Private or Statutory Health Insurance?
Scientifically-based & objective decision support
Objectively compare the private and statutory health insurance to make the best choice for your needs.
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Objective Comparison
Which protection is best? We compare GKV and PKV for you—objectively, neutrally, and with full transparency. Find all relevant facts at a glance for your best decision.
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What will your full coverage cost? Our calculator compares GKV and PKV contributions. You get an instant calculation based on your wishes—guaranteed 100% anonymous and GDPR-compliant.
In-depth Information
We explain the differences of GKV and PKV with scientific precision and based on clear facts. This way, you understand all the details. Our goal: pure enlightenment, no brokerage.
Explanations of GKV and PKV
What is Statutory Health Insurance? (GKV)
The Statutory Health Insurance (GKV) is a cornerstone of the German social security system. It is based on the principle of solidarity, where contributions are income-dependent and not determined by individual health risk.
This means that healthy and high-income members contribute a portion of their premiums to support those who are sicker and have lower incomes. The benefits of the GKV are legally defined and largely the same for all insured persons. These include, among others:
- Medical Treatment: Comprehensive care by registered doctors and specialists.
- Hospital Stays: Inpatient treatment in hospitals.
- Medications: Provision of prescription drugs.
- Preventive Check-ups: Regular check-ups for early detection of diseases.
- Dental Prosthetics: Subsidies for dental prosthetics.
The GKV is the mandatory insurance for the majority of employees, pensioners, and the unemployed in Germany. Family members without their own income can often be co-insured for free. The contributions to the GKV are generally split equally between the employee and the employer.
What is Private Health Insurance? (PKV)
Private Health Insurance (PKV) is primarily open to the self-employed, freelancers, civil servants, and employees with an income above the compulsory insurance threshold. In contrast to the GKV, contributions to the PKV are based on individual factors such as health status, age, and the chosen tariff. This allows insured individuals to customize their insurance coverage more flexibly and opt for higher benefits. Advantages of the PKV include, among others:
- Faster Appointments: Often shorter waiting times for doctor and specialist appointments.
- Better Benefits: More comprehensive benefits in areas like dental prosthetics, alternative practitioners, and alternative treatment methods.
- Private Room in Hospital: The option to choose a private room in the hospital.
- Individual Tariffs: Flexible design of insurance coverage according to individual needs.
Every insured person requires their own contract in private health insurance (PKV). Employees who meet the requirements for private health insurance receive a subsidy toward their premium from their employer. Self-employed or non-working individuals with private health insurance, however, do not receive this employer subsidy.
Private or Statutory Health Insurance: A Detailed Comparison
To help you decide between PKV and GKV, we have summarized the most important differences in a table:
| Criterion | Statutory Health Insurance | Private Health Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Contributions | Income-dependent (up to the contribution ceiling) | Risk-dependent (health, age, tariff) |
| Benefits | Legally defined benefit catalog, uniform for all | Contractually agreed benefit scope, individually selectable |
| Target Group | Employees below the income threshold, pensioners, students | Employees above the income threshold, self-employed, civil servants |
| Family Insurance | Contribution-free co-insurance of family members possible | Each family member needs their own contract |
| Doctor Choice | Free choice among doctors with statutory insurance approval | Free choice among all doctors (incl. private doctors) |
| Billing Principle | Benefits-in-kind principle (direct billing between doctor & insurance) | Reimbursement principle (insured pays doctor, submits invoice) |
Contributions
Income-dependent (up to the contribution ceiling)
Risk-dependent (health, age, tariff)
Benefits
Legally defined benefit catalog, uniform for all
Contractually agreed benefit scope, individually selectable
Target Group
Employees below the income threshold, pensioners, students
Employees above the income threshold, self-employed, civil servants
Family Insurance
Contribution-free co-insurance of family members possible
Each family member needs their own contract
Doctor Choice
Free choice among doctors with statutory insurance approval
Free choice among all doctors (incl. private doctors)
Billing Principle
Benefits-in-kind principle (direct billing between doctor & insurance)
Reimbursement principle (insured pays doctor, submits invoice)
Find the right health insurance with our calculator
Are you wondering whether statutory (GKV) or private (PKV) health insurance is the better fit for your situation? Our calculator analyses your individual life and income circumstances and lays out the differences transparently, side by side. Make an informed decision now!
- Objective comparison: statutory vs. private health insurance
- Individual analysis: based on your personal situation
- Facts and figures: contributions and benefits at a glance
- Clear decision support: helping you choose the right system
Start now and get a transparent basis for your health insurance decision!
Premium Development with Age
Projected cost development of PKV and GKV in comparison.
Exemplary representation of premium development. Actual costs may vary.