TAKE OUT PUBLIC HEALTH INSURANCE IN GERMANY

How the sign-up process works with Bramex

(FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE STARTING TO WORK)

1
FORM

Fill in the simple form below. It will only take a few minutes.

2
MANAGEMENT

Once we receive your details, we check everything is correct and send them directly to the insurer you have chosen.

3
CONFIRMATION

You will receive an email with information about when and how you will receive your health insurance card.

CONTRACT MANAGEMENT

Questions and answers

What happens after I send my details to Bramex?

As soon as we receive the details you submitted in the form, we will forward them to the insurance company you have chosen.

You will receive an automatic reply from us confirming that we have received all your details.

We will send your details to the insurance company immediately after receiving them and verifying they are valid. If you have any questions during the process, we are here to help. The insurer will confirm everything is correct within 24 hours of the request.

You will receive the confirmation (welcome letter) by post at the address you provided (two to four days depending on the insurer). The law requires that confirmation be sent by post.

This letter will also include a code to upload your photo. This photo will be printed on your health insurance card.

Your insurance card will then be sent to your home address by post.

I do not yet have a permanent address. Which address should I use in the form?

If you do not yet have a fixed address, you can temporarily use the address of a family member or acquaintance.

As soon as you have a permanent address, you can let us know or inform your health insurance company directly to make the change.

Do I need to be registered in Germany before taking out this health insurance?

No, it is not necessary.

When you start working as an employee (with a salary above €538 per month), taking out this insurance is mandatory. You do not need to be registered at the time of processing it. You can register at the local authority at a later date.

Does the process take longer if I go through Bramex rather than directly with the insurer? What are the advantages?

No, it will not take longer.

We send your details to the health insurance company immediately after receiving them.

From that point, the same management process and timelines apply, regardless of whether you submitted your application through us or directly to the insurer.

But at Bramex we guarantee our support throughout the entire process. Always in your language, so you have no doubts during the sign-up.

Fill in the form

If you are not yet sure about how health insurance works in Germany, have doubts or need us to check your application, we are here to help. Simply fill in this short form and we will get in touch as soon as possible.

A few things to keep in mind

Management This is the first step to starting the process with the insurer.
📄
Details Make sure they are correct and accurate. Otherwise the process will be delayed.
💬
Information Take care when writing addresses in German, as this may affect delivery of your health insurance card.
Procedures We will provide the details you have given us to the Krankenkasse.
🤝
Support We help you before and during the sign-up of your public insurance. As a Bramex client, you benefit from our ongoing advisory service.

Taking Out Public Health Insurance in Germany: A Complete Guide

Taking out public health insurance in Germany can be a challenging task due to the wide variety of options available and the complexity of the system. Here we provide a complete guide to help you make an informed decision about public health insurance in Germany, known as Krankenkassen, and how Bramex can make this process easier.

Difficulty Choosing Between Krankenkassen

Germany has more than 100 Krankenkassen (public insurance companies). Each offers different benefits and additional services, which can make the choice overwhelming for those unfamiliar with the system. Some of the main differences between Krankenkassen include:

  • Costs and contributions: Although the standard contribution rate is 14.6% of gross salary, some Krankenkassen may charge additional rates. In our public insurance comparison tool you can see the cost based on your monthly salary.
  • Service coverage: Although all Krankenkassen cover basic medical services, some offer additional benefits such as dental treatments, wellness programmes and international coverage. You can see a selection of the best Krankenkassen in our public insurance comparison tool.
  • Customer service: The quality and accessibility of customer service can vary significantly between different Krankenkassen.

German Bureaucracy When Signing Up with a Krankenkasse

The health insurance system in Germany is highly regulated, which means paperwork and bureaucratic processes. For newcomers and those who do not speak German fluently, navigating this system can be particularly complicated. Common challenges include:

  • Choosing a Krankenkasse: We tend to choose the one recommended by a friend, the one we have seen most advertising for, or the first one we come across — or we let our employer tell us which one to take. The problem is that some Krankenkassen may offer advantages that suit you better than others.
  • Documentation required: Depending on your situation, the Krankenkasse may not give you the right answer. We handle the process and explain any doubts that arise.
  • Processing time: Our direct contact with Krankenkassen allows for greater agility. We also monitor timelines and keep you informed of any issues that may arise.

Advantages of Taking Out Public Health Insurance in Germany Through Bramex

Bramex offers a comprehensive service to make signing up for public health insurance in Germany easier, addressing the main challenges applicants may face.

Speed of processing

Bramex handles the entire enrolment process, ensuring all forms and documents are completed correctly and submitted on time. This significantly reduces waiting times and guarantees fast, efficient management.

Independent choice of the best insurance

Bramex is not tied to any particular Krankenkasse. This means we can provide an objective assessment and help you compare different options to find the insurance that best suits your needs and personal circumstances.

Support throughout your entire contract

Bramex's support does not end once you have taken out your insurance. We offer ongoing assistance for any queries or issues you may have during the life of your contract. Whether you need help with claims, changes to your coverage or any other matter, we are here for you.

Personalised support in your language

One of Bramex's greatest advantages is our personalised, multilingual service. We understand that the language barrier can be a significant obstacle, so we offer support in several languages to ensure you fully understand all options and requirements. Our team is available to answer all your questions and provide you with the information you need in your language.

Who are we and what do we do for you?

We are an official insurance brokerage specialising in Germany. We focus on insurance management and advisory services for foreigners and expats who need clear guidance from the start.

We do not issue our own insurance policies — we act as intermediaries between the insurance companies and you.

We analyse your personal situation and help you find the best option among the leading German insurers, with no language barriers and no complications.