Healthcare System Germany: How Health Insurance Works for Foreigners (2026)

€193 VVG makes cover mandatory: employees join GKV (14.6% + Zusatzbeitrag, ~17.8% gross split 50/50), private (Incoming) starts from €30/30 days via Care Economy — overview.

No — GKV is contribution-based (~8.9% employee share up to €77,400/year JVEG 2026); doctor visits show no bill but insurance is compulsory under § 5 SGB V.

Employees under the JVEG €77,400/year must join GKV; above JVEG, students over 30, freelancers and retirees can pick private — Care Expatriate from €58/month.

GKV via eGK card, and every German-licensed Incoming insurer (Care Economy, Care Expatriate, Care Visa Protect from €0.85/day) — Care Visa Protect.

No 90-day cap, no exclusion of routine care after arrival, German-issued PDF certificate — accepted by the Ausländerbehörde under § 5 AufenthG.

GKV (statutory) is income-based and mandatory for most employees. PKV (private) offers individual plans based on age and health. For incoming foreigners, Care Economy (from 30 EUR/30 days) provides flexible coverage during transition periods.

Yes, for most visa types you need proof of insurance at application. For Schengen visas, a travel insurance with min. 30,000 EUR coverage is required. For long-term stays, consider Care Expatriate (from 58 EUR/month, up to 5 years).

If you earn below the social insurance threshold (73,800 EUR/year in 2026), you must join statutory insurance (GKV). Your employer registers you. For details, see DAK-Gesundheit for employees.