Public Health Insurance (GKV) is the main health protection for about 90% of people in Germany. But "public" does not mean "the same everywhere." Currently, prices are rising, and there are big differences between providers. In my Remote consultation, I show you how to find the fund that fits your life and your budget.
Key Facts at a Glance
| What is covered | Medically necessary treatment by doctors and in hospital, medicines, sick pay and free family insurance for children and spouses without their own income. |
|---|---|
| What is not covered | Only a fixed subsidy for dentures, usually no glasses for adults, no alternative practitioners, chief physician or single room. Details |
| Who needs it | Mandatory for most employees; voluntary for self-employed people and employees earning above the compulsory insurance threshold. |
| What does it cost | 14.6% general contribution plus an additional contribution (2026 average: 2.9%); employees pay about half, the employer pays the rest. (source: Haufe) Non-binding guide value (as of 2026); your premium depends on your situation. I will gladly prepare a non-binding quote for you: get in touch. |
| What to look out for | The level of the additional contribution, bonus programmes, extra benefits such as osteopathy or travel vaccinations, and digital service. |
Maria's Story: Why a health fund check is worth real money
Fictional example for illustration; all persons and events are invented.
Maria works as a marketing expert. She had been with the same big health fund since her first job. "I thought they were all the same," she told me. Then we looked at her fixed costs.
Maria's fund had increased its extra charge to 3.5%. In our comparison, we found another nationwide fund that only charged 2.2%. For Maria, this meant saving over 300 Euros per year, net!
But it got even better: Maria likes alternative medicine. Her old fund paid nothing for it. Her new fund now pays for three osteopathy sessions a year and gives her 150 Euros back for her gym membership. Maria says today: "The switch took five minutes online. Now I have more money and better care. I should have done this sooner!"
What makes the difference for Expats in Germany?
In Germany, you can choose from over 70 statutory health funds. The details matter:
- Extra Charge (Zusatzbeitrag): This varies by fund and changes your net income.
- Extra Benefits: Coverage for osteopathy, professional teeth cleaning, or travel vaccines.
- Bonus Programs: Rewards for healthy habits like gym visits or check-ups.
- Service: Is there a good app? How fast do they help you? Do they speak English?
GKV as a Base, And then?
As your insurance broker, I see public insurance as a solid base. To get the care of a private patient, we often add supplementary insurance.
Whether it is high-end Dental Insurance, Sick Pay Insurance to protect your income, or Inpatient Insurance for a private room, we build the protection that fits your life and your budget.
Compare Public Health Funds & Apply Online
Use my neutral online comparison tool to compare the extra charges and benefits of German public health insurance funds (Krankenkassen). You can initiate your switch or application here in just a few minutes, 100% online and secure. For more details, see my guide on comparing public health insurance.
Comparison calculator by Kassensuche GmbH
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Please note: this calculator is provided by a German platform and is only available in German. If you need help filling it in, I am happy to go through it with you in English.
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
About 95% of public health insurance benefits are fixed by law. You can close these gaps with supplementary insurance:
- Dentures: The fund only pays a fixed subsidy; dental insurance covers the rest.
- Glasses and alternative practitioners: These costs are covered by outpatient supplementary insurance.
- Chief physician and single room: You become a private patient in hospital with inpatient supplementary insurance.
- Income during a long illness: Sick pay is only 70% of gross, at most 90% of net income; sick pay insurance closes the gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the prices so different between funds?
What extra benefits do they offer?
How do bonus programs work?
What are optional tariffs?
Do they pay for Yoga or fitness courses?
Who is covered for free in family insurance?
Related Topics:
Guides:
Transparency Note: If you apply for insurance through the comparison services integrated on this page, I receive a commission from the respective provider. This has no influence on your premium, you pay the same price as you would directly with the provider, but benefit from my neutral market overview.