German Private Health Insurance

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Comprehensive Analysis

Compare premiums, deductibles, and additional benefits like dental care, psychotherapy, and alternative treatments.

Public Health Insurance

(Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung, GKV)
Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung is Germany’s state-regulated health insurance system, covering the majority of residents. It operates on a solidarity-based model, where contributions are income-dependent rather than risk-based, making it especially beneficial for employees with average or lower incomes. Monthly premiums are typically around 14.6% of gross salary, split between employer and employee, and include free coverage for non-working dependents such as children and spouses.
GKV provides access to a wide network of doctors, hospitals, and basic healthcare services, including preventive care, prescription medications, maternity benefits, and rehabilitation. It is mandatory for most employees earning below the annual income threshold (€73,800 in 2025), and is often the default choice for new residents.
Although waiting times for specialist treatment can be longer than in private schemes, GKV ensures comprehensive, regulated healthcare without exclusions for pre-existing conditions. It remains a reliable and affordable option for millions of residents in Germany.

Private Health Insurance

(Private Krankenversicherung, PKV)
Private Krankenversicherung is an alternative to Germany’s public system, offering more personalized healthcare benefits and often faster access to specialists. Unlike the income-based GKV model, PKV premiums are calculated based on individual risk factors such as age, health history, and selected coverage. It is available to employees earning above the annual threshold (€73,800 in 2025), as well as to self-employed individuals, freelancers, civil servants, and certain international students.
PKV plans offer a wide range of tailored benefits, including private hospital rooms, direct access to top specialists, dental and optical enhancements, and extended international coverage. Each family member requires a separate policy, so it may be more cost-effective for singles and high earners than for large families.
Private insurers in Germany are tightly regulated and provide high-quality service, often with English-speaking support. While switching back to public insurance can be difficult, PKV remains an attractive option for those seeking greater control over their healthcare choices and willing to invest in higher-tier services.

What sets them apart?

Private Health Insurance (PKV) is available to individuals earning above €73,800 annually (as of 2025). Those earning less are required to remain in the Public Health Insurance system (GKV). The most noticeable difference is the typically higher service level offered by PKV providers.

PKV Advantages:

PKV Considerations:

Note that not all hospitals and doctors are covered under the GKV system, so it's essential to verify coverage before receiving treatment. Both PKV and GKV provide coverage for overseas treatment, but it's crucial to check whether your destination country is included. Generally, PKV offers more extensive international medical coverage.

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