Health insurance Updated April 2025 · 5 min read

Health Insurance in Germany for Immigrants – What You Need to Know

Germany has mandatory health insurance. Everyone who lives or works here must be insured. This guide explains which insurance applies to newcomers, how to sign up and what happens if there is a coverage gap.

Quick answer: As an employee you are automatically insured through your employer. As a self-employed person or non-working resident you must sign up with a statutory health insurance fund (Krankenkasse) yourself — ideally within the first weeks of moving in.

Statutory or private insurance?

  • Statutory health insurance (GKV): Mandatory for most employees. Children and non-working spouses are covered for free.
  • Private health insurance (PKV): Only for civil servants, self-employed people and high earners (above €69,300/year). Not relevant for most immigrants.

Which health insurance fund should you choose?

There are over 90 statutory health insurance funds in Germany. The largest are: TK, AOK, Barmer, DAK. The basic coverage is the same at all of them — TK and Barmer offer English-language customer service.

How to sign up

  • 1
    Choose a health insurance fund

    Compare additional contributions at gesetzlichekrankenkassen.de.

  • 2
    Fill in the membership application

    Online or at a branch. You need: ID or passport, registration confirmation, employment contract if applicable.

  • 3
    Receive your health insurance card

    Arrives by post — you can use it to visit a doctor.

How much does it cost?

As an employee: about 8.3% of your gross salary — at €2,500 gross approximately €207/month. Your employer pays the other half.

As a self-employed person: full contribution yourself — at least approximately €200–250/month.

Coverage gaps: If you were uninsured for a period, health insurance funds can demand back payments. Nobody in Germany may remain permanently uninsured.

Frequently asked questions

Is health insurance mandatory in Germany?

Yes — mandatory for everyone who lives or works in Germany. No exceptions for newcomers.

Are my children also insured?

Yes — children are insured for free under statutory health insurance as long as they have no income of their own.

How much does statutory health insurance cost?

As an employee about 8.3% of gross salary. As self-employed at least approx. €200/month.

Tip: Sign up as soon as possible after moving in. Medical treatment without insurance can be very expensive.