Ottonova Krankenversicherung Health Insurance: Your Guide to Health Insurance in Germany


What Foreigners Need to Know About Health Insurance in Germany



As part of a tailored service package for the international community, The Eye Newspapers (owners of The Germany Eye and The Munich Eye) have negotiated exclusive deals with Ottonova Krankenversicherung for foreigners seeking health insurance in Germany. Whether you need health insurance, personal liability insurance, or other types of coverage, we are proud to partner with Ottonova, one of the most responsive insurers, who truly understand the needs of the expatriate community. Their services include comprehensive coverage, English-speaking customer support, and expert guidance in securing the best health insurance for you and your family.
Health insurance is mandatory in Germany. Whether you choose private health insurance or public health insurance, all residents are required to insure themselves through an accredited German provider.
The Eye Newspapers is working closely with Ottonova to make the application and service process as simple and user-friendly as possible. We welcome feedback to continuously improve our services.

How Does Health Insurance Work in Germany?

In Germany, health insurance is compulsory, and you must choose between two primary types of health insurance, provided by over 100 companies (called Krankenkassen). These options are:

Public Health Insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung, GKV)

Public Health Insurance (GKV) is available to all residents, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. If your income is less than €69,300 per year (as of 2024), you must register with GKV. Public health insurance covers a broad range of medical services, and it also covers dependents like children or a non-working spouse under the same plan at no extra cost. The premium for GKV is calculated at 14.6% of your gross income, with half of this cost covered by your employer.

Private Health Insurance (Private Krankenversicherung, PKV)

Private Health Insurance is available for those with an income over €69,300 per year or for self-employed individuals. Ottonova offers private health insurance with numerous benefits, including:
  • Access to more extensive medical treatments and medication options
  • More privacy in hospitals (fewer patients in the same room)
  • Some specialists may only accept PKV patients
  • Private insurance may offer similar costs to public health insurance for some individuals
However, there are some potential downsides to PKV:
  • Premiums can increase as you age or if you develop health conditions
  • Claims must be filed directly with the insurer, often in German (but English-language support is available through Ottonova)
  • Dependents are not automatically covered
  • Some doctors may prescribe more medication, knowing it will be covered by your insurance
Public Health Insurance (GKV) is often the better option if you have dependents, such as children or a non-working partner, as they will be covered under your plan. Additionally, GKV premiums are split between you and your employer.
Not all hospitals or doctors participate in the GKV system. Before receiving treatment, verify that your healthcare provider is covered under your plan. Both public and private insurance also cover international treatment, but PKV offers a more extensive list of countries for medical coverage.

What Should You Do Next?

On the right side of this page, you’ll find links to more articles on various aspects of German health insurance, both public and private. Once you're ready to decide, consider these questions to help you choose the best insurance for your situation:
  • Do I have dependents (e.g., children or a non-working partner)?
  • Am I comfortable sharing a hospital room (PKV offers more privacy)?
  • Do I need English-language services when dealing with healthcare providers?
  • Am I planning to start a family soon or bring a non-working partner to Germany?
  • Do I earn enough to qualify for Private Health Insurance?
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision about the best health insurance option for you. After reviewing your options, fill out the form below to receive additional information or to schedule a call with an agent. As this service is offered in partnership with The Eye Newspapers, we are committed to supporting you throughout the process to ensure you get the best service in English. You'll be surprised at how easy and efficient the process is with Ottonova Krankenversicherung for readers of The Eye Newspapers.



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