Free PKV pre-check
Check whether PKV may fit — before comparing tariffs.
Private health insurance (PKV) in Germany is an alternative to statutory health insurance (GKV) for people whose employment or professional status allows a choice. Eligibility, family situation, health questions, benefits and long-term contributions must be reviewed together before any tariff comparison or application.
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- No health questions in this form
PKV explained directly
Private and public health insurance: what changes?
GKV and PKV follow different rules for eligibility, contributions, family members and benefits. The right comparison starts with your insurance status and household, not with a single monthly price.
| Criterion | Public insurance (GKV) | Private insurance (PKV) |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Compulsory or voluntary membership depends on statutory insurance status. | A choice may be possible for employees above the applicable earnings threshold, civil servants, self-employed people outside compulsory GKV and students in certain situations. |
| Contribution basis | Contributions generally follow assessable income up to the contribution ceiling. | Contributions depend on factors including the selected benefits, entry age and health assessment. |
| Family | Qualifying dependants may be covered without a separate contribution. | Each insured person normally needs an individual contract and contribution. |
| Benefits | Statutory benefits apply, with options for supplementary cover. | Contractual benefits depend on the selected tariff. |
| Returning to GKV | Membership follows the applicable statutory conditions. | A return requires a route into statutory insurance and depends on prior coverage; additional restrictions can apply from age 55. |
Official orientation: Federal Ministry of Health on GKV membership and the 2026 earnings threshold and section 6 SGB V on exemptions and age-related restrictions.
How much does private health insurance cost in Germany?
There is no universal monthly PKV price. The Federal Ministry of Health explains that premiums depend in particular on entry age, the health risk assessment and the agreed benefits. Family situation and long-term affordability also matter, so only a personal tariff calculation can provide a meaningful amount.
What should self-employed people and expats compare?
“Expat” is not a single insurance status. Employees, self-employed people, civil servants, students and jobseekers can face different rules. First clarify which system is available for your status; then compare family cover, benefits and long-term affordability. The German government portal Make it in Germany gives an English overview.
What the callback clarifies
- Check your employment and statutory insurance status.
- Review family circumstances and current cover.
- Discuss health assessment and long-term contribution factors.
- Decide whether a tariff comparison is a sensible next step.
Frequently asked questions
Who can consider private health insurance in Germany?
Employees above the applicable annual earnings threshold, civil servants, self-employed people who are not subject to compulsory statutory cover, and students in certain situations may be able to consider PKV. The individual insurance status must be checked.
Is private health insurance always cheaper than public insurance?
No. Contributions, benefits, family members and long-term affordability must be compared together. There is no generally cheaper option for every person.
Can I return from PKV to public health insurance?
A return depends on a new statutory insurance obligation and the previous insurance history. Additional legal restrictions can apply after age 55.
How does family status affect PKV?
Qualifying family members may be co-insured in GKV without a separate contribution, while each person in PKV normally needs an individual contract and contribution.
Does this callback form collect health information?
No. The form deliberately does not ask for diagnoses, treatments or other health information.
Short callback request
Five short steps to a personal pre-check.
Your answers help us prepare the first conversation. We deliberately do not ask for diagnoses, treatments or other health information here.
- Free and without obligation
- Reviewed as soon as possible on business days
- Only through the channel you approve