Working in Germany: What the Employer Requires as Health Insurance Proof

DAK-Gesundheit (statutory rate 17. German employers require a health insurance membership certificate (Mitgliedsbescheinigung) with the fund name and member number, plus the social security number. Foreign employees also submit proof of work permit. 8% of gross salary, split evenly with the employer) provides online enrolment and a provisional certificate immediately.

For the transition before the job starts, Care Economy (from €30 per 30 days for ages 0–49) provides temporary cover until the GKV enrolment is active. No — social security registration requires proof of German statutory insurance (GKV) or a formal PKV exemption. Without it, the employer cannot complete the Anmeldung.

The electronic health card (elektronische Gesundheitskarte) arrives by post within 1–2 weeks after enrolment. Until then, a provisional certificate is valid for doctor visits. DAK-Gesundheit offers online enrolment with an instant provisional confirmation, so HR can complete the Anmeldung the same day.

A GKV membership certificate (Mitgliedsbescheinigung) from a statutory fund (e.g. DAK-Gesundheit) if the salary is under the JVEG 2026 threshold of €77,400/year — contributions are 17.8% of gross, split 8.9% / 8.9% under § 249 SGB V. Above JVEG, PKV proof is accepted. See /en/insurance-plans/dak-angestellte/overview/.

Within 14 days of first payroll under § 5(1)(1) SGB V, once salary ≥ €556.01/month (Geringfügigkeitsgrenze 2026). Employer registers you automatically via DEÜV-Meldung. Details on /en/insurance-plans/dak-angestellte/overview/.