As a foreign worker, you play a vital role in contributing to the social development of the country and are entitled to enjoy the numerous advantages of living in Germany, including its public healthcare system.
However, to fully harness these benefits, it is essential to understand how the healthcare system operates, enabling you to obtain comprehensive coverage tailored to your needs throughout your time in Germany.
Do Foreign Workers Need Health Insurance in Germany?
Yes, all foreign workers— whether EEA/EU or non-EEA/EU citizens— must have valid health insurance while working in the country. Germany’s healthcare system is built upon public and private healthcare systems.
Foreign nationals are eligible for either one or both, depending on their income. It’s important you discuss this option with your employer before signing your work contract.
What Kind of Health Insurance Can Foreign Workers Get?
Foreign employees in Germany are automatically enrolled in the public healthcare system and receive public health insurance. However, if they meet certain criteria, such as being a high-income earner or self-employed, they may have the option to obtain private health insurance.
While private health coverage is not an alternative available to everyone, it’s important to know how to find the best company for your situation. Companies like Dr Walter or Feather Insurance. and other reputable providers can assist you in finding a suitable plan that aligns with your needs.
Public Healthcare Insurance for Foreign Workers
Public healthcare insurance, also known as statutory health insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung— GKV), is a comprehensive and mandatory form of health coverage available to foreign workers in Germany. It is designed to ensure that individuals have access to essential healthcare services and financial protection in case of illness or injury.
Here are some key points to understand about public healthcare insurance for foreign workers:
- Mandatory coverage. As a foreign worker in Germany, you are required by law to have health insurance coverage. If your income falls below a certain threshold (€66,000 per year in 2023), you are generally obligated to join the statutory health insurance system.
- Contributions. Contributions to statutory health insurance are shared between the employee and the employer. The exact contribution rates are calculated based on your income, with a specific percentage capped at the income threshold. Contributions are deducted directly from your salary, ensuring seamless coverage.
- Choice of health insurance funds. The statutory health insurance system in Germany comprises various health insurance funds (Krankenkassen). These funds provide similar basic benefits but may differ in terms of additional services, customer support, and contribution rates. As a foreign worker, you can choose a health insurance fund that suits your needs and preferences.
- Equal access. Public healthcare insurance ensures equal access to healthcare services for all members. Regardless of your nationality or employment status, you are entitled to the same level of care as German citizens. You can seek medical attention from doctors, specialists, and hospitals within the insurance network.
- Automatic enrollment. Usually, as soon as your employer registers you as tax paying resident, you’re enrolled with the public healthcare system. Then as soon as enrollment is official, you can retrieve a health insurance card (Versichertenkarte) that you can present when seeking medical services.
Private Health Insurance for Foreign Workers
Private health insurance (Private Krankenversicherung— PKV) is an alternative option to statutory health insurance in Germany. It allows individuals to opt for private coverage, often with additional benefits and customization options. However, private health insurance in Germany is available only to those who meet the eligibility criteria— usually, those that earn more than the income threshold or self-employed workers.
Here’s some important information about private health insurance for foreign workers in Germany:
- Eligibility. Foreign workers who earn above the income threshold for statutory health insurance, such as self-employed individuals, high-income earners, or those who don’t qualify for public health insurance, can choose private health insurance. It is also an option for certain categories of foreign workers, such as freelancers or students over a certain age.
- Customized coverage. Private health insurance allows greater flexibility in tailoring your coverage to your specific needs. You can choose from various plans and options that offer different levels of coverage, deductible amounts, and additional benefits.
- Access to specialists and private hospitals. With private health insurance, you may have access to a broader network of healthcare providers, including English-speaking doctors and private hospitals. This can provide you with greater convenience, flexibility, and choice in your healthcare options.
- Premiums. The cost of private health insurance varies depending on age, health condition, desired coverage options, and chosen insurance provider. It’s important to note that premiums may increase over time due to factors such as age or inflationary adjustments.
- Supplemental insurance. Private health insurance can also be used as supplemental coverage alongside statutory health insurance. This allows eligible individuals with statutory health insurance to enhance their coverage and access additional benefits not provided by the public system.
- Pre-existing conditions. Private health insurance may have different policies regarding pre-existing conditions compared to statutory health insurance. Depending on the insurer and plan, coverage for pre-existing conditions may be limited or subject to specific waiting periods.
What Does Health Insurance Cover for Foreign Workers?
Statutory health insurance coverage is regulated by law, and it stipulates that all individuals must receive coverage for essential services which include the following:
- Outpatient care.
- Inpatient care.
- Medications.
- Pregnancy and maternity care.
- Basic dental care.
- Mental health services.
- Rehabilitation.
- Medical aids and devices.
On the other hand, private insurance coverage options may differ based on what type of policy you purchase, but a basic health insurance policy must cover the following:
- Outpatient care.
- Inpatient care.
- Maternity coverage.
- Dental and eyecare.
- Additional supplemental coverage.
What Is Not Covered?
The following are not covered by either public or private health insurance in Germany:
- Cosmetic surgeries or procedures.
- Elective fertility treatments.
- Experimental or unproven treatments.
- Some alternative therapies.
- Wellness or spa treatments.
- Non-prescription pharmacy drugs.
- Dental prosthetics.
How Much Does Health Insurance Cost?
Here’s how much health insurance in Germany costs for foreign employers who are covered by public or private health insurance:
- Statutory health insurance (SHI) costs:
- Statutory health insurance contributions are based on a percentage of your gross income, with the employee and employer sharing the costs.
- The current average contribution rate is around 14.6% of the gross income.
- Contributions are subject to a monthly income limit, which means you won’t pay more than a certain amount even if your income is higher.
- Private health insurance (PHI) costs:
- Private health insurance premiums can range from €100 to over €500 per month, depending on the coverage level and individual factors.
- The cost of private health insurance can vary significantly based on factors such as age, health condition, desired coverage, and chosen insurance provider.
- Premiums for private health insurance are usually based on individual risk assessment, so younger and healthier individuals typically have lower premiums.
- Premiums may increase over time due to factors such as age, inflationary adjustments, or changes in the policy.
If you want affordable private health insurance options in Germany, consider exploring insurance providers like Dr Walter or Feather Insurance, and other reputable companies. They offer a range of plans that cater to different budgets and provide comprehensive coverage.
Best Health Insurance for Foreign Workers in Germany
Here are some of the best insurance companies in Germany:
| Public Health Insurance Companies (Statutory Health Insurance – SHI) | Private Health Insurance Companies (Private Krankenversicherung – PKV) |
| AOK | Dr. Walter |
| Barmer | Allianz Private Krankenversicherung |
| Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) | AXA Krankenversicherung |
| DAK-Gesundheit | Signal Iduna Private Krankenversicherung |
| KKH (Kaufmännische Krankenkasse) | Debeka Krankenversicherung |
| hkk Krankenkasse | Hallesche Krankenversicherung |
| HEK – Hanseatic Health Insurance | Gothaer Krankenversicherung |
| IKK classic | HanseMerkur Krankenversicherung |
| Debeka | Continentale Krankenversicherung |
| Novitas BKK | ARAG Krankenversicherung |
Can I Choose Between Statutory Health Insurance and Private Health Insurance?
You can only choose between public and private health insurance if one of the following applies to you:
- You earn more than the salary threshold of €66,000 as of 2023.
- You are a self-employed individual (artists excluded).
The other categories of foreign workers are required to have statutory health insurance.
Can I Use My European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in Germany?
Yes, if you are an EU/EEA citizen, you can use your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) (GHIC for British nationals) to receive medical services while working in Germany. However, your EHIC is a temporary solution for short stays.
So, if you are going to work in Germany long-term, you need to register with compulsory health insurance or obtain private health insurance— if you’re eligible for it.
What to Do in an Emergency?
If you are experiencing a medical emergency in Germany, call 112 which is the number for an ambulance and fire department. If you need the police, call 110— please make sure to keep these numbers in mind.
Please note you also have access to an emergency doctor and hospitals— obtain this information from your healthcare provider beforehand.