AOK (Visit website, opens in a new tab)
Regional statutory health funds operating under the AOK brand.
Germany
Statutory + privateHow health coverage works
In Germany, health cover combines a statutory system with private insurance.
Most residents are insured by a statutory health fund (GKV) chosen freely. Employees above an income threshold, civil servants and the self-employed may opt for private full cover (PKV).
Statutory health funds (GKV)
BARMER (Visit website, opens in a new tab)
Nationwide statutory health fund with many local offices.
DAK-Gesundheit (Visit website, opens in a new tab)
Nationwide statutory health fund open to all residents.
Techniker Krankenkasse (Visit website, opens in a new tab)
Germany’s largest statutory health fund, available nationwide.
Private health insurance (PKV)
Allianz (Visit website, opens in a new tab)
Private full and supplementary health insurance from a major German insurer.
Also offers
Debeka (Visit website, opens in a new tab)
Large private health insurer, popular with civil servants and employees.
Also offers
Signal Iduna (Visit website, opens in a new tab)
Insurance group offering private full cover and supplementary plans.
Also offers
Key facts
| Official source | GKV-Spitzenverband |
|---|---|
| Insurers listed | Allianz, AOK, BARMER, DAK-Gesundheit, Debeka, Signal Iduna, Techniker Krankenkasse |
| Last reviewed |
Frequently asked questions
How does health insurance work in Germany?
Most residents are insured by a statutory health fund (GKV) chosen freely. Employees above an income threshold, civil servants and the self-employed may opt for private full cover (PKV).
Is private health insurance mandatory in Germany?
It depends on your situation. Germany combines a statutory system with private insurance; check the official source for who may choose which.
Which health insurers can I look at in Germany?
Well-known insurers listed for Germany, in alphabetical order: Allianz, AOK, BARMER, DAK-Gesundheit, Debeka, Signal Iduna, Techniker Krankenkasse. This is not a ranking or a recommendation.
Where can I find official information on health cover in Germany?
GKV-Spitzenverband: https://www.gkv-spitzenverband.de