Depending on their status and income level, German nationals and residents can choose between the public or the private health insurance system. How contributions are calculated and what type of care is covered will vary based on the option.
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Health insurance for expats in Germany
How does the healthcare system work in Germany?
The German healthcare system is based on a hybrid model. In principle, enrolment in the system is mandatory except for certain categories of workers:
- Self-employed
- Civil servants
- Employees whose annual gross income is above a threshold defined each year (€64,350 in 2022, or US$73,475)
The latter have the choice of voluntarily joining the public health insurance system (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung or GKV) or opting for a fully private health insurance plan (Private Krankenversicherung or PKV).
In the first case, they enjoy the guarantees and the care benefits provided by the public health system, specifically:
- GP consultations with the physician chosen by each insured person from among the GKV's approved doctors (Vertragsärzte)
- Consultations with a specialist, again listed under the system
- Hospitalisation on physician's referral (except for emergencies) in all approved public establishments, excluding comfort costs (double or single room)
- Dental care (prosthetic care is only covered at 50-60% of the reference rate for those over 18)
The option of private health insurance generally allows the insured to benefit from more extensive coverage, from care provided by private-system doctors (Privatarzt)―in private practice or in hospital―from additional dental care, or even from care excluded by the GKV (vision, alternative medicine, etc.).
How to choose health insurance in Germany: local or international?
As contributions to the public insurance system are proportional to income, the choice of private insurance is often more competitive above a certain income threshold.
The choice of a private insurer is then completely free: it can be a German insurance company as well as an international health insurer, whose guarantees and services are generally more comprehensive and adapted to the needs of expats.
> Good to know:
- The private insurance option is binding, meaning that the possibility of returning to the public insurance system is then very limited.
- In the event of enrolling in the public healthcare system, it may be advisable to take out additional private insurance, possibly international.
What is the cost of healthcare in Germany?
GP CONSULTATION
For a consultation with a general practitioner, expect to pay between €38 and €70 (US$43 to US$80)
APRIL International up to 70 €*
Out-of-pocket expenses 0€**
VISION CARE
For your optical needs, you will have to pay between €50 and €250 (US$57 to US$285) per pair of glasses***
APRIL International up to 500 €*
Out-of-pocket expenses 0€**
HOSPITALISATION - MATERNITY
A delivery with 5 days in hospital will cost you about €5,000 (US$5,700)
APRIL International up to 5000 €*
Out-of-pocket expenses 0€**
Examples of costs of care in Germany in the private health sector, APRIL International data 12/2021.
* Example of reimbursement with MyHealth International - Comfort
** Example of the amount to be paid by the insured after reimbursement
*** Based on prescription (excluding frames)
Care in Germany
Choosing hospitals in Germany
Germany is one of the best-endowed European countries in terms of hospital facilities, with a highly developed private sector. The official directory of German hospitals provides a complete list of facilities, and it allows users to conduct searches based on various criteria.
Many community and hospital doctors work under a double role: government contracted and private practice. Accordingly, they treat different profiles of insured persons and therefore apply different rates. Waiting times for patients seen as “private patients” are often shorter.
Titre phone establishment list
Health facilities
Titre phone display
Emergency numbers in Germany
Additional info about life and healthcare in Germany
Which international health insurance is right for you?
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