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Information about the German health insurance system

How does the German social security system work?

The German social insurance system offers comprehensive protection. It is there to help you in the event of unexpected situations such as unemployment, accident, or illness. It is based on the so-called solidarity principle. This means that every insuree contributes to the funding of the social insurance system depending on his or her (financial) capacity. Yet everyone insured receives the same benefits.

What is health insurance and why do I need it?

Health insurance is mandatory in Germany. This ensures that everyone gets the care they need if they fall ill. However, you have the freedom to choose your health insurance provider. As an employee, your employer will register you with your chosen provider when you start work. Your employer also calculates the amounts payable for health, long-term care, pension and unemployment insurance. Furthermore, it deducts the employee’s contribution from your salary, adds it to the employer's contribution and makes the payment.

Good to know: Around 90% of German residents have public health insurance.

In Germany, there is a distinction between statutory and private health insurance. If you earn up to 73,800 per year, you can only choose public health insurance. If you earn more than 73,800 per year, you can choose between public or private health insurance.

Benefits of public health insurance

What you pay depends on your income: Public health insurance costs a set percentage of your income. The less you earn, the less you pay. The contribution rate is capped at a maximum monthly income of 5,512.50 EUR. This means that even if you earn more than this amount, your contribution rate will not increase.

It’s simple and easy to use: All you have to do is show your eHealth card to your doctor, at the hospital or medical service provider to receive healthcare. This means you don't have to worry about reimbursements, deductibles or paperwork.

Free health care cover for your dependants: Public health insurance covers your children and your married partner if their regular monthly income does not exceed 535 EUR. Family members who earn up to 556 EUR a month may also be covered as dependants. Your children can be covered by your insurance until they are 23 years old, or 25 years old if they are studying. With private insurance, you pay separately for each person you cover.

Available to everyone: No health checks are required to become a member of TK. We provide cover for pre-existing conditions.

More information on the advantages of statutory health insurance