Can foreigners and expats get private health insurance (PKV) in Germany?

Yes. PKV is open to self-employed people, freelancers, civil servants (Beamte), and employees earning over the JAEG threshold (€77,400 gross per year in 2026, source: PKV-Welt). Visa or residence status alone does not exclude you. EU citizens, Blue Card holders, and non-EU professionals can apply if they meet income or employment requirements.

How fast can I get covered after moving to Germany?

Contractually, coverage starts 1 to 14 days after your application is approved. But beware: a 3-month general waiting period applies for most claims, 8 months for dental, orthodontics, psychotherapy and childbirth. Accident treatment is reimbursed from day one. Source: pkv.wiki.

Is PKV really cheaper than GKV for expats?

Sometimes. Young, healthy expats (25–35) often pay €250–450/month, less than the GKV maximum. Average across all PKV insured is around €623/month in 2026 (source: Finanztip). Premiums rise with age and health risks. GKV stays cheaper for low earners and families with non-working dependents.

I will probably leave Germany in a few years. Should I still take PKV?

Be cautious. Switching back from PKV to GKV is restricted after age 55, and PKV premiums tend to rise with age in Germany. If you plan to return home within 3–5 years, an Anwartschaftsversicherung (a "frozen" contract for €5–45/month) lets you preserve your health status without paying the full premium.

What if I do not pass the health check?

You may still get coverage, but with risk surcharges or exclusions for specific conditions. The full health check is mandatory in PKV,only Standardtarif for long-term insured, Kindernachversicherung (newborns within 2 months), and Beamtenanwärter with Beihilfe are exempt. Be honest in your answers; false statements can void your contract.

Does PKV cover treatment abroad?

Most PKV tariffs include worldwide cover for emergencies, usually for up to 1 month abroad. Long-term coverage outside Germany needs an add-on. Compare carefully if you travel home often or work remotely from another country.

How does the employer contribution work for employees on PKV?

Your employer pays roughly 50% of your PKV premium, capped at the GKV maximum employer share. The exact amount is set by law and updated each year. Your share goes directly from your salary; the employer share is added before tax.

Can foreigners and expats get private health insurance (PKV) in Germany?

Yes. PKV is open to self-employed people, freelancers, civil servants (Beamte), and employees earning over the JAEG threshold (€77,400 gross per year in 2026, source: PKV-Welt). Visa or residence status alone does not exclude you. EU citizens, Blue Card holders, and non-EU professionals can apply if they meet income or employment requirements.

How fast can I get covered after moving to Germany?

Contractually, coverage starts 1 to 14 days after your application is approved. But beware: a 3-month general waiting period applies for most claims, 8 months for dental, orthodontics, psychotherapy and childbirth. Accident treatment is reimbursed from day one. Source: pkv.wiki.

Is PKV really cheaper than GKV for expats?

Sometimes. Young, healthy expats (25–35) often pay €250–450/month, less than the GKV maximum. Average across all PKV insured is around €623/month in 2026 (source: Finanztip). Premiums rise with age and health risks. GKV stays cheaper for low earners and families with non-working dependents.

I will probably leave Germany in a few years. Should I still take PKV?

Be cautious. Switching back from PKV to GKV is restricted after age 55, and PKV premiums tend to rise with age in Germany. If you plan to return home within 3–5 years, an Anwartschaftsversicherung (a "frozen" contract for €5–45/month) lets you preserve your health status without paying the full premium.

What if I do not pass the health check?

You may still get coverage, but with risk surcharges or exclusions for specific conditions. The full health check is mandatory in PKV,only Standardtarif for long-term insured, Kindernachversicherung (newborns within 2 months), and Beamtenanwärter with Beihilfe are exempt. Be honest in your answers; false statements can void your contract.

Does PKV cover treatment abroad?

Most PKV tariffs include worldwide cover for emergencies, usually for up to 1 month abroad. Long-term coverage outside Germany needs an add-on. Compare carefully if you travel home often or work remotely from another country.

How does the employer contribution work for employees on PKV?

Your employer pays roughly 50% of your PKV premium, capped at the GKV maximum employer share. The exact amount is set by law and updated each year. Your share goes directly from your salary; the employer share is added before tax.

English-friendly guide for newcomers

PKV für Expats in Deutschland 2026: Schneller Schutz für Newcomer

Private health insurance in Germany,explained in plain language for foreigners, Blue Card holders, freelancers and self-employed.

Key Takeaways

PKV is for self-employed, civil servants, and employees earning over €77,400/year (JAEG 2026).
Contract starts in 1–14 days, but 3-month general waiting period applies for most claims.
Young, healthy expats often pay €250–450/month; average is €623/month (Finanztip, 2026).
Returning home? An Anwartschaft (5–45% of full premium) keeps your contract alive while you are abroad.

Key German Terms for Expats

Essential vocabulary for understanding private health insurance in Germany

PKV

Private health insurance (Private Krankenversicherung)

GKV

Public health insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung)

JAEG

Income threshold for voluntary PKV (Jahresarbeitsentgeltgrenze): €77,400 in 2026

Anwartschaft

A "frozen" PKV contract you reactivate later,keeps your health status & entry age

Wartezeit

Waiting period before certain benefits are paid (e.g. 3 months general, 8 months dental)

Beihilfe

Government cost share for civil servants,usually 50–80%

Selbstbeteiligung

Deductible / excess you pay before your insurer reimburses

Beitragsentlastung

Optional add-on that reduces your PKV premium when you retire

How PKV works if you just moved to Germany

Germany has a two-tier system: GKV (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) for most employees, and PKV (Private Krankenversicherung) for self-employed people, civil servants, and high earners. Most newcomers start in the GKV unless they fall into one of these groups.

To switch from GKV to PKV as an employee, you must earn over the Jahresarbeitsentgeltgrenze (JAEG). In 2026 that is €77,400 gross per year,about €6,450 per month (source: PKV-Welt).

Plan carefully if you might leave Germany

Switching back from PKV to GKV is restricted, especially after age 55. If you plan to return to your home country within a few years, ask about an Anwartschaftsversicherung. It freezes your health status and keeps your re-entry rights for roughly 5–45% of the full premium (source: Finanztip).

What "Sofortschutz" really means

Sofortschutz means your contract starts immediately,typically 1 to 14 days after approval. But reimbursement for most treatments only starts after the waiting period (Wartezeit):

3 months general waiting period (Allgemeine Wartezeit)
8 months for dental prosthetics, orthodontics, psychotherapy, childbirth
No waiting period for accidents,reimbursed from day one

Source: pkv.wiki,Wartezeiten in der PKV.

What does PKV cost in Germany 2026?

Premiums depend on your age, health, and chosen tariff. Realistic ranges for 2026:

Group	Monthly premium
Young employees (25–35, healthy)	approx. €250 – €450
Self-employed (35–50)	approx. €400 – €700
Average across all PKV insured	approx. €623
Civil servants with Beihilfe (avg.)	approx. €256

Source for the averages: Finanztip,Private Krankenversicherung im Überblick.

Employer contribution for employees

If you are an employee on PKV, your employer pays roughly 50% of your premium, capped at the GKV maximum employer share. Your share is deducted directly from your salary, the employer share is added before tax.

PKV vs. GKV: What is different for expats?

Feature	PKV	GKV
Eligibility	Self-employed, civil servants, employees over JAEG (€77,400/yr)	All employees up to JAEG
Doctor's appointment speed	Usually faster	Often weeks
Hospital private room		Optional add-on
Dental prosthetics	Up to 100% (tariff)	50–65%
Family co-insurance	Each member pays separately	Free for spouse & kids
Premium logic with age	Calculation reserves; can rise	% of salary, no age effect

Independent & secure

Tip: An early switch can pay off,but plan ahead

FAQ for Expats

Frequently asked questions

Häufig gestellte Fragen

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Author: meinetarife24 Redaktion

Last updated: 15 May 2026

Affiliate disclosure: This comparison contains affiliate links to our partners Tarifcheck and CHECK24. We earn a commission when you sign up for a tariff. You pay nothing extra. The order of results in the comparison is independent of commission size. All information is provided without guarantee,please verify specific terms with the insurer before signing.

PKV für Expats in Deutschland 2026: Schneller Schutz für Newcomer

Compare PKV tariffs in Germany

Key German Terms for Expats

How PKV works if you just moved to Germany

Plan carefully if you might leave Germany

What "Sofortschutz" really means

What does PKV cost in Germany 2026?

Employer contribution for employees

PKV vs. GKV: What is different for expats?

Independent & secure

Independent & secure

Tip: An early switch can pay off,but plan ahead

Tip: An early switch can pay off,but plan ahead

Frequently asked questions

Häufig gestellte Fragen

Can foreigners and expats get private health insurance (PKV) in Germany?Eligibility

How fast can I get covered after moving to Germany?Speed

Is PKV really cheaper than GKV for expats?Costs

I will probably leave Germany in a few years. Should I still take PKV?Long-term planning

What if I do not pass the health check?Health check

Does PKV cover treatment abroad?Abroad

How does the employer contribution work for employees on PKV?Employer

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