Germany
Germany is the EU's largest economy, offering an excellent infrastructure, a clear path to permanent residency for skilled professionals, and strong worker protections.
Healthcare in Germany — Expat Guide
All employees earning above the Versicherungspflichtgrenze (~€69,300/year in 2024) must enrol in a statutory health insurer (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung / GKV) within 3 months of residence. Contributions split 50/50 between employee and employer; total around 14.6% of gross salary plus a supplementary contribution (Zusatzbeitrag) averaging ~1.6%. Freelancers and self-employed persons pay the full contribution themselves and can choose between GKV and private insurance (PKV).
How to register for healthcare
All employees earning above the Versicherungspflichtgrenze (~€69,300/year in 2024) must enrol in a statutory health insurer (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung / GKV) within 3 months of residence. Contributions split 50/50 between employee and employer; total around 14.6% of gross salary plus a supplementary contribution (Zusatzbeitrag) averaging ~1.6%. Freelancers and self-employed persons pay the full contribution themselves and can choose between GKV and private insurance (PKV).
Public health insurers
AOK (Allgemeine Ortskrankenkasse)
largest public insurer, strong regional coverage
Techniker Krankenkasse (TK)
popular with professionals, strong English-language support
Barmer
large national insurer with digital services
DAK-Gesundheit
competitive supplementary contribution rates
IKK classic
often favoured by trade and craft workers
💰 Cost information
Co-payments for GKV-covered services capped at 2% of annual gross income (1% for chronically ill patients). Prescription charges: €5–€10 per medication. Dental: statutory coverage for basic treatments; private top-up insurance recommended for crowns/implants.
Emergency Numbers
Bridge insurance for new arrivals
There's often a gap between arriving in Germany and getting enrolled in the public health system. During this window, you need private cover.