Compare Krankenkassen and pick the best option for you in Germany
Enter your gross salary and see in seconds what you would pay with each public health fund. Then, if you want, we handle the sign-up for free and in English: same contract, same price, no German paperwork.
Compare, choose and sign up with professional help in your language · Verified 2026 figures
Before you compare: is the public Krankenkasse the right one for you?
This comparison is for employees with a regular contract (more than €603 gross/month in 2026) who are starting work in Germany or want to switch funds. If you are in a different situation —minijob or job-hunting, freelancer, university student, newly arrived or visiting, or on a high salary— you may need a different kind of insurance. Answer three questions in our finder and we'll tell you which one fits your situation.
Krankenkassen comparison 2026
Enter your monthly gross salary and instantly calculate what you would pay with each fund. The figure is your share as an employee; your employer pays the same amount.
This only affects the AOK, which is organised by region. All the other funds are the same across Germany.
How it is calculated and sources
Employee contribution = gross salary (up to the 2026 contribution ceiling: €5,812.50/month) × (14.6% + the fund's Zusatzbeitrag) ÷ 2. In the Midijob band the 2026 Übergangsbereich formula applies (factor F = 0.6619). It does not include long-term care insurance (Pflegeversicherung), which is the same for every fund: 1.8% for you, 2.4% if you are over 23 and have no children (slightly more in Saxony). Zusatzbeiträge as of September 2026. Sources: GKV-Spitzenverband, krankenkassen.de.
Same contract, same price, same deadlines. The difference: we do it for you.
Signing up for your Krankenkasse through Bramex costs nothing extra and the contract is identical to the one you would sign yourself. We handle the registration, the Mitgliedsbescheinigung for your employer, your family's cover if you have one, and we explain every letter that reaches you in German.
- 1 Leave us your details or message us on WhatsApp.
- 2 We get back to you within 24 working hours and confirm the Krankenkasse.
- 3 We complete the registration and send you the documents.
Write to us any time: we reply during office hours. Prefer to call? +49 171 508 80 78, Monday to Friday, 10:00–18:00.
Or leave your details and we'll call you
Just what we need to get in touch. We'll ask for the registration details later, once we've spoken.
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 core medical benefits set by law; what changes is what you pay every month, the extra services and how they look after you. That's why it pays to compare before choosing — and why it matters who helps you afterwards.
The contribution is calculated on your gross salary and split 50/50 between you and your employer: the GKV general rate is 14.6%, to which each fund adds its own Zusatzbeitrag. That additional percentage is what makes the difference in price between one fund and another: in 2026 it ranges from 2.69% at TK or AOK Bayern to 3.85% at IKK classic among the funds in this comparison, which on a €3,000 gross salary works out at around €17/month.
Further down you'll find a detailed analysis of the main Krankenkassen (TK, DAK, BARMER, IKK classic, SBK and AOK) with their strengths, weak points, cover and the profile they suit best.
The best Krankenkassen of 2026: a detailed look
We have selected the Krankenkassen with the best ratings, reliability and service. They are the ones our clients ask for most. Open each card for the details.
TK (Die Techniker)
Zusatzbeitrag 2026: 2.69%
Ideal if you value the app, digital services and English-speaking support
TK (Die Techniker)
Zusatzbeitrag 2026: 2.69% Ideal if you value the app, digital services and English-speaking supportTK is Germany's largest public health fund, with more than 11 million members. Focus Money has named it best Krankenkasse for 17 years running. It stands out for its digital services and English-speaking customer support.
Strengths
- Broad medical, basic dental, hospital and medication cover
- Advanced mobile app to manage your insurance digitally
- Customer service in English
- Free family cover for spouse and children under certain conditions
- Screening tests, vaccinations and glasses included
- Cover while travelling abroad (EU)
Weak points
- Complex dental treatment (crowns, implants) needs supplemental insurance
- The Zusatzbeitrag rose in 2026 (from 2.45% to 2.69%), though it remains among the lowest
Best for
Singles, couples and families who value digital services and English-speaking support.
Extras
TK-Fit: sports activity tracking with real rewards.
DAK-Gesundheit
Zusatzbeitrag 2026: 3.20%
Ideal if prevention, wellbeing and sport are your priority
DAK-Gesundheit
Zusatzbeitrag 2026: 3.20% Ideal if prevention, wellbeing and sport are your priorityDAK-Gesundheit is a well-established fund with more than 5.5 million members. It stands out for its focus on prevention and wellbeing, and for its appeal to international students.
Strengths
- €120 bonus with DAK Fit & Travel for gyms and sports clubs
- Comprehensive cover: dental, medical treatment, medication, prevention and fitness
- 100% cover for travel vaccinations and cancer screening
- Dedicated support for international students
- Free family cover under certain conditions
Weak points
- Monthly contribution somewhat higher than TK or AOK Bayern (Zusatzbeitrag 3.20%)
Best for
International students, individuals and families who value wellbeing and prevention programmes.
Extras
Reimbursement for professional dental cleaning, gym and sports club memberships.
BARMER
Zusatzbeitrag 2026: 3.29%
Ideal for families, parents-to-be and anyone who wants 24/7 support
BARMER
Zusatzbeitrag 2026: 3.29% Ideal for families, parents-to-be and anyone who wants 24/7 supportBARMER is Germany's second largest fund, with more than 8 million members. It stands out for its prevention services, 24/7 customer support and advanced digital tools.
Strengths
- Customer service available 24/7
- Full cover: dental, hospital, medication and official vaccinations
- Spouse and children insured free of charge under certain conditions
- 100% reimbursement for travel vaccinations
- €200 for parents-to-be (extra tests, dental, osteopathy, midwife)
- Doctor Finder: directory of doctors by language
Weak points
- Complex dental treatment (crowns) requires an additional payment
- Zusatzbeitrag among the highest of the large funds
Best for
Families, parents-to-be and people who value flexibility and 24/7 support.
Extras
CyberHealth: a points programme for a healthy lifestyle.
IKK classic
Zusatzbeitrag 2026: 3.85%
Ideal if you're after online health programmes and supplemental cover
IKK classic
Zusatzbeitrag 2026: 3.85% Ideal if you're after online health programmes and supplemental coverIKK classic is a public fund with a strong focus on prevention and wellbeing, especially through online programmes. It offers supplemental cover in partnership with SIGNAL IDUNA.
Strengths
- Broad cover: dental, prevention and full medical care
- Free family cover for spouse and children under certain conditions
- Online health programmes: diabetes prevention, back exercises and more
- Supplemental insurance in partnership with SIGNAL IDUNA
Weak points
- Online information mainly in German — which is exactly where Bramex steps in
- Highest Zusatzbeitrag in this comparison in 2026
Best for
Families and anyone interested in personalised health and wellbeing programmes.
SBK
Zusatzbeitrag 2026: 3.80%
Ideal if you want a dedicated personal adviser at the fund
SBK
Zusatzbeitrag 2026: 3.80% Ideal if you want a dedicated personal adviser at the fundSBK (Siemens-Betriebskrankenkasse), merged with BKK Voralb since 2026, is one of Germany's largest BKKs, with more than a million members. It is known for its personalised, award-winning customer service.
Strengths
- Nationwide cover for employees of any company and their families
- Personalised service with dedicated advisers
- Repeatedly named "Germany's most popular health fund"
- Alternative medicine, health advice abroad and health promotion
Weak points
- Dental programme less generous than other Krankenkassen
- Zusatzbeitrag among the highest in this comparison in 2026
Best for
Employees of any company, including families, apprentices and students.
AOK (regional)
Zusatzbeitrag 2026: between 2.69% and 3.50% depending on the region
Ideal if you want a strong local presence and quick specialist appointments
AOK (regional)
Zusatzbeitrag 2026: between 2.69% and 3.50% depending on the region Ideal if you want a strong local presence and quick specialist appointmentsAOK is one of Germany's largest funds, with more than 130 years of history. It is organised by region: each AOK covers a specific area and you must choose the one for your place of registration or your employer's.
Strengths
- Long track record and strong regional presence
- Free family cover for spouse and children
- Quick appointments with GPs and specialists
- Second medical opinion available
Weak points
- The Zusatzbeitrag varies by regional AOK
- You can only choose the AOK for your region
Best for
Families and people looking for comprehensive cover with a strong local presence. If your Bundesland isn't listed, we'll tell you which AOK applies to you.
Why manage your Krankenkasse with Bramex?
The comparison and all our advice are free for you. We manage your insurance directly with the fund, in your language, and we are still there after you sign. Specifically:
- No extra cost: the contract and the contribution are exactly the same as if you did it yourself.
- Full registration: we handle the sign-up and the Mitgliedsbescheinigung your employer asks for.
- Your family: we arrange free cover for your spouse and children (Familienversicherung) if you qualify.
- Letters in German: we explain every letter from the fund and reply on your behalf if needed.
- Switches and rate rises: if your fund raises its Zusatzbeitrag, we let you know and handle the switch.
- Independent advisers in Stuttgart, specialised in insurance for internationals.
How we work: 4 steps
Calculate your contribution
Use the comparison above and see what you would pay with each Krankenkasse based on your salary.
Choose or ask us
If you already know which one you want, press "Sign up with Bramex". If you're unsure, write to us and we'll tell you which fits your case.
We get in touch
Within 24 working hours we confirm the fund and send you the form with the details the insurer needs for the registration.
We handle the sign-up
We check your details, arrange the contract with the fund and send you all the documents.
Frequently asked questions about the Krankenkasse
Which is the best Krankenkasse in Germany?
There is no universal "best": they all cover the same core benefits by law, so the best one is the one that fits your profile. With the 2026 Zusatzbeiträge: if you want the lowest contribution, digital services and English-speaking support, TK (2.69%) stands out; in Bavaria, AOK Bayern costs the same; if prevention and wellbeing come first, DAK (3.20%); if you have a family or value 24/7 support, BARMER (3.29%).
Enter your salary in the comparison above to see what you would pay with each one and, if you're unsure, we'll advise you for free, in English before you sign up.
What's the difference between one Krankenkasse and another?
Every Krankenkasse covers the same core medical benefits set by law: GP and specialist appointments, hospital stays, prescription medication, emergencies, paediatric care, pregnancy and birth, and so on. The differences are:
· Zusatzbeitrag: the additional percentage each fund charges, which makes the monthly cost vary.
· Extra services: sports bonuses, prevention programmes, travel vaccinations, dental reimbursements and more.
· Customer service: languages available, mobile app, opening hours and response times.
· Regional cover: the AOKs are organised by region; the rest (TK, DAK, BARMER, IKK, SBK…) are nationwide.
Can I switch Krankenkasse if I'm already insured?
Yes. You can switch after 12 months with your current fund. If your Krankenkasse raises its Zusatzbeitrag, you also have a special right of cancellation (Sonderkündigungsrecht) that lets you switch without waiting.
At Bramex we handle the switch for you, in your language and at no extra cost. See our page on switching Krankenkasse.
What if I earn more than the public insurance threshold?
In 2026, if your annual gross salary exceeds the Versicherungspflichtgrenze (€77,400/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 that's your case, we recommend looking at our public vs private insurance comparison before deciding.
How much do I pay in total, including long-term care insurance?
The comparison shows the health insurance share. On top of that comes long-term care insurance (Pflegeversicherung), which is the same for every fund: in 2026 you pay 1.8% of your gross salary, or 2.4% if you are over 23 and have no children. On a €3,000 gross salary that's €54 or €72 more a month. The comparison shows it below the result.
How does Bramex handle signing up for a Krankenkasse?
You leave us your contact details (or message us on WhatsApp) and we call you to confirm the fund. We then send you a form with the details the insurer needs for the registration; we check them, do all the paperwork on your behalf and follow up on your contract. We are an independent advisory firm, which lets us offer the best solution for your specific case.
How does going through Bramex benefit me?
You get independent advisers in Germany, specialised in health insurance and in direct contact with the main Krankenkassen. We are the intermediary between you and the fund: any question about payments, switching funds, letters or invoices you sort out with us, always in your language and free of charge.
Does the contract differ if I go directly to the fund?
No. The contract is exactly the same and the deadlines are the same. There are no extra charges for our service. At Bramex we help you find the best public fund and speed up the whole sign-up process.
Is there an extra cost for signing up through Bramex?
None at all. Managing your Krankenkasse through Bramex costs nothing extra. You pay exactly what your contract with the fund says.
What does Bramex do before, during and after you sign up?
Before: we answer your questions and help you find the best fund. During: we manage the insurance on your behalf with a professional service. After: we provide support and customer service for anything that comes up.
Which Krankenkasse can I choose if there is no AOK in my region?
Nationwide funds such as TK, DAK, BARMER, IKK classic and SBK are available anywhere in Germany. The AOKs are organised regionally: you must choose the one for your place of registration or your employer's. If you need a fund that isn't in the comparison, we can still arrange it.
Still unsure which health insurance applies to you?
If after reading all this you're still not sure whether the public Krankenkasse is your best option, answer three questions in our finder and we'll tell you which insurance fits your situation: public, private, temporary, for freelancers, university students or visitors.
Why spend your time searching for and arranging your insurance?
Leave us your details or message us on WhatsApp and we'll arrange your Krankenkasse quickly, free of charge and in your language.
Reviews
What our clients say
"Excellent service. Super fast, super friendly, and they genuinely care about your situation. More than grateful."
"A relative of mine needed health insurance in Germany. Bramex helped me kindly and advised me on how to proceed. I appreciate and recommend their services."
"Professional, attentive and human. They are advising me perfectly on every detail when choosing a health insurance. A service I'd 100% recommend."
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