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Is Private Health Insurance Worth It in Germany? Pros & Cons for Expats
Private health insurance (PKV) in Germany is often marketed as the smarter alternative to public insurance (GKV) — especially for high-earning expats. But is it really worth it?
This article breaks down the real pros and cons of private health insurance in Germany to help you decide whether it's the right move for your situation.
Who Can Choose Private Health Insurance in Germany?
Not everyone in Germany is allowed to switch to private insurance. You’re only eligible if:
You’re employed and earn over €73,800 gross/year (2025 threshold)
You’re self-employed or a freelancer
You’re a civil servant
If you're not in one of these categories, you’ll stay in the statutory system (GKV).
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El seguro de salud en Alemania puede ser sencillo. Nuestro amable equipo te ayuda a encontrar el plan de seguro de salud privado perfecto, ya seas empleado, autónomo o estés solicitando un visado. Obtén asistencia personalizada y tranquilidad.
✅ Pros of Private Health Insurance (PKV)
1. Lower Costs for High Earners
Public insurance is income-based, so the more you earn, the more you pay. PKV offers fixed premiums based on age and coverage — not income. Lower premiums and contribution refunds will save you thousands of Euro every year.
2. Faster Appointments, Better Care
Private patients enjoy faster access to specialists and private doctors, shorter wait times, and access to private hospital rooms.
3. More Customization
You can choose exactly what’s covered (e.g., dental, alternative medicine, hospital choice). With GKV, it's one-size-fits-all.
English Speaking Support
Many private insurers — like Ottonova and Feather — offer 100% digital apps and English-speaking customer service, which is a huge plus for expats.
❌ Cons of Private Health Insurance
1. No Free Family Coverage
Each person (including your children) needs their own contract. This can make private insurance more expensive for families — especially when only one partner earns an income.
2. Not Everyone Is Eligible
You must meet certain criteria to join the private system. Employees under €73,800/year, students past a certain age, and some visa types may not qualify.
3. Health Check Required to Join
Private insurers perform a health assessment before accepting you. Pre-existing conditions can lead to higher premiums or exclusions — and in rare cases, a rejection.
✅ Important: Once you're accepted, your contract cannot be cancelled by the insurer due to illness or high usage. You're fully protected under German law.
¡Reserva tu consulta gratuita ahora!
El seguro de salud en Alemania puede ser sencillo. Nuestro amable equipo te ayuda a encontrar el plan de seguro de salud privado perfecto, ya seas un empleado, autónomo o si estás solicitando un visado. Obtén asistencia personalizada y tranquilidad.
When Is Private Insurance Worth It?
👉 It’s probably worth it if:
You’re young, healthy, and child-free
You earn well over the €73,800 threshold
You plan to stay in Germany for several years
You value fast, private care and digital service
👉 It’s probably not worth it if:
You have dependents who rely on free family insurance
You plan to leave Germany within a year
You are not eligible to join private insurance
Real Example: Monthly Premiums vs. GKV
Let’s take a look at what public health insurance (GKV) really costs if your income is above the contribution ceiling in 2024 (€5,512.50 per month).
If you're insured with TK (Techniker Krankenkasse), here’s what your monthly contribution might look like:
The standard health insurance contribution (7.3%) amounts to approximately €402.41.
TK charges an additional contribution (1.225%), which adds around €67.53.
On top of that, long-term care insurance (1.8%) contributes another €99.23.
Total monthly cost: TK cost exactly €569.17.
This total doesn’t vary based on how much more you earn — the amount is capped at the income ceiling.
Now compare that to private health insurance:
High-quality private plans often start at around €200 per month.
Even premium plans with top-level benefits (private rooms, English support, fast access) can cost significantly less than GKV.
That’s a potential monthly saving of €200–300, with better and more personalized service. For many expats, that’s a major reason to switch.
That’s €200–€400+ in monthly savings — with better service. And with aging reserves (Altersrückstellungen), many private insurance plans keep premiums stable over the long term.
Need Help Deciding?
We’re independent advisors — not tied to any insurer — so we help you objectively assess your options. No pushy sales talk, just clear answers in English.
✅ 100% free & non-binding consultation
✅ Independent advice, we compare the bestoptions with you
✅ We help you switch with zero paperwork hassle
¡Reserva tu consulta gratuita ahora!
El seguro de salud en Alemania puede ser sencillo. Nuestro amable equipo te ayuda a encontrar el plan de seguro de salud privado perfecto, ya seas empleado, autónomo o estés solicitando un visado. Obtén asistencia personalizada y tranquilidad.
