Choose German health insurance: public vs private

Have a Finanzamt/ELSTER letter? Private by default · No signup to try

Most employees join public GKV; high earners and some expats can choose PKV.

Steps

Check eligibility

Employees under the threshold must join GKV; above threshold or self-employed can choose.
Compare

Consider premiums, dependents coverage, and long-term costs.
Enroll

Join a Krankenkasse or private insurer and obtain a Mitgliedsbescheinigung.

Quick links

Guides

Depends on income, age, and family; GKV includes dependents.

Typically ID and proof related to the procedure (e.g., address, income or ownership). Check the official site for country-specific lists.

Often yes via the official portal (your city portal or ELSTER). Some steps still require in‑person verification or mailing originals.

Processing times vary by city and season. Plan for days to a few weeks; start early before deadlines.