Compare Krankenkassen and choose the best option for you in Germany
Check the cost and coverage of the main public health insurance providers in Germany. We help you with the application and contracting process for free and in your language.
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Health insurance comparison in Germany: how to choose your Krankenkasse
The German public health system (GKV) has more than 90 Krankenkassen. They all cover the same basic medical services regulated by law, but they differ in monthly cost, additional services and customer service quality. That is why it pays to compare before choosing an insurer.
Our health insurance comparison tool for Germany instantly shows you how much you would pay with each Krankenkasse based on your gross monthly salary. The contribution is calculated on your salary and split 50/50 between you and your employer: the general GKV rate is 14.6%, to which each insurer adds its own Zusatzbeitrag. That additional percentage is what makes the difference in price between one Krankenkasse and another.
In addition to comparing prices, on this page you will find a detailed analysis of the main Krankenkassen (TK, DAK, BARMER, IKK Classic, SBK and AOK) with their advantages, weak points, coverage and ideal profile.
Before comparing: is a public Krankenkasse the right option for you?
This comparison tool is useful for employees with a regular contract (more than €603/month gross in 2026). If you are in a different situation —minijob, freelancer, university student, newly arrived or visitor, looking for work or with a high salary— you may need a different type of insurance. Answer three questions in our finder and we will tell you which insurance fits your situation.
Krankenkassen Comparison 2026
Enter your gross monthly salary and instantly calculate how much you would pay with each insurer. The rate reflects only the employee's share (the employer pays the same amount).
Contribution ceiling 2026: €5,512.50/month
* The percentages correspond to the 2026 Zusatzbeitrag of each Krankenkasse. The general GKV rate is 14.6%. The employee pays half of the total. Source: GKV-Spitzenverband / krankenkasseninfo.de
Analysis of the main Krankenkassen
We have selected the Krankenkassen with the best ratings, reliability and effectiveness. These are the most requested by our clients.
TK (Die Techniker)
Zusatzbeitrag 2026: 2,45%TK is the largest public health insurance provider in Germany with more than 11.8 million members. It was named the best health insurance in Germany by Focus Money for 17 consecutive years until 2023. It stands out for its advanced digital services and English-language customer service.
✅ Advantages
- Wide medical coverage including basic dental, hospital and medication
- Advanced mobile app to manage the insurance digitally
- Customer service in English
- Free family coverage for spouse and children under certain conditions
- Screening exams, vaccinations and glasses included
- Coverage during travel abroad (EU)
⚠️ Weak points
- Complex dental treatments (crowns, implants) require complementary insurance
- The Zusatzbeitrag has risen significantly in 2025
🎯 Ideal for
Singles, couples and families who value digital services and English-language support.
➕ Extras
TK-Fit: tracking of sports activities with real rewards.
DAK-Gesundheit
Zusatzbeitrag 2026: 2,80%DAK-Gesundheit is a well-known insurer with more than 5.5 million members. It stands out for its focus on prevention, wellness and its appeal to international students.
✅ Advantages
- €120 bonus with DAK Fit & Travel for gyms and sports clubs
- Comprehensive coverage: dental, medical treatments, medication, prevention and fitness
- 100% coverage of travel vaccinations and oncological screenings
- Special support for international students
- Free family coverage under certain conditions
⚠️ Weak points
- Monthly premium slightly higher than other insurers
🎯 Ideal for
International students, individuals and families who value wellness and prevention programmes.
➕ Extras
Reimbursement for professional dental cleaning, gym memberships and sports clubs.
BARMER
Zusatzbeitrag 2026: 3,29%BARMER is the second largest insurer in Germany with 8.5 million members. It stands out for its prevention services, 24/7 customer support and advanced digital tools.
✅ Advantages
- Customer service available 24/7
- Complete coverage: dental, hospital, medication and official vaccinations
- Spouse and children insured free of charge under certain conditions
- 100% reimbursement of travel vaccinations
- €200 for expectant parents (additional tests, dental, osteopathy, midwife)
- Doctor Finder: list of doctors by language
⚠️ Weak points
- Complex dental treatments (crowns) require additional payment
- Zusatzbeitrag among the highest of the large insurers
🎯 Ideal for
Families, expectant parents and people who value flexibility and 24/7 support.
➕ Extras
CyberHealth: points programme for a healthy lifestyle.
IKK Classic
Zusatzbeitrag 2026: 3,40%IKK Classic is a public insurer with a strong focus on prevention and wellness, especially through online programmes. It offers additional coverage in collaboration with SIGNAL IDUNA.
✅ Advantages
- Wide coverage: dental, prevention and complete medical care
- Free family coverage for spouse and children under certain conditions
- Online health programmes: diabetes prevention, back exercises, etc.
- Complementary insurance in collaboration with SIGNAL IDUNA
⚠️ Weak points
- Online information mainly in German — that is why Bramex is your intermediary
- Zusatzbeitrag among the highest in the comparison
🎯 Ideal for
Families and people interested in personalised health and wellness programmes.
SBK
Zusatzbeitrag 2026: 3,80%SBK (Siemens Betriebskrankenkasse), now merged with BKK Voralb since January 2026, is one of the largest BKKs in Germany with more than 1 million members. Recognised for its personalised and award-winning customer service.
✅ Advantages
- Nationwide coverage for employees of any company and their family members
- Personalised service with individual advisors
- Recognised as "the most popular health insurance in Germany" on multiple occasions
- Alternative medicine, health advice abroad and health promotion
⚠️ Weak points
- Dental programme less favourable than other Krankenkassen
- Highest Zusatzbeitrag in the comparison for 2026
🎯 Ideal for
Employees of any company, including families, apprentices and students.
AOK (regional)
Zusatzbeitrag 2026: varies by regionAOK is one of the largest insurers in Germany, with more than 130 years of history. It is organised regionally: each branch covers a specific territory and you must choose the one that matches your registered address or where your employer is based.
✅ Advantages
- Long track record and strong regional presence
- Free family coverage for spouse and children
- Quick appointments with GP and specialists
- Second medical opinion available
⚠️ Weak points
- The Zusatzbeitrag varies significantly depending on the regional branch
- You can only choose the AOK corresponding to your region
🎯 Ideal for
Families and people looking for comprehensive coverage with a strong local presence.
Why manage your Krankenkasse with Bramex?
The comparison tool and all advisory services are completely free. We manage your insurance directly with the provider, in your language, and inform you of any issues before, during and after signing up.
How we work: 4 steps
Check the rates
Use the comparison tool and check the monthly cost based on your salary and the Krankenkasse you are interested in.
Choose your insurer
Pick the one that best fits your situation. If you have any doubts, we will advise you with no commitment.
Fill in the form
Fill in your details in our form. It takes less than 5 minutes.
We process the insurance
We verify your details, manage the contract with the insurer and send you all the documentation.
Frequently asked questions about Krankenkassen
What is the difference between one Krankenkasse and another?
All Krankenkassen cover the same basic medical services regulated by law: appointments with GP and specialists, hospitalisation, prescription medication, emergencies, paediatric care, pregnancy and childbirth, etc. The differences lie in:
· Zusatzbeitrag: the additional percentage each insurer applies, which causes the monthly cost to vary.
· Extra services: sport bonuses, prevention programmes, travel vaccinations, dental reimbursements, etc.
· Customer service: available languages, mobile app, opening hours and response time.
· Regional coverage: AOKs operate by region; the rest (TK, DAK, BARMER, IKK, SBK...) are nationwide.
Can I switch Krankenkasse if I am already insured?
Yes. Since 2021 you can switch Krankenkasse after 12 months with your current one. If your Krankenkasse raises its Zusatzbeitrag, you also have a special right of cancellation (Sonderkündigungsrecht) that allows you to switch without waiting.
At Bramex we handle the switch for you, in your language and at no extra cost. See our page on changing Krankenkasse.
What happens if I earn more than the public insurance limit?
In 2026, if your annual gross salary exceeds the Versicherungspflichtgrenze (€73,800/year), you also have access to private insurance (PKV) and can choose between the two systems. The choice depends on your age, family situation, future plans and medical needs.
If you are in this situation, we recommend checking our public vs private insurance comparison before deciding.
How does Bramex handle signing up for a Krankenkasse?
Once we receive your details, we check that everything is correct, contact the insurer, handle all the formalities on your behalf and follow up on your contract. We are an independent advisory firm, which allows us to provide the best solutions for your specific case.
What are the benefits of managing my insurance through Bramex?
You will have professional and official advisors in Germany, specialised in health insurance and affiliated with the main Krankenkassen. We are the intermediary between you and the insurer: any question about payments, insurance changes, translations of letters or invoices can be easily resolved with us, always in your language and free of charge.
Does the contract differ if I sign up directly with the insurer?
No. The contract is exactly the same and the timelines are the same. There are no extra payments for our service. At Bramex we help you find the best public insurer and speed up the entire sign-up process.
Is there an additional cost to signing up for insurance through Bramex?
No, not at all. Managing your Krankenkasse through Bramex involves no extra cost. You will pay exactly what your contract with the insurer states.
What does Bramex do before, during and after signing up for insurance?
Before: We clear up your questions and help you find the best insurer. During: We handle the insurance on your behalf with professional service. After: We offer support and customer service for any questions that arise.
Which Krankenkasse can I choose if there is no AOK in my region?
Nationwide Krankenkassen such as TK, DAK, BARMER, IKK Classic and SBK are available throughout Germany. AOKs are organised regionally: you must choose the one matching your registered address or where your employer is based. If you need an insurer that does not appear in the comparison tool, we can handle it too.
Still unsure which health insurance is right for you?
If after reading the information you are still unsure whether public Krankenkasse is your best option, answer three questions in our finder and we will tell you which insurance fits your situation: public, private, temporary, for freelancer, university student or visitor.
Why waste time searching for and managing your insurance?
Get in touch with us and we will process your Krankenkasse quickly, efficiently and in your language.