Global Health Insurance for Foreigners Living in Germany
Foreigners move to Germany with dreams of secure jobs and a high quality of life. And they are not disappointed. Two-thirds of expats rate their job security positively. This is a significant increase compared to the global average of 57%. Approximately 66% of international workers report having a good work-life balance, and only 2% of expats in Germany express concerns about personal safety. Another significant aspect of life is the country’s superb standard of healthcare. The country has very low rates of infant mortality and high per capita ratios of practicing physicians in the population. No wonder it’s such a popular destination!
To access that high level of care, you need a high-quality German health insurance plan to cover you in Germany and worldwide, including back home. Here is what foreigners and expatriates need to know about enrolling in private health insurance in Germany.
Find the Best International Medical Insurance
- Compare multiple quotes from top insurers
- Get expert advice at no additional cost
- Find the right plan for your needs and budget
Understanding the German Health System
Since 1883, Germany has had a national health system, one of the earliest of its kind in the world. Today, the country operates as a universal, multi-payer healthcare system.
The German healthcare system puts a strong emphasis on choice. Foreigners and residents can choose from three options for health insurance.
The most common option is the government-regulated public health insurance system. Approximately 92% of the population is covered through this system, known as the Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung (GKV), which provides a standardized level of coverage nationwide.
Additionally, private health insurance and a combination of public and private models are available as options in the German healthcare system.
Your Health Insurance Options in Germany
The most common and the most economical choice for health insurance is the government-regulated public health insurance system. Public health insurance is administered by approximately 113 “Krankenkassen” or “sickness funds.”
The price of the public system is based on gross income. The cost is traditionally split between the employer and the employee on a monthly basis, making insurance coverage a relatively affordable option.
Even better, spouses, civil partners, and children are also covered under this plan. It’s cheap, it’s comprehensive, and it’s easy – thanks to the fact that employers handle the paperwork.
Private Health Insurance in Germany or PKV
The second option is to opt for local private health insurance, referred to as Private Krankenversicherung (PKV). Private Krankenversicherung is only open to residents whose gross annual income exceeds € 62,550 or € 5,213 per month.
Private insurance is usually more expensive than that offered through the public health insurance system. Furthermore, it only covers the individual, not family members, and coverage is limited to Germany.
Finally, the cost isn’t based on income, but instead on health risk, which could result in a costly situation. However, private health insurance allows patients to have a higher level of comfort, privacy, and choice when accessing certain healthcare services, and it may be worth it for some individuals.
For expats who feel strongly that private international health insurance is the way to go, you’ll need to inform your employer right away to avoid automatic registration in the public system.
The third choice is an ideal one for international citizens. It combines both models of insurance. It includes the economical and comprehensive services of the public health insurance plan. It is topped up with an additional private plan that can cover outpatient services (such as dental visits and physiotherapy) as well as some of the luxurious benefits that come with private insurance, including private hospital room accommodations.
Health Insurance in Germany for Expats
A third option would be to purchase a global health insurance plan that will cover you in Germany and throughout the world.
This option is ideal for expats or foreigners who require coverage in Germany, at home, and in any other country worldwide. Private global medical health insurance offers benefits that exceed those of local private insurance plans.
First, they are global and will cover you anywhere in the world. Furthermore, they can be more comprehensive, providing you with access to a wider variety of healthcare facilities and doctors. For expatriates moving abroad, we would recommend two options.
Cigna Global is a leading international health insurer with excellent service and benefits. Cigna Global offers a modular plan design, allowing you to select and customize different modules to tailor the plan to your specific needs and budget.
The second option, designed for US citizens living abroad, is the BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier plan, which offers similar benefits and service to Cigna.
BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier is offered in association with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of America and features an excellent BCBS network of doctors and hospitals, as well as the highest quality doctors worldwide.
Best Health Insurance Company for Expatriates Living in Germany
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- Flexible plans tailored to your needs and budget
- 1.5M+ providers in 200+ countries
- 24/7 multilingual customer support
Health Insurance for US Citizens Living in Germany
BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier
- Unlimited annual and lifetime coverage
- Pre-existing conditions covered with prior insurance
- For U.S. citizens abroad or foreign nationals in the U.S.
For visitors to Germany, read our article: Safety and Travel Insurance Advice for Visitors to Germany
Getting Ready for Paperwork
Proper healthcare coverage is no joke for expats in Germany, and it’s not only so you have adequate care when you’re injured or ill.
Expats are required to obtain a residence permit at the local foreigners’ registration office (known as the ausländeramt) to maintain their legal status in Germany.
To qualify for your residence permit, you’ll be asked to show proof of health insurance coverage. You’ll also need a certificate of health known as “Gesundheitszeugnis für Aufenthaltserlaubnis”, issued by a local doctor.
Therefore, it’s essential to research your options, make a decision between public health plans and private insurance plans, and inform your employer (if applicable) as soon as possible.
A delay in setting up your health care insurance means a delay in obtaining your residence permit, which puts your time in Germany in jeopardy.
Tips For Freelancers, Nomads, and Expats
Unfortunately, not every expatriate has a traditional employer to handle the paperwork. Freelancing expats, also known as global nomads, must be their own administrators.
After deciding whether to opt for public health insurance or a private insurance plan, self-employed foreigners must next select a provider and complete an application with them.
You’ll be asked to provide standard information, like your name and address, as well as information about your work and your previous insurance status.
In addition to submitting the form, you’ll also have to include a passport photo (for your future ID card) and provide banking information for payments.
Navigating The World Of Krankenkasse
Whether you’re self-employed or fall under the domain of an employer, if you’re part of the public health care system of Germany, you’ll have to decide which of the many Krankenkassen you want to sign up with as your administrator.
No matter which Krakenkasse you choose, your costs will be the same as rates are based on income. The deciding factor for many is the additional services or perks offered by individual Krankenkasse, including no-claim bonuses, discounts on travel plans, or access to multilingual staff.
One common Krankenkasse (Techniker Krankenkasse or TK), is well known for its English services and thus is often recommended to expats but the choice is yours. Expats have access to the same number of providers as citizens.
In summary, a private health insurance plan will provide you with access to the highest-quality doctors and hospitals in Germany and throughout the world. We strongly recommend one of the following providers.
Find the Best International Medical Insurance
- Compare multiple quotes from top insurers
- Get expert advice at no additional cost
- Find the right plan for your needs and budget
Joe Cronin, President of ICI, is a leading expert in international health, life, and travel insurance. An MBA and founder of multiple global businesses, he helps expatriates and travelers access trusted, comprehensive insurance solutions worldwide.
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