Step 03 · Health
Health insurance covers medical costs and is compulsory in Germany. Statutory health insurance (GKV) and comprehensive private health insurance (PKV) differ in access, contributions, billing and contractual benefits, so changing systems should be considered over the long term.
Diagnostics, treatment, medication or a hospital stay can generate high costs. Health insurance spreads this risk and provides access to medically necessary care.
GKV is based on solidarity and generally uses the benefits-in-kind principle.
In PKV, the selected plan and policy conditions define the benefits.
The choice is not unrestricted. Employment status, income and special statutory rules are among the decisive factors.
An employee’s regular annual remuneration exceeds the general JAEG in 2026. This does not by itself permit an immediate switch: the statutory timing requirements, including the threshold relevant to the following year where applicable, must first be met. Once compulsory GKV membership ends, the employee may remain voluntarily insured in GKV or consider a comprehensive PKV plan. Family circumstances, desired benefits, health, deductibles and long-term affordability all matter.
Illustrative example only — not personal advice and not a guarantee of cover, benefits or price.We consider more than the monthly contribution: benefits, conditions and the consequences of a long-term system decision belong together.
We put compulsory insurance, any right to choose and existing protection into context.
GKV options and contractual PKV benefits are presented clearly.
Co-insurance, separate premiums and foreseeable life changes are considered.
Health questions are organised fully and truthfully for a possible enquiry.
Premium, deductible, benefit limits and long-term affordability are reviewed together.
We remain available after a policy has been taken out if questions arise about cover or circumstances change.
Depending on insurance status and circumstances, selected additions or separate income protection may be relevant.
These answers are general guidance; each person’s insurance status must be checked separately.
A choice may exist for self-employed people, freelancers, civil servants and employees who meet the statutory income and timing requirements. The general JAEG for employees is EUR 77,400 per year as at 2026; for an exit at year-end, the following year’s threshold can also matter.
No. Suitability depends on status, family, health, the selected plan, contributions and long-term plans.
No. It only adds selected contractual benefits. The person remains in GKV and does not have comprehensive private health insurance.
The next page explains private supplementary policies and why they do not turn statutory cover into comprehensive private health insurance.
General information, last updated 31 August 2026. It does not replace personal advice. Insurance status, benefits and contributions are governed by law, status, application, policy schedule and conditions.
