcare in Germany
Germany's healthcare system is comprehensive, efficient, and among the world's best. Everyone must have health insurance - no exceptions.
Two-Tier System
Public Insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung - GKV)
- Required if earning under €69,750/year (2026 threshold)
- Cost: 14.6% of salary + 1-2% surcharge, split with employer
- Employee pays: €400-500/month typically
- Covers spouse and children at no extra cost
- No coverage denials for pre-existing conditions
- Providers: TK (Techniker Krankenkasse), AOK, Barmer, DAK
Private Insurance (Private Krankenversicherung - PKV)
- Available to high earners (€69,750+), self-employed, freelancers
- Cost: Based on age, health, coverage (€150-600/month)
- Faster appointments, better rooms, more choice
- Family members need separate policies
- Difficult to switch back to public after 55
For New Immigrants
Your first steps:
- Get insurance before arrival if possible
- Choose provider (TK is expat-friendly with English support)
- Register within 14 days of arrival
- Receive insurance card (Gesundheitskarte)
What's covered (public):
- Doctor visits (no copay)
- Hospital stays (€10/day max)
- Prescriptions (€5-10 copay)
- Dental (basic covered, cosmetic 50%)
- Mental health
- Preventive care
- Maternity care
Using Healthcare
Finding doctors:
- General practitioner (Hausarzt): Your primary doctor
- Specialists: Usually need GP referral
- "Kassenarzt" accepts public insurance
- Use Jameda.de to find English-speaking doctors
Emergency: Call 112 for ambulance or go to hospital emergency (Notaufnahme)
Prescriptions: Take to pharmacy (Apotheke) - every neighborhood has one
Costs (Public Insurance)
| Category | Employee Cost (monthly) |
|---|---|
| Single (€40K salary) | ~€280 |
| Single (€60K salary) | ~€420 |
| Family (€60K salary) | ~€420 (covers all!) |
| Maximum contribution | ~€1,000 |
Note: Maximum monthly contribution in 2026 exceeds €1,000 for first time in history.
Special Situations
Students: Special student insurance ~€110-120/month until age 30
Freelancers: Must get public or private, full cost (no employer contribution)
Job gap: Must continue insurance, COBRA-like (Anwartschaftsversicherung) to maintain coverage
Pro Tips
- •Public insurance covers family members at no additional cost - huge savings
- •TK (Techniker Krankenkasse) has excellent English support
- •Don't switch to private unless you're certain - very hard to return
- •Get insurance before arrival to avoid gaps
- •Mental health care is covered but finding English therapists can be challenging
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