Benefits
Why the GKV is beneficial for you
Germany’s statutory health insurance (GKV) offers comprehensive medical coverage, including doctor visits, hospital treatment, and prescription medication. It provides equal access to quality healthcare, making it a reliable and stress-free option for those relocating to Germany.
We will answer your most urgent questions about the GKV
Who needs to register?
Who is required to sign up for statutory health insurance in Germany?
What’s covered?
What services and treatments are included under GKV?
How much does It cost?
How are contributions calculated and who pays them?
Can I switch to private insurance?
Is it possible to move from public to private health insurance later on?
Statutory health insurance (GKV)
As of 1 January 2025, 93 health insurance funds are (almost) free to choose from as service providers. The most important benefits, such as medical or dental care, hospital services or compensation for loss of earnings after the 6th week of illness, are identical for all health insurance funds due to social security legislation. Only around 4% of total benefits are more or less prioritised depending on the health insurance company. Here the customer can choose the health insurance company whose special benefits are considered more important. Please note: The range of services offered by the statutory health insurance scheme can be rated as quite good in a European comparison, but it does not pay for all the services that customers would like! A whole series of top doctors only treat private patients or already differentiate in the separate waiting rooms about the speed of access to treatment, in hospital you normally stay in a shared room, there is almost always a co-payment for medication, there are restrictions on travelling abroad, loss of earnings is not fully reimbursed for higher earners, etc. This is why an increasing number of people are taking out additional private supplementary insurance.
The contributions consist of a general contribution rate of 14.6% of gross income, which is the same for all health insurance funds. In addition, each health insurance fund can charge an individual supplementary contribution. This amounts to approx. 2.9% - as at 01.2025 - of gross income. As this additional contribution is quite different for the various health insurance companies, it is also worth comparing costs (in addition to the special benefits of the health insurance companies mentioned above). Note: The calculation of the contributions is limited by the so-called contribution assessment ceiling ‘BBG der GKV’ (€ 5,512 per month - as of 01.2025).
There is one important special feature to note: Employees whose gross salary is above the so-called annual income limit ‘JAEG’ (€6,150 per month - as of 1 January 2025) can choose between the SHI system described above and the private health insurance system. In the latter, earnings do not play a role in determining the contribution. Only the age and state of health at the time of entry and the (freely selectable) scope of the desired benefits determine the contribution. As a result, young and healthy customers can often insure themselves better and more favourably with private health insurance.
How to get statutory health insurance (GKV) in Germany
Get Along will guide you through each step to ensure a smooth and successful enrollment into Germany’s public health insurance system (GKV).
Check if you qualify for GKV based on your situation — most employees, students, and job seekers are eligible.
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Your eligibility depends on factors like income, employment status, and duration of stay.
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We’ll help you assess whether GKV is the right option for you.
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Before applying for health insurance, you must officially register your German address.
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Visit your local registration office (Bürgeramt) within two weeks of arrival.
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Bring your passport and a confirmation from your landlord (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung).
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Germany has many public health insurance companies (like TK, AOK, Barmer).
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We help you select a provider that fits your needs.
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Look for English-speaking support and user-friendly digital services.
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Once you've chosen a provider, apply for your health insurance coverage.
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Fill out the application form and submit required documents (passport, registration, employment status, etc.).
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Get Along will assist with the paperwork and communication with the insurance company.
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After approval, you’ll receive your insurance card (Versichertenkarte) in the mail.
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Use this card when visiting doctors or pharmacies.
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If you're employed, your monthly contributions are automatically deducted from your salary.
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Statutory long-term care insurance (GPV)
The following principle applies here: ‘Long-term care insurance follows health insurance.’ So wherever you have health insurance, you must also have long-term care insurance. Typical long-term care insurance benefits are Care allowance, care benefits in kind, combined benefits, outpatient and inpatient care, day and night care, respite care, short-term care, home adaptations, care aids, etc. Please note: Despite the above-mentioned care insurance benefits, you will usually have to pay around 50% of the costs incurred! However, if you wish, you can have these costs covered by private supplementary care insurance.
The contributions amount to 3.6% of gross income up to the BBG. If you are over 23 and have no children, you pay 0.6% higher contributions. If you have more than one child, you can enjoy a discount of 0.25% per additional child.