A key component of Germany’s social security system is health insurance, which guarantees citizens and residents’ access to high-quality medical treatment without financial hardship. Germany’s healthcare system is built on the idea of solidarity, in which each individual pays into the general health insurance pool according to their income.
- 1. Health Insurance
- 2. Best Health Insurance Companies in Germany
- 3. Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) – Germany
- 4. AOK – Germany
- 5. Barmer – Germany
- 6. DAK-Gesundheit – Germany
- 7. KKH Kaufmännische Krankenkasse – Germany
- 8. hkk Krankenkasse – Germany
- 9. BIG direkt gesund – Germany
- 9.2 Company Overview – Big Direct Gesund Germany
- 7. IKK Classic – Germany
- 11. Hanseatische Krankenkasse (HEK) – Germany
- 12. Conclusion – Health Insurance Germany
In Germany, there are two primary categories of health insurance providers: private health insurance (also known as Private Krankenversicherung, or PKV) and statutory health insurance (also known as Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung, or GKV).
While private health insurance is usually selected by high earners and independent contractors, statutory health insurance is required for workers making less than a specific salary level. Insuring the population’s well-being and offering comprehensive coverage are vital tasks for both kinds of insurers.
1. Health Insurance
Health insurance is a financial system that covers medical expenses incurred by individuals due to illness or injury. It operates on the principle of pooling risk, with members contributing premiums to a collective fund. Plans offer benefits like hospitalization, outpatient care, prescription medications, and preventive services. In countries like Germany, health insurance is a vital component of the healthcare system, promoting health equity and financial protection for individuals and families.
1.1 Need for Health Insurance
In Germany, health insurance is not only a luxury; it is legally required to guarantee that all citizens have access to healthcare. Having coverage is essential for gaining access to a variety of medical services, from standard doctor visits to specialty treatments, whether through statutory health insurance (GKV) or private health insurance (PKV). Insurance protects people and families from potential financial hardship by offering vital financial protection against unanticipated medical bills in addition to easing access to healthcare.
Moreover, the German healthcare system is based on the solidarity principles, which encourage equality and affordability for all citizens by having healthy people contribute to those in need. Health insurance is important for both compliance with rules and overall health, since not having it might have legal ramifications. In the end, health insurance in Germany is essential to guaranteeing financial stability, access to healthcare for all, and preservation of the values of justice and solidarity within the healthcare system.
2. Best Health Insurance Companies in Germany
Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung (GKV), or “statutory health insurance,” is the term for public health insurance in Germany. Roughly 90% of the population is covered by this program. In 2023, it will be legally mandatory for those making less than €66,600 annually, or €5,550 monthly, to have insurance coverage via a public, statutory health insurance program from a provider of their own choosing.
The top 10 public health insurance providers are shown below; they consistently receive good marks for financial stability, extensive coverage, customer satisfaction, and service excellence:
- Techniker Krankenkasse (TK)
- AOK (Allgemeine Ortskrankenkasse)
- Barmer
- DAK-Gesundheit
- KKH Kaufmännische Krankenkasse
- hkk Krankenkasse
- BIG direkt gesund
- IKK Classic
- HEK – Hanseatische Krankenkasse
3. Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) – Germany
3.1 Review – Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) Germany
Has more than 11 million members and is one of the biggest public health insurance providers in Germany. Additionally, it has consistently received good marks in every category, making it one of the most dependable and well-liked options for both locals and foreigners.
Customer happiness, service excellence, networks of healthcare providers, and creative healthcare initiatives are all rated. Notably, among state insurance firms, TK has one of the lowest rates of total contribution (15.8% as of 2023).
3.2 Company Overview – Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) Germany
Statutory health insurance is provided by Techniker Krankenkasse (TK), a German alternative insurance provider. With 11.2 million covered individuals, it is the biggest health insurance provider in Germany and is available nationally. [3] According to public law, The TK is a corporation that is able to manage itself. She belongs to the VDEK, the Association of Replacement Funds. Since September 2016, the health insurance provider has operated under the Die Techniker name.
| social insurance | statutory health insurance |
| founding | August 3, 1884 |
| Responsibility | Germany |
| Insured | 11.4 million (December 2023) |
3.4 Products & Services – Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) Germany
- GP Appointments
- Hospital Treatment
- Basic Dental Care
- Medicine and Medical Dressings
- Screening examinations
- Glasses and Lenses
- Free Family Insurance
- Travel Abroad Insurance
3.5 Contact Details – Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) Germany
You can contact company through,
| Phone Number | +49 40 – 46 06 62 53 00 |
| Address | Alte Jakobstr. 81-82, Berlin, Germany |
| [email protected] | |
| Official Website | www.tk.de |
4. AOK – Germany
4.1 Review – AOK Germnay
Along with TK, AOK is one of the biggest public health insurance providers in Germany, with a market share of more than 30%. The AOK Federal Association serves as an umbrella group that speaks for the interests of the whole AOK community. AOK offers more than 130 years of experience as a reliable supplier, guaranteeing safety and all-inclusive healthcare throughout sickness.
4.2 Company Overview – AOK Germnay
Currently, Allgemeine Ortskrankenkasse (AOK) is the name of eleven legally separate health insurance providers in Germany. Due to mergers that occurred between 2006 and 2012, five AOKs are in charge of several nations, while the remaining six only cover one. In 2021, the AOKs insured about 27 million individuals. 73.29 million Individuals have statutory health insurance in 2021. Thus, AOK’s market share is around 37%.
4.3 Products & Services – AOK Germnay
In Germany, AOK (Allgemeine Ortskrankenkasse) offers complete health insurance, which covers the following:
- Medical treatment
- Prescription medications
- Preventive care
- Maternity and childbirth
- Dental care
- Rehabilitation services
- Mental health services
- Medical aids and devices
Additional Benefits:
- These additional benefits may include the following services:
- Natural medicines.
- Additional vaccination services.
- Sports benefits (swimming lessons, sports examinations, membership in sports clubs, etc.).
- Family and child services (midwife on call, customized care for expectant mothers, swimming lessons for babies, etc.).
- Additional dental services.
- Health courses.
4.4 Contact Details – AOK Germnay
You can contact company through,
| Phone Number | +49 46190 9855 83** |
| Address | Unsere Beratung steht Ihnen 24 Stunden täglich und 365 Tage im Jahr zur Verfügung. |
| [email protected] | |
| Official Website | www.aok.de |
5. Barmer – Germany
5.1 Review – Barmer Germany
As of June 21, 2023, Barmer served over 8.7 million insured members. Barmer is another well-known public health insurance company in Germany. Barmer guarantees easy access to local physicians, hospitals, and collaboration partners as well as close proximity to policyholders through its well-established regional supply systems and extensive branch network.
With a lowered rate of 15.50%, the contribution rate is currently 16.10%. In addition to providing coverage for hospital stays, outpatient care, dental work, and prescription drugs, the insurance also provides services for travel medicine, complementary therapies, and a bonus program that encourages healthy living.
5.2 Company Overview – Barmer Germany
In Germany, BARMER is one of the biggest suppliers of statutory health insurance. With its vast branch office network, there is always a customer support center nearby. BARMER’s regional care structures are well established. Contacts with physicians, hospitals, and other local partners are advantageous to customers.
5.3 Products & Services – Barmer Germany
They provide top-notch healthcare services and products, including BARMER-App, dental care, and vaccinations, for a modern lifestyle, benefiting international employees, students, and families.
- Complete protection against advised immunizations
- Get paid more than €100 in cash each year.
- Free medical advice in English is provided by BARMER Teledoktor. * Emergency coverage when traveling inside the EU
- The renowned BARMER-App – Handle anything online with ease.
- Free insurance for families
- Medical treatment
- Prevention & vaccinations
- Digital services & products
- Financial benefits
- Pregnancy & family
5.4 Contact Details – Barmer Germany
You can contact company thorugh,
| Phone Number | 0800 333 3500 |
| Address | Axel-Springer-Straße 44, 10969 Berlin, Germany |
| [email protected] | |
| Official Website | http://www.barmer.de |
6. DAK-Gesundheit – Germany
6.1 Review – DAK Gesundheit Germany
DAK-Gesundheit offers its members unrestricted, cost-free assistance and individualized counseling. With more than 5 million policyholders, DAK-Gesundheit has solidified its reputation as a dependable and trustworthy health insurance company. DAK-Gesundheit provides a plethora of advantages and services in addition to their outstanding service. These consist of optional tariffs for healthy lives, a family bonus program, and local and online preventive offers.
6.2 Company Overview – DAK Gesundheit Germany
Germany’s DAK -Gesundheit is a countrywide health insurance provider with its headquarters in Hamburg. It operates as a corporation under public law and is governed by statute within the health insurance system. With a history that stretches back to 1773, it is the German health insurance provider with the longest known history. It was first founded in 1930 and was known as the German Employee Health Insurance Fund (DAK) until 2011 (with a break during the National Socialist regime). Since 2012, it has gone by its present name.
| social insurance | statutory health insurance |
| Cash register type | Replacement cash register |
| legal form | Public corporation |
| founding | July 1, 2016 |
| Offices | around 320 (2019) |
6.3 Products & Services – DAK Gesundheit Germany
Health insurance services incldues,
1. Basic Health Insurance
2. Additional Insurance Options
3. Preventive Care Services
4. Digital Health Services
5. Health Promotion Programs
6. Member Support Services
7. Chronic Disease Management
8. Health Education Resources
6.4 Contact Details – DAK Gesundheit Germany
You can contact company through,
| Phone Number | 040 325 325 536 |
| Address | 5-1319 Arabellastraße, Munich, Bavaria 81925, DE |
| [email protected] | |
| Official Website | http://www.dak.de |
7. KKH Kaufmännische Krankenkasse – Germany
7.1 Review – KKH Kaufmannische Krankenkasse Germany
At over 1.6 million insured people, KKH commercial health insurance is one of Germany’s biggest national suppliers. They provide cutting-edge health initiatives, more pediatric exams, and efficient treatment plans. They offer superior service and assistance to insured customers across Germany, with more than 100 service locations around the country and a committed staff of almost 4,000 people.
7.2 Company Overview – KKH Kaufmannische Krankenkasse Germany
The Hanover-based Kaufmännische Krankenkasse, or KKH, is the supplier of statutory health insurance and a replacement insurance provider for all of Germany.
| social insurance | statutory health insurance |
| Cash register type | Replacement cash register |
| legal form | Public corporation |
| founding | March 10, 1890 |
| Responsibility | Germany |
| Seat | Hanover |
| Supervisory authority | Federal Office for Social Security |
| Insured | 1.6 million (January 1, 2024) |
| Household volume | approx. 7.5 billion euros (January 2024) |
| Offices | 110 (January 2024) |
| Employees | 4000 (January 2024) |
7.3 Products & Services – KKH Kaufmannische Krankenkasse Germany
Services offered are,
- Prevention & precaution
- Pregnancy, family & child
- Dental health
- Care & nursing care insurance
- Cure & rehabilitation
- Aids
7.4 Contact Details – KKH Kaufmannische Krankenkasse Germany
You can contact company through,
| Phone Number | 0800 5548640554 |
| Address | Charlottenstraße 63, 10117 Berlin, Germany |
| [email protected] | |
| Official Website | https://www.kkh.de/englisch |
8. hkk Krankenkasse – Germany
8.1 Review – hkk Krankenkasse Germany
HKK health insurance is particularly cost-effective because it only requires an extra 0.98% (or 0.49% for workers) of contributions. Hkk provides its policyholders with comprehensive treatment, ranging from check-ups and innovative care programs to natural medicine. Convenience and accessibility are given top priority by hkk, which offers digital customer support, a doctor’s appointment service, and an electronic patient file accessible via the app.
8.2 Company Overview – hkk Krankenkasse Germany
From the group of replacement insurance funds, the commercial health insurance fund, often known as hkk Krankenkasse or just hkk for short, is a national health insurance provider in Germany. It is a member of the Association of Substitute Insurance Funds (vdek) and a supplier of statutory health insurance. Founded in 2008 as a voluntary association, the health insurance firm has a long history dating back to 1904.
| social insurance | statutory health insurance |
| legal form | Public corporation |
| founding | January 1, 2008 |
| Responsibility | Germany |
| Seat | Bremen |
| supervisory authority | Federal Office for Social Security |
| Insured | > 900,000 (January 15, 2024) |
| Household volume | 3.9 billion euros (2024) |
| Offices | 14 |
| Employees | > 1,350 (January 2024) |
8.3 Products & Services – hkk Krankenkasse Germany
Health insurance services includes,
- All services at a glance
- Sickness benefit & incapacity for work
- Prevention: Our extras for you
- Active and fit
- Special treatment offers
- Self-help
- Care
- Pregnancy & birth
- Abroad
8.4 Contact Details – hkk Krankenkasse Germany
You can contact company through,
| Phone Number | 0800 2 555444 |
| Address | hkk health insurance company 28185 Bremen |
| [email protected] | |
| Official Website | https://www.hkk.de/ |
9. BIG direkt gesund – Germany
9.1 Review – Big Direct Gesund Germany
Delivering prompt, effective service is BIG direkt gesund’s primary goal, along with providing its members with a wealth of extra perks and financial advantages. With a competitive contribution rate of 16.05%, BIG direkt gesund works to give its policyholders access to reasonably priced coverage. In order to provide access to customizable tariff choices that can expand and supplement statutory insurance coverage, BIG direkt gesund has teamed with DKV Deutsche Krankenversicherung for supplemental insurance.
9.2 Company Overview – Big Direct Gesund Germany
The Federal Guild Health Insurance Fund (BIG Direkt Gesundheit) is a German health insurance company founded in 1996 by the Federal Guild of Hearing Care Professionals. It is a corporation under public law and manages around 512,000 insured people and 100,000 employers across Germany. The fund has offices in Dortmund, Düsseldorf, Cologne, and Aachen. In 2009, it changed its name to BIG Direct Healthy. In 2015, Victoria and DAS insurance companies merged, and Actimonda BKK was incorporated in 2021.
| social insurance | Statutory health insurance |
| legal form | Public corporation |
| founding | 1996 |
| Responsibility | Germany |
| Administrative headquarters | Dortmund |
| board | Peter Kaetsch |
| supervisory authority | Federal Office for Social Security |
| Insured | 511,882 (March 31, 2023) |
6.3 Products & Servcies – Big Direct Gesund Germany
Health insurance services incldues,
| Alternative healing methods | Aids |
| Health insurance abroad | In case of illness |
| Treatment of chronic diseases | Vaccinations |
| Special treatment offers | Sick pay |
| Bonus program | Physiotherapy and other therapeutic treatments |
| Digital services and therapy programs | Hospital treatment |
| Cancer disease | Care |
| Prevention courses and sport | Rehabilitation and cures |
| Pregnancy and birth | Preventive examinations |
| Mental health | Elective rates |
| Teeth |
6.4 Contact Details – Big Direct Gesund Germany
You can contact company through,
| Phone Number | 0231 5557-3355 |
| Address | BIG direct healthy Rheinische Straße 1 44137 Dortmund |
| [email protected] | |
| Official Website | https://www.big-direkt.de/ |
7. IKK Classic – Germany
10.1 Review – IKK Classic Germany
IKK Classic was founded on January 1, 2010, and since then, it has made a commitment to provide its members with effective and easily available support through its wide network of 160 service locations.
It has been recognized with esteemed awards from reliable sources, attesting to its dedication to provide its members top-notch medical treatment. About two-thirds of the 5.2 million insured people trust IKK Classic since it has a large market share.
10.2 Company Overview – IKK Classic Germany
German health insurer IKK Classic is a member of the Dresden-based guild health insurance businesses. The entire federal territory is covered by the business area of this statutory health insurance provider, which is a corporation under public law. It is the largest guild health insurance company (IKK) and the seventh largest health insurance business in Germany as of July 2023, with over three million covered individuals, a budget volume of around 12 billion euros, and 160 branches.
10.3 Products & Services – IKK Classic Germany
Health insurance services includes,
| Alternative healing methods | Cures |
| Medicines, healing aids and aids | Course offerings |
| Cash benefits | Care insurance |
| Treatment of different diseases | Pregnancy and birth |
| Vaccinations | Supportive services and programs |
| Prevention | Additional payment |
| Teeth | Corona performance changes |
10.4 Contact Details – IKK Classic Germany
You can contact company through,
| Phone Number | +49 351 42920 |
| Address | 01099, Dresden, Sachsen Germany |
| [email protected] | |
| Official Address | https://www.ikk-classic.de/pk |
11. Hanseatische Krankenkasse (HEK) – Germany
11.1 Review – Hanseatische Krankenkasse HEK Germany
One of Germany’s earliest health insurance firms, the Hanseatische Krankenkasse (HEK) was founded in 1826 by businessmen from Hamburg. Among statutory health insurance firms, HEK has distinguished itself as a leading supplier of health insurance by emphasizing dependability and social responsibility. With its main office in Hamburg, HEK provides services to more than 420,000 members and 540,000 insured people.
11.2 Company Overview – Hanseatische Krankenkasse HEK Germany
Hamburg is home to the German health insurance provider HEK, or Hanseatic Health Insurance Fund. It is a member of the Association of Replacement Funds (vdek) and is a national replacement fund.
| social insurance | statutory health insurance |
| Cash register type | Replacement cash register |
| legal form | Public corporation |
| founding | 1826 |
| supervisory authority | Federal Office for Social Security |
| Insured | over 540,000 |
| Household volume | approx. 1.85 billion euros (2021) |
| Offices | 4 customer centers |
11.3 Products & Services – Hanseatische Krankenkasse HEK Germany
Health insurance services offered by the company are,
- Optional tariff
- Bonus program
- Digital services
- Prevention (Prenatal Care)
- Alternative medicine
- Vaccinations
Advantages includes,
- Digital customer center (e.g. electronic patient file)
- Bonus program
- Refund of contributions if benefits are not provided
- Prevention courses (online or on site)
- Vaccinations and travel vaccinations
- Professional tooth cleaning
- Alternative healing methods
- Preventive examinations (e.g. skin and breast cancer)
11.4 Contact Details – Hanseatische Krankenkasse HEK Germany
You can contact company through,
| Phone Number | 040 656962308 |
| Address | 22041, Hamburg, Hamburg Germany |
| [email protected] | |
| Official Website | https://secure.hek.de/ |
12. Conclusion – Health Insurance Germany
In Germany, essential medical services are legally covered by health insurance, including plans provided by DAK-Gesundheit. In addition, they provide additional dentistry, alternative medicine, and visual care choices. Preventive care, digital health solutions, and chronic disease assistance are among the focus areas. In general, the goal of German health insurance is to provide all citizens with affordable, excellent medical treatment.
13. FAQs – Health Insurance Germany
Are there penalties for not having health insurance in Germany?
Yes, there are consequences for those in Germany without health insurance, such as fines or restricted access to medical treatment.
Can I switch between statutory and private health insurance in Germany?
It is possible to switch between statutory and private health insurance in specific situations, such as when your income or job status changes. Before making a change, you must, however, thoroughly weigh the repercussions.
How do I access healthcare services with German health insurance?
You can get healthcare services in Germany by showing your insurance card to healthcare professionals if you have health insurance. Anyone can access emergency care, regardless of their insurance status.
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