Private Health Insurance Germany

Private health insurance in Germany is an alternative to the public health insurance. It offers more flexibility and coverage options but is not available to everyone in Germany.

The German Private Health Insurance System In A Nutshell

Welcome to our page dedicated to explaining the German private health insurance system. In Germany, people have the option to choose between private or public health insurance, with each option offering unique advantages and disadvantages. Private health insurance is a popular choice if you want more flexibility and personalized coverage options.

However, if you are not familiar with the system of private health insurance in Germany, it can be daunting for you to find your way through the system. That’s where we come in. Our comprehensive guide will walk you through the various aspects of the German private health insurance system, including eligibility requirements, coverage options, costs, and more. Whether you’re a foreign national planning to move to Germany or a German citizen looking to switch to private health insurance, our page is here to help you make informed decisions about your healthcare coverage.

A big difference between private and public health insurance in Germany is the way premiums are calculated. While public health insurance premiums are based on a percentage of income, private health insurance premiums are based on individual factors such as age, health status, and desired coverage levels. As a result, private health insurance premiums may be higher or lower than public health insurance premiums, depending on the individual’s circumstances.

One of the most attractive features of private health insurance in Germany is the flexibility it provides to customers. Private health insurance policies typically offer a wide range of coverage options, including dental, vision, and alternative therapies, which are usually not covered under the public health insurance system. Customers are also able to choose their own healthcare providers and hospitals and have the option of receiving care in private rooms. Additionally, most private health insurance policies offer coverage for medical treatment received outside of Germany, although this coverage may vary depending on the specific policy.

However, it is important to know that private health insurance is not the best option for everyone. It always depends on your individual situation when it comes to private health insurance. A decisive factor here, for example, is your health status. Private health insurance has the right to exclude you from certain benefits if the risk is too high for them. For certain people with pre-existing conditions or for people who are considered high-risk because of their age or other factors, it may be more difficult to take out private health insurance.

In summary, private health insurance in Germany is an alternative to the public health insurance system that provides greater flexibility and a wider range of coverage options to eligible individuals. While private health insurance may be more expensive or have limitations on coverage, it can be a valuable option for those who are able to enroll and who require additional coverage beyond what is offered by the public health insurance system. As with any healthcare decision, it is important for you to carefully consider your options and consult with a qualified professional before making a decision on health insurance coverage.

Our Latest Private Health Insurance Videos

On our YouTube playlist about private health insurance, we go into detail about it and show you exactly how private health insurance works and what you should consider. Among other things, we compare them to the public health insurance in Germany.

Our Latest Private Health Insurance Blog Posts

In our blog, we report on everything there is to know about private health insurance in Germany and give a comprehensive overview. Among other things, we inform you about current events, misconceptions and changes in the field of private health insurance.

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Health Insurance for Expats in Germany

Discover the benefits of expat health insurance in Germany. Get expert guidance for your international healthcare needs today to find the right insurance for you. 🤒

Our Latest Private Health Insurance Blog Posts

In our blog, we report on everything there is to know about private health insurance in Germany and give a comprehensive overview. Among other things, we inform you about current events, misconceptions and changes in the field of private health insurance.

Find The Best Private Health Insurance For You With Our Calculators

With our calculators you have the possibility to apply for a private health insurance very comfortably and as fast as possible. This option will forward you, so you can take out a private health insurance immediately.

Fastest Way To PRIVATE Health Insurance In Germany

Find the best PRIVATE health insurance in Germany for your individual situation.

Your PerFinEx financial advisory team

Your Private Health Insurance advice

Personal finance in Germany can be difficult – especially as an expat with limited German language skills. We make your financial planning as easy as possible. All you need is a device that is connected to the internet to secure a free online meeting with us.

Who can switch to private health insurance?

To be insured in private health insurance, there are various requirements. Only the self-employed, freelancers, civil servants, students, and employees with certain requirements are free to switch.

Employees
  • As an employee, your gross income must be above the so-called annual income threshold (JAEG) of 69.300€/year or 5.775€/month in 2024 (regular payments such as vacation or Christmas bonuses count as well).
  • half of the monthly contribution is paid by your employer up to the maximum amount of the Arbeitgeberzuschuss.
Civil Servants
  • As a civil servant, you have the choice of whether you want to take out voluntary public health insurance or private health insurance

  • Through the Beihilfe, the state contributes to the cost of health insurance. As a rule, 50% for civil servants and civil servant candidates, 70% for the spouse, and 50% for the children.

  • The other part must be completed by health insurance (Restkostenversicherung)
Self-Employed & Freelancer
  • As a self-employed person or freelancer, you always have the option for private health insurance, regardless of your income
  • With public health insurance, the comparable monthly contribution is often high
  • In an artistic or journalistic activity, you may be subject to compulsory insurance in the Künstlersozialkasse.
Students
  • As a student, you are free to choose between public and private health insurance, but you are bound by this decision for the entire duration of your studies.
  • There are special plans for students, which are particularly useful for the children of civil servants, as you can receive up to 80% of the Beihilfe.
  • After graduation, you can rejoin the public health insurance system

Who can switch to private health insurance in Germany?

To be insured in private health insurance, there are various requirements. Only the self-employed, freelancers, civil servants, students, and employees with certain requirements are free to switch.

Employees
  • As an employee, your gross income must be above the so-called annual income threshold (JAEG) of 69.300€/year or 5.775€/month in 2024 (regular payments such as vacation or Christmas bonuses count as well).
  • half of the monthly contribution is paid by your employer up to the maximum amount of the Arbeitgeberzuschuss.
Civil Servants
  • As a civil servant, you have the choice of whether you want to take out voluntary public health insurance or private health insurance

  • Through the Beihilfe, the state contributes to the cost of health insurance. As a rule, 50% for civil servants and civil servant candidates, 70% for the spouse, and 50% for the children.

  • The other part must be completed by health insurance (Restkostenversicherung)
Self-Employed & Freelancer
  • As a self-employed person or freelancer, you always have the option for private health insurance, regardless of your income
  • With public health insurance, the comparable monthly contribution is often high
  • In an artistic or journalistic activity, you may be subject to compulsory insurance in the Künstlersozialkasse.
Students
  • As a student, you are free to choose between public and private health insurance, but you are bound by this decision for the entire duration of your studies.
  • There are special plans for students, which are particularly useful for the children of civil servants, as you can receive up to 80% of the Beihilfe.
  • After graduation, you can rejoin the public health insurance system

Learn More About Private Health Insurance in Germany On Social Media

Social media can be a valuable source of information when learning more about health insurance in Germany. By following our accounts, you can get helpful tips, news, and resources related to health insurance policies and regulations in Germany.

Pros & Cons of private health insurance

Public and private health insurance are two fundamentally different systems. It is difficult to say which is better. Everyone has to weigh up the pros and cons for themselves. We have compiled the most important arguments for and against private health insurance.

Advantageous

Disadvantageous

Higher Quality of Medical Care

A good private health insurance policy ensures access to first-class medical treatment. There are policies that cover treatment by specialists, in private clinics or abroad. The coverage also includes the latest treatment methods.

No family insurance available

There is no family insurance in private health insurance. While, sometimes, children and non-working partners can also be insured free of charge in public health insurance, in private health insurance everyone must be insured themselves and pay contributions. This can lead to additional costs.

Customisable insurance coverage

When looking for private health insurance, you can choose a plan that is customized to your individual needs and preferences. This way, you get the insurance coverage you want and can afford. In addition, the benefits specified in your contract are guaranteed and cannot be reduced by the provider.

Pre-existing health conditions

Before you sign a contract with a private health insurer, a health check is usually required. If you have significant health problems, you can either be rejected or have to pay a risk surcharge. This can make your private health insurance considerably more expensive. However, if you have been accepted, the price of your policy will not change if you become ill.

No Flat rate per case

In the public health insurance system, per-case flat rates apply, which means that the same amount is paid regardless of what treatment is actually required for a particular illness or accident. Thus, when the allocated funds are exhausted, the hospital or doctor suffers a loss. In contrast, privately insured patients are charged for what is actually needed, which is why the hospital stay can sometimes last longer.

Switching between public and private

In Germany, there are regulations that prevent frequent switching between statutory and private health insurance. Once you have become a member of private health insurance, it is usually very difficult to return to statutory health insurance. To do this, you must talk to your employer and make use of your legal right to work part-time temporarily, which will probably result in your income falling below the threshold for private health insurance. It is important to note that this is not always possible.

Faster doctor appointment

Private health insurance offers the advantage of getting a doctor’s appointment faster. Doctors tend to prioritize appointments for private patients, as they receive higher payment for the same treatment than patients with public health insurance. In addition, doctors can charge for each service individually.

Potentially Higher premiums in Retirement

Private health insurance is not linked to your income, which means that if you do not make provisions for your old age, the costs in retirement can be higher than in public health insurance. Therefore, it can make sense to use the savings from private health insurance and invest them in the best way.

advantages / disadvantages of private health insurance in Germany

Public and private health insurance are two fundamentally different systems. It is difficult to say which is better. Everyone has to weigh up the pros and cons for themselves. We have compiled the most important arguments for and against private health insurance.

Advantages

Higher Quality of Medical Care

A good private health insurance policy ensures access to first-class medical treatment. There are policies that cover treatment by specialists, in private clinics or abroad. The coverage also includes the latest treatment methods.

Customisable insurance coverage

When looking for private health insurance, you can choose a plan that is customized to your individual needs and preferences. This way, you get the insurance coverage you want and can afford. In addition, the benefits specified in your contract are guaranteed and cannot be reduced by the provider.

No Flat rate per case

In the public health insurance system, per-case flat rates apply, which means that the same amount is paid regardless of what treatment is actually required for a particular illness or accident. Thus, when the allocated funds are exhausted, the hospital or doctor suffers a loss. In contrast, privately insured patients are charged for what is actually needed, which is why the hospital stay can sometimes last longer.

Faster doctor appointment

Private health insurance offers the advantage of getting a doctor’s appointment faster. Doctors tend to prioritize appointments for private patients, as they receive higher payment for the same treatment than patients with public health insurance. In addition, doctors can charge for each service individually.

Disadvantages

No family insurance available

There is no family insurance in private health insurance. While, sometimes, children and non-working partners can also be insured free of charge in public health insurance, in private health insurance everyone must be insured themselves and pay contributions. This can lead to additional costs.

Pre-existing health conditions

Before you sign a contract with a private health insurer, a health check is usually required. If you have significant health problems, you can either be rejected or have to pay a risk surcharge. This can make your private health insurance considerably more expensive. However, if you have been accepted, the price of your policy will not change if you become ill.

Switching between public and private

In Germany, there are regulations that prevent frequent switching between statutory and private health insurance. Once you have become a member of private health insurance, it is usually very difficult to return to statutory health insurance. To do this, you must talk to your employer and make use of your legal right to work part-time temporarily, which will probably result in your income falling below the threshold for private health insurance. It is important to note that this is not always possible.

Potentially Higher premiums in Retirement

Private health insurance is not linked to your income, which means that if you do not make provisions for your old age, the costs in retirement can be higher than in public health insurance. Therefore, it can make sense to use the savings from private health insurance and invest them in the best way.

How You Benefit From Working With PerFinEx

PerFinEx GmbH is registered as an independent financial advisor in all fields of personal finance: insurance, investments, and loans according to § 34 German trade regulations (Gewerbeordnung) & supervised by the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK).

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We are an independent financial advisor working with hundreds of different banks, insurance & pension companies.

No Additional Costs

We are paid in commissions that the German government regulates. Working with us comes at no extra cost for you.

Licensed & Regulated

We are licensed in all 3 different fields of personal finance and compliant with German financial laws & regulations.

The 6 steps to private health insurance

From information gathering and advice to the conclusion of a private health insurance policy. We at PerFinEx can help you find the perfect private health insurance for you and assist you all along the way.

1st Step: Inform Yourself​

Before switching to private health insurance, it’s important to understand what it entails. Fortunately, there are several resources to help you make an informed decision.

Start by exploring our blog articles, which cover topics like the benefits and drawbacks of switching, premium calculations, and available coverage types. Our blog is a valuable resource for understanding how private health insurance might affect your healthcare.

Additionally, we offer YouTube videos on similar topics, providing a visual explanation of how private health insurance works to further guide your decision-making process.

Inform Yourself​
1
Get In Touch
2

2nd Step: Get In Touch

After researching and considering the pros and cons, you might conclude that private health insurance is a better fit for your needs. If so, you can contact us for further advice.

We offer a free meeting to discuss your individual circumstances and help determine if switching to private health insurance is the right choice. During this consultation, our experts will address any concerns you have and provide detailed information about the available plans.

By the end of our meeting, you’ll have a clear idea of whether private health insurance aligns with your health goals and financial situation. You can trust us for honest, unbiased advice and, if you choose to switch, we’ll ensure a smooth transition.

3rd Step: Overview

In the next phase, we collaborate with you to create an overview that considers your specific situation and needs, such as insurance coverage abroad, during pregnancy, or for dental care.

We’ll typically present three tariff options, which we’ll review together, weighing the pros and cons to help you choose the best one.

You’ll also receive a detailed PDF outlining each option, so you can review the information independently. Additionally, we’ll provide a list of required documents if you decide to switch to private health insurance, making the process straightforward.

Overview
3
Health Questions​
4

4th Step: Health Questions

We will now begin the health application process. The private health insurer will decide whether to approve, reject, or apply a risk surcharge to your application based on your health information.

Since the questions are in German, we’ll schedule a follow-up meeting to complete the questionnaire together, covering inpatient, outpatient, and dental areas.

During this meeting, we’ll help you answer accurately and provide all necessary information clearly. This collaborative approach improves your chances of approval and reduces the likelihood of a risk surcharge.

5th Step: Application & Resignation​

Based on the provided details, we will prepare your application for private health insurance and handle the entire process for you. Before submitting, we’ll send you the application for review.

We’ll carefully review the application together, address any questions, and ensure everything is clear. Once confirmed, you’ll simply sign it digitally, and we’ll forward it to the selected provider.

Additionally, we’ll prepare a termination letter for your current health insurance. While we can’t send it on your behalf, we’ll guide you through the process. You just need to sign and submit it to complete the switch to your new private health insurance plan.

Application & Resignation​
5
Confirmation​ & Enjoy
6

6th Step: Confirmation & Enjoy

After submitting your application, you’ll need to wait for confirmation from the private health insurer. If they have any questions, we’ll inform you and help with responses.

Once accepted, you’ll receive the final policy, which you’ll need to provide to your employer for the employer match and send a notification letter to your current insurer. This is necessary as you cannot cancel your old insurance until the new one is confirmed.

After receiving the policy documents, wait for the two-month cancellation period of your old insurance to end. Then, you can enjoy your new private health insurance with full coverage.

The 6 steps to private health insurance

From information gathering and advice to the conclusion of a private health insurance policy. We at PerFinEx can help you find the perfect private health insurance for you and assist you all along the way.

Inform Yourself​
1

1st Step: Inform Yourself​

Before switching to private health insurance, it’s important to understand what it entails. Fortunately, there are several resources to help you make an informed decision.

Start by exploring our blog articles, which cover topics like the benefits and drawbacks of switching, premium calculations, and available coverage types. Our blog is a valuable resource for understanding how private health insurance might affect your healthcare.

Additionally, we offer YouTube videos on similar topics, providing a visual explanation of how private health insurance works to further guide your decision-making process.

Get In Touch
2

2nd Step: Get In Touch

After researching and considering the pros and cons, you might conclude that private health insurance is a better fit for your needs. If so, you can contact us for further advice.

We offer a free meeting to discuss your individual circumstances and help determine if switching to private health insurance is the right choice. During this consultation, our experts will address any concerns you have and provide detailed information about the available plans.

By the end of our meeting, you’ll have a clear idea of whether private health insurance aligns with your health goals and financial situation. You can trust us for honest, unbiased advice and, if you choose to switch, we’ll ensure a smooth transition.

Overview
3

3rd Step: Overview

In the next phase, we collaborate with you to create an overview that considers your specific situation and needs, such as insurance coverage abroad, during pregnancy, or for dental care.

We’ll typically present three tariff options, which we’ll review together, weighing the pros and cons to help you choose the best one.

You’ll also receive a detailed PDF outlining each option, so you can review the information independently. Additionally, we’ll provide a list of required documents if you decide to switch to private health insurance, making the process straightforward.

Health Questions​
4

4th Step: Health Questions

We will now begin the health application process. The private health insurer will decide whether to approve, reject, or apply a risk surcharge to your application based on your health information.

Since the questions are in German, we’ll schedule a follow-up meeting to complete the questionnaire together, covering inpatient, outpatient, and dental areas.

During this meeting, we’ll help you answer accurately and provide all necessary information clearly. This collaborative approach improves your chances of approval and reduces the likelihood of a risk surcharge.

Application & Resignation​
5

5th Step: Application & Resignation​

Based on the provided details, we will prepare your application for private health insurance and handle the entire process for you. Before submitting, we’ll send you the application for review.

We’ll carefully review the application together, address any questions, and ensure everything is clear. Once confirmed, you’ll simply sign it digitally, and we’ll forward it to the selected provider.

Additionally, we’ll prepare a termination letter for your current health insurance. While we can’t send it on your behalf, we’ll guide you through the process. You just need to sign and submit it to complete the switch to your new private health insurance plan.

Confirmation​ & Enjoy
6

6th Step: Confirmation​

After submitting your application, you’ll need to wait for confirmation from the private health insurer. If they have any questions, we’ll inform you and help with responses.

Once accepted, you’ll receive the final policy, which you’ll need to provide to your employer for the employer match and send a notification letter to your current insurer. This is necessary as you cannot cancel your old insurance until the new one is confirmed.

After receiving the policy documents, wait for the two-month cancellation period of your old insurance to end. Then, you can enjoy your new private health insurance with full coverage.

What Our Amazing Clients Say About Us

Get an idea of how working with us is by reading what our clients say about us. In addition, you have the possibility to give us a review yourself.

PerFinEx GmbH
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Maris WintersMaris Winters
12:58 10 Apr 24
Axel is clear, communicative, helpful and prompt. I've really appreciated his help and am glad to be working with him.
Hesham Kamal EldinHesham Kamal Eldin
00:17 23 Mar 24
I have recently signed my new pension contract with the aid of Axel from PerFinEx. My first impression is very positive. Axel helped me with his experience to find the right program for me in a smooth and professional way. I highly recommend PerFinEx to anyone who wants honest and experienced support for financial planning.
Nhu Viet NguyenNhu Viet Nguyen
11:00 14 Mar 24
Very polite and supportive team!
Veronica JonssonVeronica Jonsson
12:49 02 Mar 24
Starting to invest in ETFs has felt very overwhelming, but not anymore! PerFinEx helped me start my pension savings in just a week (which would've taken me months of research, confusion and stress otherwise). Thank you, Axel, for the excellent guidance. I can recommend anyone trying to get a better grip on their finances to set up a meeting PerFinEx!
emrah can çetinkayaemrah can çetinkaya
07:34 26 Feb 24
As a newcomer to Germany, I can say that PerFinEx has been really helpful in clarifying my questions on various topics.
Ana P SantosAna P Santos
11:33 30 Jan 24
The PerFinEx videos were very useful for my research on what pension fund to invest in. I made an appointment with PreFinEx after watching the videos and making copious notes. Axle clearly explained the different pension levels to me and helped me make an informed decision as to where I could safely and wisely invest my money. Would definitely recommend PerFinEx services when planning your future.
KIVANÇ KARAOĞLANKIVANÇ KARAOĞLAN
09:46 30 Oct 23
I feel so lucky to have the chance to work with PerFinEx and Axel. PerFinEx, under the leadership of Axel, has a comprehensive knowledge of the health insurance system in Germany. He first tries to understand and identify your expectations and requirements then he finds the best way for you during the transition from public to private insurance. They are doing a great job providing valuable information to all the expat- non-German speaking community. Now I am asking myself why I lost that much time. I should have contacted Axel a long time ago. It is also great to feel that they will be always there to help you anytime you need. I would strongly recommend this company to work with. Please note that they have also other services such as pension systems, financial investments, real estate, etc.
Mohit SoodMohit Sood
21:07 02 Oct 23
I had two meetings with Axel. Everything was very smooth. He helped me shortlist couple of Health insurances. I had multiple queries before and after the meeting, Axel was very clear in his answers and patient with me throughout the process. It was a nice experience for me. I would definitely recommend their services.
Parth Sarthi PandeyParth Sarthi Pandey
14:50 07 Dec 22
It was wonderful working with PerFinEx. You get clear and honest advice and I had one of the most smooth experiences of buying any policy in Germany.
I've had a few calls with the folks from PerFinEx. I quickly built trust and started using their services. They present themselves as a key partner for your finances, specially when you are not from Germany.I'm looking forward to building a lasting business relationship with them. It's been such a great start.
Rajwinder SinghRajwinder Singh
16:28 12 Aug 22
Best Financial advisor for Expats! I am happy to collaborate you. Thanks for advising on how to maximize my financial gains. 🙂 I would totally recommend PerFinex to anybody looking to maximize their earnings.
Satwik ShenoySatwik Shenoy
09:55 20 Jun 22
PerFinEx for expats in Germany is a legit one-stop shop for all your insurance needs and financial planning. They managed to solve all my insurance problems in Germany in no time and their YouTube videos are super informative.Axel and Pascal were a pleasure to work with. I'd highly recommend you talk to them. Even if you already have your insurances, you could revisit your current situation and work on making them better and more efficient. The way he speaks clearly shows he is here to help.Wishing you all the very best and keep those videos coming!
Luis Alfonzo GonzálezLuis Alfonzo González
20:52 15 Mar 22
I first got in touch with Axel through his YouTube channel, then we arranged a meeting and he was super helpful and explained everything to me. I really value his patience and work ethic. I can recommend him for all expats living in Germany!
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FAQ About Private Health Insurance In Germany

Would you like to check if your query has already been answered? Our private health insurance in Germany FAQ includes all the essential questions that you may be interested in. If you have other questions, just simply write us a message below.

How much does health insurance in Germany cost?

Public health insurance is charged with a basic premium of 14.6% and an additional charge of, on average, 1.7% of your gross income. This must be paid for a maximum income of 5,175€ monthly (in 2024). Higher incomes will not be charged for your health insurance in Germany. In contrast, private health insurance is calculated on an individual basis. Therefore, your health status and your entry age are the most important factors for your monthly costs.

How can a foreigner get health insurance in Germany?

As soon as you come to Germany and start to work here, your employer will register you with German public health insurance. However, you can still look for health insurance yourself. To do this, you must inform your employer within two weeks of starting work. Our recommendation is to talk to an insurance expert to get the best health insurance in Germany for your individual situation. Anyhow, finding German health insurance for foreigners is not the problem, the difficulty is rather to find the right one.

How do I get private health insurance in Germany?

If you are self-employed, a civil servant, earn above 69.300€ yearly (in 2024), have no basis to join public insurance, or are a student who renounces their public insurance, you are free to choose either public or private health insurance. Therefore, you need to cancel your public insurance, get private insurance, and send some letters of your private health insurance confirmation to your current, already canceled public health insurance. We at PerFinEx can help you find the best private health insurance in Germany for your individual situation. We will also help you with the German paperwork.

How do I choose health insurance in Germany?

Your health insurance options depend on your income and employment status. Most people in Germany are forced to be insured in statutory health insurance. Therefore, it will be the same coverage with any provider and only a small difference in cost. However, if you are self-employed, a civil servant, or earn more than 69.300€ (in 2024), you are eligible for private health insurance. In this case, our recommendation is to discuss your individual situation with an insurance expert, such as us, to find out what makes the most sense for you.

Get In Touch With Us

Would you like to learn more about private health insurance in Germany or do you need help by setting up your health insurance? Please feel free to send us a message.