What is the difference between GKV and PKV?

GKV (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) is the public system: contributions are income-based, your dependants can be covered for free, and switching is straightforward. PKV (private Krankenversicherung) is income-independent: premiums are based on age and health at sign-up, can be cheaper when young and healthy, but increase significantly as you age. Employees earning above €77,400/year (2026) can choose. Below that threshold, GKV is mandatory.

Can I choose which GKV provider (Krankenkasse) I use?

Yes. The major ones are TK (Techniker Krankenkasse), AOK, Barmer, DAK, and around 90 others. The base rate (14.6%) is identical across all of them. The only difference is the Zusatzbeitrag: the additional rate each provider sets independently. TK is currently one of the cheapest. Service quality and app experience varies; expats often prefer TK or Barmer for English support.

What happens to my KV if I lose my job?

You remain covered through the public system. If you receive Arbeitslosengeld (unemployment benefit), the Agentur für Arbeit pays your contributions. If not receiving benefits, you can remain voluntarily insured (freiwillig versichert), but you pay the full rate yourself, similar to self-employed contributions.

I'm covered by my employer's private insurance in my home country. Do I still need German KV?

In most cases, yes. German law requires all employees to have German health coverage. Foreign private insurance is generally not accepted as a substitute unless you have a specific exemption (common for posted workers on short-term assignments). Check with your employer's HR and the relevant Krankenkasse.

What is Pflegeversicherung and why is it separate?

Pflegeversicherung (PV) is long-term care insurance: it funds residential and home nursing care if you need it later in life. It's legally separate from health insurance but collected at the same time. The total rate in 2026 is 3.6% of gross, split equally between you and your employer, so you pay 1.8%. If you are over 23 and have no children, you also pay a 0.6% surcharge alone, so your share is 2.4%. You cannot opt out.

Krankenkasse Estimator

German public health insurance (GKV) costs about 14.6% of gross salary plus a provider-specific Zusatzbeitrag, split between you and your employer if you are an employee. Freelancers pay the full rate themselves. Enter your details below for your exact monthly contribution.

Find out exactly how much you pay for public health insurance, and why.

Last updated: 25 October 2026

🏥 Krankenversicherung (KV) is mandatory health insurance in Germany. Every employee must have it. Your employer deducts your share directly from your gross salary; you never see it. This estimator shows you exactly what's being taken and why.

Gross monthly salary (€)

Employment type

💡 Your employer pays an equal share on top of your contribution. So the total cost of your health insurance is actually double what you see on your payslip.

Age

Affects Pflegeversicherung (long-term care) rate for those over 23 without children

Children

📋 Since 2023, employees over 23 without children pay a higher Pflegeversicherung surcharge (2.4% vs 1.8%). Germany's way of saying: have kids or pay more. Your choice.

Your estimated monthly KV contribution

Health insurance (KV)−€306,25

Long-term care (PV)−€84,00

Total deduction

−€390,25

per month

−€4.683,00 per year

That's 11.2% of your gross, split equally between you and your employer.

Frequently asked questions

See your full salary breakdown

Your KV is one of several deductions. See your complete net salary with all contributions.

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