Unemployed after Employment: how Stays You in Germany Insured?

Three paths: (1) Arbeitslosengeld I — the Agentur für Arbeit pays 14.6% + Zusatzbeitrag to DAK-Gesundheit; (2) freiwillige Versicherung under § 9 SGB V (~€230/month); (3) private bridge via Care Expatriate from €58/month for expats with a valid Aufenthaltstitel.

§ 19 (2) SGB V grants 1 month of free cover through DAK-Gesundheit. After that, either ALG I takes over (agency pays contributions) or the ex-employee must file freiwillige Versicherung within 3 months to avoid gaps.

The agency directly pays 14. Arbeitsbescheinigung from the ex-employer, DAK-Gesundheit Mitgliedsbescheinigung, and the Antrag on Arbeitslosengeld I. 6% + Zusatzbeitrag to the Krankenkasse — no invoice for the unemployed person.

Yes for the ALG I duration (up to 12 months under § 20 (3) AufenthG). Care Expatriate (from €58/month) is the standard § 5 AufenthG bridge for expats not entitled to ALG I — accepted by every Ausländerbehörde.

Roughly €230/month in 2026 — 14.6% Beitragssatz + 2.5% Zusatzbeitrag applied to the fictional minimum income of €1,178.33/month + Pflegeversicherung. DAK-Gesundheit is the standard fund for foreigners with English service.

If you receive ALG I (unemployment benefit), the employment agency pays your health insurance contributions. Without ALG, you may need voluntary GKV membership. Learn more about health insurance during job search.

It depends on your residence permit. A Blue Card allows up to 3 months of unemployment in the first 2 years. Contact your local Ausländerbehörde immediately. See our guide on staying insured after termination.

The minimum contribution for voluntary GKV is approximately 210–220 €/month including long-term care insurance. Alternatively, an incoming insurance from 30 €/30 days can bridge the gap.