The most important questions and answers first:
Do I have to have health insurance in Germany?
Yes, in Germany there is compulsory health insurance for all citizens.
Can I switch from GKV to PKV?
Yes, under certain conditions, such as a minimum income, you can switch to private health insurance.
Are children automatically insured?
In the GKV, yes, children are insured free of charge up to a certain age or as long as they are in training. In private health insurance, children need their own contract.
How are the contributions in PKV calculated?
PKV contributions depend on age, gender and health status.
What happens if I lose my job?
In the GKV, only the contribution usually changes. If you are unemployed, the Federal Employment Agency will pay the contributions.
The health insurance system in Germany
In Germany, great value is placed on high-quality healthcare. The result is a robust and multifaceted health insurance system that meets the individual needs of its citizens. The backbone of this system is formed by two supporting pillars: statutory health insurance (GKV) and private health insurance (PKV).
Statutory health insurance (GKV): A model of solidarity
The GKV is the heart of health insurance in Germany, which covers almost 90% of the population. Your contributions to the GKV are calculated as a percentage of your income, which creates a solidarity system in which everyone contributes according to their ability. The special thing here is that every insured person, regardless of age, gender or health status, has access to a fixed catalog of services. This offers a wide range of basic medical care that is essential for a healthy life in Germany. Employees, pensioners and some groups of self-employed people in particular rely primarily on the advantages of statutory health insurance.
Private health insurance (PKV): Individuality in focus
While the GKV is characterized by the principle of solidarity, the PKV stands out for its individuality. It is particularly popular with the self-employed, freelancers and civil servants. But employees who have a certain income can also choose this type of insurance. In contrast to GKV, contributions to PKV are not income-dependent. Instead, they are calculated based on the insured person's age, gender and current health status. A particular advantage of PKV is the possibility of customizing insurance coverage through additional services and thus receiving tailor-made offers. However, this can mean that the contributions can increase as you get older and depending on your health. So it's worth carefully weighing up both options and choosing the most suitable insurance for you.
| feature | Statutory health insurance | Private health insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Post | Income dependent | Risk dependent |
| Services | Basic catalog | Individually selectable |
| target audience | Employees, pensioners | Self-employed people, freelancers |
| Age rating | Not relevant | Contributions may increase |
Compulsory insurance and options
In Germany, great importance is attached to ensuring that every citizen has access to medical care. Therefore, compulsory health insurance was introduced. This obligation ensures that every resident is adequately insured, regardless of social or economic status. But what exactly does that mean for you?
First of all: Compulsory health insurance ensures that every person living in Germany is insured either in statutory health insurance (GKV) or in private health insurance (PKV). This system ensures that in Case of illness or no one is left without protection in the event of medical necessity.
Now you might ask yourself: Which insurance is the right one for me? Various factors play a role here, such as your current income, your professional status or your personal needs with regard to medical care. There is no “one size fits all” solution, but that’s the beauty of the German system: you have choices.
What is company health insurance (bKV)?
Company health insurance (bKV) is a special insurance offer that companies can offer their employees as an additional benefit. In contrast to conventional health insurance, bKV is taken out directly through the employer. It offers employees a number of benefits:
- Extended insurance coverage: In addition to basic insurance, special services can be covered, such as visual aids, dentures or alternative healing methods, which often go beyond the level of statutory health insurance.
- No health check: Many bKV contracts do not require a prior health check, meaning that pre-existing illnesses can also be covered at no additional cost.
- Attractive conditions: By concluding collective contracts, cheaper contributions and better benefits can often be achieved than if the employee takes out insurance privately.
- Family members: In some contracts it is possible to also insure family members at attractive conditions.
The bKV enables the employee to benefit from expanded health protection that goes beyond the standard and often offers more favorable conditions. It is a sign of appreciation from the employer who invests in the health and well-being of its employees.