Compulsory for all employees. Tell your employer which insurer you've chosen before your first day of work.
✓ Verified: 15/08/2026
WHAT TO DO
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.
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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.
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.
Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung (GKV) — statutory insurer, compulsory for most employees. The general rate is 14.6% of gross salary, split equally between employee and employer. ⚠️ That is not the whole bill: every insurer adds its own Zusatzbeitrag, averaging 2.9% in 2026 (insurers range roughly 2.2–4.4%), also split equally. On top comes long-term care insurance at 3.6% (plus 0.6% if you are childless and over 23). Major insurers: TK, AOK, Barmer, DAK. Private Krankenversicherung (PKV) is available if you earn above €77,400/year (JAEG 2026).
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.
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.