Fixed-Term Contract Ends: What to Do With Health Insurance in Germany

§ 19 (2) SGB V grants one month of free DAK-Gesundheit cover after the last working day (nachgehender Leistungsanspruch). If the next job doesn't start within 30 days, freiwillige Versicherung (~€230/month) or Arbeitslosengeld I automatically takes over.

No — the employer files the SV-Abmeldung under § 28a SGB IV. But you should register with the Agentur für Arbeit within 3 days of the notice to keep Arbeitslosengeld I entitlement (which includes GKV cover at 14.6% + Zusatzbeitrag paid by the agency).

Yes for up to 6 months under § 20 (3) AufenthG — the job-search phase. Care Expatriate (from €58/month) is the standard § 5 AufenthG bridge tariff for expats between fixed-term contracts and new employment.

Only if you registered as arbeitssuchend 3 months before the contract end (§ 38 SGB III). Otherwise a 1-week Sperrzeit applies. During ALG I the Agentur für Arbeit pays 14.6% + Zusatzbeitrag to DAK-Gesundheit — no gap in cover.

Only if you become self-employed or your next salary exceeds €77,400/year (JAEG 2026). Otherwise Care Expatriate (from €58/month) is a bridge only — GKV mandatory once new employment starts at 17.8% of gross with DAK-Gesundheit.

Your employer-based contributions stop, but your GKV membership continues for up to one month (mandatory continuation insurance). You should register as job-seeking and arrange follow-up insurance.

Yes — an incoming policy like Care Economy (from €30/30 days) provides instant coverage with a PDF certificate for authorities while you look for a new job or arrange your departure.

Yes — the Ausländerbehörde (immigration office) requires proof of health insurance for every residence permit extension. Without valid coverage, the extension may be denied.