What to know about German health insurance
In Germany, there are two separate but equivalent health insurance systems.
Public and private. Both meet the requirements for a visa.
Click here to see a detailed comparison
Key facts of Public Health Insurance
- Fair & accessible – no health checks required
- Income-based contributions
- Full coverage for most treatments in Germany
- Free family insurance included
- Visa-compliant and widely accepted
- Limited emergency coverage within Europe
Our Recommendation for Public Health Insurance: TK
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Germany’s largest and most trusted public insurer -
Provides English-speaking service for int. clients
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Award-winning benefits and excellent coverage
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Lower contributions compared to many providers
Calculate your monthly contribution – fast & simple
Employed
Self-employed
Student
Intern / Trainee
If you are in good health and do not have dependents to cover, private health insurance could be a better option for you. Click here to compare prices.
What is covered with TK
General
| Dependents coverage | No extra cost |
| Int. coverage and repatriation | X |
| Sick pay allowance | Partially covered |
| Transportation | ✓ |
Outpatient
| General/Specialist doctor visits | ✓ |
| Private doctor visits | X |
| Medicines and bandages | 90% |
| Vaccinations | ✓ |
Inpatient
| Free choice of doctor | X (doctor on duty) |
| Accomodation | Multi-bed room |
| Choice of hospital | Only public hospitals |
| ㅤ | ㅤ |
Dental
| Orthodontics | Only for children |
| Dental treatment/checkups | ✓ |
| Dental cleanings | Up to €40 |
| Dentures and inlays | 60% |
Treatment & Therapies
| Therapeutic measures | 90% |
| Medical aids | 75% - 90% |
| Preventive care treatments | ✓ (restricted range) |
| Alternative practitioner | Up to €100 |
| Psychotherapy | ✓ |
Eyes
| Vision aids | Only for children |
| Refractive eye surgery | X |
| ㅤ | ㅤ |
| ㅤ | ㅤ |
| ㅤ | ㅤ |
Public Health Insurance vs. Private Health Insurance
Two equal healthcare systems that work in very different ways.
Germany’s public health insurance system is based on the principle of solidarity. Contributions are income-based — the more you earn, the more you pay. Medical treatment is available in Germany and parts of Europe. Your health condition doesn’t affect your eligibility or monthly rate. Typically, spouses and children without income can be insured free of charge under the main member’s contribution.
Key advantages:
- 🧒 Free coverage for spouse and children if they have no income
- 🔄 Flexibility, option to switch to private insurance if your salary is above the threshold
- 📉 Contributions adjust automatically if your income changes
- 👵 Often cheaper in retirement due to income-based contributions
- ✅ No need to handle bills – doctors settle directly with the insurer
Possible disadvantages:
- ⏱ Long waiting times for doctor's appointments
- 🛏 Shared hospital rooms and treatment by the doctor on duty only
- 🔍 Basic coverage only – limited extras like dental or vision
- 💸 Can be more expensive for high-income earners
- ⚖ Benefits are defined by law and may change over time
Private health insurance covers each person individually, with plans tailored to personal needs. Contributions are based on age, health status, and the selected coverage. It offers faster access and broader services — especially attractive if you’re young, healthy, and single. Coverage usually applies worldwide and includes free choice of doctors and hospitals. Your health can affect both pricing and approval.
Key advantages:
- 👨⚕️ Access to private doctors, private rooms, and senior consultants
- ⏱ Much shorter waiting times
- 💰 Often cheaper for singles with good health and high income
- 🎯 Fixed benefits – your coverage stays the same
- 🔁 You can switch between tariffs if your needs change
- 💸 Cashback if you don’t claim during the year
Possible disadvantages:
- 🔁 Switching back to public insurance is rarely possible
- 👴 May become more expensive in retirement
- 👨👩👧 More costly if you plan to insure a whole family
- 🧾 You must pay upfront and submit invoices for reimbursement
- 📋 More paperwork and administrative effort
Why CAPE?
Best pre-selected coverage
Only strong plans. No weak choices.
Fully accepted for your visa
100% recognized – visa-ready insurance.
Truly personal support
Real people, real advice.
Listen to Nick
Let our virtual assistant Nick explain to you the public health insurance system in detail:
Call CAPE
+49 (0) 2272 937 41 02
Write CAPE
contact@cape-insurance.com
Frequently asked questions
Once we have all the details, a membership can be set up and confirmed in line with visa requirements in a few minutes. Even if you are abroad.
Click here to see a comparison of the public & private health insurance system
Yes, the pension number is automatically applied for by the health insurance fund and sent to your German home address. Just sit and wait..
Yes, the card will automatically be sent to your German home address. If we receive a photo of you in advance, it will be included immediately.
As soon as your membership is confirmed, you're immediately eligible to see a physician without any delay. Just find a local doctor who communicates in the language you're most comfortable with and schedule your visit either by phone online. Always bring your health card to the doctor as you will be asked for it. This is the only item you'll need to provide. Typically, there's no need for any form of payment at the time of the visit.
Yes, your wife and children can be co-insured free of charge up to the age of 18 if they do not have an income of more than €535 per month.
If you are employed, your insurance premiums will be automatically deducted from your salary. By law, your employer is obligated to cover half of your insurance premium, with the remaining half being taken out of your monthly earnings. If you're self-employed, a student, or unemployed, you'll need to provide an IBAN for the purpose of setting up automatic monthly deductions for your insurance payments.
Public health insurance covers you for outpatient, inpatient and dental treatments. Nevertheless, some of the benefits are not sufficient and it is strongly recommended that you take out additional private insurance, for example in the dental sector.
Yes. Premiums may increase as they are proportionally linked to the insured individual's income growth. Moreover, the income ceiling that determines the highest contribution bracket is typically adjusted upwards annually.