The German health system offers broad basic care. If you want more than the standards of statutory health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung, GKV), you can switch to private health insurance (private Krankenversicherung, PKV). In many areas the PKV gives policyholders clearly better benefits, from choice of doctor to dentures to hospital care.
Private health insurance is open to employees earning above the compulsory insurance threshold (Versicherungspflichtgrenze), the self-employed, freelancers and civil servants. Unlike in the GKV, PKV policyholders do not pay income-based contributions but risk-based premiums: the younger and healthier you are when you join, the lower the premium.
The difference in benefits compared with the GKV is substantial in many areas. Typical advantages include treatment by the chief physician in hospital, free choice of doctor without a referral, better cover for dental treatment and vision aids, a single room in hospital and shorter waiting times for specialists. You also get individual tariff design and the option to put together modules to suit your own needs.
A long-term view matters with the PKV: premiums rise with age, so paying into ageing reserves (Altersrückstellungen) early is important. You should also consider from the start which tariffs will still be affordable in old age.
We advise you in detail on the pros and cons of private health insurance and find the tariff that fits your health needs and long-term goals.
PKV Benefits
Outpatient treatment: Up to 100% for doctor visits, medication, alternative treatment methods, non-medical practitioners (Heilpraktiker) and psychotherapy.
Inpatient treatment: 100% for hospital stays, chosen doctors and attending doctors, single or double rooms depending on the tariff.
Dental benefits: Up to 100% for dental treatment, prevention, dentures, implants and orthodontics.
Cover abroad: Unlimited across the EU, up to 12 months outside Europe. 24-hour telephone service, interpreter service, medically necessary repatriation.
Exclusive services: Medication delivery service (free of charge), patient companion, coaching programmes (airways, blood pressure, heart, diabetes, pain, mental health).
Who can insure? Employees from 77,400 euros annual income, all self-employed people and freelancers, civil servants, doctors, students (OptionFlexiMed), pensioners.
Premium calculation: Based on entry age, health condition and scope of cover, not on income.
Ageing reserves: A statutory 10% surcharge on the monthly premium between ages 21 and 60, used from age 65 to cushion premiums.
PKV Tips
The younger you are when you join, the cheaper your lifelong premiums.
Use the excess strategically: a higher excess lowers the premium. It makes sense if you rarely see a doctor.
Maximise premium refunds: Use BonusCheck Online in Meine Allianz. From year 3 without claims, you pay only 20% of the premium (with employer contribution).
Submit invoices strategically: Online through the health app. Hospital invoices are often billed directly with your insurance card.
Use the anwartschaft option during parental leave: Choose a premium waiver instead of cancelling.
Add-on modules: Care supplement and daily sickness allowance (Krankentagegeld) are a useful addition to full cover.
