Germany: health insurance for employees

Health insurance is compulsory in Germany. Most employees are insured by law in the statutory system (GKV); higher earners can choose private insurance.

1. Employees earning more than EUR 603 a month but no more than EUR 77,400 a year (the 2026 threshold) are compulsorily insured in the GKV.
2. Those earning above the threshold can choose private insurance (PKV).
3. Children, spouses and registered partners of GKV members who live in Germany and do not regularly earn more than EUR 603 a month are insured free of charge (family insurance). Children are covered as a rule until 18, until 23 if not working, until 25 in education.
4. For the visa, before you start work in Germany, you need travel or 'incoming' insurance — at least one week for a work visa, the whole period for the Opportunity Card.
5. Seasonal workers who are not in German social insurance are usually given private insurance by the employer; clarify in advance who pays.

• Federal Ministry of Health: Who is insured in the statutory health insurance ↗
• German Embassy Tbilisi: Leaflet D2a — insurance for the visa ↗
• Federal Employment Agency: Seasonal work — health insurance ↗

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change — check the official sources or ask the relevant authority before making a decision.