Best Insurance Companies for Expats in Germany (Comparison)

Key Takeaways

• German law requires health coverage; choose between public (GKV) or private (PKV) based on eligibility.
• Insurancy provides independent, online guidance and helps with comparison and enrollment.
• BARMER, TK, DAK (GKV) and Allianz, Ottonova (PKV) serve many internationals; benefits and digital tools vary.
• Compare benefits like mental health, dental, vision, and international care—not just price.
• Understand cost mechanics: income-based contributions in GKV versus risk-rated premiums in PKV.

How this Buyer’s Guide helps internationals choose confidently

We simplify complex rules so internationals can choose health plans with confidence. The guide targets employees, freelancers, students, and families arriving in Germany. It explains key trade-offs between public and private care and highlights what matters most for everyday use.

Who this guide is for

This resource suits new hires joining German employers, self-employed professionals starting contracts, international students handling visas and budgets, and families arranging dependent coverage.

How Insurancy’s independent, digital advice works

Insurancy provides impartial comparisons of public and private health insurance, a checklist for enrollment, and tailored guidance based on employment, visa, and family status.

• Quick eligibility review and a personalized shortlist of providers.
• Clear benefit comparisons for outpatient, inpatient, mental health, dental, vision, and international coverage.
• Step-by-step application support and practical timelines to meet registration or visa deadlines.

Our goal is to translate the health insurance system into plain English, so you meet legal requirements and avoid gaps as your needs change over the year.

Understanding Germany’s health insurance system today

Germany operates a dual health system that shapes how residents get care and pay for coverage. The split between statutory public and private structures affects benefits, billing, and how quickly you see specialists.

Public (GKV) vs private (PKV): how structures and access differ

The statutory health insurance model (GKV) offers standardized benefits and income-based contributions. It usually gives broad access to contracted doctors and hospitals with your electronic health card.

Private health insurance (PKV) uses individualized underwriting. Premiums depend on age and health, and some tariffs allow direct specialist appointments or private clinics. Reimbursement models and fast app claims are common.

Eligibility in 2025: income, visas, and residency

Employees earning above €73,800 per year may choose PKV if other conditions apply. Those below the threshold typically join public health plans.

Certain groups — self-employed people, civil servants, students over age 30, and attendees of language or preparatory courses — often rely on private alternatives because public access is limited.

Mandatory coverage and practical notes

All residents and expats must hold continuous coverage from the day residency begins. Short gaps during the first months can cause legal and billing issues.

• Family rules: GKV can include eligible dependents without extra income-based payments; PKV prices each person separately.
• Limited permits: Some PKV expat tariffs target non-EU residents staying under 60 months and meet visa requirements.
• Care access: GKV uses the health card at appointments; PKV often requires upfront payment and later reimbursement.

Best insurance options for expats in Germany

Choosing the right path depends on your job, family status, and how long you plan to stay.

When public coverage is the practical choice

Statutory health funds (GKV) suit most employees earning below the €73,800 threshold. Enrollment ties to payroll, the employer pays part of contributions, and benefits follow a standard catalog. This makes billing simple and predictable.

Families often benefit because eligible dependents can be covered at no extra premium. Compare specific funds for added perks like mental health programs, dental prevention, and app-based services.

When private health can fit better

Private health insurance can match self-employed people, higher earners, or students over 30 who cannot access public coverage. Private plans may provide faster specialist access, private wards, and tailored outpatient packages.

Remember premiums are risk-based and rise with age. Check deductibles, dental limits, vision allowances, and whether English telemedicine is available.

Temporary international plans as a bridge

Short-term international plans protect you during the months between arrival and formal registration with a statutory or private provider. They satisfy visa rules and cover emergencies until your long-term plan begins.

Top statutory health insurers for expats: strengths and trade-offs

Below we compare major public funds to help you weigh everyday services, digital tools, and mental health support.

BARMER

Strengths: Extended psychotherapy programs, alternative medicine allowances, and a robust app with a doctor finder. BARMER serves over 8 million people and offers family coverage where eligibility applies.

Trade-offs: Extras vary by region and appointment access depends on local providers.

TK (Techniker)

Strengths: Germany’s largest fund, English support, wide network, preventive programs, and student plans. TK also runs international partnerships that help with temporary stays abroad.

Trade-offs: Popularity can mean longer wait times for some local specialists.

DAK

Strengths: Strong focus on psychotherapy and wellness, premium dental benefits, and discounts aimed at students and young adults.

Trade-offs: Specific extra services depend on local branches and member programs.

“Core benefits are standardized by law; what matters day-to-day is the added digital tools, mental health access, and dental support.”

• Check English helplines and app features to improve access.
• Verify family eligibility rules if you plan to include a spouse or children.
• Insurancy can help shortlist providers that match priorities like mental health, digital service, or international support.

Private health insurers expats consider: depth of coverage and access

Private providers often compete on speed, specialist access, and digital claims rather than standardized benefits. This matters if you value quick appointments, private clinics, or worldwide care while based in Germany.

Allianz

Allianz offers customizable private health insurance that prioritizes hospital and specialist access. Plans can include private clinic treatment, choice of specialist, and worldwide coverage. English support is available, and riders let you add dental, vision, or inpatient room upgrades.

Keep in mind premiums vary by age, health, and selected benefits. Review annual costs and how claims are reimbursed before you commit.

Ottonova

Ottonova focuses on an English-first, app-led experience. The app enables concierge appointment booking, telemedicine video consults, and fast claims reimbursements that cut paperwork.

Tariffs show indicative monthly contributions (for example Premium Economy €263, Business Class Pro €325, First Class Pro €352). Deductibles can be percentage-based per invoice (10%, 25%, 50%) with annual caps. Vision allowances, LASIK support, alternative practitioner budgets, and staged psychotherapy rules appear across tariffs.

• Allianz suits those wanting broad hospital access and global care support.
• Ottonova appeals to people who prefer fast app service, concierge bookings, and quick reimbursements.
• Compare yearly premiums, service responsiveness, English-language support, and claims flow to match care priorities.

Insurancy can help map providers to your priorities—speed to specialists, broader international coverage, or digital convenience—so you pick the right path without bias.

Ottonova’s expat tariff explained: who qualifies and what’s covered

Ottonova’s expat tariff is built for limited-permit residents who expect to stay under 60 months. That design omits aging reserves, which keeps early premiums lower while meeting visa requirements under §257 SGB V.

Who qualifies: Non-EU limited-permit holders, employees above the income threshold, self-employed professionals, researchers, and dependents may apply if their residency matches the tariff’s conditions.

Tariff examples and deductible models

Sample monthly contributions illustrate benefit tiers and cost trade-offs. Deductible choices include percentage-based shares per invoice (10%, 25%, 50%) with annual caps such as €500, €1,000, or €1,250 to limit out-of-pocket spend per year.

Vision, alternative practitioners, psychotherapy, and travel

Vision allowances run roughly €300–€500 per two years, with staged LASIK support in some tariffs. Alternative practitioner budgets vary from €500 to €2,000 per year.

Psychotherapy reimbursement depends on tariff rules and session limits. Short-term worldwide coverage is often included for limited months to support travel or temporary assignments.

Service features and moving to long-term tariffs

Service highlights: English-speaking concierge bookings, telemedicine consults, and fast app claims reduce paperwork and speed access to specialists and appointments.

If you stay beyond five years, Ottonova allows transfer to long-term private health tariffs (First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy) without fresh medical underwriting, making the expat plan a practical on-ramp to lasting coverage.

• Verify permit conditions and eligibility before applying.
• Compare premiums and deductibles against expected care use to plan costs.
• Insurancy can help confirm tariff fit and visa compliance.

Costs and premiums: what expats should realistically budget

Plan your monthly health costs early so you can avoid surprises during your first year in Germany. Costs differ widely between statutory public funds and private health offers. Use realistic numbers to test your monthly cash flow.

Public contributions and who pays

Statutory health insurance follows a framework contribution rate of 14.6% of income (2024). Employees usually split that with employers, which keeps household costs predictable.

Self-employed people must cover the full share themselves. That makes accurate income forecasts important to avoid under- or over-budgeting.

Private premiums: risk and age matter

Private health insurance premiums are risk-based. Age at entry, medical history, and chosen coverage level drive rates.

An indicative benchmark: a healthy 30-year-old on a basic private health package can pay around €230 per month. Expect higher monthly premiums for richer benefits or low deductibles.

Practical ways to manage costs

• Choose higher deductibles or targeted riders to lower monthly premiums.
• Use preventive care—vaccines, screenings, dental prophylaxis—to reduce long-term spending.
• Compare GKV family dependent coverage with PKV per-person pricing to estimate total household outlay.
• Budget extra if you need short-term bridge cover for the first few months to avoid gaps.

Tip: Ask Insurancy to model your specific case—employee vs. freelancer, expected income, and desired plan level—to get a realistic yearly budget.

Common expat scenarios and best-fit routes

Real-life cases show that timing, expected income, and length of stay change which health plan makes sense.

Employees below and above the income threshold

Employees below €73,800 normally join statutory health insurance via payroll. Employer contributions reduce household cost and the benefit package is standardized.

Above the threshold, evaluate private health insurance for faster specialist access and tailored inpatient benefits. Plan timing carefully if you may cross the threshold mid-year.

Self-employed and freelancers

Self-employed people should weigh voluntary public membership against private plans. Public charges link to income; private premiums depend on age and health.

If earnings vary, consider predictability versus long-term premium growth when picking coverage.

Students and language course attendees

Students under 30 often access student rates with major public funds. Students over 30 or those on prep courses usually need private or expat tariffs that meet visa rules.

Families: spouse and child coverage

GKV can include eligible dependents at no extra premium, which suits many families. Private plans price each person separately but may offer richer dental and inpatient care.

Tip: map your case to expected income, months of stay, and family needs before applying to avoid surprises this year.

Switching providers in Germany: timing, conditions, and practical steps

Changing your health insurance should be planned, not rushed. You have specific legal windows and paperwork to meet. Knowing them helps keep continuous coverage and avoids surprises.

After 12 months or upon rate increase: your right to switch

Members of statutory health funds typically gain a right to switch after 12 months. You may also move sooner if your fund raises rates.

Act quickly: rate increases create short windows measured in months. Track dates on official notices so you don’t miss the deadline.

Moving between public and private systems

Switching from public health insurance to private health insurance requires eligibility checks. Employees usually need an annual income above the threshold and will face medical underwriting.

Returning to statutory health insurance becomes difficult after age 55. Treat system choice as a long-term decision, not a short experiment.

Administrative flow: new insurer notifications and minimizing paperwork

New insurers or funds often handle cancellation and notify employers. That cuts admin and helps ensure continuous coverage.

• Compare plans: deductibles, inpatient rooms, dental, psychotherapy, and travel cover.
• Prepare pay slips, residence proof, and medical questionnaires if moving to private health.
• Check how a switch affects dependents and timing tied to payroll or visa rules.

Tip: Use a broker or a dedicated service to align effective dates and reduce paperwork.

Short-term international health insurance while you settle

Many newcomers use interim coverage to avoid any uninsured days during registration or underwriting. Short-term policies provide immediate proof of cover and basic care until your statutory or private plan starts.

When bridge coverage makes sense

Use a bridge policy if you arrive before your GKV or PKV is active, while PKV underwriting is pending, or when university or visa rules demand immediate documentation.

These plans often satisfy employers and immigration offices. They are designed for a few weeks to several months and focus on emergencies and essential outpatient care.

Examples, limits, and a smooth handover

Example case: a high-income non-EU professional waits two months for PKV issuance and uses a short-term plan to see a GP and to present evidence for payroll or visa checks.

“Bridge policies are a practical stopgap — they give immediate access, but they are not a substitute for long-term, local coverage.”

• Verify exclusions for pre-existing conditions, maternity, and ongoing therapies.
• Plan the transition so you avoid overlap or gaps; coordinate cancellation with the confirmed start date of your main plan.
• Insurancy can recommend bridge solutions matched to your case and help coordinate the handover into GKV or PKV smoothly.

Conclusion

Practical decisions about coverage hinge on income, visa status, and real-world access to care.

Germany’s dual health system gives reliable protection, but the right path varies by job, family, and length of stay. Public funds like BARMER, TK, and DAK offer standard benefits and family rules, while private carriers such as Allianz and Ottonova deliver tailored access and app-led service.

Budget around contributions or premiums, deductibles, and preventive care. Keep documents and timelines organized to avoid gaps during your first year.

Insurancy provides independent comparisons, eligibility checks, and hands-on support to shortlist providers and complete enrollment with minimal paperwork. When you’re ready, we’ll help you pick a plan that fits your needs and keeps daily care simple.

FAQ

What’s the difference between public (GKV) and private (PKV) health coverage?

Public health insurance (GKV) is income-based, offers family co-coverage at no extra premium for non-working dependents, and uses standard benefit packages across statutory funds such as Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) or BARMER. Private health plans (PKV) price premiums by age, health, and chosen benefits, often giving faster specialist access, private clinic rooms, and tailored add-ons like international cover. The right choice depends on income, employment status, health profile, and long-term plans.

Who must have health coverage when living in Germany?

Every resident must have health protection. Employees earning below the annual threshold typically join a statutory fund. Those above the threshold, some civil servants, and qualifying freelancers can opt for private plans. Students, temporary visa holders, and newcomers may need temporary international cover until they enroll in GKV or PKV.

What is the 2025 income threshold to remain in statutory insurance?

The 2025 annual threshold for compulsory or elective statutory insurance stands at €73,800. Employees with gross earnings above this level can choose private insurance, while those below are generally covered by GKV.

Can self-employed people and freelancers choose between GKV and PKV?

Yes. Self-employed people may join GKV voluntarily or purchase PKV. Eligibility depends on prior insurance history, age, and health. PKV can offer broader benefits, but premiums rise with age and individual risk, so budgeting and long-term planning are crucial.

How do premiums compare between public and private plans?

GKV contributions are percentage-based (around 14.6% plus an average supplemental rate) shared between employer and employee for salaried workers. PKV premiums are risk-rated: younger, healthier applicants pay less initially, but costs typically increase over time. Deductibles and plan scope significantly affect PKV rates.

Are family members covered under public plans?

Yes. In GKV, non-working spouses and children are usually covered at no extra charge under family insurance. PKV requires separate contracts and premiums for each family member, which can make private cover more expensive for families.

How quickly can I access specialists under each system?

PKV often provides faster access to specialists and private clinics, with shorter wait times and broader direct-access options. GKV patients may face longer waits for certain specialists but benefit from a wide network of providers and regulated referral pathways.

What temporary health cover should I use when arriving in Germany?

Short-term international or expat policies work as bridge coverage until your GKV or PKV begins. They handle emergency care, repatriation, and basic outpatient treatment. Check policy limits, exclusions, and start dates to avoid gaps in care or claims problems.

Are dental and vision covered equally across plans?

GKV includes basic dental care and preventive services, while major dental prosthetics often require patient co-payments. PKV plans can include comprehensive dental and vision benefits, higher reimbursements, and coverage for prostheses, depending on your tariff and deductible choices.

Can international students join GKV or PKV?

Many students under 30 or in standard-degree programs can join GKV at reduced student rates. Older students, those in preparatory language courses, or certain international students may need private or international policies until they qualify for statutory coverage. Always verify with your university and the insurer.

How do I switch between providers or between GKV and PKV?

Switching GKV funds is possible after 12 months or sooner in cases like a significant rate rise. Moving from GKV to PKV requires meeting eligibility rules (income threshold, employment type) and medical underwriting. Returning from PKV to GKV can be difficult after age 55 and depends on employment and insurance history.

What costs should I budget for in the first year?

Expect GKV contributions based on your income share and any supplemental rates. PKV first-year costs vary by age and coverage level; include potential deductibles and dental add-ons. Also budget for registration fees, initial medical exams if required, and short-term bridge policies on arrival.

Which statutory funds are known for expat-friendly services?

Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) and BARMER are widely recognized for English support, digital services, and preventive programs. DAK offers strong psychotherapy and dental programs. Compare member services, English-language support, and international partnerships when choosing a fund.

What private insurers cater specifically to international residents?

Allianz offers broad international networks and customizable tariffs suitable for frequent travelers. Ottonova focuses on an English-first digital experience with fast reimbursements, telemedicine, and concierge support geared to internationals. Review plan limits and portability before committing.

How can I reduce premiums without losing key benefits?

In PKV, consider higher deductibles, limited waiting periods, or tiered room categories to lower premiums. In GKV, focus on preventive care to avoid costly treatments. Supplemental policies can fill gaps cost-effectively. Always weigh short-term savings against long-term commitments.

What documentation do I need to enroll in coverage?

Typically you’ll need passport/ID, registration certificate (Anmeldung), employment contract or proof of enrollment for students, previous insurance records, and bank details. Private insurers also request medical history and may require health checks for underwriting.

How are claims and reimbursements handled with private plans?

Many PKV plans reimburse patients after they pay providers, requiring a claims submission. Digital tools from insurers like Ottonova streamline receipts and fast-track reimbursements. Some private clinics can bill insurers directly, depending on agreements.

Can I keep private coverage if I leave Germany temporarily?

Portability depends on your policy terms. Some PKV tariffs offer international coverage and temporary suspension options. GKV coverage is linked to residency and contributions; extended absences can affect eligibility. Check terms before leaving.

Where can I get independent, digital advice on choosing a plan?

Independent brokers and digital platforms provide side-by-side comparisons, eligibility checks, and personalized quotes. Look for services that disclose fees and work with multiple providers, and verify reviews and regulatory registration before signing up.

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