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.
Why High-Earning Expats Opt Out of the Public System
Premium Treatment
Skip the 3-month wait for specialists. Get access to top-tier private clinics, private rooms, and direct access to 'Chefarzt' (Head Physician) treatment.
Save Money
While public insurance premiums rise with your income, private premiums are based on your health and age. High-earning expats can often save €200–€400 per month compared to the public system.
Digital & English-First
No more deciphering German letters. We select providers with English-speaking apps, 24/7 video consultations with doctors, and paperless claim submissions.
⚠️ The Catch: The "JAEG" Threshold & Age Factor
Private Health Insurance is a privilege in Germany, not a choice for everyone. You need to act while you qualify.
- TThe Salary Barrier: You can only switch to PKV if your gross annual salary exceeds the threshold (€77,400 in 2026). If you are just above it, lock in your rate now before the government raises the limit again.
- The “Age Trap”: Every year you wait, the monthly premium becomes more expensive. By joining as an expat in your 20s or 30s, you lock in lower rates for life.
- The Health Audit: Unlike public insurance, PKV providers check your medical history. It is vital to apply while you are healthy to avoid surcharges or rejections.
Once you’re in, you’re in. But the door only stays open as long as you meet the salary and health requirements.
Skip the Bureaucracy. Get Your Free English Quote.
Fill out the quick form below. Our independent PerFinEx brokers will compare the German market and send you the best English-friendly options tailored to your needs.
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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 77.400€/year in 2026 (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 employer share (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. However, 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. Here, 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 77.400€/year in 2026 (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 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 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 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, 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 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 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).
Independent Advice
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 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 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.
2nd Step: Get In Touch
We offer a free meeting to discuss your individual circumstances and help determine if switching 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.
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 insurance.
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.
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.
2nd Step: Get In Touch
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.
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.
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.
Long story short:
With PreFinEx's help and thorough guidance, I was able to switch from public to private health insurance painlessly!
Long story long 😊:
I booked a free 30-minute meeting, and I was pleasantly surprised by how friendly and responsive Axel was. I wanted to cover three topics—insurance, pension, and investments—and I was hoping at least one of them would be addressed. To my surprise, Axel was able to answer all my questions, and by the end of the meeting, I had the full picture!
"This is your 30 minutes—feel free to ask!"
This one sentence made it clear to me that I wanted to work with them. Axel's professionalism and openness stood out, and I couldn't be happier with my decision.
Just book a free meeting—you won’t regret it!
I'm looking forward to building a lasting business relationship with them. It's been such a great start.
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!
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, 2.5% of your gross income. This must be paid for a maximum income of 5,512€ monthly (in 2025). 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.
Does my employer pay half of the private premium?
Yes! Just like with public insurance, your German employer pays roughly 50% of your private health insurance premiums (up to the maximum employer contribution).
Is PKV better for families?
It depends. In the public system, children are often covered for free. In PKV, each person has their own premium. We will run the math for you to see which system saves you more in the long run.
Can I go back to public insurance later?
Generally, switching back is difficult once you are over 55 or earn consistently above the threshold. However, for expats who might leave Germany, PKV is often the superior choice due to global coverage.