ANALYSIS: Outlining the Various Choices for Personal Health Insurance in Germany
For expats and high earners living in Germany, the Private Krankenversicherung (PKV) offers an alternative to the statutory public health insurance system, providing tailored coverage that caters to individual needs.
Key aspects and options include:
1. Eligibility: Expats who are freelancers, self-employed, or employees earning above the compulsory insurance threshold (€73,800 per year in 2025) can opt for private health insurance over the public system. Foreign students and EEA citizens also have specific rules but can choose private plans in some cases.
2. Coverage Flexibility: Private health insurance plans in Germany offer bespoke coverage, including faster access to care and a broader range of services such as advanced dental treatments, orthodontics, and preventive care. Policies vary widely, allowing customers to select benefits according to their needs.
3. Dental Insurance Options: Many private health insurers provide enhanced dental coverage options, including professional cleanings, fillings, root canals, crowns, implants, and orthodontic treatments with some policies covering up to 100% of costs.
4. Cost and Health Assessment: Private insurers require a health assessment, which influences your premiums and the policy terms offered. Premium costs depend on individual health status, age at entry, and selected coverage levels.
5. Popular Providers for Expats: Services like Ottonova, Feather, and Getsafe are known for offering competitive private dental and health insurance plans tailored for expats.
6. Visa and Residence Permit Requirements: For visa purposes, proof of valid health insurance—public or private—is mandatory. Often, expats entering Germany on certain visas start with expat insurance plans before switching to full private health insurance once resident.
In summary, private health insurance in Germany for expats and high earners offers customizable and often more comprehensive coverage than the public system, with options especially strong in dental and specialized care. Choosing the right plan depends on personal health, income, and residency status, and consulting a broker is advisable due to the complexity and variety of options available.
It is essential to note that private health insurance premiums can be lower and vary based on age, health, and risk assessment. However, rejection from private insurers is possible if you're deemed too risky to cover, unlike public health insurance. Additionally, higher earners, freelancers, and certain other groups have the option to choose private health insurance.
For those seeking assistance in navigating the various private health insurance providers, there are approximately 40 private health insurance providers in Germany, and consulting an insurance broker may help determine the right provider for you. English-speaking brokers like KL For Expats and Versicherungsbüro Weiss are available to guide you through the process.
Lastly, Mawista is another private provider offering expat insurance, making it an option worth considering for job seekers but may require full coverage for visa renewal.
- For expats in Germany, private health insurance such as Ottonova, Feather, and Getsafe offers flexible coverage with an emphasis on dental and specialized care, catering to the unique needs of high earners.
- Private health insurance providers in Germany, like Mawista, offer expat insurance plans that may be beneficial for job seekers, but full coverage might be necessary for visa renewal requirements.
- When opting for private health insurance, it's important to note that premium costs depend on factors like age, health, and risk assessment, with potential for lower rates than statutory plans.
- When navigating the various private health insurance options in Germany, consulting an insurance broker like KL For Expats or Versicherungsbüro Weiss, who offer services in English, can help determine the right provider based on personal circumstances.
