Statutory public insurance covers most medical needs, including doctor's visits, hospital stays, prescription medication, some dental work, mental health, pregnancy, and preventative care.

Employees pay around 14–16% of gross income (shared with employer). Students and certain groups pay reduced rates. Children and non-working spouses are insured at no extra cost.

Comprehensive coverage, family coverage at no extra cost, acceptance regardless of health, and easy access to most providers.

Premiums are income-based and can be high for some. Fewer extras, limited choice of doctors for certain services, and less privacy in hospital stays.

Most choose based on employer recommendation or reputation; major providers have similar coverage. Consider English service, customer support, and digital features when choosing a Krankenkasse.

Private insurance covers a wider variety of treatments, speedier appointments, private rooms, and often better dental and vision care.

Premiums based on age, health, and coverage level—can be cheaper than public insurance for young/single people, but increase with age and health status. Family members require separate policies.

Faster appointments, access to more specialists, greater comfort (e.g. private hospital rooms), and custom coverage options.

Premiums rise with age and may become unaffordable later; family members not included; difficult to return to public insurance; pre-existing conditions may be excluded.

You must be self-employed, a high earner (above €69,300 in 2024), or a civil servant. Not available to everyone.

Shop around for coverage, review benefits, and check language support. Consider future premium increases and your long-term health outlook.

Expat insurance plans are designed for newcomers who may not immediately qualify for public or private health insurance, such as students, freelancers, or jobseekers awaiting registration. These plans usually cover basic healthcare in Germany, but can have limits on duration, pre-existing conditions, and maternity care.

Expat plans are useful short-term, but do not provide full statutory coverage or meet long-term residency permit requirements. They may lack some benefits of public/private policies and often don't cover family members.

Expat insurance provides broader and longer-term coverage than basic travel insurance, which is generally for emergencies only. Expat plans can satisfy visa conditions; travel policies often do not.

Long-term residence permit holders cannot rely on expat insurance indefinitely. After the initial allowable period, public or private insurance is required. Expat plans don't offer the same protection or access as local health insurance.

Special insurance schemes exist for artists/freelancers (KSK), students, or those with limited means. Some professional groups have tailored providers.

EU citizens can use a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for essential care if temporarily in Berlin, but need to register and switch to a local provider for long-term stays.

The Künstlersozialkasse (KSK) supports freelance artists and journalists by subsidizing statutory health and pension insurance, making public insurance affordable. Eligibility and application requirements apply.

Register your address, compare providers, and start the application process early. Most need proof of insurance before starting work or study. Collect necessary documents and clarify which insurance type matches your status.

Seek help from independent brokers, non-profit organizations, or public advice centers. Many Krankenkasse offer support in English.