Probation Period in Germany: Does Anything Change for Your Health Insurance?

No. § 186 SGB V ties GKV membership to the contract start, not to the end of probation. DAK-Gesundheit (17.8% of gross, split 50/50) stays active from day one — even if the employer terminates within the 6-month Probezeit.

§ 19 (2) SGB V grants a one-month nachgehender Leistungsanspruch through DAK-Gesundheit at no cost. After that, freiwillige Versicherung (~€230/month), ALG I, or Care Expatriate from €58/month bridge the gap.

Yes, but the 18-month Bindungsfrist under § 175 SGB V still applies. Once served, a switch (Sonderkündigungsrecht triggers earlier if the Zusatzbeitrag rises) takes 2 months to become effective.

Yes — § 82 AufenthG requires continuous insurance proof only. As long as DAK-Gesundheit membership persists or Care Expatriate (from €58/month) bridges a termination, the residence permit remains valid under § 18a AufenthG.

Yes, but only from the 43rd sick day. Days 1–42 are covered by the employer's Lohnfortzahlung (100% of gross). From day 43, DAK-Gesundheit pays 70% of gross (max €120.75/day in 2026) for up to 78 weeks under § 44 SGB V.

No — your statutory health insurance (GKV) coverage starts on day one and remains unchanged throughout the probation period. The probation period is an employment law concept, not an insurance concept.

Your GKV membership continues for up to one month after employment ends. You should register as unemployed or arrange follow-up insurance. An incoming policy like Care Economy (from €30/30 days) covers any gap with an instant PDF certificate.

The contribution is approximately 17.8 % of your gross salary, split equally between you and your employer (8.9 % each). This rate applies from day one — regardless of probation status. A DAK-Gesundheit membership covers you with full statutory benefits.