How Much is the Health Insurance in Germany for Expats?
In today's article, we will be discussing the cost of health insurance in Germany for foreign expats. We will be comparing the cost of public versus private health insurance, as well as travel medical insurance, to help you understand your options, the cost and make an informed decision.
Read the article until the end to find out what options you have and which solution is the most affordable. Soon we will bring new and interesting videos like how to get a German visa or how to live on a budget in Germany. Please like and subscribe to our YouTube channel (at bottom of this article) to not miss any interesting topics in the next weeks. And as always, this is not financial advice.

Public Health Insurance for Ex-pats in Germany
Let's start with public health insurance. In Germany, everyone is required to have health insurance, including foreign expats. Public health insurance is offered by several different providers like AOK or TK, and the cost is based on your income.
Currently, the average cost of public health insurance is around 14.6% of your income, where your employer pays half of it. The percentage is the same with every public health insurance company in Germany. This means public health insurance can cost up to €505 per month for employees or approx. €963 if you are self-employed.
This includes all medical treatments, medications, and hospital stays. However, there may be additional fees for dental treatments and certain medications.
Private Health Insurance for Ex-pats in Germany
On the other hand, private health insurance is also an option for expats in Germany. The cost of private health insurance varies depending on your age, health status, and the level of coverage you choose. Typically, private health insurance is cheaper than public health insurance for young people and more expensive for the elderly. However, it can offer more comprehensive coverage and faster access to medical care compared to public insurance companies.
It's important to note that not all ex-pats are eligible for public health insurance. If you are a freelancer or self-employed, you may need to opt for private health insurance. Additionally, if you earn more than €64,350 per year, you may not be eligible for public health insurance and will need to opt for private health insurance.
Travel Medical Insurance for Expats in Germany
Another great option for expats in Germany is travel health insurance. This type of insurance is ideal for short-term to middle-term stays in Germany for up to 5 years. The cost of travel health insurance varies depending on the length of your stay, your age, and the level of coverage you choose. Typically, travel health insurance is more affordable than public or private health insurance, but normally it only covers emergency medical care and does not include pre-existing conditions or routine medical treatments.
In the video description below, you can find a link to the affordable expat travel insurance plans of HanseMerkur Insurance group, one of the biggest insurance companies in Germany, starting at only 58 euros per month. Their expat tariffs are specifically designed for expats and offer a wide range of coverage. Check the details in the video description.
To sum up, the cost of health insurance in Germany for foreign expats varies depending on the type of insurance you choose.
Public health insurance is the most affordable option for most expats, while private health insurance offers more comprehensive coverage but is generally more expensive.
Travel health insurance is ideal for short-term stays of up to 5 years, and is usually the most affordable one, but may not provide enough coverage for long-term ex-pats.
If you plan a stay up to 5 years, please check the affordable Expat travel insurance plans of HanseMerkur Insurance group, starting at only 58 euros per month and up to 5 years max.
We hope this article has helped you understand your options and make an informed decision about your health insurance in Germany. Don't forget to like and subscribe to our YouTube channel - we are preparing much more interesting topics for expats in Germany.
Planning a Trip to Germany as Expat?
Get a cheap travel insurance for your visa application and doctor's visit.
Our Recommendation For Expats:
>>> Check the affordable travel insurance plans from the HanseMerkur Insurance group, starting at only €58 / month and long-termly up to 5 years.