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Health insurance is mandatory in Germany, and proof of cover is required to finalize most residence permits. The big early decision is between public (GKV) and private (PKV) insurance. For many newcomers the choice is effectively made by income and employment status — but it's worth understanding both, because it's hard to reverse.
Who this applies to
- Applies to: everyone living in Germany — employees, students, and the self-employed.
- Also relevant if: you're bringing family who need cover.
- Not covered here: which specific insurer to pick — that depends on your situation.
Requirements
- A completed Anmeldung (insurers usually need your registration).
- Proof of your status — employment, enrolment, or self-employment — which affects your options.
Step-by-step
1. Decide: public or private
| Public — GKV | Private — PKV | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost basis | Percentage of gross income | Age and health at signup |
| Family members | Often co-insured at no extra premium | Usually priced per person |
| Who it fits | Most employees | Higher earners, self-employed, some students |
| Switching back | Straightforward | Can be difficult, especially later in life |
2. Apply and get confirmation
Choose a provider and apply. Public insurers generally must accept eligible applicants. Ask for written confirmation of coverage (Versicherungsbescheinigung) — your employer and the immigration office will both want it.
The right choice depends on your situation.
Public versus private — and what you actually qualify for — depends on your visa, employment, income, and family, and the choice affects later steps like your residence permit. A guide can explain the trade-off in general terms; software can work out what applies to you and how it fits the rest of your move, so a hard-to-reverse decision is made in context.
Timeline
Register your address
Week 1Usually needed before you apply.Apply for cover
Week 1–2Public insurers accept eligible applicants.Confirmation issued
DaysGive it to your employer and use it for your permit.
Required documents
What insurers typically ask for
- Registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung)
- Proof of employment, enrolment, or self-employment
- Passport or ID
- German bank details (for contributions)
Common mistakes
- Delaying cover — you need it from when you're liable, and for your permit.
- Assuming you can freely pick private — eligibility depends on income and status.
- Forgetting to get written confirmation for the immigration office.
Frequently asked questions
Is public or private better?
Can I switch later?
Is health insurance required for the Anmeldung in Germany?
Do students need it too?
Related guides
Anmeldung in Germany: How to Register Your Address
What the Anmeldung is, why it unlocks your tax ID, bank account, and residence permit, the documents you need, and how to book the appointment.
Residence Permits in Germany: How to Apply
The difference between an entry visa and a residence permit, what the immigration office expects, how appointments work, and how to keep your stay legal while you wait.
Getting Your Tax ID (Steuer-ID) in Germany
What the German tax ID is, how and when you receive it after registering, why your employer needs it, and what to do if it doesn't arrive.
How to Open a Bank Account in Germany
The documents you need to open a German bank account, the difference between traditional and online banks, and how to get set up for salary, rent, and direct debits.
Moving to Germany: The Complete Checklist
A clear checklist for moving to Germany — the typical order of address registration, health insurance, banking, tax ID, and your residence permit, and why the sequence matters.
Can I Get a German Tax ID Without Anmeldung?
Usually no — the German tax ID (Steuer-ID) is issued automatically after you register your address (Anmeldung). Here's the exception and the process in the meantime.
You understand the process. Now make it yours.
A guide explains how this generally works. Settlio turns it into your personalized plan — built free around your visa, city, and situation. The complete ordered roadmap, forecasts, and step-by-step guidance unlock with Full Access.
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