The German Private Health Insurance Blog
Independent, English-language deep dives on German PHI, visas and moving to Germany — written by a broker, not a marketing team.
Moving to Germany: The 2026 Health Insurance Guide for Expats
Everything expats moving to Germany need to know about health insurance in 2026: public vs. private, visa rules, timing, costs and the fastest way to get covered.
Public (GKV) vs. Private (PKV) Health Insurance in Germany
GKV or PKV? Compare Germany's public and private health insurance side by side: cost, benefits, eligibility, family cover and long-term implications for expats.
Health Insurance for the German EU Blue Card
German Blue Card holders can choose between GKV and PKV. Learn the health insurance requirements, income thresholds and which option makes more sense financially.
Health Insurance for the German Freelancer Visa (§ 21 AufenthG)
The freelancer visa (Freiberufler) requires proof of adequate health insurance. Learn what German consulates accept and which PHI tariffs are visa-compliant.
Health Insurance for the German Family Reunification Visa
Bringing a spouse or children to Germany? Learn how to arrange health insurance that meets Familiennachzug requirements — public, private and combined options.
Cost of Living in Germany for Expats — What to Budget in 2026
Rent, taxes, health insurance and everyday costs for expats in Berlin, Munich and Hamburg in 2026. A realistic monthly budget breakdown from an English-speaking advisor.
The § 204 VVG PHI Tariff Switch Explained
German private health insurance premiums going up? Under § 204 VVG you can switch to a cheaper tariff with the same insurer and keep your ageing reserves. Here's how.
Krankentagegeld: German Sick Pay Insurance Explained
How Krankentagegeld (daily sick pay insurance) protects your income in Germany — required daily rates, waiting periods and the freelancer trap.
Maternity and Pregnancy Cover in German Health Insurance
Pregnancy, maternity leave and newborn cover in Germany's public and private health insurance systems — waiting periods, benefits and how to insure the baby.
Dental Insurance in Germany for Expats
German public health insurance covers only basic dental treatment. Learn how PHI and dental supplements cover implants, orthodontics and premium dentistry.
Private Health Insurance in Retirement in Germany
Worried PHI will become unaffordable in retirement? Learn how ageing reserves, statutory pension subsidies and premium relief tariffs cap your premium in old age.
PHI in Germany with Pre-Existing Conditions
Can you get German private health insurance with pre-existing conditions? Learn how underwriting works, common risk surcharges and how to prepare your application.
The 90-Day Relocation Checklist for Germany
A week-by-week checklist for expats moving to Germany: visa, health insurance, bank account, Anmeldung, tax ID and everything else in the right order.
Health Insurance for Digital Nomads in Germany
Freelancing across borders while based in Germany? Here's how digital nomads structure German PHI to stay visa-compliant and covered worldwide.
Health Insurance for International Students in Germany
How international students get health insurance in Germany: age 30 rule, GKV student rates, PHI options and how doctoral candidates and researchers fit in.
JAEG 2026 — Germany's PHI Income Threshold Explained
The Jahresarbeitsentgeltgrenze (JAEG) determines who can opt into private health insurance in Germany. Here are the 2026 numbers and what they mean.
English-Speaking Doctors in Germany
How to find English-speaking GPs, specialists and hospitals in Berlin, Munich, Hamburg and Frankfurt — and how private health insurance changes access.
Switching from Public to Private Health Insurance in Germany
How to switch from GKV to private health insurance in Germany: eligibility, notice periods, the age-55 trap and how to preserve family co-insurance.
Leaving Germany — What Happens to Your PHI
Moving out of Germany? Learn your options for German private health insurance: cancellation, entitlement (Anwartschaft) and keeping ageing reserves.
German Health Insurance for US Citizens
US citizens moving to Germany: how German health insurance compares to US healthcare, what your visa needs, FATCA reporting and choosing between GKV and PHI.