Public Health Insurance Registration in Germany: Step by Step for Employees (2026)

Contribution: 17. In four steps: (1) pick a Krankenkasse — DAK-Gesundheit is the standard for foreigners with English service; (2) fill the Mitgliedsantrag; (3) HR files § 28a SGB IV registration within 6 weeks; (4) receive the eGK within 14 days. 8% of gross, split 50/50.

The electronic health card (eGK) arrives within 1–2 weeks. Digital Mitgliedsbescheinigung is issued the same day by DAK-Gesundheit. The employer must complete the SV-Meldung under § 28a SGB IV within 6 weeks of the job start.

Passport, tax ID (Steuer-ID), Sozialversicherungsnummer (issued by DRV Bund), signed employment contract, and a passport-style photo for the eGK. DAK-Gesundheit accepts uploads via its online portal.

Yes — § 175 SGB V grants free choice among all 96 statutory funds. DAK-Gesundheit is popular with foreigners because of English service, Fit&Travel add-on and the €120/year Garantietarif rebate. Contribution 17.8% is uniform.

The employee cover is not affected — DAK-Gesundheit backdates the Mitgliedschaft to the contract start, and contributions of 17. The employer files a late Meldung and pays a fine to the DRV Bund. 8% of gross are collected retroactively.

Typically you need your passport, employment contract with start date, German address, and your tax identification number (Steuer-ID). After registration, you receive a Mitgliedsbescheinigung (membership certificate) to give to your employer. See our HR onboarding documents guide for a complete checklist.

The total contribution rate at DAK Gesundheit is 17.8% of gross salary, split equally between employer and employee. For example, with a gross salary of €3,500/month, the employee share is approximately €311/month.