Health Insurance in Germany for Expats: Everything You Need to Know (2026)

Before most people arrive in Germany, health insurance is the thing that confuses them most. Is it like the NHS? Do you choose a plan? What on earth is a Krankenkasse? Here’s the short version: Germany has compulsory health insurance for everyone, it is partly paid by your employer, and the coverage is genuinely excellent. German health insurance fully covers pediatric care, so once registered, you should choose a Kinderarzt in Germany for your kids. Once you understand the system, it becomes much more manageable. Besides health insurance, expats are highly encouraged to purchase Haftpflichtversicherung in Germany for personal liability.

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The Two Types of Health Insurance in Germany

1. Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung (GKV): Public Health Insurance

The public health insurance system covers approximately 90% of people in Germany. If you are employed and earn under the annual income threshold (€77,400 in 2026), you are automatically required to join a public health insurer (Krankenkasse). For most newly arrived expats, this is the default route and usually the least risky one.

How it works: Contributions are split between you and your employer. You pay approximately 7.3% of your gross salary, and your employer matches it. This means health insurance is affordable and automatic for most employees.

What is covered:

• Doctor visits (GP and specialists)
• Hospital treatment
• Prescription medication (with a small co-pay)
• Mental health treatment
• Maternity care
• Dental check-ups (twice per year)
• Family members can be covered for free if they don’t work

2. Private Krankenversicherung (PKV): Private Health Insurance

Private health insurance is available to employees earning above the income threshold, the self-employed, civil servants, and students. It can offer better coverage and faster specialist access, but the long-term cost tradeoff matters much more than the first-year premium.

Best Public Health Insurers for Expats

TK (Techniker Krankenkasse)

TK is the most popular health insurer in Germany and the most recommended for expats. Their app and online services are available in English, and they have excellent customer service.

• English-language app and website
• Excellent digital services
• Wide coverage across Germany
• Good additional benefits (health courses, bonuses)

AOK

AOK is Germany’s largest health insurer by membership. Coverage is regional (each state has its own AOK), and services vary by region. Good for those who prefer a local, established insurer.

Barmer

Barmer is another large national insurer known for good digital services and competitive additional benefits. A solid choice if TK is full or unavailable in your area.

How to Sign Up for Health Insurance

For most employees, the process is simple:

• Choose a public health insurer (GKV)
• Register with them directly (online or in person)
• Give your employer your insurance details
• Contributions are deducted automatically from your salary

You must register within 3 months of starting work in Germany. If you don’t, you will be automatically assigned to an insurer. If you are comparing multiple public insurers, the practical differences usually come down to English support, app quality, and small extra benefits, not core medical coverage.

Other Insurance Expats Should Consider

Haftpflichtversicherung (Personal Liability Insurance)

This is considered essential in Germany and costs only €40–80 per year. It covers you if you accidentally damage someone else’s property or injure someone. Almost every German has this, and landlords often expect it.

Hausratversicherung (Contents Insurance)

Covers your belongings inside your home against theft, fire, and water damage. Costs around €60–120 per year depending on flat size. Recommended once you have a permanent flat.

Berufsunfähigkeitsversicherung (Disability Insurance)

Covers your income if you can no longer work due to illness or injury. Important for long-term residents in Germany, especially if you have dependants.