Health insurance

In Germany there is compulsory health insurance – everyone must be insured either under the statutory system (GKV) or privately (PKV).

Statutory health insurance (GKV, 90% of the population):

• Contribution: 14.6% + additional contribution (~1.7%) = ~16.3% of gross wage
• The employer pays half
• Contribution ceiling: €5,812.50/month – no further contributions above this
• Family insurance: spouses and children are co-insured free of charge
• Benefits: doctor's visits, hospital, medication, preventive care

Private health insurance (PKV, 10%):

• Access from €77,400 gross/year (2026) or as a self-employed person/civil servant
• Contribution based on risk (age, health), NOT on income
• Better benefits (chief physician, single room, shorter waiting times)
• Note: every family member needs their own policy (~€150–200/child)

What the GKV pays for:

• Medical treatment, hospital, prescription medication
• Check-ups, vaccinations, pregnancy care
• Sick pay from the 43rd day of illness (70% of gross wage)

What the GKV does NOT pay for:

• Dental prostheses (beyond the fixed subsidy)
• Glasses (only for children and for strong prescriptions)
• Alternative therapies (osteopathy, non-medical practitioners)
• Single room in hospital