Kuk der Berufsfeuerwehr Hannover Health Insurance: Your Guide to German Private Health Insurance


What Expats Need to Know About Health Insurance in Germany



As part of our ongoing commitment to the international community, The Eye Newspapers (publishers of The Germany Eye and The Munich Eye) have negotiated exclusive deals for foreigners seeking health insurance in Germany. Whether you are looking for private health insurance, personal liability insurance, or other types of coverage, we believe our partner, Kuk der Berufsfeuerwehr Hannover Health Insurance (Kuk), provides some of the most responsive services tailored specifically for expats. Kuk understands the unique needs of the expatriate community, offering superb coverage, English-language customer support, and expert guidance through the process of securing the best health insurance for you and your family.
Health insurance is mandatory in Germany. Whether through public or private health insurance, all residents must be insured with an accredited German health insurance provider.
The Eye Newspapers works closely with insurers like Kuk to ensure that the application and service process is as simple and user-friendly as possible. We encourage customer feedback to continually improve our services.

How Does Health Insurance Work in Germany?

Germany’s health insurance system is compulsory, and there are two main types of health insurance, provided by over 100 companies (known as Krankenkassen). You must choose one of these options (or in rare cases, combine them):
  • Public Health Insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung, GKV)
  • Private Health Insurance (Private Krankenversicherung, PKV)
Here's a breakdown of the differences:

Public Health Insurance (GKV)

Public Health Insurance (GKV) is available to everyone earning less than €69,300 per year (as of 2024). If you fall below this threshold, GKV is your only option. Public Health Insurance typically covers a broad range of treatments and services, including family members (spouse and children) at no additional cost. The cost is calculated as 14.6% of your annual gross salary, and this cost is split evenly between you and your employer. However, not all doctors and hospitals accept GKV, so always verify coverage before seeking treatment.

Private Health Insurance (PKV)

Private Health Insurance (PKV) is available to those earning above the €69,300 threshold or for self-employed individuals. PKV offers a higher standard of care and more extensive benefits than GKV, including:
  • Access to a broader range of treatments and medications
  • Private or semi-private rooms in hospitals
  • Faster access to specialists
  • Flexible coverage options tailored to individual needs
However, PKV has some potential drawbacks:
  • Premiums can increase with age or deteriorating health
  • You pay upfront for medical expenses and later claim reimbursement (usually requiring German-language paperwork)
  • Dependents are not automatically covered, and additional fees may apply
  • Some doctors may prescribe extra medications knowing PKV will cover the costs
PKV can be an excellent choice for high-income professionals or singles who need a higher standard of care. Additionally, PKV typically offers more extensive international coverage, which is especially beneficial for frequent travelers.
Both GKV and PKV offer coverage for medical treatment abroad, though PKV covers a wider range of countries. Make sure to verify that the destination country is included in your plan’s coverage.

What’s Next?

To the right of this page, you’ll find additional articles that cover various aspects of both public and private health insurance in Germany. These articles will help you gain a deeper understanding of the system and how it works. Once you’re ready, ask yourself the following questions to determine which type of insurance is right for you:
  • Do you have dependents who need coverage?
  • Are you comfortable with shared hospital rooms, or would you prefer more privacy (PKV offers more privacy in hospital settings, depending on the plan)?
  • Do you require English-language services for ease of communication?
  • Are you planning to start a family soon or bringing a non-working spouse to Germany?
  • Do you meet the income threshold to qualify for Private Health Insurance?
By considering these questions, you can make a more informed decision about which health insurance option suits your needs. Once you're familiar with the requirements and different types of health insurance, fill out the form below to receive more information or to have an agent contact you. As this service is provided in partnership with The Eye Newspapers, we are here to support you throughout the entire process, ensuring that you get the best possible service, in English. You’ll be surprised at how easy our partners have made the process for readers like you.



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