Health Care in Germany

If you’re moving to Germany or starting a job here, one of the most important things to understand is the German health care system. It’s a bit different from public health systems in other countries – but once you understand the basics, it’s quite straightforward.

Germany has a universal health care system based on statutory public health insurance. It’s part of the wider social security system, which also includes nursing care insurance, pension insurance, and unemployment benefits.

Health care is not directly run by the state. Instead, it is managed by independent, non-profit statutory health insurance funds (Krankenkassen) in cooperation with doctors, hospitals, and other medical providers. The government defines the legal framework, but your care is organized through the fund you choose.

How to get health insurance

If you’re employed in Germany, your employer will register you automatically with the public social security system and deduct your contributions from your salary.

All statutory health insurance funds in Germany follow the same legal standards and must provide the same basic level of coverage. Tey are self-governing, non-profit organisations by law, and are legal entities under public law.

They are responsible for balancing the contributions of their members with the benefits they provide to them.

Since 1996 these restrictions governing the choice of fund no longer apply.

Your monthly contribution is based on your income, not your health status. This ensures fairness and equal access. Find out more about our contribution rates at SBK here. 

In addition to your health insurance, you are also automatically enrolled in nursing care insurance (Pflegeversicherung). This is required by law and managed by your health insurance provider. Find out more about our nursing care insurance with SBK here.

Your children and non-working spouse can be co-insured free of charge under your statutory health insurance – no need for separate policies. Get more information about family insurance at SBK.

Most medical services are covered directly – meaning you usually don’t need to pay upfront, such as doctor visits, hospital care, prescription medicines and physical therapy and rehabilitation services.

Insured persons are entitled to all benefits stipulated by German law. Access to these benefits is not geographically restricted within Germany, but there are differences between the benefit levels offered by individual health insurance funds.

All insured parties have access to all accredited health care providers. The main health providers are as follows:

Under statutory health insurance, you are free to choose your health care provider and hospitals. There are no regional restrictions.

Private health insurance is by law only available to people with a high income (above the legal threshold) or certain professions.

Private insurance: