Germany/Insurance/Health

The German health care system is divided into 2 branches

• public healthcare
• private healthcare

Generally speaking, you need to pick one of them.

How to find the right German health insurance for me?

In many cases, you don't have a choice: For instance when you are employed and make less than around 60,750 € EUR per year (gross), you must pick the public system.

Here's a list of "simple" cases. If your case if more complicated, read a guide listed below.

Simple cases

Employed in a regular job

If you are

• part- or full-time employed
• earn less than 60,750 € gross per year

you must take the public option.

Student under 30

If you are a student at an

• Universität (university) or
• Fachhochschule (University of Applied Sciences)

then the public option is almost always the cheapest choice (~100€/month).

(Young) freelancer from outside EU/EEA

If you are:

• young (under 30)
• freelancer / self-employed
• from outside EU/EEA
• plan to stay only a few years in Germany

then likely the private option is cheaper.

Setup an insurance option

Public

There are several public heal insurance options. Their prices are regulated by law, so you rather can choose them by the features they offer. Here are some with English information:

• TK is said to have the best English speaking service.
• AOK
• DAK
• Barmer

Private

Private options vary a lot by their coverage and their rates – often very much depending on your age and health status.

• Ottonova is a new, fully English-speaking option. They give you a free consultation.
• English translated calculator by BerlinCheap.com: Enter your details + contact and get a quote from various insurance options.

More guides

• Public and private health insurance in Germany: how to choose? by allaboutberlin.com
• Health insurance in Germany by settle-in-berlin.com