Continentale Krankenversicherung Health Insurance in Germany


Everything You Need to Know About German Private Health Insurance for Expats



As part of our commitment to the international community, The Eye Newspapers (owners of The Germany Eye and The Munich Eye) have secured exclusive deals with top insurers in Germany. Whether you’re looking for health insurance, personal liability insurance, or other types of coverage, we’ve partnered with responsive insurers that understand the unique needs of expatriates. This includes comprehensive health insurance plans, exceptional English-language customer service, and expert guidance in securing the best private health insurance in Germany for you and your family.
It is a legal requirement in Germany to have health insurance. Whether through public health insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung, GKV) or private health insurance (Private Krankenversicherung, PKV), all residents must be insured by an accredited German insurance provider.
The Eye Newspapers collaborates closely with these insurers to streamline the application and service processes, making them as user-friendly as possible. We always welcome customer feedback to improve our services and help you navigate the complexities of German health insurance with ease.

How Does Health Insurance Work in Germany?

In Germany, health insurance is compulsory, and you must choose between two types of health insurance provided by more than 100 authorized insurers (Krankenkasse). As health insurance is mandatory, you must select one of the two options, although combining both is possible, though less common.

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

The second option, available based on income, is:
Private Health Insurance (Private Krankenversicherung, PKV)

So, what are the differences between the two? The most significant difference is that Private Health Insurance (PKV) is only available if your annual income exceeds 69,300 Euro (as of 2024). If you earn less than this threshold, you are required to enroll in Public Health Insurance (GKV). The second major difference is that PKV generally offers higher quality of service. Some of the benefits of being privately insured include:
  • More extensive medication options and specialized treatments
  • More privacy during hospital stays, such as private or semi-private rooms
  • Access to doctors who accept only PKV patients
  • In some cases, little to no cost difference compared to Public Health Insurance
However, there are some potential downsides to PKV:
  • Premiums can increase as you age or experience health problems
  • You must claim reimbursements directly from the insurer, which often involves filling out forms in German (although The Eye Newspapers promotes English-friendly insurers like Continentale Krankenversicherung – fill out the form below to learn more)
  • Dependents may not be automatically covered under your plan
  • Some doctors may prescribe more medication than necessary, knowing the insurance will cover the additional costs
Public Health Insurance is typically a better option if you are married with a non-working spouse or have children, as they can be included in your coverage at no additional cost. Contributions are calculated at 14.6% of your annual gross salary, with the cost shared equally between you and your employer. If you opt for Private Health Insurance, your employer will also pay half of the premium.
Not all doctors and hospitals are covered under the GKV system, so be sure to check before seeking treatment. Both GKV and PKV provide coverage for medical treatment abroad, but it is important to verify that your destination country is included in your insurance plan. PKV generally offers a more extensive list of countries where you can receive coverage.

What Happens Next? How to Choose Your German Health Insurance

To the right of this page, you will find links to articles that cover various aspects of both German private health insurance and public health insurance. We recommend reading them to better understand how the German health insurance system works. Once you are ready to make a decision, consider these important questions:
  • Do I have dependents, such as children or a non-working partner, who need coverage?
  • Am I comfortable sharing a hospital room with other patients, or do I prefer more privacy (PKV offers more privacy in hospital settings)?
  • Do I need English-language services or a provider who speaks English?
  • Am I planning to start a family soon or bring my non-employed partner to Germany?
  • Do I earn more than the threshold for private health insurance (69,300 Euro per year)?
By considering these factors, you can better determine which health insurance option – German private health insurance or public health insurance – is right for you.
Now that you are familiar with the key aspects of German health insurance, including the benefits and considerations of Continentale Krankenversicherung, we invite you to fill out the form below for more detailed information. You can also request a call from one of our agents who will guide you through the process. As our service is provided in partnership with The Eye Newspapers, we are here to assist you every step of the way, ensuring you receive the best possible service in English. You’ll be surprised at how simple our partners have made the process for readers like you.



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