How to Obtain Health Insurance as a Foreigner in Germany?

The healthcare system in Germany is top-class in the world. From qualified doctors and innovative technology to affordable insurance policies, they all make it convenient for both residents and citizens to avail of premium quality medical services.

Health insurance in Germany for foreigners is a requirement, as it is for its citizens. Even if you’re a tourist, you will have to get travel insurance. Otherwise, you won’t be able to get your visa and travel to Germany.

We’re going to cover the basics of health insurance in this article that you need to know as a foreigner or ex-pat in Germany. Read below to learn!

Types of Health Insurance in Germany

There are two types of health insurance that can be obtained in Germany by both foreigners and German nationals.

• Public (statutory) German health insurance – Most residents of Germany are required to have public health insurance. This kind of health insurance usually offers coverage for hospitalization, pregnancy care, basic dental care, out-patient care, and prescription medicines.
• Private German health insurance – Some German residents can also obtain private health insurance. It offers services that aren’t covered by public health insurance such as extensive dental care, private hospital rooms, 100% reimbursement of medications, etc.

When Do You Qualify for Private German Health Insurance?

As a foreigner, you can qualify for private health insurance in Germany if you fulfill the following requirements.

• If your gross annual salary is more than 64,350 euros as an employee
• You’re a freelancer or self-employed
• You’re a civil servant
• You want to get private insurance only to bridge the “gaps” by public health insurance

How to Obtain Private German Health Insurance as a Foreigner?

If you have already been enrolled in public health insurance, you need to inform your employer that you wish to unsubscribe from it. You also need to tell this to your current public insurance fund.

If you haven’t yet subscribed to any health insurance; you should inform your employer that you want to enroll in private German health insurance.

You can choose from a variety of private health insurance companies in Germany such as DR-Walter, AXA, Mawista, DKV, HanseMerkur, etc.

How to Obtain Public German Health Insurance as a Foreigner?

As soon as you move to Germany; you have to visit the local registration officer near you to obtain public health insurance from the German authorities. They will provide you with a German social insurance number.

After getting the number, you will have to register with a public insurance company. At times, your employer will do this on your behalf. You can also choose any one public health insurance companies like AOK Baden Württemberg, KKH – Kaufmännische Krankenkasse, Barmer, DAK, etc.

What You Should Know About Private Health Insurance for Foreigners in Germany?

Private health insurance can be a bit cheaper if you earn well because the cost doesn’t rise with your salary. However, it can become really expensive if you’re older, as you will have to get more medical treatments.

Moreover, it can be an ideal option for freelancers or self-employed people as they have to pay the entire amount themselves under public insurance.

What You Should Know About Public Health Insurance for Foreigners in Germany?

The cost of public health insurance depends on your salary because it can range from 14.6% to 15.6% of your salary monthly. It can be said that the more you earn, the higher will be the cost. However, if you earn more than 59,000 euros per year, you will pay the same amount as someone earning 59,000 euros per annum.

If you are an employee of a company, half of the amount of your insurance will be paid by your employer, and it will be deducted from your salary.

The elderly don’t have to pay more as compared to younger people, which is the case for private insurance.

Unlike private insurance, you can also include your non-working spouse and kids in the insurance policy without any additional cost to you.