GermanySimple Moving to and living in Germany

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Your situation

Choose health insurance

Selected criteria

  1. I recently arrived in Germany
  2. Insurance and healthcare
  3. Choose health insurance

After moving, start by determining your status: you are employed, studying, self-employed, moving with family, or are only preparing to start work. This determines which insurance options you should check. Then compare GKV and PKV by how contributions are calculated, family conditions, coverage, and the rules of the specific plan. If GKV suits you, choose a Krankenkasse based on the additional contribution, service, and ease of communication. If you are considering PKV, do not limit yourself to the first month's price: study the contract and long-term consequences. When applying for a visa or changing status, separately check the start date of your main and temporary coverage.

Plan overview

A sequence from checking your personal status to choosing a system, health fund or plan, and confirming insurance.

What to do step by step

  1. 1
  2. 2

    Compare available systems

    Compare GKV and PKV by eligibility, contributions, family circumstances, and plan terms.

    Articles for this step

    Private or Public Health Insurance in Germany: What to Choose in 2026 Private Health Insurance in Germany: Who PKV Is Suitable For and How It Differs from GKV
  3. 3

    Check conditions for family and special status

    Check the rules separately if you study, remain voluntarily insured with GKV, or want to include family members.

    Articles for this step

    Family Insurance in Germany: Who Can Be Covered Under the GKV for Free Health Insurance for Students in Germany Freiwillige Krankenversicherung in Germany: Voluntary Public Health Insurance
  4. 4

    Choose a health fund or plan

    For GKV, compare Krankenkassen; for PKV, study the chosen contract terms before applying.

    Articles for this step

    GKV in Germany in 2026: cost, choosing a provider, and enrollment Health Insurance Companies in Germany: GKV, PKV, and Krankenkasse
  5. 5

    Arrange coverage for the required dates

    Check the period before main insurance starts, apply, and keep confirmation of your status.

    Articles for this step

    Incoming Insurance for a National Visa to Germany: When You Need It and How to Choose It Public Health Insurance with TK in Germany: Enrollment, Contributions, and Switching in 2026
  6. 6

    Clarify coverage after enrolment

    Before treatment or taking out supplementary insurance, clarify coverage and possible co-payments.

    Articles for this step

    What Is Covered by Public Health Insurance in Germany Long-Term Care Insurance in Germany: Mandatory Coverage, Contributions, and Benefits

Important notes

  • Switching to PKV requires a long-term assessment.
  • Do not assume that GKV family insurance is automatic.
  • Temporary entry insurance does not replace main coverage.

Common mistakes

  • Looking only at the first PKV contribution
  • Assuming family insurance is automatic
  • Confusing temporary and main coverage