Get health insurance

Health insurance is mandatory in Germany. Most employees join public insurance (GKV); high earners and the self-employed can choose private (PKV). You need it for your residence permit and your employer needs proof.

1. 1Choose public (GKV) or private (PKV)

   Employees under the income threshold (~€73k/year, 2026) must join GKV — the big funds (TK, AOK, Barmer) differ little in price and all cover the essentials, with English service at the large ones. Above the threshold or self-employed you may pick PKV, but switching back is hard.

   Official source

2. 2Register and send proof to your employer

   Apply online with the fund of your choice (passport + employment contract). The fund informs your employer electronically; your eGK insurance card arrives by post in 1–2 weeks.

   Passport · Employment contract

   Official source

Procedures vary by city and office and can change. This is general information, not legal advice — always check the official source.