{"id":37367,"date":"2026-04-10T20:53:17","date_gmt":"2026-04-10T19:53:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bramex.de\/en\/?page_id=37367"},"modified":"2026-04-10T20:56:48","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T19:56:48","slug":"switch-krankenkasse-germany","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bramex.de\/en\/switch-krankenkasse-germany\/","title":{"rendered":"How and When to Switch Your Krankenkasse in Germany"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n PUBLIC HEALTH INSURANCE \u00b7 GKV<\/span>\n

We help you switch Krankenkasse in Germany<\/h2>\n

We check whether you can switch, whether it makes sense for your situation, and which options work best for you. Free advice and full management included.<\/p>\n

\n Speak to an adviser<\/a>\n Krankenkasse comparison tool<\/a>\n <\/div>\n

Free advice<\/strong> \u00b7 We assess your case and handle the switch from start to finish<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n

\n
\n

Everyone covered by public health insurance in Germany has the right to switch Krankenkasse<\/strong> \u2014 that is, change their health insurer \u2014 after a certain period of time.<\/p>\n

We explain the reasons<\/strong> people switch, the conditions<\/strong> you need to meet, when<\/strong> you are entitled to do it, and the steps<\/strong> involved.<\/p>\n

We take care of the entire process<\/strong> \u2014 free of charge, with no paperwork on your end, no hidden catches, and always in your language.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n

\n
\n
\n

Not sure whether switching makes sense for you?<\/h2>\n

We analyse your situation, check whether a switch is possible, and tell you whether you can save money. No cost, no commitment.<\/p>\n

\n Get free advice<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n
\n
\n

Common reasons to switch Krankenkasse<\/h2>\n
\n
\n
\ud83d\udcc8<\/div>\n

Rate increase<\/h3>\n

Your insurer has announced a rise in your monthly contribution.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n
\ud83d\udcb6<\/div>\n

Cheaper options available<\/h3>\n

Other Krankenkassen offer the same coverage at a lower cost.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n
\ud83d\udcac<\/div>\n

Poor customer service<\/h3>\n

You are not happy with how your current insurer handles things and want a more responsive one.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n
\u2795<\/div>\n

Better benefits<\/h3>\n

You want access to additional services your current insurer does not offer.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

Switching is not always straightforward. Before we do anything, we review your situation to make sure a switch is both possible and genuinely worth it for you.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n

\n
\n

When can you switch Krankenkasse?<\/h2>\n
\n
\n

Switching without notice<\/h3>\n

If you change employer, you are entitled to switch Krankenkasse at the same time \u2014 with no minimum commitment period and no notice required.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n

Switching with 2 months' notice<\/h3>\n

If you have been with the same Krankenkasse for more than 12 months without changing employer, you can switch by giving 2 months' notice. The same applies if your insurer has informed you of an upcoming rate increase.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n

\n
\n

How we manage your Krankenkasse switch<\/h2>\n
\n
\n
1<\/div>\n

We check whether you meet the requirements to switch<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n
2<\/div>\n

You fill in the form and we send you the best available options<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n
3<\/div>\n

You choose the Krankenkasse that fits you best<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n
4<\/div>\n

We handle everything: cancelling your old policy and setting up the new one<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n

\n
\n

Why switch through Bramex<\/h2>\n
\n
\n
\ud83c\udfaf<\/div>\n

Unbiased advice<\/h3>\n

We help you choose the insurer that genuinely fits your needs.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n
\ud83d\udcb0<\/div>\n

No extra costs<\/h3>\n

Our advice and management are completely free of charge.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n
\ud83c\udfe5<\/div>\n

Wide network<\/h3>\n

We work with 95% of the top health insurers in Germany.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n
\ud83e\udd1d<\/div>\n

Ongoing support<\/h3>\n

We are with you before, during and after your switch.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n
\ud83d\udd14<\/div>\n

Always up to date<\/h3>\n

We keep you informed of changes that may affect your policy.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n
\ud83c\udf0d<\/div>\n

In your language<\/h3>\n

All communication and management handled in your language.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n
\ud83d\udccb<\/div>\n

We handle the paperwork<\/h3>\n

No German bureaucracy for you to deal with. We take care of it all.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n
\u2b50<\/div>\n

Proven experience<\/h3>\n

Years of helping expats and internationals navigate insurance in Germany.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

We are affiliated with all health insurers in Germany, giving us fast and efficient access to the best available options. We act as the link between you and the insurer.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n

\n
\n

Frequently asked questions about switching Krankenkasse<\/h2>\n
\n\n
\n Are there price differences between Krankenkassen?<\/summary>\n
\n

Yes. Each Krankenkasse can set an individual contribution rate on top of the standard base rate. This means the percentage you pay on your salary can vary from one insurer to another, which is why it is worth comparing before you decide.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n How significant are those price differences?<\/summary>\n
\n

The cost depends on your gross salary, as it is calculated as a percentage of your earnings. Depending on the Krankenkasse you choose, that percentage will vary. An employee can save up to \u20ac30 per month by switching. Fill in our form and we will send you the available offers for your situation.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n When exactly can I switch Krankenkasse?<\/summary>\n
\n

As a general rule, you can switch after at least 12 months<\/strong> with your current insurer. There are exceptions that allow an earlier switch, such as changing employer or receiving a rate-increase notice from your insurer. At Bramex we check your specific case at no cost and advise you on the best time to act.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n Do different Krankenkassen offer different benefits?<\/summary>\n
\n

All Krankenkassen cover the basic benefits set by law. Beyond that, each one can offer different extras \u2014 such as better dental coverage, wellness programmes or international coverage. That is why comparing is always a good idea before making a decision.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n Can I switch while I am receiving medical treatment?<\/summary>\n
\n

Yes. Your new insurer will cover treatment costs from the moment the new policy starts. Before switching, we recommend letting us know what treatment you are receiving so we can confirm the new Krankenkasse offers the same coverage. In most cases benefits are equivalent, though there can be small differences in subsidised amounts.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n What if I cancel my Krankenkasse but forget to sign up with a new one?<\/summary>\n
\n

In that case you automatically remain a member of your previous insurer. In Germany it is not possible to be left without public health coverage once you are enrolled in the system.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n Can I switch Krankenkasse if I am unemployed?<\/summary>\n
\n

Yes. You can switch regardless of your employment status, as long as you have been with your current insurer for at least 12 months<\/strong> and give 2 months' notice<\/strong>.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n I am unemployed and not receiving benefits. Can I join my spouse's insurance for free?<\/summary>\n
\n

Yes. If you have no income and your spouse has public health insurance, you can be co-insured on their policy at no extra cost until you start working again with a gross salary above \u20ac450 per month<\/strong>.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n I have already switched. Can I go back to my previous Krankenkasse?<\/summary>\n
\n

Yes, as long as you have been with your current insurer for at least 12 months<\/strong> and give the required notice period.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n

\n
\n
\n

Ready to switch Krankenkasse?<\/h2>\n

Tell us your situation and we will check whether a switch is possible, whether it benefits you, and what your options are. The whole process is free.<\/p>\n

\n I want to switch my health insurance<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n