Public health insurance in Germany covers all the essentials you would expect — GP visits, specialist consultations, hospital stays, prescription medications, mental health support, and dental care. But it goes further than that. Most providers also cover preventive check-ups, cancer screenings, vaccinations, including travel jabs, physiotherapy, and even maternity care.

You simply present your insurance card at any registered doctor or hospital, and the billing is handled directly between the provider and your insurer. In most cases, you will not need to pay anything upfront or chase reimbursements.

1. Students: International students are usually required to join statutory health insurance in Germany. Student premiums are subsidised and typically cost around €120–€140 per month. Coverage usually lasts until age 30 or the 14th semester.

2. Employees Below the Income Threshold:- If you’re employed and earn below the income threshold, you must join the public system. The official threshold is called: Versicherungspflichtgrenze (income limit for mandatory insurance). For 2026, the threshold is approximately €69,300 per year (gross income) . If you earn below this, you must stay in GKV Germany. If you earn above it, you can choose between public or private insurance.

3. EU Citizens Living in Germany:- EU nationals moving to Germany must also have health insurance.If they’re employed in Germany, they normally enter the public system automatically.

4. Freelancers and Self-Employed Expats:- Freelancers have more flexibility, they can choose between GKV Germany or Private insurance (PKV). However, many freelancers still choose public health insurance in Germany because it provides stable long-term coverage.

5. Families of Insured Employees:- One major benefit of GKV is family insurance (Familienversicherung). If you’re insured publicly, your non-working spouse and children can often be covered for free. This makes the public system extremely attractive for families.