Comprehensive Health
Insurance Germany 2026
Last updated: May 22, 2026 · meinetarife24 Editorial Team
Private health insurance (PKV) in Germany covers outpatient, inpatient and dental treatment in full. To switch from public to private cover in 2026, employees need gross income above 77,400 EUR per year or a qualifying status (self-employed, civil servant, student).
Comparison based on official 2026 values: income threshold per Section 6 SGB V, premium adjustment per Section 203 VVG, supervised by BaFin (Section 294 VAG).
Key German Terms
Tip for newcomers in Germany
Comprehensive private health insurance (German: Private Krankenversicherung, PKV) covers outpatient, inpatient and dental care in full. Benefits often include Chefarztbehandlung (chief physician treatment), private hospital rooms and shorter waiting times. Employees can switch from public (GKV) to private (PKV) only when their gross income exceeds EUR 77,400 per year(income threshold 2026, Section 6 SGB V). Self-employed, civil servants and students can join independent of income. For pre-existing PKV cases since 31.12.2002 a special threshold of EUR 69,750 applies. Source: Bundesregierung, Sozialversicherungs-Rechengroessenverordnung 2026.
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Comprehensive Benefits
Complete medical coverage with premium benefits and worldwide protection.
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What does comprehensivehealth insurance offer?
Discover the benefits of comprehensive health insurance and enjoy premium healthcare services.
Private Doctor & Chief Physician Treatment
Receive first-class medical care from experienced private doctors and chief physicians in renowned clinics.
Short Waiting Times
Benefit from preferred appointments and significantly reduced waiting times for specialists and treatments.
Comprehensive Preventive Care
Use extended preventive examinations and innovative treatment methods for your health.
Private Room & Comfort
Enjoy the comfort of single or double rooms with enhanced standards during inpatient stays.
Worldwide Coverage
Your insurance coverage applies worldwide - ideal for travel and international treatments.
Modern Treatments
Access to the latest medical technologies and innovative treatment methods without waiting time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your questions about comprehensive health insurance answered
Who can get private health insurance?
Employees earning more than 77,400 EUR gross per year (income threshold 2026 per Section 6 SGB V) can switch from public (GKV) to private (PKV) cover. Self-employed, freelancers and civil servants are eligible regardless of income. Students have their own tariffs. Pre-existing PKV cases since 31.12.2002 fall under a special 69,750 EUR threshold.
How much does comprehensive health insurance cost?
Costs depend on various factors: age, health status, desired benefits, and deductible. Young healthy people often pay less than in statutory health insurance, while premiums may increase with age.
Can I switch back from private to statutory health insurance?
A switch back is only possible under certain circumstances: employment below the insurance threshold, unemployment, or for self-employed under certain conditions. After age 55, a switch is practically no longer possible.
What does health examination mean?
When applying, you must disclose your medical history. Depending on pre-existing conditions, risk surcharges may be charged or certain benefits excluded. Honest disclosure is important, as false information can lead to cancellation.
Are family members co-insured?
No, there is no free family insurance in private health insurance. Spouses and children must be insured separately. However, there are special children's tariffs that are often cheaper than adult tariffs.
What happens to premiums in old age?
Private health insurance premiums may increase with age. However, insurers build aging reserves to limit premium increases. Additionally, there is a right to the basic tariff in old age, which cannot be more expensive than the maximum contribution of statutory health insurance.