Expenses for public health insurance

As an employee, 10.7% to 11.2% of your income is allocated for health insurance. Your employer deducts this amount from your monthly salary.

If your annual income exceeds 66,150€

You pay the currently highest possible price of €590 per month. It is important to note that this maximum price is not fixed, but increases annually.

If your annual income is below 66,150€

For your statutory health insurance, you must pay between 10.7% and 11.2% of your income. The exact contribution rate depends on your health insurance provider and your individual income.

Self-employed

You pay between 21.4% and 22.3% of your income each month for your statutory health insurance. This amount is automatically deducted from your bank account every month.

The amount of your contribution depends on your estimated income and is adjusted every year.

It is therefore possible that you have paid too much over the course of the year. In this case, you will receive a refund from your health insurance company at the end of the year.

However, if you have paid too little, you will have to pay the difference.

Student

As a student under 25 to 29 years old, you benefit from the student rate and only pay around €140 a month.

But there are also ways to be insured for free:

Do you earn less than €535 a month? Then you may be able to get free insurance through your parents or spouse.

Are you an EU citizen? Then your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) could be sufficient.

As a student from 30 years old, you have exceeded the age limit for the student tariff, you pay the same contribution as self-employed people.

Advantages of public health insurance

Family insurance

Children and spouses can usually be insured free of charge.

No health check

Anyone can be included in the statutory health insurance, regardless of their state of health.

It’s simple and hassle-free

When you visit the doctor, all you need to do is present your insurance card to receive the care you need. There’s no need to worry about coverage details, reimbursements, or deductibles.

It aligns with your income

Public health insurance costs are based on a percentage of your income. If you earn less, you pay less. In cases where you receive ALG I or Bürgergeld, your health insurance contributions are covered for you. In contrast, private health insurance does not adjust its costs based on your income.

Drawbacks of Public Health Insurance

Higher costs for young professionals

If you're young, healthy, and earning a good income, public health insurance can be pricey. Contributions are tied to your earnings, meaning the more you earn, the more you pay. In many cases, private health insurance offers a more cost-effective alternative for this group.

Longer wait times for appointments

Publicly insured patients often face longer waiting periods to see specialists like urologists or psychotherapists. Many doctors prioritize patients with private insurance, allowing them to access care faster and with fewer hurdles.

Limited coverage for premium treatments

Public health insurance focuses on covering essential treatments but often falls short when it comes to extras. For instance, amalgam fillings are included, but composite or ceramic fillings require out-of-pocket payments. Tooth cleanings, high-end eyeglasses, and similar services are usually not covered, leaving patients to pay for these enhancements themselves.

Challenges for self-employed individuals and non-EU immigrants

Gaining access to public health insurance can be difficult for certain groups, such as self-employed individuals or freelancers moving from outside the EU. Unlike employees, they are not automatically entitled to join the system, often making private or expat health insurance the only viable option.

What is covered by public health insurance?

Public health insurance ensures access to all necessary medical treatments and prescriptions. Patients typically pay a small co-payment for medications, ranging from €5 to €10 monthly. Dental care, such as wisdom tooth extractions and two annual check-ups, is also included. However, additional services like tooth cleanings or advanced dental treatments often require supplemental insurance.

Prescription eyewear, such as glasses and contact lenses, is rarely covered, leaving most people to cover the costs on their own. When you visit a doctor, the process is straightforward: show your insurance card, and billing is handled directly with the insurer. If a procedure isn't covered, you'll know in advance.