{"id":12191,"date":"2021-04-22T11:39:29","date_gmt":"2021-04-22T11:39:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bramex.de\/?page_id=12191"},"modified":"2026-05-13T21:06:40","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T20:06:40","slug":"public-health-insurance","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bramex.de\/en\/public-health-insurance\/","title":{"rendered":"Public health insurance in Germany"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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\n GKV \u2013 PUBLIC HEALTH INSURANCE IN GERMANY<\/span>\n

We help you manage your public health insurance in Germany<\/h1>\n

Get free, clear guidance in your language to understand which insurance you need, compare options and handle everything without hassle.<\/p>\n

\n Free consultation<\/a>\n Supplemental dental insurance<\/a>\n Krankenkasse comparison tool<\/a>\n <\/div>\n

Free management<\/strong> \u00b7 We help you in your language, no unnecessary paperwork<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n

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\n Insurance finder<\/span>\n

Not sure which insurance you need in Germany?<\/h2>\n

Use our finder and discover which option fits your situation best. And if you still have questions, Bramex is here to help you make the right decision.<\/p>\n Go to the finder<\/a>\n <\/div>\n

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Find your insurance<\/p>\n

A quick and clear way to get oriented before taking out a policy.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n

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Having health insurance in Germany<\/strong> that covers you in case of illness, accident or medical care is mandatory<\/strong>. Whether you are not yet working and are studying the language, or you are about to start a job, having health insurance is essential.<\/p>\n\n

In Germany there are numerous insurance companies, public and private<\/strong>, with which you can take out your policy. But the question we hear most from our clients is: Which one do I need? or How do I get my insurance sorted?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Depending on your personal and family situation (Are you about to start working? Do you have a family? Are you not yet working? Are you in Germany temporarily? Are you a freelancer? Are you studying the language? Do you have a pre-existing condition? Are you interested in specific coverage?)<\/em> one insurance will be more suitable than another.<\/p>\n\n

One important aspect to consider is the management and communication<\/strong> with the insurer. Doing things correctly from the moment you arrive in Germany, or choosing the best insurance for your needs, will save you a lot of time<\/strong> and headaches.<\/p>\n\n

Below we explain how health insurance works if you are about to start working<\/strong>. If you are not yet sure how and what type of insurance you need in Germany, just take this simple questionnaire.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n

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Why manage your health insurance in Germany through Bramex?<\/h2>\n
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\n \u2713<\/span>\n The advisory service is completely free of charge<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n \u2713<\/span>\n Your insurance has no additional costs<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n \u2713<\/span>\n We are official affiliates of 95% of insurers in Germany<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n \u2713<\/span>\n We simplify the sign-up process and handle all the paperwork for you<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n \u2713<\/span>\n We provide advisory support in your language for the duration of your contract: if you don't understand a communication from your insurer, we help you switch, provide you with offers and information about other plans...<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

We help you manage your health insurance in Germany with a Krankenkasse. We handle all the paperwork quickly, efficiently, in your language and free of charge. Forget about bureaucracy and dealing directly with the insurer. We act as intermediaries between you and the insurance company.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n

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How to take out your health insurance in Germany
through Bramex<\/span><\/h2>\n
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1<\/div>\n
STEP 1<\/div>\n

Check the rates in our insurance comparison tool<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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STEP 2<\/div>\n

Choose the advisory service that suits you<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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STEP 3<\/div>\n

Complete the form<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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4<\/div>\n
STEP 4<\/div>\n

We verify your details and process your insurance<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n

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\n \"Health\n <\/div>\n
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I am starting to work for a German company<\/h3>\n

We spare you the German bureaucracy. Your insurance management and professional advisory service completely in your language. Fast and with no additional costs. 100% guaranteed.<\/p>\n Go to the insurer comparison tool<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n

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Other types of public health insurance in Germany<\/h2>\n
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\n \n \"Health\n <\/a>\n

A company (from the EU) is sending me to work in Germany<\/a><\/h3>\n See other public health insurance options<\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n
\n \n \"Health\n <\/a>\n

A company (outside the EU) is sending me to work in Germany<\/a><\/h3>\n See other public health insurance options<\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n
\n \n \"Health\n <\/a>\n

I have an employment contract in Spain (or EU) and work remotely from Germany<\/a><\/h3>\n See other public health insurance options<\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n
\n \n \"Health\n <\/a>\n

I have an employment contract outside the EU and work remotely from Germany<\/a><\/h3>\n See other public health insurance options<\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n
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Some of the insurers we work with<\/h2>\n
\n \"TK\n \"Allianz\n \"Universa\n \"N\u00fcrnberger\n \"HanseMerkur\n \"Hallesche\n \"AOK\n <\/div>\n
\n See the full list of affiliated insurers<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n
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Do you have questions?<\/h2>\n

In our FAQ section we have compiled the most common questions. And if you can't find the answer, have a doubt you can't resolve or need help managing your insurance, contact us and we'll help you.<\/p>\n

\n Request free advice<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n
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How health insurance works in Germany (for employees)<\/h2>\n
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\n \"How\n <\/div>\n
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The Krankenkassen \u2013 Public Insurers in Germany<\/h3>\n

If you work for a company and earn more than \u20ac538 gross per month, you must have health insurance. This means the employee is responsible for enrolling with a public insurance company (Krankenkasse) and, once the contract is in place, communicates the insurance number to their employer.<\/p>\n

There are several insurance companies offering different rates and benefits: medical, dental and hospital treatments, with additional supplements (for example: wheelchairs or hearing aids).<\/p>\n

Health insurance contributions in Germany are very similar across all companies (Krankenkassen) and represent approximately 16.2% of gross salary<\/strong>.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n

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How much does health insurance cost in Germany?<\/h2>\n

Monthly contributions to health insurance in Germany are similar across different insurers, but an employee can save up to \u20ac30 per month depending on which Krankenkasse they choose. In addition, each company offers benefits or services that may be more advantageous depending on your needs.<\/p>\n

For reference, the average monthly contribution across all health insurers is 16.2% of gross salary<\/strong>, with the cheapest plans at 14.90% and the most expensive at 16.59%.<\/p>\n

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Employee pays<\/p>\n

Half of the contribution<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Employer pays<\/p>\n

The other half<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

The health insurance payment is made every month and is deducted directly from your salary. You can see this in your payslip alongside other fees. You do not pay the Krankenkasse directly \u2014 it is deducted automatically from your monthly wages.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n

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HEALTH INSURANCE IN GERMANY
Questions and answers<\/span><\/h2>\n
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\n I am about to start working. Is it mandatory to enrol in public health insurance (Krankenkasse)?<\/summary>\n
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YES<\/strong>. In Germany, when you start working as an employee and earn more than \u20ac520 gross per month, you are required to enrol with an insurance company.<\/p>\n

If your gross salary is between \u20ac538 and \u20ac5,775<\/strong>, you are required to have public insurance. However, if your salary is above \u20ac5,775 gross\/month<\/strong>, you have the option to take out a private insurance<\/strong> instead. Private insurance offers high coverage at a much lower cost than public insurance.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Consult your health insurance options in Germany<\/a><\/p>\n

Remember that as an employee, you have the right to choose the health insurance company that is right for you<\/strong>, take out health insurance in Germany and provide your new employer with your Versichertennummer<\/strong> (insurance number).<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n I don't have a job. What requirements do I need to meet to enter the public system?<\/summary>\n
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We'll divide this into two groups:<\/p>\n

I have an EU passport<\/strong>
If you come from an EU member state and don't have a job, you will need to obtain the E104 document<\/strong> in your country of origin (or in the country where you have been living for the past 18 months). This document in Spain is managed by the social security system and certifies that during the last 18 months you have been covered by public insurance. WITHOUT THIS DOCUMENT, KRANKENKASSEN WILL NOT CONSIDER YOUR APPLICATION.<\/strong> This only applies if you don't have a job. If you start working, you won't need this document.<\/p>\n

I have a non-EU passport<\/strong>
To access any of the public insurers you will need an active visa<\/strong> valid for a minimum of twelve months<\/strong>. Without this, it will be very difficult to proceed. If you don't have a visa for that period, you can join an insurer if you have a job earning more than \u20ac520 gross\/month. Another option is to take out a temporary private insurance<\/strong> (for up to five years) so the embassy grants you a visa, and once you have the visa we can enrol you in a public insurer and cancel the private one.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n I have health insurance in Germany because I am working. My spouse is currently not working \u2014 how can they get insured?<\/summary>\n
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If you are married, you can add your spouse to your insurance. THE PRICE WILL NOT CHANGE.<\/strong> You will need to provide a document certifying your marriage and fill in the application to include your spouse. This also applies if you have children. You can add them to your policy by presenting the family record book. Please note that non-married couples are not covered<\/strong> by this option, as they do not meet the legal requirements of health insurance companies to include a partner in the contract.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n Is there much difference between one Krankenkasse and another?<\/summary>\n
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Basic coverage<\/strong> such as GP visits, specialist appointments and hospitalisation are covered by all insurers. However, there are small variations in more specific treatments. For example, one insurer may offer better coverage for cancer prevention, while another may cover dental treatments or alternative medicine better. The price also varies between insurers, meaning you can save money each month.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n I have just lost my job. Do I still need to remain insured?<\/summary>\n
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YES<\/strong>. Once you are inside the public system, you can only leave if you leave Germany (by presenting the Abmeldung<\/strong> from the local authority when you deregister). When you stop working, the employer normally informs the insurer, which then sends you a letter asking about your future situation. Many people make the mistake of not responding to these letters and accumulate debt every month \u2014 even if you do nothing, the insurer will continue to charge you, and not knowing your employment situation, they will put you on the highest rate.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n I am not happy with my current insurer. Can I switch to another one?<\/summary>\n
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YES<\/strong>, it is possible. However, you must have been with your current insurer for a minimum of 12 months<\/strong>. You cannot switch before this period unless you are changing employer or your insurer has sent you a letter announcing a rate increase. See more information at: Changing Krankenkasse<\/a> or send us your query via Contact<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n My employer offered to manage my health insurance for me. Should I accept?<\/summary>\n
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You should know that even if your employer offers to manage your health insurance, you have the right to choose the one that suits you best. We recommend consulting your options before taking out a policy.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n I am changing employer. Do I need to inform my health insurance company?<\/summary>\n
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If you change jobs and there is no gap<\/strong> between the previous and new job, you don't need to do anything. The previous employer will deregister you and the new employer will register you. If there is a gap<\/strong>, you will need to cover the insurance costs yourself during the transition. However, if you are entitled to unemployment benefits, the employment agency usually covers health insurance contributions. Note that when changing employer, you also have the right to change your health insurance.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n I am changing employer. Am I entitled to change my Krankenkasse?<\/summary>\n
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If you change employer, you also have the right to change your health insurance<\/strong>. You can look for a new health insurance company that is more affordable and\/or offers better services without having to observe a notice period.<\/strong> See: Changing Krankenkasse<\/a> or contact us: Contact<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n

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Do you know which insurance you need and want us to manage the contract with the Krankenkasse?<\/h2>\n

At Bramex we help you find the health insurance that best suits your needs. We are affiliated with all insurers in Germany, giving us quick and efficient access to the different options available. We act as intermediaries between the insurer (with whom you contract directly) and you, our client. Tell us your situation and we will help you find the most suitable solution in Germany, clearly and professionally.<\/p>\n

\n I want to process my public insurance<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n