Obligatory health insurance in Germany: what do you need to know?
Health insurance is the cornerstone of the healthcare system in Germany.
If you work and earn more than €556 per month, you are required to have compulsory health insurance through one of the state health insurance funds (Krankenkasse). 📝 How to apply for health insurance? Choose a health insurance fund (e.g. AOK, TK, Barmer, etc.). All public health insurance funds offer similar basic services. Apply for membership — you can do this online or in person at a branch. Provide the following documents: passport, proof of residence, residence permit, proof of employment or proof of benefit recipient status. Inform your employer which health insurance fund you have chosen — they will transfer your contributions automatically. Obtain an insurance card, which you must have with you every time you visit a doctor. 💡 Tip: If you do not know how to apply for insurance, contact organisations for migrants or refugee assistance centres. They will help you choose a health insurance fund and fill out the documents. 🩺 What does insurance cover? Appointments with doctors, including dentists Basic vaccinations Medicines, psychotherapy Rehabilitation, preventive examinations Prostheses, crutches and other aids Sickness benefits 👨👩👧👦 Family insurance Your children under the age of 18 and your non-working spouse can be insured free of charge as family members. 💶 How much does it cost? Approximately 15% of your gross salary. Half is paid by your employer, the other half by you. Some costs (e.g. part of the cost of medication or hospitalisation) must be paid by you, but the amounts are limited: up to €10 for medication €10 per day in hospital (maximum €280 per year) 📄 Benefits and exemptions If your medical expenses exceed 2% of your annual income (1% for the chronically ill), you can obtain a certificate of exemption from additional payments. For recipients of benefits from the Jobcenter or Sozialamt in 2025, the limit is: €135.12 per year €67.56 for chronically ill persons 💡 Tip: If you do not know how to apply for insurance, contact organisations for migrants or refugee assistance centres. Bring documents confirming your status and health condition with you.