Private health insurance
In addition to statutory health insurance, it is also possible to take out private health insurance (PKV) in Germany. A wide range of PKV tariffs allows you to choose healthcare that suits your individual needs.
In statutory health insurance, standard benefits are defined. While these ensure the “necessary basic care,” they increasingly leave gaps in coverage. Future benefits within the statutory system may also change, as services can be removed from the benefit catalog. This is not the case with private health insurance, where the benefits included in the chosen plan are guaranteed.
Those who opt for private insurance benefit from enhanced services and often have more options when it comes to doctors and treatment methods. Private health insurance can be an attractive choice, particularly for people with high expectations regarding their medical care.
Who can take out private health insurance?
Certain requirements must be met in order to switch to private health insurance:
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Employees: A switch is possible if gross income exceeds the annual income threshold. This is adjusted annually and was set at €73,800 in 2025.
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Self-employed and freelancers: They can take out private health insurance regardless of their income.
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Civil servants: Private health insurance is often preferred, as they receive allowances (“Beihilfe”) or subsidies from their employer.
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Students: At the start of their studies, they can apply for an exemption from compulsory statutory health insurance and choose private coverage instead. This decision must be made within three months of starting their studies.
Comparison with statutory health insurance
Private health insurance operates on a different principle than statutory health insurance. While contributions in the statutory system are income-based, premiums in private health insurance depend on the insured’s age at the time of enrollment, their state of health, and the chosen plan. In addition, private health insurance follows the reimbursement principle: policyholders first pay the invoices for medical services themselves and then submit them to their insurer for reimbursement.
Another advantage of private health insurance is the ability to tailor benefits to individual needs. This makes it possible to choose more comprehensive coverage, for example for dental treatment, hospital stays, daily sickness allowance, or outpatient services (such as vision aids), going beyond the standard benefits offered by statutory health insurance.
Factors affecting private health insurance premiums and ageing
Premiums in private health insurance are calculated individually. Key factors include:
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Age at entry: The earlier one takes out insurance, the lower the premiums usually are.
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Health status: Pre-existing conditions may lead to a risk surcharge or benefit restrictions.
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Plan selection: A more comprehensive package typically costs more but ensures better coverage.
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Deductible: A higher deductible in the event of a claim reduces the monthly premium.
To keep premiums stable in old age, so-called ageing provisions are built up. This means that part of the premium paid during the insurance period is set aside to cushion future cost increases. As a result, premium development in retirement is generally more moderate than often assumed.
These provisions are accumulated from the very beginning, allowing policyholders to benefit from long-term financial relief. Those who enter private health insurance early build up reserves over many years, helping to avoid steep premium increases later in life. This creates a predictable and stable premium structure in the long run.
Important benefits of private health insurance (PKV)
A major advantage of private health insurance (PKV) is the broader range of benefits compared to statutory health insurance (GKV). Depending on the chosen plan, policyholders can enjoy preferential medical care, such as shorter waiting times for specialist appointments or the freedom to choose their doctors. In addition, PKV often includes high-quality extra services, such as superior hospital accommodation—typically in a single or double room—as well as treatment by the head physician.
Private health insurance also offers significant advantages in dental care: high-quality dental prosthetics and modern treatment methods are generally reimbursed more generously than under GKV. Furthermore, alternative treatments such as osteopathy or homeopathy can be included in the insurance coverage. These benefits allow for personalized healthcare tailored to individual needs.
Choice of plan and provider
Selecting the right insurance plan and a financially strong provider is crucial to ensure that the benefits align with one’s personal needs and financial situation. It is also important to note that returning to the statutory health insurance (GKV) system is only possible under certain conditions—such as when one’s income falls below the annual income threshold and the individual is under 55 years of age.
Overall, private health insurance (PKV) offers extensive benefits and strong health protection. It is particularly suitable for people with high expectations regarding medical services or those with a flexible professional status. Anyone considering private health insurance should carefully analyze their personal situation in advance and seek comprehensive, independent advice. This ensures that all factors remain well-suited to the insured person’s long-term needs.