Mandatory health insurance (Krankenkasse) — one of the best healthcare systems in the world covering everyone.
Germany has mandatory health insurance for everyone. You MUST be insured. Two options: public (gesetzliche) or private (private) Krankenkasse. ~90% choose public.
• Cost: ~14.6% of salary (split 50/50 employer/employee)
• Your
share: ~7.3% + 0.5-1.7% supplement
• Top providers: TK,
AOK, Barmer, DAK
• Family: Free coverage for spouse & kids
(Familienversicherung)
• Covers: GP, specialists, hospital,
prescriptions, dental (basic)
• For: Income >€69,300/yr or self-employed
• Cost: Fixed
(age-based, not income-based)
• Benefits: Shorter waits, single rooms,
more choice
• Risk: Gets expensive with age
• Hard to switch
back to public once private
• Family: Each person pays
separately
• Public: ~€110/month (discounted student rate)
• Under
30: Student tariff until age 30
• Over 30: Must get regular
insurance (~€200+)
• Travel insurance: Not accepted long-term
•
TK & AOK most popular for students