Health insurance in Germany.
Made easy.
There is no one right health insurance solution for everyone in Germany. Your work, income, family, health needs and plans can all change what makes sense. Unconfuse brings clear information together and helps you find a suitable specialist partner, so you can ask better questions and decide with confidence.
FIND YOUR STARTING POINT
Four routes to explore
Different circumstances call for different cover. Explore the four routes, then choose what you would like to understand in more detail.
Statutory health insurance
Income-linked contributions, standard benefits and possible family cover. Often the starting point for employees.
Private health insurance
Eligibility, tariff, age, health and each family member’s cover all matter.
Supplementary insurance
Extra cover for a specific gap, such as dental, hospital or travel needs.
Incoming & expat insurance
Cost-effective, time-limited German private health cover for eligible newcomers, often for up to five years.
THE ESSENTIALS
How the options differ
Private health insurance (PKV)
Private premiums depend on chosen benefits, entry age, health assessment and contract terms rather than a fixed percentage of income. A partner or child usually needs separate cover. Compare long-term affordability, deductibles, family costs and the difficulty of switching back before deciding.
Statutory health insurance (GKV)
Contributions are based mainly on income up to a ceiling, plus a provider-specific additional contribution. Standard cover includes all medically necessary care covered by the statutory benefit rules, such as doctor visits and hospital treatment. Eligible children and a spouse or registered partner may qualify for family insurance without a separate contribution.
Supplementary cover
A supplementary policy may fill a specific gap in your main cover, for example dental, hospital or travel needs. Look at waiting periods, exclusions, limits and whether the benefit is already included elsewhere.
Incoming cover while settling in
Some incoming policies are comprehensive German private health insurance for eligible people with a temporary residence permit, rather than travel cover. Certain tariffs can meet German insurance and residence requirements for up to five years. Because these time-limited tariffs may be priced without age-related reserves, they can cost less now, while a later move to lifelong cover may cost more. Eligibility, benefits and switching options vary by insurer and tariff. Check how cover continues if you plan to stay.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Health insurance FAQs
Is GKV or PKV
right for me?
It depends on eligibility, income, family, health needs and future plans. Compare benefits and long-term costs, not just today’s premium. Unconfuse can help you frame the questions and find a suitable specialist partner.
How much does
GKV cost?
GKV contributions depend on income up to a ceiling and your provider’s additional rate. Employers usually share an employee’s health contribution. Long-term care insurance is charged separately, so your total depends on your circumstances.
Can my family
be covered too?
Eligible children and partners may join GKV family insurance if the conditions are met. Private cover generally needs a separate contract and premium for each person. Ask your provider to confirm your family’s eligibility.
Are contributions
tax deductible?
Basic health and mandatory long-term care contributions can generally be claimed as special expenses in Germany. Extra benefits may be treated differently. Ask a tax professional to check what applies to your policy.
Am I covered
when abroad?
GKV covers necessary care in parts of Europe through the EHIC, under local rules. Comprehensive PKV includes worldwide cover for a limited period; duration and benefits depend on your tariff. Check travel gaps and repatriation cover.
Is incoming cover
enough long term?
Some incoming tariffs are comprehensive German private insurance for eligible temporary residents, with terms of up to five years. They are not lifelong cover. Check eligibility and your route to ongoing insurance if you stay.
KEEP LEARNING
Health insurance articles
Germany’s 2027 public health insurance changes: what could they mean for you?
Understand the changes to contributions, family cover and everyday healthcare costs, with clear dates and a distinction between confirmed changes and proposals.
Let’s make the next step easy.
Tell us whether you are arriving, changing jobs, supporting a family or reviewing existing cover. Unconfuse can help you identify the next questions and connect you with a suitable specialist partner.
General information, reviewed 27 September 2026. Individual circumstances and policy terms matter. Federal Ministry of Health and Make it in Germany provide further guidance.