In Germany, health insurance is required by law. Employees with an annual gross income below €66,600 have to get public health insurance. Employees with higher incomes, self-employed and students can choose between private and public heath insurance.
The health care system in Germany is publicly subsidized and supported by employer and employee contributions to the social system. Most people living in Germany have public health insurance. The general contribution rate is set by law. On top, there is the additional contribution, which is set by the insurers themselves. In 2023 the total contribution will be on average 16.2% of your gross income. Both the general contribution and the additional contribution are paid in equal parts by the employer and the employee. If you are self-employed, you pay 100% yourself. Since both the benefits of the insurers and the additional contributions differ, it is worth checking your current contract.
Depending on your contract, the public health insurance covers basic medical, dental and psychotherapeutic treatment, the provision of medicines, dressings, remedies and aids, home health care, hospital treatment and benefits for medical rehabilitation.
