If you’re new to Germany and still finding your way, we can help you with one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Health insurance is a legal requirement. The insurance industry is government-regulated, with a number of providers offering very similar coverage plans. And that’s where Feather comes in. With a clear goal to provide “Honest, Simple Insurance,” our team of experts is on hand to help you find your feet. Read on for the information you need to know to feel a bit more settled in Germany today.
What is the statutory health insurance rate in Germany?
Currently, the public – or statutory as it’s otherwise known – health insurance rate is set at 14.6% and it’s the same across all public health insurers in Germany. With this, there are a few important things to note:
Is health insurance deducted from salary in Germany?
This contribution system is based on your gross yearly salary so the more you earn, the more you’ll pay. The key thing to factor in is that your employer pays 50% of this contribution. If you move jobs and your income increases, your monthly payment will be automatically adjusted to ensure you meet the total 14.6% contribution rate.
Additional contributions
Depending on your chosen provider, there may be an additional contribution required and it can vary from 1.2% to 1.9% of your overall earnings.
Long-term care insurance
Long-term care insurance is required, too, and adds up to a 3.05% contribution or 3.40% if you are over 23 and don’t have kids.
For more information on public health insurance, please consult our extensive FAQ section, or this comprehensive post on the statutory health insurance rate in Germany.
What is the difference between statutory and private health insurance?
German health insurance is provided publicly and privately, and employers pay the same contribution (50% of the standard contribution). The most important thing to note about private and public health insurance is this: public health insurance is partially funded by the German government; private insurance is funded by its members and functions independently of the government.
Both offer comprehensive coverage for those insured with them, but both have different eligibility factors that need to be considered.
Public health insurance or statutory health insurance
As mentioned above, this health insurance is funded by public health funds (Krankenkassen). Public health insurance will cover pre-existing conditions. For employed people your yearly pre-tax income is the deciding factor as to whether you’re eligible or not.
Would you like an instant quote for a public health insurance plan? Our intuitive tool can do that for you.
Private health insurance
In contrast to public health insurance, pre-existing conditions can make acquiring private insurance a little bit challenging. It can be considerably less expensive because it’s based on your age and overall health at the time of signup. Significant advantages to this kind of insurance include faster appointment times, and more comprehensive plans for more specialized patient care.
Would you like an instant quote for a private health insurance plan? Our intuitive tool can do that for you.
How do I get statutory/public health insurance in Germany?
The vast majority of people in Germany are eligible for public or statutory health insurance. With a few considerations to keep in mind:
- You must be a student under 30 years of age.
- You must be a salaried person under 55 years of age.
- You must be employed with a German company (If your company has an office in Germany or has a German tax accountant, you’re considered employed in Germany – we know it can be confusing in these remote-working times).
Currently, Feather partners with some of Germany’s most reputable providers, such as TK, AOK, DAK, and Barmer. And if you opt for this type of coverage, one of our insurance experts can help you sign up for public health insurance today.
If you would prefer to talk to someone right away, you can do that, too, via our support page.
How do I apply for private health insurance in Germany?
The first thing to do when considering private health insurance is to note the income threshold.
As of January 2023, only salaried people earning over €69,300 before tax per year are eligible for private health insurance. If you’re a full-time freelancer, you can choose private insurance, but your annual income should exceed €30,000 if under the age of 51. If you’re under the age of 51, your annual income may need to total €45,000. The important thing to remember is that whether or not you meet this threshold, there are options for you – options that we want to help you with.
It’s also important to note, that pre-existing conditions can make acquiring private insurance a little bit challenging.
If you do meet the threshold, there are a few important things to consider:
- How long have you been in Germany?
- How long are you planning on staying in Germany?
- Do you have any dependents?
- What is your current health status? For those with pre-existing medical conditions, it can be challenging to find private health insurance.
For the reasons listed above, we have compiled a self-assessment checklist that can help you establish what your insurance goals are. We know that the private insurance route can be complex to decipher and because of that, our simplified and digital-first tool can provide you with a recommendation today.
If you would prefer to talk to someone right away, you can do that, too, via our support page.
What if I don’t qualify for statutory or private health insurance?
If it’s the case that you don’t qualify for statutory or private health insurance, there are options for you, too.
Expat Health Insurance (which is sometimes called Incoming Insurance) is suitable for Students, Freelancers, Interns, those brand-new to Germany, and those seeking Visas. Anyone who earns less than €520 per month is eligible for this type of insurance. With plans beginning at €72 per month, they cover the essentials, such as accidents and emergencies, sudden illnesses, hospitalization, and more.
And, should your eligibility status change, you can upgrade your existing plan from Expat/Incoming to Public or Private, depending on your needs at that time.
Buying insurance on Feather
All about you, for you. Insurance is one of the most personal choices you can make and at Feather, we present plans with coverage that fit your lifestyle. We know that making your way through the necessary information can be daunting, so we’ve created tools to simplify this process:
We do the work
This intuitive tool will help you find your recommendation for a monthly price and provider today.
It’s free
Our partnerships with public health insurance-providers mean you can avail of our services without charge.
100% digital
The entire process is paper-free and conducted online. This means it’s simpler, quicker, and perfect for those new to Germany who may not have found their permanent base yet.
English-first
As expats, we’ve all been there so we know how daunting it can be to go through the insurance process in German. That’s why it’s carried out entirely in English.
Insurance involves more than health
At Feather, we take the holistic approach to insurance as we know it doesn’t begin and end with health coverage. Life happens and while you’re living it, we want to make sure you have total peace of mind. For that reason, we also provide additional Dental coverage, Personal Liability plans, Household Contents insurance, and more.
How can we help you today? To talk to someone now, simply send us a message or book a call with one of our insurance experts at a time that works best for you.
Still making up your mind? If so, you can read more from Feather on our blog or in our FAQ section.
