Whether to choose statutory health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung, GKV) or private health insurance (private Krankenversicherung, PKV) is one of the most far-reaching insurance decisions in Germany. A wrong choice can mean years of excessive contributions or inadequate cover. This guide explains both systems in plain terms.
GKV: statutory health insurance
The GKV is a solidarity-based system: Everyone pays in according to their ability, regardless of individual risk.
- Contribution: about 14.6% of gross salary plus a fund-specific additional contribution, paid half by the employer and half by the employee
- Family insurance (Familienversicherung): Spouses without income and children are insured at no extra cost.
- Free choice of fund: AOK, TK, Barmer, DAK and many more
- Contribution falls automatically if salary drops
- Standard benefits for all members; co-payments apply for certain services
Who is the GKV suitable for?
- Employees with a salary below the JAEG (Jahresarbeitsentgeltgrenze; 2026: €77,400 gross a year)
- Families with non-working partners and children
- People who prefer long-term stability of contributions
- People who will stay in Germany only for the medium term
PKV: private health insurance
The PKV is an individual system: Contributions depend on entry age, health status and the chosen tariff.
- Younger, healthier members benefit from low starting contributions
- Benefits are often broader: chief physician treatment, single room, access to private practices
- Family members must be insured separately and each member pays their own contribution
- Contribution stays constant even if salary falls
- In old age, contributions can rise substantially
Who is the PKV suitable for?
- High earners above the JAEG
- Self-employed people and freelancers
- Civil servants (Beamte) (especially advantageous thanks to Beihilfe, the public employer's share of medical costs)
- Singles without children who value a high level of comfort in the healthcare system
GKV vs. PKV compared
Criterion | GKV | PKV |
|---|---|---|
Contribution calculation | Salary-based | Age- and risk-based |
Family insurance | Free of charge | Contribution payable per person |
Benefits | Standard | Extended |
Return to the GKV | If income falls below the JAEG | Difficult, subject to conditions |
Contribution trend | Stable | Rises with age |
Switching between the GKV and the PKV
A switch from the GKV to the PKV is possible if your salary stays above the JAEG for three years in a row. Returning to the GKV is much harder and usually possible only if your salary falls below the JAEG or in certain life situations.
The decision should be made for the long term and not for short-term reasons.
Which fund is the right one?
Even within the GKV, funds differ considerably in extra benefits, additional contributions and service. In the PKV, comparing tariffs is even more important.
As insurance advisers, we know both systems from daily practice. We advise you in Turkish, German and English individually and transparently. Together we analyse your personal situation and find the right solution.
For a free first consultation you can reach us via WhatsApp or the contact form. The first conversation is non-binding.