How Much Do Foreigners Pay for Public Health Insurance in Germany?

Health insurance is a mandatory requirement for foreigners applying for a visa to live or work in Germany. Immigration authorities will determine if your chosen insurance meets statutory standards and if your contributions are being paid correctly. 

Expat health insurance can often cause avoidable problems for visa applications, especially for UK nationals post-Brexit and for American and Australian applicants who arrived in the country visa-free before applying for a visa during their stay. Your immigration lawyer will help you navigate this health insurance requirement, especially if you’re self-employed or bringing your family to Germany. In this article, we’re covering how much foreigners can expect to pay for expat health insurance and how contributions are calculated.

Public Health Insurance (GKV) in Germany: The Basics for Foreigners

Germany’s healthcare system relies on two systems: statutory (public) health insurance and private health insurance. 90% of the population choose public health insurance, known as “GKV”, which is regulated by federal law with income-based contributions. 

Expat health insurance providers offer the same core services, but their additional contribution rates (“Zusatzbeitrag”) and other services will vary. Foreigners and German nationals are treated the same under Germany’s health insurance regulations.

How Public Health Insurance Contributions Are Calculated in Germany

Public health insurance costs include a general contribution rate, which is 14.6% of your gross income. There is a contribution assessment ceiling (“Beitragsbemessungsgrenze”), which provides a legal cap on how much you’ll need to pay for your health insurance on a monthly basis. 

Each expat health insurance provider – known as a “Krankenkasse” – will charge an additional contribution rate, which averages at 1.7%. The total cost of your health insurance contribution is split with your employer unless you’re a student or self-employed. 

How Much Do Foreign Employees Pay for Health Insurance in Germany?

Most senior professionals in Germany with a work visa earn a gross monthly salary between €3,000 and €4,500. In this scenario, they pay between 7% and 8% of their salary towards their expat health insurance, with their employer covering the other half. Foreign employees earning within this salary range can expect to spend between €240 and €320 on health insurance, with the other half automatically deducted from their salary by their employer.

Freelancers and Self-Employed Foreigners: A Special Case

It’s important to note that self-employed foreigners cannot automatically join a public health insurance scheme. The eligibility of a freelancer will depend on the industry they work in and their previous insurance history. It is possible to apply for public health insurance; however, these contributions will also be income-based, with the same minimum contributions required, even if you earn a lower income. 

It's important to consider that you won’t have an employer to contribute towards the cost of your insurance. Most self-employed expats in Germany spend between €200 to €400+ on their health insurance each month. Visas for freelance professionals often face additional scrutiny, so it’s worth working closely with an immigration lawyer to ensure you have the correct insurance.

How Much Do International Students Pay for Expat Health Insurance?

Foreigners in Germany with a student visa can access public health insurance with a reduced, flat-rate tariff. These monthly costs must be paid entirely by the student and typically range from €130 to €150 per month. The availability and cost of expat health insurance for international students can vary, depending on the applicant’s age and their duration of study.

If you’re an international student applying to study in Germany, you’ll need to have proof of insurance before your visa can be issued. This expat health insurance must be valid from your date of entry. 

Affordable Expat Health Insurance for Your German Visa Application

Do you need health insurance that is officially recognized by the German authorities? Our law firm regularly works with Feather Insurance and has had consistently positive experiences. By using our affiliate link, you’ll help support our law blog, designed to provide expats with all the information they need for their German visa application. You’ll also receive an exclusive cashback offer when you use the code “VISAG-15” when purchasing public health insurance through Feather.