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One of the first things you must do after arriving in Germany is to choose health insurance (Krankenversicherung). In Germany health insurance is mandatory for all residents, and without it you cannot sign an employment contract, enrol at a university or complete many administrative procedures.
Two types of health insurance in Germany
1. Statutory insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung – GKV)
About 90 percent of people in Germany have statutory insurance. Well-known funds such as TK, AOK, Barmer and DAK belong to this category. Important features:
- The premium is calculated as a percentage of income (a base rate of about 14.6 percent plus an “additional contribution” that each fund sets itself). For employees, the employer pays half of it.
- Family insurance (Familienversicherung): a spouse and children with no income or a low income are usually covered at no extra cost.
- Age and medical history do not affect the price.
2. Private insurance (Private Krankenversicherung – PKV)
Private insurance is for people whose income is above a set annual threshold, and also for most self-employed people and civil servants (Beamte). Features:
- The price is set by age, health status and chosen coverage, not by income.
- Each family member must be insured separately.
- Returning from private to statutory insurance is difficult in many cases, so decide carefully.
Students and newcomers
Students can use statutory student insurance at a flat rate up to a certain age. A certificate of insurance is also usually required to obtain a visa or residence permit. If you do not yet have a job or university enrolment, use travel insurance or insurance designed for newcomers for the first months.
A few important points
- After enrolment, an electronic health card (eGK) will be sent to you; bring it to every doctor’s visit.
- Statutory funds differ in additional services (such as teeth cleaning or prevention programmes); compare before choosing.
- Changing your statutory insurance is possible after a minimum membership period.
Getting help from a Persian-speaking adviser
If you are unsure about choosing insurance, you can talk to a Persian-speaking insurance adviser. In the Insurance section of our directory you will find Iranian insurance advisers and agencies.
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for expert advice. Rates and rules may change every year.
