Easy German Health Insurance

Who We Are and What We Do

No hassle, no stress, no running around. Apply easily for your next German health insurance right here!

We are a team of independent insurance experts dedicated to helping expats navigate the complex German healthcare system. Our mission is to find the best insurance options tailored to your specific needs, whether you’re a student, employee, or self-employed professional. With years of experience and thorough market research, we make the process of choosing the right health insurance straightforward and hassle-free.

Understanding Health Insurance in Germany

Germany’s healthcare system is one of the most comprehensive and well-regarded in the world. It is based on two main types of health insurance: Public Health Insurance (GKV) and Private Health Insurance (PKV).

Public Health Insurance (GKV):

  • Who it’s for: GKV is the standard insurance for most residents in Germany, especially employees earning below a certain income threshold and families.
  • How it works: Contributions are income-based, and family members, such as spouses and children, can often be insured at no additional cost.
  • Advantages: Straightforward system, family-friendly, and includes coverage for a broad range of medical services.

Private Health Insurance (PKV):

  • Who it’s for: PKV is an attractive option for expats, students, self-employed individuals, and high-income earners who meet certain requirements.
  • How it works: Premiums are based on factors such as age, health, and chosen coverage. It offers more personalized benefits and flexibility compared to GKV.
  • Advantages: Access to specialists, private hospital rooms, better reimbursement rates, and tailored plans.

Choosing between GKV and PKV depends on your individual circumstances, long-term plans, and financial situation. Our role is to help you make an informed decision that aligns with your needs.

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Public Health Insurance in Germany

After careful comparison of various providers, we highly recommend HEK Insurance as an excellent option for expats. HEK offers a budget-friendly plan with outstanding benefits, including:

  • Competitive premiums tailored for students, employees, and self-employed individuals.
  • Comprehensive coverage for outpatient, inpatient, and dental treatments.
  • Fast and efficient customer service with English-speaking support.
  • Winner of „Best Public Health Insurance 2024“
  • Visit their website here!

HEK combines affordability with the high standards of Germany’s healthcare system, making it a reliable choice for those new to the country.

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FYI: If you already have a public health insurance in Germany, no need to worry! After 12 months of membership, you can easily switch, even without having to cancel your old insurance.

Private Health Insurance in Germany

Private Health Insurance (PKV) is a complex topic, but it has advantages if you don’t plan to stay in Germany forever. Here is some information for students, employees, and self-employed individuals:

 

For Students:

Requirements for Private Health Insurance (PKV):
  • Age: You must not be older than 30 years or have exceeded your 14th semester to remain in the student insurance category.
  • Exemption from Public Health Insurance (GKV): You need to apply for an exemption from mandatory public health insurance (GKV) within the first three months of your studies. This decision is binding for the entire duration of your studies. We will support you with this process.
  • Residence Permit: As an expat (non-EU citizen), you need a valid residence permit for your studies in Germany.
Advantages of Private Health Insurance for Students:
  • Affordable Student Tariffs: Special student tariffs are often more cost-effective than GKV contributions.
  • Comprehensive Coverage: Benefits include:
    • Treatment by specialists (e.g., chief physicians)
    • Higher reimbursement for dental treatments
    • Access to private hospital rooms
    • Faster appointments with specialists
  • Customization: You can adjust the insurance to meet your personal needs.
Disadvantages of Private Health Insurance for Students:
  • Long-term Commitment: Opting out of GKV means you cannot return to it during your studies.
  • Higher Costs Over Time: Student tariffs expire at 30 years of age, after which premiums may rise significantly.
  • Prepayment of Bills: You must pay medical bills upfront and claim reimbursement later.
  • Complexity: Understanding PKV tariffs can be more challenging for newcomers.

 

For Employees and Self-Employed Individuals:

Requirements for Private Health Insurance (PKV):
  • Income Threshold (Employees): If your gross annual income exceeds the mandatory insurance threshold (Versicherungspflichtgrenze, currently around €66,600 in 2024), you can opt for PKV.
  • Freelancers/Self-Employed: As self-employed individuals, you can choose PKV regardless of your income.
  • Residence Permit: A valid residence permit for employment or self-employment is required.
Advantages of Private Health Insurance for Employees and Self-Employed:
  • Tailored Coverage: You can select a plan that suits your medical and financial needs.
  • Comprehensive Benefits: These often exceed GKV benefits, including superior dental care, private rooms, and faster access to specialists.
  • Potential Savings: For high-income earners, PKV premiums can be lower than GKV contributions, as they are not tied to income.
  • Family Considerations: PKV may provide better coverage for individuals but is less advantageous for families compared to GKV.
Disadvantages of Private Health Insurance:
  • Cost Variability: Premiums depend on your age, health, and chosen coverage. Costs can increase over time, especially in retirement.
  • No Family Coverage: Unlike GKV, family members (e.g., spouse, children) must be insured separately.
  • Prepayment of Bills: Similar to students, you must pay upfront and wait for reimbursement.
  • Complexity of Plans: Navigating and comparing policies can be time-consuming without expert help.

 

Our Recommendation:

  • For students, consider your long-term plans. If you plan to stay in Germany for an extended period or need basic coverage, GKV might be a better option. PKV is attractive if you plan to return to your home country after your studies.
  • For employees and self-employed individuals, evaluate your income, health needs, and future plans. PKV can be beneficial for higher earners or those seeking premium coverage, but consider the long-term costs and impact on family members.

To discuss the details and answer your questions, please fill out this form:

Other Important Insurance Options in Germany

Germany is known for its comprehensive insurance system, providing security in many areas of life. While health insurance is mandatory, there are other types of insurance that can be crucial for expats, students, employees, and self-employed individuals. Understanding these options can help you feel more secure and prepared during your time in Germany.

Key Insurance Types to Consider:

1. Liability Insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung):
  • Why it’s important: This is one of the most essential insurances in Germany. It covers damages you accidentally cause to others or their property, preventing financial difficulties in case of costly claims.
  • Who should get it: Everyone! It’s affordable and provides significant protection.
2. Household Insurance (Hausratversicherung):
  • What it covers: Protects your personal belongings, such as furniture, electronics, and clothing, against risks like fire, theft, water damage, or storms.
  • Ideal for: Tenants and homeowners who want to secure their possessions.
3. Legal Insurance (Rechtsschutzversicherung):
  • Purpose: Covers legal costs if you need to go to court or hire a lawyer for disputes in areas like tenancy, traffic accidents, or employment.
  • Recommended for: Those who want peace of mind in case of legal conflicts.
4. Disability Insurance (Berufsunfähigkeitsversicherung):
  • What it does: Provides financial support if you are unable to work due to illness or injury.
  • Who benefits: Employees and self-employed individuals who depend on their income.
5. Accident Insurance (Unfallversicherung):
  • Coverage: Offers protection in case of accidents during leisure activities, as workplace accidents are already covered by employer-provided insurance.
  • Best for: Active individuals or families looking for additional security.
6. Travel Insurance (Reiseversicherung):
  • Why it’s useful: Covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage while traveling abroad.
  • Recommended for: Frequent travelers or those on extended trips.
7. Pension Insurance (Rentenversicherung):
  • Purpose: Helps you prepare for retirement by supplementing Germany’s state pension system.
  • Best for: Individuals planning to stay in Germany long-term or looking for private retirement plans.

Why Choose Us?

We are independent insurance experts who understand the needs of expats, students, and professionals in Germany. Our team is here to help you navigate the overwhelming options, compare plans, and choose the ones that best suit your lifestyle and priorities.

Let’s Find the Right Insurance Together

To get personalized advice and explore the best insurance options for your situation, simply fill out our contact form. We’ll get in touch to answer your questions and guide you through the process.