The 4 Cheapest Public Health Insurance Companies in Germany

Health insurance costs went up in 2025. 

Many public insurers have raised their additional premiums, and more increases are expected later this year.

So if you’ve seen a dent in your paycheck over the last couple of months, you’re not alone.

But the good news is: If you’re insured under the public system, you can switch providers after 12 months of membership. 

And, if you switch to one of the cheapest health insurance companies in Germany, you could save up to €100 or more each year.

Of course, cost isn’t everything. Service quality, app, and support in English also matter. 

But if your top priority is saving money (and you’re okay with German-first communication) these are the most affordable options this year.

And if you’re really looking to cut costs, you might consider switching to private health insurance (if you’re eligible). For healthy individuals, it can mean significantly lower premiums and better benefits.

Cheapest public health insurance companies in 2025:

These nationwide insurers offer the lowest total contribution rates in 2025. Costs are based on a gross annual income of €60,000 (employee and employer split the total 50/50).

Why are these public health insurance options cheaper?

The main reason is the Zusatzbeitrag—an additional contribution each insurer sets.

Germany’s base health insurance rate is fixed at 14.6%. Each public insurer adds its own extra percentage, which is where the price differences come from.

Some insurers, like BKK Firmus and HKK, keep their additional rates low. Others, like TK, offer more services and better digital tools, so they charge more to cover those extras.

Cost differences can also come from how insurers are run. Smaller or regional providers often have lower operating costs and pass those savings on to members.

Importantly, cheaper doesn’t mean worse coverage. All public insurers are required by law to offer the same “core” benefits. Overall, coverage is the same across all insurers, as the government tells these companies what they must include in their coverage. 

If you’re healthy and don’t use many extra services, choosing a lower-cost provider could be a smart way to save, without sacrificing essential coverage.

Most affordable public health insurance by state

Public insurance rates don’t change by region, but some insurers aren’t available everywhere. So, the most affordable provider can depend on where you live.

If you live in one of these states, the list above is your best bet:

• Berlin
• Brandenburg
• Baden-Württemberg
• Hesse
• Rhineland-Palatinate
• Saxony
• Thuringia
• Saarland

If you live elsewhere, here are your cheapest options:

North Rhine–Westphalia (E.g., Cologne, Düsseldorf, Essen)

• BKK firmus — 16.44%.
• HKK Krankenkasse — 16.79%.
• BKK Public — 16.90%.

Bavaria (E.g., Munich, Nuremberg, Augsburg)

• BKK firmus — 16.44%.
• BKK Faber-Castell & Partner — 16.78%.
• HKK Krankenkasse — 16.79%.

Lower Saxony (E.g., Hanover, Braunschweig, Oldenburg)

• BKK firmus — 16.44%.
• HKK Krankenkasse — 16.79%.
• BKK Public — 16.90%.

Hamburg

• BKK firmus — 16.44%.
• HKK Krankenkasse — 16.79%.
• BKK Public — 16.90%.

Schleswig–Holstein (E.g., Kiel, Lübeck, Flensburg)

• BKK firmus — 16.44%.
• HKK Krankenkasse — 16.79%.
• BKK exklusiv — 16.99%.

Saxony–Anhalt (E.g., Halle (Saale), Magdeburg, Dessau-Roßlau)

• BKK firmus — 16.44%.
• HKK Krankenkasse — 16.79%.
• BKK exklusiv — 16.99%.

Bremen

• BKK firmus — 16.44%.
• HKK Krankenkasse — 16.79%.
• BKK exklusiv — 16.99%.

Mecklenburg–Western Pomerania (E.g., Rostock, Schwerin, Neubrandenburg)

• BKK firmus — 16.44%.
• HKK Krankenkasse — 16.79%.
• BKK exklusiv — 16.99%.

What about private or expat insurance?

While switching public providers can save money, the most significant savings often come from switching to private or expat health insurance.

If you’re a freelancer

Good news—you can switch to private or expat insurance almost any time. There are a few legal conditions, but if your main job is freelance work, they are very easy to meet.

If you’re employed

You’re not eligible for expat insurance, but private insurance is an option if your annual earnings exceed the 2025 threshold of €73,800.

Private insurance is the most cost-effective alternative if you’re healthy. You’ll often get better service and lower monthly premiums than public options.

Need help figuring out if you’re eligible? Check your options here.

Conclusion

Let’s recap what we learned when it comes to the cheapest public health insurance companies in 2025:

• BKK Firmus and HKK Krankenkasse are solid picks if your priority is low cost.
• If you want English support, TK is the most reliable, and, even though it comes at a slightly higher rate, is still very affordable.