Health insurance is required by law in Germany. This is why you must show proof of coverage when applying for a visa or residence permit, even though such policies usually only take effect after your arrival and if you stay for more than a few months..
When you join a private or statutory fund, you receive a chip card with your personal data. You must present this card to any medical professional when you need treatment.
There are differences between private and statutory insurance. The table below shows only some of them. For detailed info, please contact the providers.
Feature |
Insurance Type |
|---|---|
Costs |
Private: Starts from approx 30€ per month Statutory: Starts from approx 100€ per month (for students! For others, the amount depends on the salary) |
Cover |
Private: Reimbursement for the costs of treatment, illnesses, accidents, medications. Cover for treatments and their percentage differ from company to company. Statutory: The costs of treatment, illnesses, accidents, medications. Treatment costs are usually fixed. |
Type of cost reimbursement |
Private: Depends on the company. Usually the bill is taken from the healthcare provider and submitted to the company for the reimbursement. Statutory: Settles the bill directly with the healthcare provider. (Usually via your chip card) |
Persons that cannot take insurance |
Private: Often, people can only be insured up to a certain age limit. This varies depending on the provider and tariff and is checked when the application is made. Statutory: Students studying at language schools, university preparatory colleges or private universities and students who are over 30 years of age cannot obtain statutory insurance. |
Limitations |
Private: The costs of treatment for pre-existing conditions will not be reimbursed. Statutory: The costs of treatment for pre-existing conditions can be reimbursed |
Limitations
Your insurance contributions (8–9% of gross salary) are automatically deducted from your wages monthly (unless you hold private insurance). If you earn above a certain threshold*, you may choose between statutory or private coverage.
After you choose an insurer, notify your employer (CISPA) immediately. They will then forward your details to the insurance fund. You can request a “Versicherungsbescheinigung†paper from the insurer to confirm membership.
In case of sickness, employers pay your full wages for six weeks.
Long-term nursing insurance contributions are also deducted at source. All
members must contribute.
Last updated: January 22, 2026, 2:23 pm