Private health insurance in Germany: Is it right for you?
Most expats in Germany take out public health insurance when they start their first job. After that, they usually never think about it again.
But if you earn more than 77.400 euros a year (the 2026 limit), you have the option to choose private insurance instead. Myhealthcarebroker explains why it might be worth you checking.
What private cover offers over public insurance
If you earn above the 2026 threshold or are self-employed, you can choose private health insurance. It has four big advantages:
- Wider coverage: Private plans cover everything public insurance covers. On top of that, you get extras like full dental care, glasses, contact lenses, alternative treatments and a single room in hospital.
- Faster appointments: In the public system, you often wait weeks to see a specialist. If you need a doctor who speaks English, it can take even longer. Many practices keep appointments for private patients.
- Lower premiums: Public health insurance takes a fixed percentage of your salary. If you earn a lot, you pay the maximum. Private premiums depend on your age and health, not on your salary. Your employer still pays half. A 30-year-old often ends up paying much less.
- Customisable coverage: Public health insurance is the same package for everyone. With private insurance, you pick the parts you need and only pay for those.
Three typical expat consultation cases
There are three common cases that Myhealthcarebroker frequently sees among internationals:
1. The employee
Earns 85.000 euros a year and pays the maximum for public insurance, but only sees a doctor twice a year. With a private plan, the employee pays well under 300 euros a month, with dental care, glasses and a single room included.
2. The first-year freelancer
Self-employed people can choose private insurance, no matter how much they earn. In the public system, they pay the full amount alone. A private plan is often much cheaper.
3. The working couple
Each partner gets their own private plan. If both earn above the limit, two private plans usually cost less than two public ones, and both get better cover.
Every situation is different, so it helps to talk to an independent advisor.
Myhealthcarebroker offers free consultations in English to anyone thinking about private insurance. Want a first idea of your price? Try the free private health insurance calculator.
Why expats choose Myhealthcarebroker
Myhealthcarebroker is independent by choice. The consultants don't work for any insurer, so you get honest advice. The team has helped expats in English for more than 20 years. Their advice and service are always free and if public insurance is better for you, they will tell you.
All insurers, one comparison
The team compares all private insurers. They don't just look at today's price. They also check how much each insurer has raised its prices in the past. The cheapest plan today is often not the cheapest when you are 60 years old.
Advice from people who know expat cases
Employees, new freelancers, couples on one income: the team has seen it all and knows which plan fits which situation.
Help with the paperwork, in English
The health questionnaire, the application, the switch from public insurance, letters from the insurer: the team takes care of it all. You have one contact person who knows your case and helps you for as long as you are insured. And on the plus side, it costs you nothing.
Find out in one free call
Still not sure? Book a free consultation in English and find out if you can choose private insurance, and if you should.