Expat Insurance in Germany: Compare Health & Income Plans

Why private cover in Germany

The complexity of Germany's insurance system

Germany's Krankenversicherungspflicht makes health insurance mandatory for all residents — but the choice between GKV and PKV is complex, consequential, and easy to get wrong.

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GKV vs PKV complexity

Germany's mandatory health insurance system forces a choice between statutory (GKV) and private (PKV) insurance — a decision that depends on your income, employment status, and nationality. Getting it wrong can be costly.

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Freelancer income protection gap

Germany's Krankenversicherungspflicht requires health insurance, but income protection for selbstständige (self-employed) workers is largely unregulated and under-purchased. A long illness can be financially devastating without cover.

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PKV exclusions and gaps

Private PKV plans can exclude pre-existing conditions, have high deductibles, and escalate premiums with age. Supplementary and international cover helps bridge these gaps.

Coverage types

What we help you compare

From day-to-day health care to long-term income protection — find the right cover for your life in Germany.

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Health Insurance

International and supplementary plans for Freiberufler and Selbstständige — compliant with Krankenversicherungspflicht requirements.

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Life Insurance

Protect your family's financial future with term or whole-of-life cover from EU-regulated providers.

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Income Protection

Essential for Selbstständige — replaces a portion of your income if illness or injury stops you working, from day one.

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Travel Insurance

Annual multi-trip plans for expats who travel frequently across Europe and beyond.

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Business Insurance

Professional liability, key person cover and group health plans for freelancers and small businesses in Germany.

How it works

Three steps to the right cover

Tell us your situation

Answer a few questions about your residency status, family situation, employment type and the cover you need. Takes under 3 minutes.

We match you to providers

Valenvia compares plans from Cigna Global, AXA International, Allianz Care, April International, SafetyWing and more — filtered for your German residency.

Choose and get covered

Review your personalised shortlist, ask questions, and get covered — fully online, at no cost to you. We're paid by the insurers, not you.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Germany's Krankenversicherungspflicht makes health insurance compulsory for all residents. If you are employed and earn below the Versicherungspflichtgrenze (around €69,300/year in 2024), you must join the statutory system (GKV). Higher earners and the self-employed can choose between GKV and private health insurance (PKV). Proof of coverage is required to register your address and obtain a residence permit.

In most cases, yes — if you are employed in Germany and earning below the income threshold. GKV contributions are income-based (around 14.6% split between employer and employee). Freelancers and self-employed workers are generally not eligible for GKV and must take out PKV or an approved international plan. Some exceptions apply for artists and journalists via the Künstlersozialkasse (KSK).

GKV (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) is the statutory system — income-based premiums, broad family coverage, but standardised benefits. PKV (private Krankenversicherung) is risk-based — premiums depend on age and health at entry, but you get faster specialist access, private hospital rooms, and broader coverage. PKV can be cheaper when young and healthy, but premiums rise significantly with age. Switching from PKV back to GKV is very difficult once you're over 55.

PKV costs depend heavily on age, health history, and chosen deductible. A healthy 30-year-old might pay €250–€400/month for comprehensive PKV. International expat plans (IPMI) from Cigna, AXA or Allianz start from around €150–€350/month and may be recognised as GKV-equivalent coverage for visa purposes. Always verify with the Ausländerbehörde before committing to an international plan.

For Selbstständige (self-employed) and Freiberufler (freelancers), income protection is strongly recommended. Unlike employed workers, you have no employer sick pay and limited state support. Germany's Erwerbsminderungsrente (disability pension) only pays after a lengthy qualification period and often at a very low level. A private Berufsunfähigkeitsversicherung (BU) or international income protection policy can replace 60–80% of your income from day one.

Expat Insurance in Germany 🇩🇪