It is also difficult for Germans to find the right health insurance. Because with around 116 different statutory health insurance companies (GKV) and a comparable number of private health insurers (PKV) with different tariffs and services, it is easy to lose track.

For this reason, Easy to Germany has created the opportunity to make your selection easier.

What is statutory health insurance (GKV)?

The statutory health insurance companies (GKV) in Germany offer comprehensive health protection services. Medically necessary treatments are provided at a high level. This is ensured by an extensive catalog of health insurance services, which is constantly being expanded by doctors and health insurance representatives.

Every insured person has a statutory right to these benefits. In addition, health insurance companies offer interesting special services to further increase protection in the event of illness. These services are defined individually by each health insurance company in their statutes.

The statutory health insurance (GKV) is borne by the statutory health insurance companies, of which there are around 116. The funds carry out the tasks that the state assigns to them with regard to statutory health insurance. At the same time, this also means that the basic benefits of the health insurance companies are determined by the state.

What is private health insurance (PKV)?

Private health insurance companies (PKV) are private insurance companies that offer health insurance. In contrast to the statutory health insurance fund (GKV), the contract does not come into force by law, but through a contract under private law. Private health insurance companies usually offer better insurance protection at lower prices (not everyone can become a member of private health insurance) and/or special health insurance, for example for foreign students if they do not have the opportunity to be insured with a statutory health insurance company.

When can I take out private insurance?

Students who are new to Germany can decide whether they want private or statutory health insurance. However, it should be borne in mind that it is generally not possible to switch from private to statutory health insurance. However, there are exceptions that we would be happy to discuss with you individually.

Employees who are new to Germany and can prove an annual income of more than €62550 can also take out private insurance. Otherwise there is an obligation to take out statutory health insurance.

Tip for employees if you want to take out private health insurance:

People who have never had health insurance in Germany or Europe would have to have their state of health checked here in order for private health insurance to cover them.

Private full health insurance companies usually have cheap tariffs and better health insurance protection than statutory health insurance companies. >(Important: Before you decide on private full health insurance, you should contact us, because such health insurance does not make sense for everyone.)

However, if you are already legally insured in Germany, the process of switching to private health insurance is easier.

Can I cancel the health insurance?

If you have opted for statutory health insurance, you are insured with this health insurance for at least 18 months.

Exceptions:

You have a change of status (change of status could be, for example: change of employer, self-employment, etc.)

You earn more than the statutory contribution assessment limit (currently: more than 62,550 euros per year)

You are leaving Germany for an indefinite period

Important!

In principle, everyone has the freedom to choose their own health insurance.

Statutory health insurance companies offer additional voluntary benefits beyond the statutory framework, which mean financial and medical advantages. They also differ from individual contribution surcharges, which, on closer inspection, however, bring the insured more advantages than the health insurance contribution.

Therefore, you should take a close look at the different health insurance companies and calculate for yourself in order to choose the best insurance for you.