Health Insurance When Changing Jobs: What Happens with Insurance and Proof in Germany?

Nothing changes if the switch is seamless — DAK-Gesundheit stays as your Krankenkasse and the new employer files the Sozialversicherungsnachweis under § 28a SGB IV within 6 weeks. Contributions remain 17.8% of gross, split 50/50.

No — but it is a good moment to check the 18-month binding period — after that, switching Krankenkassen (§ 175 SGB V) becomes free of charge. The new employer reports the change to the same Krankenkasse.

§ 19 (2) SGB V grants a one-month post-employment cover through DAK-Gesundheit. Not usually. If the gap is longer, freiwillige Versicherung (~€230/month) or Care Expatriate (from €58/month) closes it.

Only if the new gross salary exceeds the JAEG (€77,400 in 2026) for three consecutive years or you're a Beamte/self-employed. Otherwise Care Expatriate (from €58/month) works only as a bridge, not as GKV replacement.

HR files everything within 6 weeks under § 28a SGB IV — 17. The Sozialversicherungsausweis (SV-Nummer), tax ID, DAK-Gesundheit Mitgliedsbescheinigung and the previous Arbeitsbescheinigung. 8% of gross starts with the first payroll.

For gaps up to one month, your GKV coverage continues automatically. For longer gaps, an incoming policy like Care Economy (from €30/30 days) provides coverage and an instant PDF certificate for authorities.

Statutory health insurance contributions are approximately 17.8% of gross salary, split equally between employer and employee. The DAK-Gesundheit (unlimited duration) offers a Garantietarif that saves €120/year on top.