Friendsurance Health Insurance


Everything You Need to Know About Private Health Insurance in Germany



As part of a unique offering for the international community, The Eye Newspapers (owners of The Germany Eye and The Munich Eye) have partnered with leading insurers to bring you preferential deals for health insurance in Germany. Whether you're looking for health insurance, personal liability insurance, or other types of coverage, we've collaborated with Friendsurance, one of the most responsive and customer-centric insurers in the country. Friendsurance has dedicated itself to understanding the needs of the expatriate community, offering comprehensive coverage, English-language customer service, and expertise in making the process of securing the best German private health insurance as smooth as possible.
It is a legal requirement in Germany to have health insurance. This applies to both private health insurance and public health insurance, and all residents must have coverage through an accredited German insurance provider.
The Eye Newspapers works closely with Friendsurance to simplify the application process for private health insurance in Germany. We are constantly improving our services to ensure that you can easily navigate the German health insurance system. We highly value customer feedback to enhance our services for expatriates looking for Germany private health insurance.

How Does Health Insurance Work in Germany?

In Germany, health insurance is mandatory, and there are two primary types of health insurance provided by over 100 different insurance companies (Krankenkassen). Whether you opt for public or private health insurance, you must choose one of these options. While it is possible to combine both, it's not common. The two main options are:
Public Health Insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung, GKV) – Available to everyone.
Private Health Insurance (Private Krankenversicherung, PKV) – Available to individuals who meet certain income thresholds. So, what’s the difference between them? The first significant difference is that you can only qualify for Private Health Insurance (PKV) if you earn more than €73,800 annually (as of 2025). If you earn less than this amount, you are required to opt for Public Health Insurance (GKV). The second key difference is the quality of service: PKV generally offers superior coverage compared to GKV. Some benefits of having Private Health Insurance include:
  • Access to more extensive medication options and treatments
  • Less crowded hospital rooms with more privacy in case of hospitalization
  • Exclusive access to certain doctors who only accept PKV-insured patients
  • In some cases, PKV might be comparable in cost to Public Health Insurance
However, there are some considerations to keep in mind when choosing PKV:
  • Premiums may rise as you get older or if your health declines
  • You will need to file claims directly with your insurer, which typically requires filling out forms in German (though Friendsurance offers English-language customer service for ease)
  • Dependents are not automatically covered under a private insurance policy
  • Some doctors may prescribe more treatments than necessary, knowing that your insurance will cover the costs
Public Health Insurance (GKV) is often a better option for those who are married with non-working spouses or have children, as dependents are automatically covered. Your contribution to GKV is based on 14.6% of your annual gross income, with the cost split equally between you and your employer. If you choose Private Health Insurance, your employer will still contribute toward the cost.
Not all healthcare providers are covered under GKV. Before seeking treatment, verify that your chosen hospital or doctor accepts GKV. Furthermore, while both public and private health insurance offer coverage for treatment abroad, Private Health Insurance typically covers a broader range of countries.

What’s Next? How to Choose Your Health Insurance Plan in Germany

To help you make an informed decision, we’ve provided links to several articles detailing the ins and outs of German health insurance, including both public and private plans. Once you’re familiar with the system, ask yourself these key questions to help determine which type of health insurance is right for you:
  • Do you have dependents or a spouse who doesn't earn an income? (Private Health Insurance usually doesn’t cover dependents automatically)
  • Do you prefer more privacy in hospitals (PKV offers private rooms or fewer people per room, depending on the plan)?
  • Do you need access to English-speaking healthcare providers? (PKV plans generally offer more flexibility in this regard)
  • Are you planning to start a family soon or bring a non-employed legal partner to Germany?
  • Do you meet the income threshold required for Private Health Insurance? (Currently €73,800 annually)
These questions will help you make the best choice based on your individual circumstances.
Now that you have a better understanding of your options, fill out the form below to receive more information about private health insurance in Germany, or request a callback from one of our agents. Through our partnership with Friendsurance, we ensure that The Eye Newspapers’ readers receive the best possible service, in English, to help you navigate the German health insurance system with ease.



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