Health System

German cities have close-knit networks of general practitioners, specialists, and dentists. Top medical experts treat patients in both university clinics and specialized clinics. This comprehensive care is made possible by a separate insurance system. Almost every resident in Germany is a member of a public or private healthcare scheme.

Employees below the income threshold for compulsory insurance - which is currently set at EUR 4,162.50 per month - must be insured with one of the public health insurance companies (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung - GKV). Foreign employees and students may also be obliged to take out this insurance subject to their status and the requirements of the host organization.

The basic flat health insurance contribution rate amounts to 14% of the employee's gross income. In addition to the basic flat contribution rates shared equally between employer and employee, an additional 0.9% are paid by the employee only.

The advantage of public health insurance for employees is that family members without their own income, such as spouse and children, are also insured free of charge.

For more information, please also refer to our chapter on the German social security system.

Anyone who earns more than EUR 4,162.50 per month or is self-employed can choose private health insurance (Private Krankenversicherung - PKV). The premiums for private health insurance are based on the personal risk profile of the policy holder, and are therefore lower for younger people and increase as the policy holder gets older.