Health Insurance for Foreigners in Germany
Foreigners living in Germany generally need health insurance. Depending on your employment, income, residence status, and other circumstances, you may qualify for statutory health insurance (GKV), private health insurance (PKV), or use a global health plan. The right option also depends on whether you need protection only in Germany or in multiple countries.
Is Health Insurance Mandatory for Foreigners in Germany?
Health insurance is mandatory for most people living in Germany. Foreigners may need proof of valid coverage when applying for a residence permit, starting employment, studying, or moving to the country.
The option you need depends on your circumstances, including your visa or residency status, employment status, income level, length of stay, family situation, and whether you need protection only in Germany or in other countries. Germany offers several routes, including statutory, private, and international health insurance.
Temporary visitors have different needs. People insured in an eligible European system may be able to use a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access medically necessary state healthcare during a temporary stay in Germany. Eligible UK visitors can use a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a valid UK-issued EHIC in some cases.
However, these cards are not a substitute for travel insurance for Germany and do not cover expenses such as private healthcare or medical repatriation, so visitors who need broader protection should consider additional coverage.
For an overview of how Germany’s healthcare system works, including doctors, hospitals, emergency services, and treatment access, read our guide to the German Healthcare System.
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What Are the Health Insurance Options for Foreigners in Germany?
Foreigners moving to Germany usually choose between three main options: statutory (GKV), private (PKV), and international health insurance.
Here’s a simple way to compare the main options:
| Your situation | Coverage option | Key feature |
| Eligible for Germany’s statutory system | Statutory health insurance (GKV) | Contributions are generally linked to income |
| Eligible for private German coverage | Private health insurance (PKV) | Premiums and benefits depend on individual factors |
| Need protection in multiple countries | International health plan | Can provide medical coverage in Germany and other countries |
Statutory Health Insurance (GKV)
In Germany, Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung (GKV) is the standard option for many employees. Eligible residents choose a Krankenkasse, or statutory health insurance fund, with contributions generally linked to income.
GKV is commonly used by:
- Employees who qualify for GKV
- Students who meet eligibility requirements
- Certain self-employed individuals
Eligible spouses, children, and registered partners may also qualify for family coverage through a family member enrolled in GKV without paying a separate contribution, depending on their circumstances.
People enrolled in GKV can also purchase supplementary private coverage for additional benefits, such as certain dental or hospital benefits.
Private Health Insurance (PKV)
Private Krankenversicherung (PKV) is an option for people who meet the eligibility requirements and choose private rather than statutory coverage.
Private plans allow customers to choose coverage levels based on their needs and budget. Premiums are generally based on individual factors rather than income alone.
PKV may be available to:
- Higher-income employees who meet the applicable requirements
- Self-employed professionals
- Civil servants
- Other individuals who qualify for private coverage
Unlike GKV family coverage, privately insured family members generally require their own policies and premiums.
Before choosing PKV, expats should consider their long-term plans and family situation. Switching from PKV back to GKV can be difficult and depends on meeting specific eligibility requirements.
Germany also requires long-term care insurance (Pflegeversicherung), which is generally arranged alongside statutory or private health coverage.
International Health Insurance
International health insurance can be a good fit for expats, remote workers, and globally mobile individuals who need coverage in Germany and other countries. Unlike local GKV or PKV coverage, international plans are designed for people who live, work, or travel across borders.
Depending on the plan, benefits may include inpatient and outpatient treatment, specialist care, prescriptions, emergency treatment, and access to a network of doctors and hospitals in Germany and other countries.
International coverage may also be useful for people who expect to relocate or need temporary coverage before joining Germany’s healthcare system.
The Best Health Insurance for Expats in Germany
For expats seeking global medical coverage in Germany, we recommend the following plans based on their flexibility and global benefits.
The Best Health Plan for All Nationalities
Cigna Global is a leading global health insurer with excellent service and benefits. Its modular design lets you choose a plan level and add optional benefits based on your medical needs and budget, giving you flexibility to tailor the plan.
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- Flexible plans tailored to your needs and budget
- 1.5M+ providers in 200+ countries
- 24/7 multilingual customer support
The Best Health Plan for U.S. Citizens
The BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier plan is ideal for U.S. citizens living in Germany. It provides comprehensive international medical coverage, including access to the Blue Cross Blue Shield network in the United States and healthcare providers worldwide. This can be particularly useful for Americans living in Germany who expect to receive care in the U.S.
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.
How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in Germany?
Health insurance costs in Germany depend on whether you have GKV, PKV, or a global health plan. For 2026, GKV has a general contribution rate of 14.6% of eligible income, plus an additional contribution that varies by Krankenkasse. Contributions are calculated on income up to €5,812.50 per month (€69,750 per year), according to the German Federal Ministry of Health.
PKV premiums depend on individual factors and selected benefits. For global medical plans, premiums typically vary based on age, plan level, deductible, geographic area, and optional benefits.
How to Get Health Insurance in Germany as a Foreigner
To get health insurance in Germany as a foreigner, first determine whether you qualify for GKV, PKV, or need an international health plan. Your employment, income, residence status, and other circumstances can affect which option is available to you.
1. Check Which System You Can Join
If you are moving to Germany for work or study, first check whether GKV applies to your situation. If you qualify for statutory coverage, you can choose a Krankenkasse.
Some people, including certain higher-income employees, self-employed professionals, and civil servants, may be eligible for PKV instead. Because switching from PKV back to GKV can be difficult, consider your long-term plans and family situation before choosing private coverage.
People retiring in Germany or relocating without employment should check which option applies to them, as eligibility for GKV or PKV may depend on their individual circumstances and prior coverage.
A global medical plan may be an option if you need coverage across multiple countries or temporary protection before joining the German system, subject to applicable requirements.
2. Compare Your Coverage Options
If you are considering international health insurance, compare plans based on benefits, exclusions, deductibles, geographic coverage, provider networks, and cost.
Think about where you expect to receive medical care as well. Someone who plans to live primarily in Germany may have different needs from an expat who travels frequently, works across borders, or expects to relocate again.
3. Enroll or Apply for Coverage
The enrollment process depends on the option you choose.
- GKV: If you qualify, choose a Krankenkasse and complete the enrollment process. Once enrolled, your Krankenkasse will issue an electronic health card (elektronische Gesundheitskarte or eGK), which you generally use as proof of coverage when visiting doctors and other healthcare providers.
- Private or international plans: If you choose private or international coverage, apply directly with the insurer. Requirements vary by provider and plan.
Common documents may include:
- Passport or ID
- Visa or residence permit details
- Proof of address in Germany
- Employment or income information
- Previous coverage details
Once you have completed the enrollment or application process, obtain any proof of coverage required for your visa, residence, employment, or other circumstances.
Why Use an International Insurance Broker?
If you are considering international coverage, a broker can help you compare plans from different insurers instead of researching each provider separately.
International Citizens Insurance’s licensed advisors can compare international plans based on your coverage needs, destination, and budget, and help you through the application process at no additional cost.
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
Health Insurance in Germany FAQs
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You may need proof of valid health coverage before or during the process of moving to Germany, depending on your nationality, visa or residence status, employment, and reason for relocating. Check the requirements that apply to your situation before you move or apply for a visa or residence permit.
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An EHIC or GHIC may provide eligible visitors with access to medically necessary state healthcare during a temporary stay in Germany. However, these cards are not a substitute for comprehensive health or travel insurance and do not cover some expenses, including private healthcare and medical repatriation.
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Family coverage depends on the type of insurance you have. With GKV, eligible spouses, registered partners, and children may qualify for coverage through an enrolled family member without paying a separate contribution. With PKV, family members generally need their own policies and premiums.
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Switching from PKV back to GKV may be possible, but it depends on whether you meet the eligibility requirements for statutory coverage. Because returning to GKV can be difficult in some circumstances, consider your long-term employment, income, and family situation before choosing private coverage.