What is private health insurance in Germany?
Germany operates a dual healthcare system: statutory health insurance (GKV) and private health insurance (PKV).
Private health insurance offers individually structured coverage based on your chosen tariff — not a standardized benefit catalog determined by law.
Key differences include:
- Premiums based on entry age and health, not income
- Contractual benefit guarantees that cannot be changed by legislation
- Aging reserves (Altersrückstellungen) that stabilize premiums long-term
- Direct access to specialists without referral
- Chief physician treatment and 1-/2-bed hospital rooms
Who can get private health insurance in Germany?
Employees
Employees must earn above the annual income threshold (JAEG) to qualify. For 2026, this threshold is €77,400 gross per year.
Self-employed & freelancers
Self-employed individuals and freelancers can choose private insurance regardless of income.
Civil servants
Civil servants (Beamte) receive state healthcare aid (Beihilfe) and typically only insure the remaining portion privately. Learn about Beihilfe-compatible insurance →
New arrivals
International professionals moving to Germany with a qualifying salary can enter private insurance from day one.
How much does private health insurance cost?
Private insurance premiums depend on three factors:
- Entry age — younger entry means lower premiums
- Health status — pre-existing conditions may affect pricing
- Coverage level — deductible, dental modules, hospital class
For a healthy 30-year-old professional, comprehensive ARAG coverage typically ranges from €500–€710 per month before the employer subsidy (including health, long-term care, sick pay, and the 10% statutory surcharge).
With the mandatory 50% employer contribution, the effective cost is often significantly lower than the maximum GKV contribution.
Benefits of private health insurance
Direct specialist access
No GP referral needed
Chief physician
Treatment by head of department
1-/2-bed rooms
Private hospital accommodation
Premium refunds
Cashback for claim-free years
Stable premiums
Aging reserves buffer increases
Tax advantages
Premiums are tax-deductible
Private vs. public health insurance
The core structural difference:
Public (GKV)
Income-based premiums, pay-as-you-go, standardized benefits, no capital accumulation
Private (PKV)
Risk-based premiums, capital-funded, contractual guarantees, aging reserves
How to switch to private health insurance
The process involves three structured steps:
- Eligibility verification — confirming your legal right to switch
- System comparison — mathematical analysis of GKV vs. PKV costs
- Tariff selection — choosing the optimal coverage structure
Professional guidance is essential because the decision affects decades of healthcare coverage.
Find out if you qualify
60-second eligibility check — no commitment required.