Expat Unity

Health Insurance in Germany After Moving

Everyone who lives in Germany must have health insurance, either in the statutory system (GKV) or with a private insurer (PKV) (§ 193(3) VVG). Employees are usually insured in the GKV automatically (§ 5 SGB V), while self-employed people and some other groups have to choose their insurance themselves.

In brief

  • Insurance is mandatory for everyone whose place of residence is in Germany.
  • Employees are usually compulsorily insured in the GKV.
  • Self-employed people choose between GKV and PKV themselves.
  • Your spouse and children can be insured free of charge through Familienversicherung (family insurance) (§ 10 SGB V).
  • Your GKV fund issues an electronic health card, the eGK (§ 291 SGB V).

Checked against official sources: 20 October 2026.

Insurance is mandatory

Under § 193(3) VVG, everyone with a place of residence in Germany must have insurance covering outpatient and inpatient treatment. The obligation does not apply if you are insured, or required to be insured, in the GKV. So it is best to take out insurance from the very start of your life in Germany.

Employees, self-employed people and students

  • Employees are compulsorily insured in the GKV (§ 5(1) SGB V). With an income above a certain threshold, you can switch to PKV.
  • Self-employed people must have health insurance and choose between voluntary GKV membership and PKV.
  • Students under 30 enrolled at a state or state-recognised university are, as a rule, insured in the GKV from enrolment (§ 5 SGB V); after 30, usually voluntarily. Within 3 months of starting your studies you can apply for an exemption if you have private insurance (§ 8(2) SGB V). The exemption applies for your entire studies, so think the choice through in advance. A Studienkolleg and preparatory language courses are not covered by student insurance.

GKV and PKV in a nutshell

The GKV is the statutory system, and contributions depend on income. PKV is private insurance, and premiums depend on the tariff, age and health. The choice affects you for many years, so make it carefully.

A detailed comparison is in our partner's article: GKV or PKV in Germany.

Familienversicherung

The spouse, registered partner and children of a GKV member can be insured without a separate contribution if they live in Germany, are not insured themselves and their income does not exceed the set limit (§ 10 SGB V).

Insurance for your first weeks

If you arrive before you start work or studies, you need incoming insurance (Incoming-Versicherung) for your visa and the first weeks. For a national visa you must prove adequate insurance: until you join the GKV (when you start work or enrol at university), incoming or travel insurance that also applies when moving your permanent residence is usually enough. The Auswärtiges Amt (Federal Foreign Office) states that in general it should be valid for three months; for students, incoming insurance for the first three months is sufficient. For a long stay, choose a policy designed for relocation. Once you start work, your employer registers you with the GKV fund you have chosen.

The eGK card

Your GKV fund issues every insured person an electronic health card, the eGK (elektronische Gesundheitskarte, § 291 SGB V). You show it at the doctor's. A photo is usually requested for the card.

Besides health insurance, working in Germany also means paying into the pension system: here is how the German pension works for expats.

Frequently asked questions

Is health insurance mandatory in Germany?

Yes. Everyone with a place of residence in Germany must be insured (§ 193(3) VVG).

Do I have to choose a fund myself if I am employed?

Yes, you choose your GKV fund yourself and tell your employer straight away. If you do not do so within two weeks of the start of your insurance, your employer will register you with the fund you were last insured with or, if there is none, with one of the funds of its choice, and inform you (§ 175 SGB V).

Can I insure my family free of charge?

In the GKV, your spouse and children can be insured through Familienversicherung if the conditions of § 10 SGB V are met.

What should a self-employed person choose: GKV or PKV?

It depends on your situation. A detailed comparison is in our partner's article "GKV or PKV in Germany".

What is the eGK?

The electronic health card that the GKV fund issues to every insured person (§ 291 SGB V).

Is travel insurance suitable for a long stay?

Incoming insurance is only needed until you join the GKV. Compulsory insurance starts on your first day of work or on enrolment at university, and after that you need full health insurance in Germany.

Partner: Boiko Wealth Management

Our partner Boiko Wealth Management, an independent financial adviser with no products of its own, helps you choose health insurance. The consultation is provided by Boiko Wealth Management directly.

Boiko Wealth Management services

Expat Unity does not provide financial advice.

Sources