Health insurance for foreigners
Do you work or study in Germany and want to better understand the German health insurance system? Germany has a high-quality, reliable healthcare system. If you live, work, or study here, you're generally required to have health insurance - and it gives you strong protection in case of illniss.
Can expats get health insurance in Germany?
Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for statutory health insurance. With the SBK Expat Health Insurance Tool, you can quickly find out if you qualify. Just answer a few questions and get clarity in minutes.
Why choose SBK (Siemens-Betriebskrankenkasse)?
With over 100 years of experience, SBK give expats needs special attention. We offer:
We’re here to help you make the most of your start in Germany. Make a free consultation with our English-speaking experts to find a tariff that fits your needs.
Strong services and fair contributions
SBK offers you individual solutions from our portfolio of services, with a SBK consultant who can address all your concerns, requests and questions – especially in times when you need the peace of mind and can rest assured that someone who understands you and your needs is taking care of everything from A to Z.
Income-dependent contributions
The general applicable rate for statutory health insurance is currently 14.6% and the additional contribution for SBK is 3.8% – making 18.4% altogether. Of that, your employer pays half.
About social insurance in Germany
Germany’s social insurance system is one of the best in the world. It offers you and your family basic protection – for example, in case of illness, accident, unemployment, or in old age.
The system is built on a simple idea: solidarity and shared responsibility. Everyone contributes based on their income – and in return, you receive strong support when you need it most.
Social insurance includes health, pension, nursing care, accident, and unemployment insurance. Your contributions depend on how much you earn.
Health insurance is a key part of the social system. It ensures you have access to doctors, hospitals, and treatments across Germany – with costs covered directly by your insurance provider.
You’re free to choose your own insurer. There’s no medical check, and your age or income doesn’t affect your right to register.
If you take up a job in Germany, you’ll usually be automatically enrolled in the social insurance system. Your employer will register you for health, pension, accident, nursing care, and unemployment insurance.
These insurances are mandatory and provide strong protection. Your contributions are based on your salary, and your employer handles the payments.
If you earn up to € 73,800 per year, statutory insurance is required.
If you earn more than € 73,800, you can choose to stay in the public system as a voluntary member – and benefit from SBK’s full range of services. To do this, simply apply for voluntary insurance within three months of starting your job and give your SBK certificate to your employer.
More benefits with SBK
You benefit from our many years of experience in social insurance for expats, which we have built up through our worldwide support of the Siemens Group.
Of course, your family members are also in good hands with SBK. Your family members are usually covered free of charge under your insurance policy, and with SBK family insurance, they can enjoy the same high-quality insurance coverage and the full range of benefits and advantages offered by SBK.
Reward yourself with the SBK Bonus Scheme for your healthy lifestyle. Simply take part via Meine SBK app and receive a bonus for vaccinations, gym sessions and much more.
You benefit from quick and easy access to highly qualified specialists - with special services and innovative treatment methods that exceed legal requirements. You benefit from short waiting times and can also rely on us to cover the costs.
There are a number of important preventive medical checkups that you can take advantage of. This allows you to be sure that you are healthy or to take preventive measures at an early stage. Your health is very important to us, which is why we offer you a comprehensive package of preventive healthcare services.
