Private Health Insurance (PKV) for Expats in Germany — 2026 Comparison Guide
Yes, expats can sign up for private health insurance (PKV) if you earn above €77,400 per year (2026 threshold) or are self-employed. Plans start at around €217 per month.
Compare PKV plans now
Free. No signup. Available in English.
Key Takeaways
Last updated: 15 May 2026JAEG 2026: €77,400 gross/year (€6,450/month)
Basic Plan: From €217/month
Comfort Plan: From €350/month, includes Chefarzt
Premium Plan: From €500/month, worldwide coverage
Tariff switch: § 204 VVG — no new health check within your insurer
Self-employed: Not bound by JAEG
Civil servants (Beamte): Can join PKV anytime
German version: checkalle.de
What is PKV and why do expats choose it?
Private Krankenversicherung (PKV) is Germany's private health insurance system, an alternative to the public Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung (GKV). For expats with steady income or special status, PKV often means faster appointments, choice of specialist, and higher coverage for dental work, eye care, and private hospital rooms.
Three reasons expats look at PKV:
- Better access: Many private doctors only see PKV patients or schedule them faster.
- English-speaking doctors: PKV plans usually let you see any licensed doctor, including English-speaking specialists in cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg.
- International coverage: Most plans include worldwide emergency care.
JAEG 2026: Are you eligible?
The Jahresarbeitsentgeltgrenze (JAEG), also called Versicherungspflichtgrenze, decides whether employees can leave GKV for PKV. The threshold is set by federal regulation each year.
| Year | Annual JAEG | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | €73,800 | €6,150 |
| 2026 | €77,400 | €6,450 |
Sources: Bundesregierung, Die Techniker. Legal basis: § 5 SGB V.
Exempt from the JAEG rule:
- Self-employed (Selbstständige) and freelancers (Freiberufler)
- Civil servants (Beamte) with Beihilfe entitlement
- Students under specific tariff regulations
The three PKV plan levels
Typical prices for a healthy 30-year-old employee. Your individual quote depends on age, health, and chosen extras.
Basic
For young professionals and singles
- Outpatient care
- Shared hospital room
- Dental work at 70%
- Higher deductible typical
Comfort
For families and mid-career expats
- Chief physician treatment
- Private hospital room
- Dental work at 80–90%
- Heilpraktiker included
Premium
For high earners and self-employed
- Guaranteed Chefarzt
- Private room with choice
- 100% dental incl. implants
- Worldwide coverage
A note about old age: premiums can rise sharply once you retire. Consider Altersrückstellungen (age provisions) when comparing plans — these are reserves the insurer sets aside to smooth out future increases.
The 14 insurers in our comparison
All are supervised by BaFin, Germany's federal financial regulator. Debeka traditionally serves civil servants well. Allianz and AXA offer the broadest networks. DKV is often picked for high-coverage private plans.
What to compare beyond the price
Five points every expat should check before signing.
Deductible (Selbstbeteiligung)
Deductible (Selbstbeteiligung)
Chief physician (Chefarzt)
Chief physician (Chefarzt)
Dental coverage
Dental coverage
Premium refund
Premium refund
Premium stability
Premium stability
Age provisions
Age provisions
Stiftung Warentest publishes regular comparison tests (in German). The non-profit Finanztip and Verbraucherzentrale offer additional consumer guidance.
Common questions for expats
Häufig gestellte Fragen
Compare PKV plans now
14 insurers. From €217/month. Free and in English.
Need the German version? Visit checkalle.de/pkv-tarif-vergleich/