In Germany every person has health insurance be - this is mandatory. So if you want to apply for a residence permit, you must register with a health insurance company beforehand.
Your Health insurance then takes over the Costs at the doctor, in the Hospital or also for Medication. So you are covered in the event of illness.
What's new?
Since the January 15, 2025 there are in some regions the Electronic patient file (ePA) in the test. From End of April 2025 it is to be launched throughout Germany. With the ePA, you can use your Medical data digital save - for example your diagnoses, vaccinations or prescriptions - and share them with doctors or pharmacies. This makes everything quicker and easier. You can find out more on the page "The electronic patient file".
Which health insurance company is right for me?
There are two types of health insurance in Germany:
Statutory health insurance
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Most people are insured here.
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Contribution depends on income: Those who earn less pay less.
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Under certain conditions, you can use your Family insurance free of charge.
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Good basic cover - you are well protected in the event of illness.
Private health insurance
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Only for certain groups: e.g. Civil servants, Self-employed, Students or people with high incomes.
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Contribution does not depend on income, but on age, health, lifestyle.
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Frequently more services (e.g. quick doctor's appointment), but: You must pay all bills yourself first and get the money back later.
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A Switching back to statutory health insurance is very difficult.
Tip: If you are unsure, ask the Consumer advice center or have a look at www.krankenkassen.de. You can compare there.
What is family insurance?
If you have statutory health insurance, you can use your Spouse and children insured free of charge - if they have little or no income of their own.
Children are also insured:
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up to 18 years
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up to 23when they are not working
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up to 25if they are studying or doing an apprenticeship
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unlimitedif they are unable to live independently due to a disability
Who pays the health insurance?
It depends on your situation:
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When you workYour employer pays half, the rest is deducted from your salary.
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If you receive unemployment benefit or social assistanceJobcenter or social welfare office pay the contributions.
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If you are self-employed or studying: You pay the contribution itself - every month.
Important: If you are not insured for a period of time, you must pay the contributions pay in arrears. So there is no point in "pausing" the insurance.
What does statutory health insurance pay for - and what doesn't?
Payment is made for example:
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Visits to the doctor
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Hospitalization
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Medication (mostly)
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Remedies such as physiotherapy or occupational therapy
Not paid, for example:
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Cosmetic surgery
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Vaccinations for long-distance travel
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Dentures only in part
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Single room in hospital
Tip for dentures: Keep a bonus booklet!
If you go for regular check-ups (every 6-12 months), you will receive more money from the insurance company for dentures. You can get the booklet from your dentist.
If you have to go to hospital, you pay 10 € per day itself - everything else is covered by the health insurance.
What is supplementary insurance?
This is a Voluntary insurancewhich gives you more benefits - e.g:
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better dental treatments
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new glasses
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Single room in hospital
You can take out supplementary insurance with private insurances or sometimes through your health insurance company.
Do I have to pay for medication myself?
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Privately insuredYes - but you'll get your money back later.
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Legally insured:
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Prescription drugs: You usually only pay up to 10 €.
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Non-prescription medicines (green prescription): You usually have to pay for this yourself.
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For Children many medicines are free of charge.
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If you spend a lot of money a year on medication (over 2 % of your income, or 1 % for chronic illness), you can be exempted from further co-payments. You must submit an application to your health insurance company and provide receipts.
What about mental health?
The health insurance company usually also covers the costs for:
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Psychiatric treatment (with medication)
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Psychotherapy (Discussions with therapist)
Make sure that the therapistinside a Health insurance authorization have.
If you can't find a place, there is the "Cost reimbursement procedure" - you go to a private therapistin and apply for a refund later. This is possible, but somewhat more time-consuming.
Does the health insurance fund also pay for remedies or aids?
Yes - if youre doctorsprescribes in them:
Remedies
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Physiotherapy
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Occupational therapy
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Speech therapy
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Foot care (for diabetes etc.)
Aids
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Glasses (under certain conditions)
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Hearing aids
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Wheelchairs
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Walking aids
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Prostheses / Orthoses
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Care beds
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Incontinence products
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Oxygen devices
Sometimes you have to pay a small part yourself. Keep invoices in a safe place!
Can I change my health insurance company?
Yes - it's been easy since 2021:
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Choose a new cash register, register - The new cash register will cancel for you.
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After 12 months you can switch, or immediately if you have a new job have.
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If your health insurance fund increases the contribution, you have a Special right of termination.
Switching from private insurance back to statutory insurance is only under certain conditions possible - especially under 55 years and for income under € 73,800 per year (as of 2025). Get good advice!
Am I also insured abroad?
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Within the EU, EEA and SwitzerlandMostly yes - check with your health insurance company.
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Outside the EU: You often need a Supplementary insurance for trips abroad.
With some countries - e.g. Turkey - there is Special agreementthat regulate your protection. Just ask your health insurance company.
