Gothaer Krankenversicherung: Premium Health Insurance for Expats in Germany


Essential Guide to German Private Health Insurance for Foreigners



As part of our commitment to supporting the international community, The Eye Newspapers have negotiated exclusive deals with top insurers like Gothaer Krankenversicherung, a leader in providing high-quality German private health insurance. Gothaer Krankenversicherung has been a trusted name in the German insurance market for over 200 years, founded in 1820. It is one of the oldest and most respected insurers in the country, known for its reliable coverage and innovative insurance solutions. Over the years, Gothaer has expanded its offerings to include comprehensive health, life, and property insurance, maintaining a strong reputation for its customer service and financial stability. Whether you are seeking health, personal liability, or other types of coverage, we are proud to work with insurers who truly understand the unique needs of expatriates in Germany. With Gothaer, you'll receive comprehensive coverage, excellent English-language customer service, and guidance to help you navigate the process of obtaining the best Germany private health insurance for you and your family.
It is mandatory to have health insurance in Germany. Whether you choose private health insurance or public health insurance, all residents are required to insure themselves through an accredited German insurance company.
We work closely with Gothaer Krankenversicherung to ensure that your health insurance application and service experience is as straightforward and user-friendly as possible. We encourage customer feedback to continually improve our services.

Understanding Health Insurance in Germany

Health insurance is mandatory in Germany, and there are two primary types: Public Health Insurance (GKV) and Private Health Insurance (PKV). Over 100 insurance companies provide these options, but only two categories of coverage exist.

The first option is Public Health Insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung, GKV), available to all residents, while the second, Private Health Insurance (Private Krankenversicherung, PKV), is available to those who meet specific salary requirements.

So, what are the key differences between these two options?

The main distinction is that you can only access Private Health Insurance if your annual income exceeds €69,300 (as of 2024). If your salary is lower than this threshold, you are obligated to enroll in Public Health Insurance. The second major difference is that PKV often offers superior coverage and services. Some of the benefits of German private health insurance through Gothaer Krankenversicherung include:
  • Access to a wider range of medications and treatments
  • More privacy and comfort in hospital rooms (fewer shared spaces)
  • Better access to high-quality doctors, as some prefer or only accept PKV-insured patients
  • In many cases, PKV can be more affordable than GKV for those with higher incomes
However, there are some drawbacks to PKV that you should consider:
  • The premiums may increase as you age or experience health issues
  • You are responsible for submitting claims directly to the insurer, which usually involves paperwork in German (although we partner with Gothaer, which offers English-friendly services—fill out the form below for more details)
  • Dependents are not automatically covered under PKV policies
  • There is a possibility of doctors prescribing additional treatments or medications, as they know your insurance will cover it
If you are married or have children (particularly a non-working spouse), Public Health Insurance may be the more cost-effective option, as it covers family members without extra charges. The cost of GKV is based on 14.6% of your gross income, shared equally with your employer. Employers also pay half of the cost if you opt for Private Health Insurance.
Not all doctors or hospitals are included under the GKV system, so it’s essential to verify coverage before seeking treatment. While both insurance systems cover treatment abroad, Private Health Insurance generally offers a broader range of international coverage, especially for expatriates.

How to Choose the Best Health Insurance for You

To help you better understand your options, we’ve provided detailed articles on various aspects of German private health insurance, including both PKV and GKV systems. We recommend reviewing these resources to gain a deeper understanding of your needs and the German health insurance landscape. Once you’re ready, ask yourself the following questions to decide which type of insurance is the best fit for you:
  • Do you have dependents or a non-working partner?
  • Are you comfortable sharing a hospital room (PKV offers more privacy in this regard)?
  • Do you require English-language support and customer service?
  • Do you plan to start a family soon or bring a dependent non-working spouse to Germany?
  • Do you earn enough to qualify for Private Health Insurance (over €69,300 per year)?
Reflecting on these questions can help you make an informed decision about which health insurance option will best meet your needs in Germany.
Now that you’re familiar with the various aspects of German private health insurance and Gothaer Krankenversicherung, fill out the form below for more information or to have one of our agents contact you. As a partner of The Eye Newspapers, we are here to assist you every step of the way to ensure you receive the best coverage and customer service in English. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how easy our partners have made the process for The Eye Newspapers readers like you.



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