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Insurance in Germany

Health Insurance in Germany – Important Information for Indian Migrants

Health Insurance is Mandatory

In Germany, every person is required to have health insurance – including international students, employees, and self-employed individuals Without valid health insurance, it is generally not possible to work, study, or obtain a visa

Public Health Insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung – GKV)

Who is covered

  • •Employees earning less than €73,800 per year (as of 2025)
  • •Students, retirees, job seekers, and artists
  • •Family members (spouse and children) may be included under family insurance if their income is low or non-existent

Contributions & Costs

  • •The basic contribution rate is 14.6% of gross salary, with employers usually covering half
  • •An additional supplementary contribution is charged by each insurer (typically between 1.04% and 4.4%)
  • •A maximum contribution applies for income above €66,150 per year (2025)
  • •Students typically pay around €120–140 per month until the age of 30

Services Included

  • •Doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription medications, and preventive care
  • •Maternity and childbirth services
  • •Vaccinations and treatments such as physiotherapy
  • •Sick pay after six weeks (70% of gross salary)
  • •Co-payments, generally €5–10 for medications (exemptions apply for children)

Public Insurance Providers and Language Support

There are many public health insurance providers in Germany (around 100 in total). Some of them offer services, documents, and support in English, which may be helpful for international newcomers One such provider frequently mentioned by international residents is TK (Techniker Krankenkasse), which offers digital registration options and has experience with visa-related documentation

Note: This mention does not imply preference or endorsement Individuals should research and compare providers independently based on their needs

Private Health Insurance (Private Krankenversicherung – PKV)

Individuals earning more than €73,800 annually (as of 2025) may have the option to choose private health insurance instead of public coverage

General Characteristics of Private Insurance

  • •May provide broader access to treatments
  • •Can be cost-effective depending on personal situation
  • •Offers tailored service packages
  • •May involve shorter waiting times
  • •Often includes additional services such as dental or travel coverage

Premiums are based on factors such as age, health status, and selected services Unlike public insurance, family members are insured individually, and contributions are not shared

Special Considerations for Indian Nationals

For Students

  • •Health insurance is a requirement for university enrollment and visa approval
  • •Most students are covered under public insurance providers (e.g. TK, Barmer), although private options are available in special circumstances
  • •Temporary (incoming) insurance may be possible for stays up to 5 years
  • •With a part-time job, public insurance is usually mandatory

For Employees

  • •Health insurance is required for all workers in Germany, regardless of place of residence
  • •Eligibility for public or private insurance depends on salary and employment type
  • •Indian-based overseas insurance is typically not accepted for long-term stays

How to Register with a Health Insurance Provider

Registration can usually be completed online or in person

Required documents include

  • •Passport photo
  • •Registration certificate (proof of address in Germany)
  • •Proof of income or student enrollment certificate

After successful registration, the provider will send an electronic health card by mail

Additional Notes

  • •Individuals may freely choose from a wide range of health insurance providers
  • •Comparing supplementary contributions and optional services can be helpful
  • •Further official information is available via the Make it in Germany portal, maintained by the German government