Private Health Insurance in Germany for Expats
Move to Germany with confidence. Independent, English-speaking advice on German private health insurance (PHI) — for professionals, freelancers, families and visa applicants worldwide.
Independent advice
No ties to any insurer.
Personal contact
One advisor – start to finish.
Digital worldwide
Video or phone consultation.
Switch or new policy
We guide you the entire way.
Not sure if PHI fits your situation?
Take the free 2-minute PHI Check — independent, non-binding and in English.
Why expats in Germany choose private health insurance
Moving to Germany raises one question early on: which health insurance is right for you? The German system offers two paths — statutory (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung, GKV) and private (private Krankenversicherung, PKV / PHI). For many internationals — international professionals above the income threshold, freelancers, digital nomads, researchers and visa applicants — private health insurance is often the more flexible and cost-efficient option.
As an independent, English-speaking insurance broker based in Berlin and operating digitally worldwide, we compare more than 40 German PHI insurers to find the tariff that actually fits your visa, income, family situation and long-term plans in Germany.
Who is private health insurance for?
- International employees earning above the German income threshold (JAEG, €77,400 gross in 2026).
- Freelancers and self-employed — including digital nomads, consultants and creators.
- Visa applicants who need PHI that satisfies German consular requirements.
- Researchers, professors and students in specific age or programme brackets.
- Family reunification applicants who need coverage for a joining spouse or children.
See our dedicated pages for employees, freelancers, visa applicants and family reunification.
PHI vs. public health insurance in Germany
Public health insurance (GKV) charges a percentage of your gross income. Private health insurance uses risk-based pricing tied to your age at entry, health status and chosen benefits — which for many expats results in stronger benefits at a lower monthly premium, especially in the first years in Germany.
- Faster access to specialists and English-speaking doctors.
- Single or double hospital rooms, chief physician treatment.
- Comprehensive dental cover — often 80–100%.
- Worldwide travel cover included in most PHI tariffs.
- Premium refunds when you stay healthy and don't submit claims.
Private health insurance and your German visa
German authorities require proof of adequate health coverage for most residence permits — Blue Card EU, freelancer visa (§ 21 AufenthG), skilled worker visa, family reunification and job seeker visa. Not every private policy is accepted: the tariff must typically be unlimited in duration, cover inpatient and outpatient treatment, and meet minimum coverage limits.
We help you select PHI that is accepted at the Ausländerbehörde and the German consulate abroad, and provide the paperwork your visa officer expects. Read more on our German visa health insurance page.
How our English-speaking consultation works
- Start the free 2-minute PHI Check — a short questionnaire.
- Video or phone consultation in English, wherever you are in the world.
- Independent comparison of 40+ German PHI insurers, tailored to your visa and income.
- Application & paperwork — we handle the German bureaucracy for you.
Trust signals
- Independent broker — no ties to any insurer.
- Comparison of 40+ German PHI tariffs.
- Digital consultation worldwide by video or phone.
- English-speaking support end-to-end.
- Free, non-binding initial consultation.
Ready to get started?
Take the free 2-minute PHI Check or book a free consultation with an English-speaking advisor.
Check your PHI options in 2 minutes
Free, non-binding, and reviewed personally by an independent broker.
Independent comparison of leading insurers
Private health insurance in Germany — FAQ for expats
Everything internationals, freelancers and visa applicants ask us about German private health insurance — answered by an English-speaking, independent advisor.
Is private health insurance accepted for a German visa?+
Yes. Private health insurance can be accepted for many visa types if it meets the requirements of the German authorities. We help you find a suitable solution.
Can I get private health insurance before arriving in Germany?+
Yes. Depending on your situation, coverage can often be arranged before your arrival.
Is the consultation really independent?+
Yes. As an insurance broker, we are legally obligated to act in your best interest and compare multiple insurers.
How much does the consultation cost?+
Our initial consultation and PHI Check are completely free and non-binding.
Who can benefit from private health insurance?+
Employees above the income threshold, self-employed professionals, freelancers, civil servants and certain international students may benefit from private health insurance.
Can freelancers and digital nomads get private health insurance in Germany?+
In many cases, yes. Eligibility depends on your residence status, profession and income situation.
What happens if I leave Germany in the future?+
Depending on the insurer and your destination country, different options may be available. We help you understand the implications before you decide.
Can my spouse and children also be insured?+
Yes. Family members can usually be insured separately with individual coverage tailored to their needs.
What if I have pre-existing medical conditions?+
Many medical conditions are still insurable. We can perform an anonymous pre-check with insurers before submitting an application.
Can I switch from public health insurance to private health insurance?+
Depending on your employment status and income, a switch may be possible. We assess your eligibility individually.
Do I need to speak German to get private health insurance?+
No. We provide consultations and support in English and guide you through the entire process.
How does the PHI Check work?+
Answer a few short questions online and we will review your situation before recommending the most suitable next steps.
Still have questions?
Book a free, non-binding consultation with an English-speaking advisor.