Deutschland Kompass
STEP

Krankenkasse: Choosing Your Health Insurance

Compulsory for all employees. Tell your employer which insurer you've chosen before your first day of work.

WHAT TO DO

What is it and when to act?

Every employee in Germany must have health insurance. Most are covered by the GKV (statutory system). Tell your employer the name of your chosen insurer before your first day — otherwise you’ll be enrolled automatically.

Common mistakes

👨🏻‍💻
Max recommends:

I didn't choose and was automatically enrolled with AOK. Not a disaster, but TK has a better app and English-language support. I had to wait a year before I could switch. Check the Zusatzleistungen before you start.

👩🏼‍💼
Lea recommends:

I assumed DAK and TK were the same. TK offers a free online interpreter at the doctor and support in English — crucial for newcomers in the first few months. Compare the service, not just the premium.

Next step →

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What types of health insurance are there and how do they differ? ▾

Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung (GKV) — statutory insurer, compulsory for most employees. Contribution: ~14.6% of gross salary, split equally between employee and employer. Major insurers: TK, AOK, Barmer, DAK. Private Krankenversicherung (PKV) is available if you earn above €69,300/year (2024).

Can I switch insurer after starting work? ▾

Yes — after a minimum of 12 months' membership. Apply to the new insurer; they notify the old one automatically. Your insurance cover continues without interruption.

What happens if I don't choose a Krankenkasse? ▾

Your employer will enrol you in any available GKV. That's legal, but not always ideal — insurers differ in Zusatzleistungen (extras): dental, osteopathy, online psychotherapy.

OFFICIAL SOURCES