PKV for Civil Servants in Germany 2026
The Beihilfe Guide
Private health insurance (PKV) for civil servants in Germany pairs with Beihilfe, the state allowance that pays 50–80% of medical costs. You only insure the rest, usually 30–50%. Compare verified tariffs below in two minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Beihilfe pays 50% (active civil servants), 70% (with 2+ children or as pensioner), or 80% (children) of qualifying costs, per Bundesbeihilfeverordnung §46.
- PKV insures the remaining share. A 30-year-old with 50% Beihilfe typically pays €270–€310/month for a basic to premium tariff (exemplary, Stand 2026).
- Civil servants are not bound by the GKV income threshold. You can switch to PKV at any time; most do at the start of service for lower age-based premiums.
- Beihilfe rates differ slightly between the federal level and individual Bundesländer. Check the rules of the state that employs you before choosing a tariff.
Compare Civil Servant PKV
Find the best Beihilfe tariff for your situation
How Beihilfe + PKV Works for Civil Servants
In Germany, civil servants (Beamte) sit outside the regular employer-employee insurance system. Instead of receiving an employer subsidy toward GKV (public health insurance), they get Beihilfe, a direct allowance from their employer that reimburses a fixed share of medical, hospital, and dental costs.
Because Beihilfe covers most of the bill, you only need to insure the rest. That is what PKV (private Krankenversicherung) does for civil servants. The combination is usually cheaper than full GKV without the employer subsidy, which is why most Beamte choose PKV.
The default federal Beihilfe rates are set in the Bundesbeihilfeverordnung (BBhV). State civil servants follow their own Bundesland rules, which mostly mirror federal rates with small differences. The independent finance guide Finanztip and Verbraucherzentrale both publish updated overviews if you want a second opinion before choosing a tariff.
Civil Servant PKV Tariffs Compared 2026
Debeka Beihilfe A1
from €280/month*
- Stable premium development
- Comprehensive Beihilfe top-up
- Well-known among civil servants
Signal Iduna Civil Servant
from €295/month*
- Strong dental coverage
- Flexible deductible options
- Established service network
Continentale BC
from €270/month*
- Affordable trainee rates
- Built-in age reserves
- Alternative medicine benefits
Allianz Beihilfe
from €310/month*
- Worldwide coverage
- Premium benefits
- Digital claims app
* Exemplary monthly premiums for a 30-year-old civil servant with 50% Beihilfe (Stand 5 May 2026). Individual prices vary by age, health declaration, and chosen benefits. Always confirm the current rate with the insurer.
Why Most Civil Servants Choose PKV
Lower Out-of-Pocket Cost
With Beihilfe covering 50–80%, civil servants only pay PKV for the rest. GKV without an employer subsidy can cost notably more out of pocket.
Tailored Benefits
Many PKV tariffs include single rooms, chief physician treatment, broader dental, and quicker specialist appointments.
Simple Claims Flow
Submit invoices to Beihilfe and PKV, and both reimburse their share. Most insurers offer a digital app that handles this within days.
Beihilfe Rates by Status
| Status | Beihilfe | PKV Share |
|---|---|---|
| Active civil servants (no children) | 50% | 50% |
| Active civil servants (2+ children) | 70% | 30% |
| Pensioners (Pensionäre) | 70% | 30% |
| Spouses (no own income) | 70% | 30% |
| Children (up to age 25) | 80% | 20% |
Source: Bundesbeihilfeverordnung (BBhV §46), federal level. State civil servants are governed by their Bundesland rules. Individual situations may vary.
Beihilfe Rates by Bundesland
Each Bundesland sets the Beihilfe rules for its own civil servants. The headline rates are mostly identical to the federal level (50% / 70% / 70% for active / pensioner / with children), but there are small differences in dependent rules, dental coverage, and reimbursement caps. Check your state's regulation before choosing a tariff.
| Bundesland | Active | With 2+ Children | Pensioner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal (Bund) | 50% | 70% | 70% |
| Bayern | 50% | 70% | 70% |
| Baden-Württemberg | 50% | 70% | 70% |
| Nordrhein-Westfalen | 50% | 70% | 70% |
| Hessen | 50% | 70% | 70% |
| Berlin | 50% | 70% | 70% |
| Hamburg | 50% | 70% | 70% |
Headline rates only. Each state has its own Beihilfeverordnung that defines specific reimbursement rules, caps, and dependent eligibility. Confirm details with your employer's HR or your state's BMI/BMG resource.
For Beamtenanwärter (Civil Servant Trainees)
If you are in the preparatory service (Vorbereitungsdienst) before becoming a permanent civil servant, you are still beihilfeberechtigt. Most insurers offer a dedicated trainee tariff (Anwärtertarif) that costs notably less than a regular civil servant rate, often under €100 per month.
Joining PKV during training has two practical benefits. First, you lock in a low premium based on your current age and health. Second, the move from trainee tariff to full tariff at the end of service usually does not require a new health declaration, which means pre-existing conditions developed during training don't lead to surcharges.
Looking for a trainee-specific tariff? See our guide to PKV for Beamtenanwärter with immediate coverage or compare a regular tariff first via the widget above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PKV for civil servants in Germany?
Private health insurance (PKV) for civil servants is coverage that pairs with Beihilfe, the government allowance that pays part of your medical costs. As a Beamter you only insure the share Beihilfe doesn't cover, usually 30–50%. The framework is set by the Bundesbeihilfeverordnung (BBhV).
How much does PKV cost for a civil servant in 2026?
Costs depend on your age, Beihilfe rate, and chosen benefits. As an example, a 30-year-old civil servant with 50% Beihilfe pays roughly €270–€310 per month for a basic to premium tariff (Stand 2026). Trainees often pay under €100. Individual prices vary, so use the comparison tool above for a verified quote.
What is Beihilfe and how does it work?
Beihilfe is a government allowance for civil servants and their dependents. It reimburses part of medical, hospital, and dental costs: typically 50% for active civil servants, 70% with two or more children or as a pensioner, and 80% for children. Federal rates are set in the Bundesbeihilfeverordnung (BBhV §46), and each Bundesland has its own rules for state civil servants.
Can I switch from GKV to PKV as a civil servant?
Yes. Civil servants can leave public health insurance (GKV) for PKV at any time. They are not bound by the GKV income threshold that applies to regular employees. Most switch at the start of service to lock in lower age-based premiums. Compare offers above to see your options.
Is PKV mandatory for civil servants?
No. You can stay in GKV — but civil servants don't get the employer subsidy that regular employees receive, so GKV usually costs more out of pocket than PKV with Beihilfe. That is why most Beamte choose PKV.
What happens to my PKV when I retire?
When you become a pensioner (Pensionär), your Beihilfe rate usually rises to 70%, so the share you pay through PKV drops. Your PKV contract continues. Insurers build age reserves (Altersrückstellungen) during your working years to help keep premiums stable in retirement.
Can my spouse and children also get PKV with Beihilfe?
Yes. Spouses without their own income are usually beihilfeberechtigt at 70%. Children are eligible for 80% Beihilfe up to age 25 (or longer with disability). Each family member needs a separate PKV contract for the share Beihilfe doesn't cover.
Which PKV is best for civil servants?
There is no single best tariff. The right choice depends on your Beihilfe rate, family situation, age, and the benefits you want (single room, dental, alternative medicine). Insurers like Debeka, Signal Iduna, Continentale, and Allianz have established civil servant tariffs. Compare verified offers in 2 minutes above.
Compare Civil Servant PKV Now
Find a verified Beihilfe tariff that fits your situation
Also useful: PKV premium increase 2026 · PKV with immediate coverage