This is a complete guide to German private health insurance in 2025.
Today we’ll show you exactly how to:
Let’s get started.
Private health insurance in Germany, also known as PKV, is one of two healthcare systems in Germany. It covers about 10% of people in Germany. It’s mainly used by self-employed individuals, people with high incomes and civil servants.
Here is what you need to know:
In Germany, certain groups of people can choose private health insurance over the standard statutory health insurance. Here’s a breakdown of who can choose private insurance:
Let’s take a closer look at each of these…
This includes freelancers, business owners, and specific professionals like artists and publicists.
Technically, you can opt for private health insurance without any restrictions based on income. However, there is usually a minimum income requirement set by insurance companies. On average, this internal limit is set at €30,000 gross annually.
Private insurance for freelancers has lower fees than statutory insurance and offers better benefits.
Find out more with our guide to health insurance for freelancers and the self-employed in Germany.
Employees earning more than €73,800 annually (as of 2025) can switch to private insurance.
This option can be more affordable since private insurance premiums aren’t based on income (which is the case for public health insurance).
High-income employees also get a subsidy from their employer for private insurance, up to the maximum allowed for statutory (public) insurance, which is €422 per month in 2025.
Find out more with our guide to health insurance for expats in Germany.
Civil servants are partially covered by a government assistance program called “Beihilfe,” which pays for 50% of most health expenses. Private insurance can cover the rest of the health costs.
Civil servants and their children get particularly favorable rates. They also have the option to pause their insurance for a period with a guarantee that they can resume it later under the same conditions.
Students over 30 or in a non-state-accredited university are required to obtain either private health insurance or expat (incoming) health insurance.
If you wish to switch to private health insurance as a student, you must satisfy one of these criteria:
Private insurance for students is usually cheaper than for working individuals (thanks to special student rates) and provides better benefits than statutory (public) insurance.
Plus, students receiving BAföG (a type of educational aid) may get help with their health insurance costs, making it even more affordable.
Find out more with our guide to health insurance for students in Germany.
In private health insurance, each family member needs their own plan, unlike statutory (public) health insurance, where one plan covers the whole family. Plans for children are typically cheaper, especially until they turn 21.
The main advantage of private health insurance is that you can customize your coverage exactly as you want it. Here are some things you can choose to include in your contract:
Once you sign up, the services outlined in your contract are guaranteed for the entire duration of the contract. This means your insurance cannot change your coverage (unlike public insurance), but it also means you cannot easily add coverage later if it’s not already included, which could lead to increased costs.
According to the Association of Private Health Insurance, private health insurance costs an average of €529 monthly. Employers pay half of it, so you actually only pay €264.50. Self-employed people will have to pay for it themselves, though.
However, the price you pay for private health insurance varies based on several factors:
If you’re wondering how much your premiums might be, you can use our private health insurance cost calculator.
Private health insurance offers comprehensive benefits compared to other types of insurance, but it may not always be the ideal choice. Here’s a detailed look at its benefits and drawbacks:
We briefly mentioned the main pros and cons of private health insurance. Still, it’s important to note that whether or not private health insurance is the right choice always depends on a person’s lifestyle and situation.
Here is who we think should seriously consider getting privately insured:
Unlike employees, self-employed people must pay their health insurance contributions entirely out of their own pocket. Private health insurance is, therefore, often the more cost-effective option and also offers better benefits.
Students should stay on their parents’ family insurance for free if they qualify. However, if they are too old or earn too much, they need to get their own insurance and pay for it themselves. In this case, private health insurance or expat health insurance are the better alternative.
In the statutory health insurance system, contributions are based on income, so higher earners pay more. In contrast, private health insurance costs depend on the chosen services, making it often cheaper and more effective, especially since family members may not require separate contributions.
Private health insurance is often better than public insurance, especially for young people. Joining private insurance early helps build savings that can lower costs when you’re older. Younger people also usually have fewer health issues, making it easier for them to qualify for private insurance.
If you qualify for private health insurance, you can switch from public to private coverage. The usual notice period for leaving public health insurance is two months before the end of the month. However, if your annual income exceeds the legal limit (JAEG) for the first time, you can switch without notice.
Once you’ve chosen a private insurance plan, you need to apply by answering questions about your health. Our experts are available to assist you with this process. After your application is approved, you will receive a confirmation, which you must submit to your current insurer within the notice period for the cancellation to be valid. If the switch isn’t possible, you’ll stay with your current insurer.
Switch from public to private insurance
If you are under 55 years old and receive unemployment benefits, you will automatically be covered by statutory health insurance. To remain privately insured, you must apply for exemption from compulsory insurance. If you are over 55 years old, you will generally remain privately insured.
Generally, private health insurance covers treatment outside Germany as long as the treatment isn’t the main reason for traveling. Within Europe, there are usually no time limits for coverage. Many plans offer worldwide coverage for a certain period during travel, providing insurance outside Europe in emergencies.
However, since German fee schedules are used, there may be gaps in coverage. It’s often a good idea to have additional travel health insurance. Check your plan’s details to understand the exact coverage.
Yes, you can apply for private health insurance even with pre-existing conditions, but there are a few things to keep in mind:
Private health insurance doesn’t offer a single-family plan; you need to pay a separate premium for each person. This allows each family member to choose coverage that fits their specific needs. For example, couples can select different services based on their preferences.
Children’s private health insurance is relatively inexpensive, starting at about €100 per month, because it doesn’t include age-related provisions. Additionally, employers often cover 50% of the children’s premiums up to a certain limit.
As a private patient, you pay your doctor’s bills upfront and are usually reimbursed by your health insurance within a month. For hospital stays, you can use Feather’s digital health insurance card not to pay astronomic sums.
Disputes can arise if doctors charge for treatments not covered by insurance, leaving you to cover the costs. It’s important to verify your insurance coverage and discuss potential charges with your doctor before undergoing complex treatments.
Yes, you can deduct private health insurance contributions on your tax return. Enter them as “special” expenses in the pension expenses section (line 48). The maximum deductible amount is €1,900 for employees, retirees, and public officials and €2,800 for freelancers.
If your private health insurance application is denied, you have a few options to consider:
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