Germany

Introduction

Germany has a comprehensive healthcare system built on a dual model of statutory and private health insurance. Health insurance is mandatory for all residents.

• About 88% of the population is covered by statutory health insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung – GKV), which is funded through income-based contributions. If you’re employed, your employer will cover half of these contributions.
  
  
• The remaining population opts for private health insurance (Private Krankenversicherung – PKV), which offers more flexibility and tailored coverage. This option is typically chosen by high-income earners and self-employed individuals.
  

Both systems provide high-quality medical services, including hospital care, specialist treatments, medication, and emergency care.

Medical Emergencies While Traveling in Germany

If you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you are entitled to necessary medical treatment in public hospitals under the same conditions as German residents during your temporary stay.

However, keep in mind that some doctors and hospitals only accept private patients, so it’s a good idea to check in advance.

• If you do not have an EHIC and require urgent care, you may need to pay upfront and then seek reimbursement from your home country’s insurer.
  
  
• For planned medical treatments in Germany, you must obtain an S2 form from your home country’s healthcare provider to confirm your coverage.

Healthcare Services When Living in Germany

   1. Employed Individuals

If you’re working in Germany and earning below €73,800 per year (2024), you will be automatically enrolled in statutory health insurance (GKV). Your employer will handle the registration and cover half of your insurance contributions.

If you earn above this threshold, you have the option to choose between statutory or private health insurance.

When starting a new job, you’ll need to select a statutory health insurance provider. Your insurer will also apply for your social security number, which is required for healthcare access.

Mini-job workers (earning up to €538/month) do not get statutory health insurance through their employer and must arrange their own coverage.

   2. Self-Employed and Freelancers

Self-employed individuals can choose between statutory or private health insurance:

• Statutory Health Insurance (GKV): Available only if you were previously insured in a statutory scheme for at least 12 months or 24 months in the last 5 years (in Germany or another EU country).
  
  
• Private Health Insurance (PKV): Often preferred by self-employed individuals because of customized plans and potential cost savings.
  

Artists and publicists must enroll in statutory health insurance under the Artists’ Social Insurance Act (KSVG), with contributions partly subsidized by the state.

    3. Students

Students who have an EHIC and are temporarily staying in Germany (for example, for an exchange), can use their EHIC to get medically necessary care from public hospitals. 

Degree (bachelor’s and master’s) students studying in Germany are normally eligible for statutory health insurance, but there are certain exceptions to that. 

These are the students that cannot take statutory health insurance and must buy private insurance instead:

• Students over 30 years old;
• PhD students and researchers;
• Language and preparatory courses, and other non-regular degree programmes.

   4. Family Members (Dependents)

Under statutory health insurance, spouses and children are insured free of charge if their income is below €505 per month (or €538 for mini-jobbers).

Children are covered until:

• 18 years old, or 23 if unemployed.
• 25 years old if in education or voluntary service.
• Indefinitely if disabled before reaching adulthood.

Under private health insurance, dependents require separate insurance policies.

  5. Posted Workers

Employees sent to work in Germany by an EU employer for up to 2 years (posted workers) remain insured in their home country. They must carry:

• A1 form (proves they are still covered by home country insurance).
• S1 form (entitles you to receive medical care in Germany on the same terms as locals)

  6. Remote Workers

Remote workers are not automatically covered by Germany’s health insurance system.

• EU remote workers: Can use their EHIC but may need private insurance for additional coverage.
• Non-EU remote workers: Usually must take out private insurance unless eligible for voluntary statutory coverage.

    7. Au Pairs

• Au pairs who have an EHIC: Can obtain medically necessary care in public hospitals when staying temporarily in Germany by presenting their EHIC.
• Au pairs who do not have an EHIC: The host family must arrange private insurance.

   8. Digital Nomads & Individuals on Sabbatical

• Individuals who have an EHIC: Can obtain medically necessary care when staying temporarily in Germany by presenting their EHIC. Can get additional services with private insurance.
• Those staying in Germany short-term (under 6 months) can use private health insurance.
• Long-term residents must either voluntarily enroll in statutory health insurance (if eligible) or take out private health insurance.

Last updated on 29 March 2025