- Health insurance is mandatory in Germany.
- Employees earning up to €77,400 a year in 2026 are in public insurance; the limit rises to €84,150 in 2027.
- The general rate is 14.6% plus each fund's additional rate; the average additional rate is 2.9% in 2027.
- Public insurance covers your spouse and children without income at no extra cost.
Health insurance is one of the first things your employer asks for. The choice between public and private looks small but has long term consequences, especially for families.
Public health insurance
Most employees are in public health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung). The contribution is a percentage of your gross salary up to a ceiling, shared between you and your employer. The general rate is 14.6%, plus an additional rate set by each fund. The Federal Ministry of Health set the average additional rate for 2027 at 2.9%, but each fund decides its own (Federal Ministry of Health, 30 October 2026).
A big advantage: your spouse and children without their own income are covered through family insurance at no extra cost.
Private health insurance
You can choose private insurance only if your salary is above the compulsory insurance limit: €77,400 a year in 2026, rising to €84,150 in 2027 under the figures the federal cabinet adopted on 7 October 2026 (German Pension Insurance). Private premiums depend on age and health, not salary, and each family member needs their own policy.
Insurance for the visa
For a work visa you usually need travel health insurance until your job starts, then you join your employer's insurance. Check the exact requirement with your German mission.
How I would choose
- Start with public insurance if you have a family. Family insurance is a big benefit.
- Think long term before going private. Private premiums usually rise with age.
- Compare additional rates. Funds charge different additional rates.
- Ask your employer. HR can tell you how they register you.
Common questions
Is health insurance mandatory in Germany?
Yes, for everyone living in Germany.
Can I choose private insurance as a new employee?
Only if your salary is above the limit: €77,400 in 2026 and €84,150 in 2027.
Does public insurance cover my family?
Yes, family members without their own income can be covered at no extra cost.
Sources
I moved to Germany for my master's, collected more than 1,000 rejections, and then got multiple job offers within six months. I work in digital marketing in Germany and help international professionals get hired in Europe. Read my story.
