German Health Insurance Guide

Everything an expat needs to know about healthcare coverage in Germany

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GKV vs PKV How to Register What's Covered Referrals Choosing a Doctor AI Assessment

GKV vs PKV: The Two Systems

🏥 GKV (Public Insurance)

  • Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung
  • Mandatory for employees earning below €69,300/year (2025)
  • Premiums ~14.6% of salary (split with employer)
  • Covers family members at no extra cost
  • Large provider network
  • Waiting times can be longer for specialists

💎 PKV (Private Insurance)

  • Private Krankenversicherung
  • Available if earning above threshold, or self-employed
  • Based on age, health status, and desired coverage
  • Generally faster appointments
  • More specialist access, better rooms
  • Can be expensive for older/less healthy individuals

How to Register

  1. For GKV: Contact a Krankenkasse (e.g. TK, AOK, DAK, Barmer). Most have English-speaking services. You'll need your passport, residence registration (Anmeldung), and employment contract.
  2. For PKV: Compare providers using a broker or portal. Get multiple quotes — prices vary significantly. Read the fine print on pre-existing conditions.
  3. EU citizens: Your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) provides emergency coverage temporarily.
  4. Non-EU expats: Registration is mandatory. You generally must choose a Krankenkasse within 3 months of starting work.

What's Covered

✅ Covered by GKV

GP visits, specialist referrals, hospital stays, essential medications, dental basics, physiotherapy, maternity, mental health, vaccinations.

⚠️ GKV Copays

€10 practice fee was abolished. Some items: €5–10 for prescriptions, 10% for inpatient stays (max €280/year).

❌ Usually not covered

Private rooms, many dental procedures, long-term care, vision correction beyond medical necessity, alternative medicine.

The Referral System

In Germany, you typically see a Hausarzt (GP) first, who then issues an Überweisung (referral) to a specialist. With GKV, specialists generally require a referral. PKV patients can often self-refer.

💡 Tip: For psychiatric/psychological care, neurological, gynecological, ophthalmological, and otorhinolaryngological (ENT) services, you can often self-refer with GKV too.

Finding an English-Speaking Doctor

Most German doctors speak some English, but medical consultations require precise communication. KlarHealth helps you find doctors who actively consult in English.

Find Doctors Now Video Consultations

Not Sure Which Insurance You Need?

🤖

Try our AI Insurance Assessment

Answer a few questions and our AI will assess whether GKV or PKV is better for your situation, compare costs, and explain what you'd be covered for.

Get My Assessment

Free with KlarHealth account. For informational purposes only.