Compare Krankenkassen and choose the best option for you in Germany
Check the cost and coverage of Germany's main public health insurers. We help you with the whole sign-up process, free of charge and in your language.
Compare, choose and sign up with professional support in your language
Health insurance comparison in Germany: how to choose your Krankenkasse
The German public health system (GKV) has more than 90 Krankenkassen. All of them cover the same basic medical services regulated by law, but they differ in monthly cost, additional services and quality of customer support. That is why it pays to compare before choosing the best Krankenkasse in Germany for your situation.
Our health insurance comparison tool for Germany shows you instantly 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 price difference between one Krankenkasse and another.
Beyond 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 you compare: is public Krankenkasse the right option for you?
This comparison tool is useful for employees with a regular contract (above 603 €/month gross in 2026). If you are in a different situation —minijob, freelancer, university student, newcomer or visitor, looking for a job or on a high salary— you may need a different type of insurance. Answer three questions in our insurance 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 shown reflects only the employee's share (your employer pays the same amount).
Contribution ceiling 2026: 5,512.50 €/month
* Percentages correspond to each insurer's 2026 Zusatzbeitrag. The general GKV rate is 14.6%. The employee pays half of the total. Source: GKV-Spitzenverband / krankenkasseninfo.de
The best Krankenkasse in Germany 2026: detailed analysis
We have selected the Krankenkassen with the best ratings, reliability and effectiveness. These are the ones most requested by our clients.
TK (Die Techniker)
Zusatzbeitrag 2026: 2.45%TK is Germany's largest public health insurer with more than 11.8 million members. It was named Germany's best health insurance by Focus Money for 17 consecutive years up to 2023. It stands out for its advanced digital services and customer support in English.
✅ Advantages
- Broad medical, basic dental, hospital and medication coverage
- Advanced mobile app to manage your insurance digitally
- Customer support in English
- Free family coverage for spouse and children under certain conditions
- Screening exams, vaccinations and glasses included
- Coverage during trips abroad (EU)
⚠️ Weak points
- Complex dental treatments (crowns, implants) require supplemental insurance
- The Zusatzbeitrag rose significantly in 2025
🎯 Ideal for
Singles, couples and families who value digital services and support in English.
➕ Extras
TK-Fit: sports activity tracking with real rewards.
DAK-Gesundheit
Zusatzbeitrag 2026: 2.80%DAK-Gesundheit is a well-established insurer with more than 5.5 million members. It stands out for its focus on prevention, wellbeing 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 cancer screenings
- Special support for international students
- Free family coverage under certain conditions
⚠️ Weak points
- Monthly contribution slightly higher than other insurers
🎯 Ideal for
International students, individuals and families who value wellbeing and prevention programmes.
➕ Extras
Reimbursement of professional dental cleaning, gym and sports club memberships.
BARMER
Zusatzbeitrag 2026: 3.29%BARMER is Germany's second-largest insurer with 8.5 million members. It stands out for its prevention services, 24/7 customer support and advanced digital tools.
✅ Advantages
- Customer support available 24/7
- Full coverage: dental, hospital, medication and official vaccinations
- Spouse and children insured for free under certain conditions
- 100% reimbursement of travel vaccinations
- 200 € for parents-to-be (additional tests, dental, osteopathy, midwife)
- Doctor Finder: list of doctors by language spoken
⚠️ Weak points
- Complex dental treatments (crowns) require additional payment
- Zusatzbeitrag among the highest of the large insurers
🎯 Ideal for
Families, parents-to-be 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 wellbeing, especially through online programmes. It offers additional coverage in partnership with SIGNAL IDUNA.
✅ Advantages
- Broad 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.
- Supplemental insurance in partnership with SIGNAL IDUNA
⚠️ Weak points
- Online information mainly in German — which is why Bramex acts as your intermediary
- Zusatzbeitrag among the highest in this comparison
🎯 Ideal for
Families and people interested in personalised health and wellbeing programmes.
SBK
Zusatzbeitrag 2026: 3.80%SBK (Siemens Betriebskrankenkasse), merged with BKK Voralb since January 2026, is one of Germany's largest BKK insurers with more than 1 million members. It is recognised for its personalised, award-winning customer service.
✅ Advantages
- Nationwide coverage for employees of any company and their families
- Personalised service with individual advisers
- Recognised as "Germany's most popular health insurance" on several occasions
- Alternative medicine, health advice abroad and health promotion
⚠️ Weak points
- Dental programme less favourable than other Krankenkassen
- Highest Zusatzbeitrag in this comparison in 2026
🎯 Ideal for
Employees of any company, including families, apprentices and students.
AOK (regional)
Zusatzbeitrag 2026: varies by regionAOK is one of Germany's largest insurers, with more than 130 years of history. It is organised by region: each branch covers a specific territory and you must choose the one that corresponds to your place of registration or your employer's location.
✅ Advantages
- Long track record and strong regional presence
- Free family coverage for spouse and children
- Fast appointments with GPs and specialists
- Second medical opinion available
⚠️ Weak points
- The Zusatzbeitrag varies significantly by 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 our advice are completely free. We manage your insurance directly with the insurer, in your language, and we keep you informed of any issue before, during and after sign-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
Select the one that best fits your situation. If you have doubts, we advise you with no obligation.
Fill in the form
Enter your details in our form. It takes less than 5 minutes.
We process your insurance
We verify your details, manage the contract with the insurer and send you all the documentation.
Frequently asked questions about the Krankenkasse
What is the best Krankenkasse in Germany?
There is no universal "best": all Krankenkassen cover the same basic services regulated by law, so the best one is the one that fits your profile. Based on the 2026 Zusatzbeitrag: if you want the lowest rate, advanced digital services and support in English, TK (2.45%) stands out; if you are an international student or prioritise prevention and wellbeing, DAK (2.80%); if you have a family or value 24/7 support, BARMER (3.29%).
Enter your salary in the comparison tool above to see how much you would pay with each one and, if in doubt, we advise you for free and in English before you sign up.
What is the difference between one Krankenkasse and another?
All Krankenkassen cover the same basic medical services regulated by law: GP and specialist consultations, hospitalisation, prescription medication, emergencies, paediatric care, pregnancy and birth, etc. The differences lie in:
· Zusatzbeitrag: the additional percentage each insurer applies, which makes the monthly cost vary.
· Extra services: sports bonuses, prevention programmes, travel vaccinations, dental reimbursements, etc.
· Customer support: languages available, mobile app, opening hours and response speed.
· Regional coverage: the 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 lets you switch without waiting out the period.
At Bramex we manage the switch for you, in your language and at no extra cost. See our page on switching Krankenkasse.
What happens if I earn more than the public insurance limit?
In 2026, if your gross annual 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 manage the Krankenkasse sign-up?
Once we receive your details, we check that everything is correct, contact the insurer, handle all the paperwork on your behalf and follow up on your contract. We are an independent advisory, which allows us to give you the best solutions for your specific case.
How do I benefit from managing my insurance through Bramex?
You will have professional, officially registered advisers 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 is easily resolved with us, always in your language and free of charge.
Is the contract different if I sign up directly with the insurer?
No. The contract is exactly the same and the processing times are the same. There are no extra charges for our service. At Bramex we help you find the best public insurer and speed up the whole sign-up process.
Does signing up through Bramex cost anything extra?
No, not at all. Managing your Krankenkasse through Bramex involves no additional cost. You will pay exactly what your contract with the insurer states.
What does Bramex do before, during and after the sign-up?
Before: We answer your questions and help you find the best insurer. During: We manage the insurance on your behalf with professional service. After: We provide support and customer service for any question that comes up.
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. The AOKs are organised regionally: you must choose the one corresponding to your place of registration or your employer's location. If you need an insurer that does not appear in the comparison, we can manage it just the same.
Still not sure which health insurance is right for you?
If after reading the information you are still not sure whether the public Krankenkasse is your best option, answer three questions in our insurance finder and we will tell you which insurance fits your situation: public, private, temporary, for freelancers, university students or visitors.
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.