Statutory vs. private health insurance

Germany has two health insurance systems: statutory (GKV, 90% of the population) and private (PKV, 10%).

Statutory health insurance (GKV):

• Contribution: 14.6% + additional contribution (~1.7%) = ~16.3% of gross wage, split 50/50 with the employer
• Income-based: the more you earn, the more you pay (up to the contribution ceiling: €5,812.50/month)
• Family insurance: spouses and children co-insured FREE OF CHARGE!
• Benefits: set by law (benefits-in-kind principle)

Private health insurance (PKV):

• Contribution: based on risk (age, health, scope of cover) – NOT on income
• No family rate: every family member needs their own policy (~€150–200/child)
• Better benefits: chief physician, single room, faster appointments
• Contributions in old age: rise with age (often €600–1,000+ at 60)

Who can join the PKV?

• Income over €77,400/year (2026) OR self-employed/civil servants

The big trap:

• Switching back to the GKV is practically impossible from age 55
• PKV with a family can become two to three times as expensive as GKV
• Recommendation: PKV only for civil servants (state allowance), childless high earners and self-employed people with a stable high income