Explained in English · NEOdirect
Private Health Insurance for Expats in Germany
Incoming insurance, expat tariffs, and full private coverage — all options explained in plain English.
No obligation · Independent advice · Takes 2 minutes
★★★★★ Trusted by 1,500+ Indian expats in Germany | Independent broker — we work for you, not for insurers
Health insurance is mandatory in Germany. The type you choose today affects your coverage, costs, and options for decades.
Three types of health insurance for expats
Your options depend on how long you're staying, your income, and your employment.
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Incoming Insurance
Who: New arrivals, visa applicants, short-term stays
Duration: Up to 2 years
Cost: From ~€1–3/day
Coverage: Emergency & basic medical care, visa-compliant
Duration: Up to 2 years
Cost: From ~€1–3/day
Coverage: Emergency & basic medical care, visa-compliant
→ Bridge insurance until you get long-term coverage
Providers: Care Concept, MAWISTA, DR-Walter
Popular
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Expat Health Tariffs
Who: Expats staying 1–5 years, freelancers, students over 30
Duration: 1–5 years
Cost: From ~€196/month
Coverage: Comprehensive — private rooms, dental, worldwide
Duration: 1–5 years
Cost: From ~€196/month
Coverage: Comprehensive — private rooms, dental, worldwide
→ Full private coverage without long-term commitment
Providers: Ottonova Expat, Feather Expat
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Full Private Insurance (PKV)
Who: High earners (>€77,400/year), self-employed, freelancers
Duration: Long-term / permanent
Cost: From ~€280–400/month
Coverage: Premium — specialists, private hospitals, custom plans
Duration: Long-term / permanent
Cost: From ~€280–400/month
Coverage: Premium — specialists, private hospitals, custom plans
→ Best care in Germany, but a long-term commitment
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Our honest advice
For most Indian expats arriving in Germany, we recommend starting with public health insurance (GKV) first. Here's why:
- You need time to understand how the German healthcare system works — its rules, costs, and long-term consequences
- Switching from private back to public is very difficult (and sometimes impossible after age 55)
- Private insurance premiums increase with age, and each family member needs their own contract
- The decision to go private affects your finances for decades — including retirement
That's why it makes sense to first settle in Germany, join the public system, and then sit down with an independent expert who can explain all the pros, cons, and personal responsibilities in detail — before you make a decision you may not be able to reverse.
We're not here to sell you the most expensive plan. We're here to make sure you understand what you're getting into.
Public vs. Private — the key differences
Understanding both systems is essential before making your choice.
| Feature | Public (GKV) | Private (PKV) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost basis | % of income (14.6% + supplement) | Based on age & health |
| 2026 income threshold | Everyone eligible | Employees need >€77,400/year |
| Family coverage | Spouse & kids free | Each person pays separately |
| Specialist access | GP referral often needed, longer waits | Direct access, shorter waits |
| Dental & vision | Basic coverage only | Comprehensive (depending on tariff) |
| Billing | Direct via insurance card | Pay upfront, get reimbursed |
| Switching back | Always possible | Very difficult, especially after 55 |
| Employer contribution | Yes, 50% | Yes, 50% (if employed) |
Coverage at a glance
How the three private options compare on coverage.
| Feature | Incoming | Expat Tariff | Full PKV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency care | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Outpatient (doctor visits) | ✓ limited | ✓ | ✓ |
| Inpatient (hospital) | ✓ basic | ✓ private room | ✓ single room |
| Dental | ✗ basic repair only | ✓ 80–90% | ✓ up to 100% |
| Vision | ✗ | ✓ depends on tariff | ✓ |
| Specialist access | Limited | ✓ | ✓ priority |
| Worldwide coverage | Schengen only | ✓ up to 6 months | ✓ depends on tariff |
| Visa-compliant | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Long-term care included | ✗ | ✗ usually not | ✓ mandatory add-on |
Which option fits your situation?
Find the right path based on where you are right now.
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Just arrived in Germany
Start with incoming insurance → transition to public (GKV) → consult an expert before considering PKV.
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Freelancer or self-employed
You can choose freely between GKV and PKV. Talk to us — the right choice depends on your age, health, and family plans.
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Employed, earning >€77,400
You're eligible for PKV but don't rush. Understand the long-term implications first. We compare 50+ providers to find the best fit.
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Student over 30
Expat tariffs are your best option. Affordable and visa-compliant.
How it works
Three simple steps to get covered.
1
Tell us about your situation
Employment, income, family, health status, and how long you plan to stay in Germany.
2
We compare & recommend
As independent brokers we compare 50+ insurers and find the best option — whether that's public, private, or an expat tariff.
3
You're covered
We handle enrollment, paperwork, and ongoing support. If you need to make a claim, we help you in English.
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Think twice before going private
Switching to private health insurance is easy. Switching back is not. After age 55, it's nearly impossible to return to public insurance. Your premiums increase with age, and every family member needs their own policy. Make sure you fully understand the commitment before signing.
What our clients say
Real stories from Indian expats we've helped.
★★★★★
"I was about to sign up for private insurance because it seemed cheaper. Nina explained that with my family plans, public insurance was actually the better long-term choice. Saved me from a costly mistake."
Arjun · Munich
★★★★★
"NEOdirect helped me find an expat tariff that covered everything I needed while I was still getting settled. The switch to public insurance later was seamless."
Priya · Berlin
★★★★★
"As a freelancer, I needed someone to properly explain the PKV system. Nina compared 8 different providers and found a plan that fit perfectly."
Karthik · Frankfurt
Your expert for health insurance
N
Nina Feddersen
Insurance Expert · NEOdirect
Specialised in helping Indian expats navigate Germany's complex health insurance system. I take the time to explain public vs. private insurance, expat tariffs, and long-term implications — so you make a decision you won't regret.
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Want to learn more first?
Read our blog articles about health insurance in Germany — public vs. private, expat tariffs, and what to know before you choose.
FAQ — Health Insurance in Germany
Quick answers to the most common questions.
Do I need health insurance in Germany?+
Yes, it's mandatory by law for everyone living in Germany — employees, freelancers, students, and retirees. You cannot legally reside in Germany without health insurance.
What is incoming insurance?+
Incoming insurance is short-term health insurance for people who just arrived in Germany. It covers basic medical needs and is visa-compliant. It's a bridge until you enroll in long-term public or private insurance. Duration: typically up to 2 years.
Can I switch from private back to public insurance?+
It's very difficult. If you're employed, you'd need to earn below €77,400/year. After age 55, switching back is nearly impossible. This is why we recommend understanding all consequences before going private.
Is private insurance cheaper than public?+
It depends. For young, healthy singles, PKV can be significantly cheaper. But premiums increase with age, and each family member needs their own policy. For families, public insurance is often more cost-effective long-term.
What does NEOdirect charge for advice?+
Nothing. Our advice is completely free. As independent insurance brokers, our fees are included in the insurance premium — you pay the same whether you come to us or go directly to the insurer. The difference: you get honest, expert advice.
Not sure which health insurance is right for you?
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