Deutscher Ring Health Insurance: Your Trusted Partner for German Private Health Insurance


Comprehensive Insights for Foreigners Navigating Health Insurance in Germany



The Eye Newspapers, publishers of The Germany Eye and The Munich Eye, have established exclusive partnerships to provide top-tier services for expatriates seeking health insurance in Germany. Among our trusted partners is Deutscher Ring Health Insurance, a leading provider known for its expertise in German private health insurance. Their personalized approach, extensive coverage options, and English-speaking customer support make them a preferred choice for the international community in Germany.

A Brief History of Deutscher Ring Health Insurance

Deutscher Ring Health Insurance has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1913. Initially established to provide essential insurance services to German citizens, the company quickly expanded its offerings to meet the evolving needs of a dynamic population. Over the decades, Deutscher Ring has become synonymous with reliability and innovation in the insurance industry, particularly in health insurance. With over a century of experience, they have consistently adapted to changes in the healthcare landscape, cementing their position as one of Germany’s most trusted insurance providers. Today, Deutscher Ring is renowned for its customer-centric approach, offering tailored solutions that address the unique requirements of expatriates and residents alike. This legacy of trust and excellence makes them an ideal partner for individuals navigating Germany’s complex health insurance system.
It is a legal requirement in Germany to have health insurance. Whether you opt for private health insurance or public health insurance, all residents in Germany must be insured through a licensed German insurance company.
The Eye Newspapers collaborates closely with these insurers to ensure the application and service process is as simple and user-friendly as possible. We always welcome feedback to improve our services.

How Does Health Insurance Work in Germany?

In Germany, health insurance is mandatory, and there are two primary types provided by over 100 insurance companies (known in German as Krankenkassen). All residents are required to be insured through one of these options (though it is possible, but rare, to combine both).

The first option is known as Public Health Insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung, GKV).

The second option, which depends on your income, is called Private Health Insurance (Private Krankenversicherung, PKV).

So, what are the key differences?

The main difference is that you can only access Private Health Insurance (PKV) if you earn more than €69,300 per year (as of 2024). If your income is lower than this threshold, you are required to take out Public Health Insurance (GKV). The second significant difference is that PKV generally offers higher-quality services. Some of the advantages of having private health insurance include:
  • Access to a wider range of medications
  • Private rooms or fewer patients in hospital rooms
  • More doctors may accept only private insurance patients
  • In many cases, the cost difference between private and public health insurance is minimal
However, there are also some disadvantages to choosing PKV:
  • Premiums can rise as you age or experience health issues
  • You must handle claims directly with the insurer, typically filling out forms in German (though English-speaking insurers, such as those recommended by The Eye Newspapers, are available – fill out the form below for more details)
  • Dependents (spouse and children) may not be covered unless separately insured
  • Some doctors might prescribe more treatment or medication than necessary, knowing that the private insurance will cover the costs
Public Health Insurance is often a better choice if you are married to a non-working partner and/or have children, as they are covered under your plan. The premium is typically 14.6% of your gross annual income, with the cost split equally between you and your employer. If you opt for Private Health Insurance, your employer will also contribute half of the premium cost.
Not all hospitals or doctors participate in the GKV system, so be sure to check before accepting treatment. Additionally, both types of insurance cover medical care abroad, but you should verify that the country you are visiting is covered. Private Health Insurance (PKV) typically offers a broader range of countries for treatment.

What Happens Next? Steps to Choosing the Right Health Insurance in Germany

To the right of this page, you will find articles covering various aspects of German health insurance, including both public and private health insurance options. Reading these articles will give you a deeper understanding of how the health insurance system in Germany works. Once you're ready, consider the following questions to help determine which type of health insurance is best for you:
  • Do I have dependents (a spouse or children) who need coverage?
  • Am I okay with sharing a hospital ward with other patients (PKV provides more privacy in many cases)?
  • Do I require English-language services from my doctor or insurer (PKV often offers more options here)?
  • Am I planning to start a family soon or bringing a non-employed partner to Germany?
  • Do I earn more than the annual income threshold to qualify for Private Health Insurance?
By considering these factors, you will be able to make a more informed decision about the type of health insurance that is right for you.
Now that you're more familiar with the requirements and details of the different health insurance options in Germany, fill out the form below for more information or to have an agent contact you. As part of our collaboration with The Eye Newspapers, we are here to support you every step of the way, ensuring you receive the best possible service in English. You will be amazed at how easy our partners have made the process for readers of The Eye Newspapers like you.



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