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Public Health Insurance

Trusted access. Equal coverage. Peace of mind.

Public health insurance

is a state-regulated health insurance system that provides universal access to medical care for residents in Germany. It works on the principle of solidarity, everyone pays according to their income and receives the same level of care. For most employees, it’s mandatory and ensures full legal compliance when living and working in Germany. It protects you from high medical costs and gives you access to doctors, hospitals and medication.

Fair & accessible, no health checks required
Income-based contributions
Free family insurance
Visa-compliant and widely accepted
Public Health Insurance Calculator

Public Health Insurance

Calculate your monthly contribution

1. Your status

Employed
Self-employed
Student
Intern / Trainee

2. Your details

3. Family coverage

Co-insurance spouse
Include spouse in coverage
Co-insurance children
Include children in coverage

4. Your contribution

0 € per month
You also qualify for private health insurance.
If you are healthy and have no dependents to cover, private health insurance could be the better option for you. Click here to compare both options.

Our recommendation

Most Trusted

Germany's largest public insurer

Over 11 million members nationwide trust TK for comprehensive healthcare coverage.

Recognized

Award-winning benefits

Outstanding services and excellent healthcare coverage quality.

International

English-speaking support

Dedicated customer service for international members.

Value

Competitive contribution rates

Lower contribution rates compared to many other public health insurance providers.

Insurance Module

General

Dependents coverage
i
✓ (no extra cost)
Worldwide coverage / repatriation
i
✗
Sick pay allowance
i
✓
Transportation
i
✓

At the doctor

General / Specialist doctor visits
i
✓
Private doctor visits
i
✗
Medicines and bandages
i
✓ (90%)
Vaccinations
i
✓

In hospital

Free choice of doctor
i
✗ (doctor on duty)
Accommodation
i
✓ (multi-bed room)
Choice of hospital
i
✓ (public hospitals)

Dental

Orthodontics
i
✗ (only for children)
Dental treatment / checkups
i
✓
Dental cleanings
i
✓ (up to €40)
Dentures and inlays
i
✓ (60%)

Treatment & Therapies

Therapeutic measures
i
✓ (90%)
Medical aids
i
✓ (75% - 90%)
Preventive care treatments
i
✓ (restricted range)
Alternative practitioner
i
✓ (up to €100)
Psychotherapy
i
✓

Eyes

Vision aids
i
✗ (only for children)
Refractive eye surgery
i
✗
Health Insurance Comparison

Public vs. private health insurance

Two equal healthcare systems that work in very different ways.
PUB
Public health insurance
Germany’s public health insurance is based on the principle of solidarity: contributions depend on income, not on health. The more you earn, the more you pay. Coverage applies across Germany and parts of Europe, with no risk of rejection due to pre-existing conditions. Spouses and children without or very low income are usually included at no extra cost under the main member’s plan.
Key advantages
  • Free coverage for dependents
  • Health status does not affect your eligibility
  • Contributions adjust automatically if your income changes
  • Usually cheaper in retirement due to income-based contributions
  • No invoices to manage, doctors settle directly with insurer
Possible disadvantages
  • Long waiting times for doctor appointments
  • Shared hospital rooms and treatment by the doctor on duty
  • Basic coverage only, limited benefits (e.g., dental, vision)
  • Can be more expensive for high-income earners
  • Benefits are defined by law and may change over time
Go to calculator
PRI
Private health insurance
Private health insurance offers tailored coverage for each individual, with contributions based on age, health, and chosen benefits. It provides faster access and broader services, often ideal for young, healthy individuals. Coverage usually extends worldwide, with free choice of doctors and hospitals. Unlike public insurance, your health status can directly influence both acceptance and pricing.
Key advantages
  • Access to private doctors and senior consultants
  • Much shorter waiting times
  • Cheaper for singles with good health and high income
  • Agreed benefits, coverage remains stable
  • Option to switch tariffs if your needs change
  • Cashback if you make no claims during the year
Possible disadvantages
  • Switching back to public insurance is rarely possible
  • May become more expensive in retirement
  • More costly if you insure a whole family
  • Pay upfront and submit invoices for reimbursement
  • More paperwork and administrative effort
Explore private insurance

Why CAPE?

Best pre-selected coverage

Choose one of the best tariffs on the market, carefully selected to provide optimal protection.

Easy digital signup

Do you prefer a simple process? Everything is handled fully digital, no paperwork, everything in English.

Personal support

Your personal advisor is always at your side, ready to help with any questions or concerns.

You know what’s covered – apply now.

Enjoy the security of knowing your health insurance is in place.

Let Anna explain

Not sure what’s covered or if public health insurance is the right option for you? Anna explains everything you need to know about the public health system – clear and simple.

Still open questions? - Contact us:

contact@cape-insurance.com
+49 (0) 2272 937 41 02

Meet Anna, Your Virtual Assistant

Anna was created to guide you through your visit to our website and provide clear, detailed explanations of any insurance you're interested in.

Still open questions? - Contact us:

contact@cape-insurance.com
+49 (0) 2272 937 41 02
PKV Ausland Banner

Still abroad? No problem!

Apply for public health insurance from anywhere in the world.
Start your application today, quick and fully digital.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the application process take?+
Once you have completed the application process above, we will review your application and forward it to TK on your behalf. You will usually receive your provisional membership certificate within 24 hours, and your physical insurance card will arrive a few weeks later.
What is the difference between public and private health insurance?+
Click here to see a comparison of both systems.
Will I receive a pension number?+
Yes. As part of your TK application, you will automatically be registered with the German pension system and receive a social security number (pension number) which will be sent to your German home address. Just sit and wait.
Will I receive an insurance card?+
Yes. TK will send you a health insurance card ("Gesundheitskarte") once your membership is confirmed. This card is required for doctor visits, pharmacies, and hospitals.
How does a doctor visit work?+
As soon as your membership is confirmed, you're immediately eligible to see a doctor without any delay. You simply make an appointment with any doctor who accepts public health insurance members ("Kassenarzt"). At the appointment, you show your insurance card. The doctor bills TK directly, you don’t pay upfront.
Can my family be covered as well?+
Yes. TK offers free family coverage for spouses and children under certain conditions. Children are usually covered up to age 18, or longer if they are students or unemployed. A requirement is that dependents don’t have their own compulsory insurance and stay under the income limit.
How does the contribution work?+
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.
What is covered under public health insurance?+
TK covers all medically necessary treatments, including doctor visits, hospital care, medication, preventive checkups, and basic dental care. Additional services such as psychotherapy, vaccinations, and chronic disease management are also included. Nevertheless, some benefits are not sufficient. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to take out additional private insurance, for dental for example.
Will the price increase over time?+
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.

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