Health FAQs
Health insurance is mandatory in Germany. If you intend to apply for a residence permit, you are required to have valid health insurance coverage. As a member of a health insurance fund, your provider will generally cover the costs of medical consultations, hospital treatment, and—at least partially—prescribed medications. In some cases, the full cost of medications may also be covered.
On 29 April 2025, Germany commenced the nationwide deployment of the electronic patient file (elektronische Patientenakte, ePA). Launched following a pilot phase that began on 15 January 2025 in selected regions, the ePA is now available for use in doctors’ offices, hospitals, and pharmacies across the country. While implementing providers are not yet required to use it, this “high-load” rollout continues through 2025.
From 1 October 2025, the use of the ePA by healthcare providers will become mandatory. The system enables secure digital storage of medical records and seamless data exchange between healthcare facilities.
N.B.
Some doctors in Germany only treat patients with private health insurance, and these patients must pay for services out of pocket. If you are statutorily insured, make sure to choose a doctor who accepts “Kassenpatienten” (patients with public insurance).To find a suitable doctor in your area, visit the website of the German Medical Association (Bundesärztekammer). After selecting your federal state, you can search for doctors by language. If you can’t find a doctor who speaks your language, it’s a good idea to bring an interpreter to your appointment.
In Germany, you can choose between statutory (public) and private health insurance. Each system differs significantly in terms of eligibility, contributions, and benefits.
Statutory Health Insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung)
- Accessible to everyone, regardless of income or occupation.
- Contributions are income-based: the higher your salary, the higher your monthly payment.
- This model promotes solidarity—lower-income earners pay less, while higher earners contribute more.
- Under certain conditions, you can insure family members (spouse and children) at no additional cost. See the “Family Insurance” section for details.
Private Health Insurance (Private Krankenversicherung)
- Available only to specific groups, such as:
- Self-employed individuals
- Civil servants
- Students
- Employees with high salaries above a certain threshold
- Contributions are not income-based, but depend on:
- Age
- Gender
- Health status
- Lifestyle factors
- Typically, premiums are higher, but private patients may receive:
- Faster appointments
- Broader benefits, depending on the plan
- Important: You pay medical bills upfront and get reimbursed later by the insurance provider.
- Caution: Switching back from private to statutory insurance is usually very difficult or even impossible. Consider this option carefully.
Special Case: Künstlersozialkasse (KSK)
- If you work in the arts or media, you may apply for coverage through the German Artists’ Social Security Fund (KSK).
- If accepted, you pay only half of the insurance contributions; the KSK covers the rest.
How to Decide
For personal advice, contact your local Consumer Protection Centre (Verbraucherzentrale).
Most residents in Germany are covered by statutory insurance.
To compare policies and coverage, visit: www.krankenkassen.de
If you are enrolled in a statutory health insurance scheme, you may be eligible to include only your spouse and children in your coverage at no additional cost. This is called family insurance (Familienversicherung).
Eligibility Conditions
- Family insurance is only available if your dependants have little or no income.
- The exact income threshold is set by the insurance provider. You should ask your health insurance company for the updated limit.
- Always communicate in writing to have a record of all agreements, which may serve as proof in case of disputes.
Coverage for Children
Children with disabilities are entitled to lifetime coverage under family insurance.
- Up to age 18: All children are automatically covered by a parent’s statutory insurance.
- Up to age 23: Coverage continues if the child is not employed.
- Up to age 25: Children can remain insured if they are:
- Going to school or University.
- Enrolled in vocational training without income.
- Participating in a Voluntary Social Year (Freiwilliges Soziales Jahr).
Once you have selected a health insurance provider, you can begin the registration process.
Where and How to Register
- Most health insurance companies offer online registration through their official websites.
- Alternatively, you can visit a local branch in person and complete the registration there.
Documents Required
To join, you will typically need:
- A passport photo
- Your registration certificate at the city office (Meldebescheinigung)
- Proof of income (e.g. salary statement)
- Or, if applicable, a certificate from the Jobcenter or social welfare office confirming your entitlement to benefits.
After Registration
Once your registration is approved, your health insurance card will be sent to you by post.
Make sure to carry this card with you at all times, especially when visiting doctors, hospitals, or pharmacies—it’s essential for accessing medical services.
Health‑care costs are financed through monthly contributions from insured members.
- If you receive unemployment or social benefits, the Employment Agency, Jobcenter, or Social Welfare Office pays your premiums.
- In a regular job (earnings above €556 per month in 2025), your employer transfers the contributions directly to the insurer—half is deducted from your salary and half is paid by the employer.
If you have a mini‑job, are self‑employed, or are a student, you must pay the full amount yourself each month.
Important: Skipping payments never saves money; missed premiums will be back‑charged in full.
Public insurers generally refuse to pay for cosmetic surgery, travel vaccinations, or chief‑physician (private ward) treatment. Dental procedures are only partly reimbursed, but you can enlarge the subsidy by keeping a stamped “bonus booklet” from your dentist. During a hospital stay you pay €10 per day, with the insurer covering the rest.
For extra protection—e.g. better dental work, new glasses, or a single room—consider supplementary insurance from private companies, specialist providers, or sometimes your own statutory fund. Compare tariffs and seek advice before signing a contract.
Medication costs and co‑payments
You collect prescriptions at any pharmacy.
- Private insurance: you pay first, then send the prescription and receipt to your insurer for reimbursement.
- Statutory insurance:
- Prescription medicines (now issued as an e‑prescription) require only a small co‑payment—never more than €10 per item.
- Non‑prescription medicines (green script) are paid entirely by you.
- Children and adolescents usually receive prescription drugs free of charge.
- Since July 2023 e‑prescriptions can be redeemed with your electronic health card (eGK).
There is an annual cap on co‑payments: once you spend 2 % of your gross income (or 1 % if chronically ill) on medicines and inpatient fees, you can apply to your insurer for an exemption certificate valid for the rest of the year—just submit your receipts and proof of income.Here you can have more info on coverage of psychiatric and therapeutic treatments, and medical aid, i.e. tools and gadjets.
Since 2021, switching between statutory health insurance providers has become easier—you only need to register with the new provider. There’s no need to cancel your current one first.
General rules for switching:
- You can change insurers after 12 months of membership.
- You can also switch earlier if:
- You start a new job with a different employer, or
- Your insurer raises your premium—this gives you a special right to terminate early (“Sonderkündigungsrecht”).
Switching to or from private insurance (PKV):
- You can return to statutory insurance (GKV) if:
- You’re under 55, employed, and your salary drops below €73,800/year (2025).
- You qualify for family insurance (e.g., through a partner).
- You’re unemployed and receive Unemployment Benefit I.
- After age 55, switching back is very restricted.
⚠️ Important: if you are moving abroad and you do not need health insurance in Germany anymore, it is your responsibility to cancel your subscription with your health insurance provider. Otherwise you will continue paying automatically. General Tip: Always get advice before switching. More info is available at www.verbraucherzentrale.de.
If you’re publicly insured in Germany, your health insurance usually covers you within Germany, but there are exceptions when you’re abroad. In most EU countries, as well as in the EEA and Switzerland, you’re also insured thanks to international agreements.
However, if you’re planning a trip outside of Europe, it’s strongly recommended to check your insurance status in advance. In many cases, additional international travel health insurance is needed to ensure full coverage during your stay.Tip: Germany has special social security agreements with certain countries—such as Turkey—that may entitle you to similar healthcare benefits while you’re there. To be safe, always check with your health insurance provider before traveling to clarify what’s covered.
