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In Germany, health insurance is mandatory by law. The question is not whether to take it out, but which one applies to you — and that depends on four variables: whether you already live in the country, whether you have an employment contract, your gross annual salary, and your type of activity. This guide helps you identify your option before signing up, without wasting time on generic explanations of the system.
High salary, Blue Card or self-employed with high income? Discover Bramexplus, our specialised brand for premium private insurance for qualified profiles.
This helps us understand your starting situation.
Let us know whether you have a job lined up or not.
The type of contract determines which insurance applies to you.
The €6,450 gross/month threshold determines whether you can access private insurance.
Select the option that best describes your situation.
Temporary health insurance is the most suitable option for your situation. It covers basic medical, dental and hospital care while you look for work or study German, from €36/month. It is valid for visa applications and you can keep it for up to 5 years.
With your salary as an employee, what applies to you is a public health insurance (Krankenkasse). Your employer contributes half of the cost. At Bramex we help you choose the best Krankenkasse and handle the whole process for free.
With a salary above €6,450 gross per month you have access to both public and private insurance. Each option has different advantages. We recommend comparing before deciding.
Standard coverage from the German public system. Your employer contributes half.
See moreAs a self-employed person or freelancer in Germany, private health insurance is usually the most suitable option. At Bramex we explain the available options and help you choose the best coverage for your situation.
If you are going to study at a German university you have two options depending on your situation:
A valid alternative while you define your situation or if you do not meet the requirements for university insurance.
See moreIf you are coming to Germany temporarily or need insurance to apply for a Schengen visa, visitor insurance is the right option. It covers medical care and meets the requirements of the German embassy.
Before getting into profiles, a comparative overview to orient you. Each row is one of the four possible paths.
| Option | For whom | Indicative cost (2026) | Requirements | More info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public insurance (GKV) | Employees with a contract and gross salary below €77,400/year. The employer pays half. | ~17.5% of gross salary (14.6% base + ~2.9% average Zusatzbeitrag). Salary cap of €5,812.50/month. | Employment contract, Anmeldung, Steuer-ID. | See GKV |
| Private insurance (PKV) | Employees with salary > €77,400/year, self-employed, freelancers and civil servants. | Varies by age, health and coverage. Maximum employer contribution: €508.59/month. | Above the threshold or self-employed / civil servant. Health questionnaire. | See PKV |
| Temporary insurance | Newcomers without a contract, German language students, job seekers, self-employed people starting out, and visa applications. | From €36/month (under 35, first year); €75/month (over 35 or self-employed). | Passport and basic details. No Anmeldung required to sign up. | See temporary |
| University insurance | Students enrolled at a German university, normally under 30. | Reduced GKV rate for students. Over 30 and PhD candidates: private. | University enrolment. | See students |
2026 figures. Indicative costs subject to individual conditions (age, health, type of coverage).
The six most common profiles among foreigners arriving in or living in Germany. Identify yours and go straight to the service that fits you.
If you have a contract as an Angestellte/r, your situation depends on your salary. The employer pays half of the contribution in both cases.
As a Selbstständige/r you do not have automatic access to mandatory GKV. You can choose between voluntary GKV, PKV, or temporary insurance while starting your business.
If you just landed and still do not have a signed contract, you will not be able to register with a public Krankenkasse. Temporary insurance covers the transition period.
If you are coming to study at a German university, you can normally access the reduced GKV student rate up to age 30. Above that age or as a PhD candidate, you need private insurance.
If you come with a Blue Card (minimum salary €50,700/year in 2026, or €45,934.20 in shortage occupations), you normally enter mandatory GKV. Only if you exceed €77,400/year can you consider PKV.
If you are coming on a visit, for a short stay or need insurance to process a Schengen visa, you do not need (nor can you sign up for) a structural German insurance.