Costs of Health Insurance in Germany (2024)

FAQs

How expensive is health insurance in Germany? ›

How much does health insurance cost per month in Germany? Social security contributions for Public Health Insurance (GKV, Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) are set at 14.6% of an employee's gross salary. This is made up of a 7.3% contribution from the employer, plus a 7.3% contribution from the employee.

Private insurees may also experience shorter waiting times and have the opportunity to find and speak to a doctor who can communicate well in their native language. But because the healthcare system in Germany is so good, most people don't feel a big difference between the two aside from these few perks.

Either you automatically get it because you are employed, your spouse is insured, or you are below a certain age, and at least one of your parents is insured. Healthcare isn't “free” even for Germans. Health care insurance is mandatory in Germany - for citizens and for non-citizens.

Health insurance for all persons not studying or working. Everyone living in Germany must have health insurance.

Yes, all Germans and legal residents of Germany are entitled to free “medically necessary” public healthcare, which is funded by social security contributions. However, citizens must still have either state or private health insurance, covering at least hospital and outpatient medical treatment and pregnancy.

In 2021, the U.S. spent 17.8 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) on health care, nearly twice as much as the average OECD country. Health spending per person in the U.S. was nearly two times higher than in the closest country, Germany, and four times higher than in South Korea.

If you are an employee, and you earn more than 69,300€ per year (before taxes), you can choose public or private health insurance. Your employer will pay half of your insurance. If you are an employee, and you earn less than 69,300€ per year (before taxes), you can't choose private health insurance.

It is mandatory by law for all residents and visitors in Germany to have some sort of healthcare cover, whether that's statutory public healthcare, private healthcare, or some other valid form for short-term visitors. You must have health insurance in Germany, no matter whether you are unemployed or employed.

What if I don't have health insurance in Germany? If you're visiting Germany and don't have health insurance in the country, you can still see a doctor. You will, however, have to find a private doctor and be responsible for the cost of the visit — a GP consultation without medical insurance costs from €30 to €60.

What happens if I get sick while traveling in Germany? ›

While non-residents require private insurance coverage to receive medical care. Visitors to Germany usually have to pay for treatment and then claim reimbursem*nt at a later stage. EHIC Holders: Temporary visitors from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland can use their EHIC card to access emergency medical treatment in Germany.

German public health insurance covers basic dental services like routine check-ups (every six months), fillings, and teeth cleaning (once a year). However, public health insurance typically covers up to 60% of the costs for more complex dental procedures.

Health insurance in Germany can vary between EUR100 to EUR500 per month or more, depending on whether you are eligible for private or public insurance. For statutory health insurance, the contribution rate is around 14.6% of the income, with additional contributions determined by the insurance company.

Germany: Requires proof of health insurance as part of the residency permit process. Expats can choose between public (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) and private (private Krankenversicherung) health insurance.

You can be exempted from statutory health insurance in Germany if one of the following applies to you: You are a student from an EU member country or the UK. You are a student from a country that has bilateral agreements with Germany. You have valid private health insurance.

Health expenditure in Germany rose to 474.1 billion euros in the second Covid year of 2021. That was 5,699 euros per inhabitant. Health expenditure per capita and total health expenditure were up by 7.5% from a year earlier, which is the largest increase since calculations started in 1992.

Germany is well known for its comprehensive healthcare system. The country ensures accessible and quality healthcare through a well-organised structure that offers various medical services. The German healthcare system uses both public and private insurance systems to provide high-quality care to its residents.

Average cost of international health insurance in Europe

Taking into account the average premiums of 25 countries in Europe, the average cost of international health insurance in 2018 is spread out between USD 8,786 in the UK and USD 6,585 in Romania, Croatia, and Slovakia.

Germany travel insurance is a mandatory health insurance plan for travellers and visitors that covers your medical needs while in Germany. This insurance should have a minimum coverage of €30,000 and apart from Germany, it should also be valid in other Schengen countries.