Who is eligible for Private Health Insurance in Germany?

Self-employed individuals, civil servants, and employees with an income above the compulsory insurance limit (JAEG) can switch to PKV.

What happens to premiums as I get older?

PKV policies build aging reserves to keep premiums stable. Additionally, the 10% legal surcharge and sick pay components expire upon retirement, reducing the monthly cost.

Can I switch back to Public Health Insurance?

Switching back is legally almost impossible after age 55. Before that, it is tied to strict conditions, such as returning to employment with an income below the JAEG limit.

What medical aids and appliances are covered?

PKV often features an 'open' list of medical aids. This means it covers state-of-the-art medical equipment like high-end prosthetics, hearing aids, or wheelchairs that exceed standard public care.

What is a deductible and how does it work?

A deductible (Selbstbehalt) is the amount you pay out-of-pocket for medical services per year. In return, your monthly premium is bigly lower, which is ideal for healthy professionals.

How are children insured in the PKV?

In the PKV, there is no free family insurance. Each child receives their own contract at an affordable rate, granting them private patient status with all its benefits from day one.

Private Health Insurance (PKV) for Expats

Health is everything. In Germany, you can choose between two systems. Public insurance is the standard, but Private Health Insurance (PKV) offers much more. You get faster appointments, top specialists, and better hospital care. In my Remote consultation, I show you how to get high-quality medical care at a fair price.

Reading time: about 5 minutes

At a glance:

David's Story: When time decides about recovery

Let me tell you David's story. David is 42 and works as an IT consultant. For years, he was in the public system. He thought it was easier. One day, he hurt his knee while jogging.

As a public patient, David had to wait six weeks for a specialist appointment. A surgery was only possible months later. For David as a freelancer, this was a problem. Every day he couldn't work, he lost money. A good Sick Pay Insurance would have helped, but the delay was the real issue.

David decided to switch to Private Health Insurance. Recently, he had shoulder problems. This time, he got a specialist appointment within 24 hours. He received an immediate MRI and started therapy right away. David says: "It's not just about a single room in the hospital. It's about getting the best medicine when you really need it. Doors simply open faster as a private patient."

Who can switch to Private Insurance? for Expats in Germany

Not everyone can choose freely. In Germany, PKV is open to:

Self-employed & Freelancers: No matter how much they earn.
Civil Servants: They get extra help from the state.
Employees: If they earn more than a certain limit (JAEG).
Students: Under special rules at the start of their studies.

Benefits that make a difference

In the public system, you get "sufficient" care. In private insurance, you have a contract for high-quality care. These benefits cannot be reduced.

Choose your Doctor: You decide who treats you.
Chief Physician: You get care from the most experienced doctors in the hospital.
Fast Appointments: Private patients wait much less time for specialists.
Premium Dentistry: High refunds for implants, crowns, and cleaning.
Global Cover: You are protected even when you travel outside Germany.

Why professional advice is important

Switching to private insurance is a big decision. It is about your health for the rest of your life. As your insurance broker, I look at the hard facts:

How stable are the prices? How high are the reserves for old age? Does the plan fit your family goals? I compare providers like Signal Iduna, Hallesche, Barmenia, or Allianz to find the plan that fits your life in Germany.

Requirements for Expats

Valid German Address (Anmeldung)
German Bank Account (IBAN)
Valid Residence Permit (for at least 12 months for some providers)
Proof of income

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who can join private health insurance?

Self-employed people, civil servants, and employees with a high income can switch. Students can also choose private insurance at the start of their studies.

What happens to the costs when I get older?

Private plans build "aging reserves" to keep costs stable. Also, some extra charges stop when you retire, which helps lower the price later in life.

Can I switch back to the public system?

Switching back is very difficult after the age of 55. Before that, it is only possible if your income drops below a certain limit or you return to a regular job.

What medical equipment is covered?

Private insurance often has an "open" list. This means it pays for the latest medical devices, like high-quality hearing aids or modern wheelchairs, which public funds might not cover fully.

What is a deductible (Selbstbehalt)?

A deductible is an amount you pay yourself each year for medical bills. In return, your monthly price is much lower. This is great for healthy people who want to save money.

How are my children insured?

Children do not get free family cover in private insurance. They get their own contract at a low price. The plus: your kids get private patient status from day one.

Price Transparency

In Germany, insurance premiums are regulated by law. This means you pay the same price whether you buy directly from an insurance company or through a broker like me. My expert advice and personal support are already included in the premium – there are no extra costs for you.

Legal Note: The information provided here is for general educational purposes and does not count as personal advice or a binding offer. Insurance conditions may vary. For tailored protection, a digital consultation via video call is required.

Private Health Insurance: Premium Medicine for your life for Expats in Germany