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.
- Eligibility: High earners above threshold (€77,400 gross/year in 2026), self-employed professionals, and freelancers in Germany.
- Guaranteed Benefits: Contractually fixed private medical treatment without public healthcare budget cuts.
- Age Stability: Built-in aging reserves and contribution relief plans keep premiums stable in retirement.
- Neutral Advice: Daniel Hüsken compares top German PKV providers neutrally with full English guidance.
Key Facts at a Glance
| What is covered | Outpatient, inpatient and dental treatment to the extent agreed in the contract, guaranteed for life. |
|---|---|
| What is not covered | Benefits outside the chosen tariff; pre-existing conditions can lead to surcharges or exclusions. Details |
| Who needs it | Self-employed people, civil servants and employees earning above the compulsory insurance threshold (2026: €77,400 gross per year). |
| What does it cost | Usually around €300 to €900 per month. Employees pay about half, the employer covers the rest (in 2026 up to €508.59 per month for health insurance plus long-term care subsidy). (source: PKV association) Non-binding guide value (as of 2026); your premium depends on your situation. You can calculate your exact premium in the comparison calculator on this page. |
| What to look out for | Premium development in old age, ageing reserves, cover for psychotherapy and medical aids, and honest answers to the health questions. |
David's Story: When time decides about recovery
Fictional example for illustration; all persons and events are invented.
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 Health Insurance as an Expat 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.
Expat Health Insurance Check
Find out if you can or must join German Private Health Insurance (PKV) and view your options.
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
What Is Not Covered
In private health insurance, what is written in the contract applies. That is an advantage, but it also means the insurer does not pay for anything that was not agreed. Typical limits:
- Benefits outside the tariff: Alternative practitioners, glasses, psychotherapy or spa treatments are limited or not included, depending on the tariff. Upgrading later requires new health questions.
- Pre-existing conditions: Existing conditions can lead to risk surcharges or exclusions. An anonymous risk pre-assessment clarifies this before you apply.
- No free family insurance: Unlike public health insurance, every family member needs their own contract with their own premium.
- Incorrect health information: If questions in the application are answered incompletely, the insurer can withdraw from the contract and refuse benefits.
- Deductible: An agreed deductible lowers the premium, but you pay the costs up to that amount yourself.
How I Help You When You Need to Claim Benefits
Here you deal with the insurer directly for everyday matters, which is usually the fastest way. As your broker, I am legally on your side, not the insurer's, and I step in as soon as something gets stuck:
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1. Contact the insurer directly
You submit doctors' bills and prescriptions to the insurer yourself, most easily via its app, otherwise by post. The contact details are on your insurance card and in your policy document.
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2. Keep your records
Keep invoices, letters and decisions until the money has arrived. If there are queries or a dispute, they are your proof.
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3. Ask before expensive treatment
Before major treatment such as dentures or planned surgery, submit a treatment and cost plan. Then you know in advance what will be reimbursed.
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4. I help when it gets stuck
If the insurer refuses, cuts benefits or takes too long, contact me. I check the settlement and the policy conditions and follow up with the insurer.
Compare Rates Yourself
Use our comparison tool to calculate premiums and find the best rates for your situation. You can sign up directly online.
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