Statutory (mandatory) insurances
Germany’s 5 mandatory insurances at a glance
Germany’s social system includes five mandatory state insurances that protect residents in key areas like health, retirement, unemployment, care, and work accidents. These insurances are required by law and form the backbone of financial security in Germany.
Statutory health insurance (GKV)
Covers essential medical treatments, doctor visits, and hospital stays, ensuring all residents have access to healthcare.
Current challenges:
But navigating providers, benefits, and waiting times can be confusing, especially for newcomers.
Statutory long-term care insurance (GPV)
Provides financial support for nursing care in cases of serious illness, disability, or old age.
Current challenges:
Coverage is often limited, leaving families with high extra costs and complicated applications.
Statutory pension insurance (GRV)
A retirement savings system where employees contribute a portion of their salary to secure future pension payments.
Current challenges:
Future payments are uncertain, and many expats struggle to understand how contributions affect them.
Statutory unemployment insurance (GAV)
Offers financial support and job placement services for employees who lose their jobs.
Current challenges:
The system is strict, with many rules and obligations that can overwhelm jobseekers.
Statutory Accident Insurance (GUV)
Covers medical costs and rehabilitation for work-related injuries and accidents, fully paid by the employer.
Current challenges:
It only applies to work-related accidents, leaving other risks uncovered and often misunderstood.
Understand the options available within the (mandatory) social security system
What you can actually choose
Germany has one of the most comprehensive social security systems in the world – but most parts of it are mandatory for employees and therefore not flexible. The only real choice is between the more than 90 different statutory health insurance funds (GKV) currently available. Higher-earning employees and self-employed persons can also take out insurance with one of more than 30 private
health insurance companies (PKV).
GKV or PKV: Your most important insurance decision
Based on income, employment, and personal situation
Impacts access to doctors, premiums, and family coverage
What matters beyond health
Germany’s social insurance system covers the basics, but real financial security often requires looking beyond the mandatory protections. Getalong helps you strengthen your safety net with smart investments and essential private insurances.
Capital accumulation: We guide you in making the right investment choices to build wealth and secure your financial future.
Private liability insurance: Protect yourself from high costs if you accidentally cause damage or injury.
Private legal insurance: Get support with legal costs and advice when dealing with disputes or contracts.
How we help you
We simplify the complex world of insurance and make sure you’re covered where it matters most.
01
Help with choosing the right provider
We compare public and private health insurance options and support you in choosing the best fit for your life in Germany.
02
Support with documents and applications
From paperwork to communication with providers: we handle the details so you don’t have to.
03
Personal insurance check
We review your situation and help you understand which insurances are required, optional, or helpful for your specific case.
Compulsory private insurance
Liability protection beyond the state system
In addition to the five statutory insurances, some private insurances are legally required for specific activities or situations, ensuring essential protection in everyday life.
Motor vehicle liability insurance
Mandatory for all vehicle owners in Germany, this insurance covers damages you may cause to others in a car accident.
Dog liability insurance
Required in many German states, this insurance protects dog owners from costs related to injuries or damage caused by their pets.
Professional liability insurance
Legally required for certain professions (e.g. doctors, lawyers, architects), it covers professional mistakes that may lead to financial loss for clients.
Voluntary private insurance
Useful private insurance policies
Two supplementary types of private insurance make particular sense in Germany.“
Personal liability insurance
Personal liability insurance protects the private policyholder and his family against third-party claims within the agreed cover amounts. As the liability of private individuals in particular is generally not limited under German law, the importance of personal liability
insurance and the adjustment of its sums insured for the insured person is obvious.
Legal protection insurers
Legal protection insurers cover the following costs: the statutory attorney fees of the attorney freely chosen by the insured, witness fees/expert fees (not for out-of-court private reports), court costs, the opponent's costs, insofar as the policyholder has to
cover these, and costs of enforcement.
01
Book an appointment
Choose a convenient time in our calendar to speak with a team member.
02
Get free guidance
Tell us about your current situation, and we’ll offer tailored advice at no cost to you.
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Find clear solutions
Receive helpful options, step-by-step recommendations, and access to useful services that match your needs.
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