Important!

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

Puplic 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.

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 puplic health insurance (GKV) is borne by the puplic health insurance companies, of which there are around 116. The funds carry out the tasks that the state assigns to them with regard to puplic 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 puplic 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 coverage at lower prices, but not everyone can insure themselves privately.

How is the contribution calculated in private health insurance?

The amount of the insurance premium in private health insurance is largely based on the following three factors:

1. State of health of the insured
2. Age of Insured
3. Scope of the tariff

An example: someone who is young, enjoys the best of health and wants an entry-level tariff generally pays less insurance premiums than a middle-aged insured person in a tariff with premium benefits.

When can I take out private insurance?

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

The self-employed or freelancers can also take out private health insurance.

Private full health insurance companies usually have cheap tariffs and better health insurance protection than puplic 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.)

Can I switch back to puplic health insurance?

A quick and easy change to a puplic health insurance company (GKV) is not possible, but there are possibilities.

1. Employees have the option of switching back to puplic health insurance if their gross annual income falls below €62550.00 - the equivalent of €5212.50 gross per month (as of 2020).

2. The self-employed must give up their self-employment and switch to permanent employment before they can be legally insured. Important: Here, however, the annual income limit must also be observed and must not exceed the contribution assessment limit. Likewise, if you are older than 55 years, you can no longer change.

3. Civil servants are generally excluded from switching back to puplic health insurance

Does private health insurance make sense for me?

Private health insurance (PKV) makes sense for high-earning employees, the self-employed, freelancers and civil servants. Especially if you value high-quality care in the event of illness.

It is important, however, that it does not make sense for everyone to insure themselves privately, because there are also disadvantages.

Can I cancel the health insurance?

If you have opted for puplic health insurance, you are insured with this health insurance for at least 12 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 €62550.00 per year)