Compare Private Health
Insurance in Germany
Thinking about switching to private health insurance? If you earn above 77,400 EUR per year (2026 threshold), work as a freelancer, or run your own business, you can choose PKV over public insurance.
Monthly costs depend on your age, your health and the tariff you choose. Only a personal quote gives you the figure.
Private Health Insurance at a Glance
Updated April 2026Who qualifies
- - Self-employed and freelancers
- - Employees above 77,400 EUR/year
- - Civil servants (Beamte)
- - Students (opt-out in first 3 months)
Typical costs
- - Premium depends on age, health, and tariff
- - Employer pays up to half, capped at 508.59 EUR/month in 2026 (§ 257 (2) SGB V)
Good to know
- - Hard to switch back after age 55
- - No free family coverage
- - Premium based on age, not income
- - Covers specialist and chief physician
Private Health Insurance Comparison
Request private health insurance (PKV) offers through our partner's form. The form is in German.
What to look for in a PKV plan
Not every plan works the same way. These are the factors that actually matter.
Deductible (Selbstbeteiligung)
A higher deductible usually means a lower monthly premium, but you pay more out of pocket when you visit a doctor. Compare both figures in each offer.
Hospital coverage
Most PKV plans include single or double rooms and treatment by the chief physician. If room upgrades are not important to you, a simpler hospital package costs less.
Dental coverage
This is where plans differ the most. Some cover 80-100% of dental work including implants. Others cap reimbursement at 50-60%. Check this before you sign anything.
Aging reserves (Alterungsruckstellungen)
German PKV insurers build reserves to limit premium increases as you get older. Ask about their track record. Some raise premiums 3-5% yearly, others keep increases below 2%.
Worldwide coverage
Most PKV plans cover treatment abroad for 1-6 months per year. If you travel frequently between Germany and your home country, this matters.
Not sure if PKV or public insurance is the better fit? Our expat health insurance guide walks through the differences step by step.
Who qualifies for private health insurance?
Self-employed and freelancers
If self-employment is your main occupation, you can choose PKV regardless of income. This applies to Freiberufler and Gewerbetreibende whose self-employment is their main occupation. Exception: self-employed artists and publicists are usually compulsorily insured through the Künstlersozialkasse (KSK) and can opt out only in specific cases.
Employees
Need to earn above the Jahresarbeitsentgeltgrenze (annual income threshold), which is 77,400 EUR in 2026. New hires above the threshold are exempt from the start. If you are already in GKV, the switch happens at the end of the calendar year, provided your pay also exceeds the threshold that applies for the following year.
Civil servants (Beamte)
Get Beihilfe from their employer, which covers 50-80% of medical costs. They only need to insure the remaining portion, making PKV much cheaper for this group.
Students
Can opt out of public insurance during their first three months in Germany. This decision is binding for the entire study period, so weigh it carefully.
Ready to apply? Our PKV fast approval guide walks you through the application process step by step.
Already settled in Germany and looking to optimize other finances? Compare loan offers from German banks or check your car insurance rates while you are at it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private health insurance in Germany
How do I switch from public to private health insurance in Germany?
If you are starting a job in Germany with regular annual pay above 77,400 EUR (2026), you are exempt from compulsory public insurance from the start and can choose private cover (§ 6 (1) no. 1 SGB V). If you are already compulsorily insured in GKV, that ends at the end of the calendar year in which your pay goes above the threshold, provided the pay also exceeds the threshold that applies for the following year (§ 6 (4) SGB V). Then contact PKV insurers directly or use a comparison tool.
What happens to my PKV premiums as I get older?
Premiums can increase over time, but German law requires insurers to build aging reserves that slow down these increases. On average, PKV premiums rise 2-4% per year. You can switch to a lower-cost tariff within the same insurer without losing your reserves or repeating health checks.
Can I return to public health insurance after choosing PKV?
It is possible but restricted. Employees under 55 can switch back by temporarily earning below the income threshold. After age 55, returning to public insurance is nearly impossible. Self-employed people can switch back by taking an employed position below the threshold.
Are pre-existing conditions a problem for PKV applications?
Insurers assess your health when you apply. Common conditions like allergies or controlled blood pressure usually result in small surcharges of 5-20%. Serious conditions may lead to exclusions for specific treatments. Always disclose everything honestly because hiding conditions can void your entire policy.
How does PKV work if I have children?
Each child needs their own PKV policy, and premiums are lower than for adults. For families with three or more children, public insurance is often cheaper because GKV covers children for free. Run the numbers for your specific situation.
Is dental treatment covered by private health insurance?
Yes, but coverage levels vary between 50% and 100% depending on the plan. Better dental coverage costs more per month. Most plans have a cap on reimbursement during the first few years (Zahnstaffel), typically covering 1,000-3,000 EUR in the first year and increasing annually.
Ready to compare?
PKV is a long-term decision. See what is available for your age, profession, and health profile. This guide is in English, the partner form is in German, and there is no obligation.
Still researching? Start with our health insurance overview or read the supplementary insurance guide if you want to keep public insurance but add extras.