Health Insurance Calculator Information

What is the difference between GKV and PKV?

The Statutory Health Insurance (GKV) is the health insurance system in Germany in which most insured persons are covered. The contribution is based on your income. The Private Health Insurance (PKV) is an alternative for certain groups of people, where the contribution depends on age, health condition, and the selected benefits.

GKV - Statutory Health Insurance

The statutory health insurance is accessible to all employees in Germany. The contribution is income-dependent and is split between employer and employee. Family members can be insured free of charge (family insurance).

Advantages:

Income-dependent contributions
Free family insurance for spouse and children
No health check required
Standardized benefits catalog

Disadvantages:

Contributions increase with income
Limited choice of benefits
Waiting times for specialist appointments possible
No single rooms or attending physician of choice (Wahlarzt) as standard

PKV - Private Health Insurance

Private health insurance is available to self-employed persons, civil servants, and employees above the income threshold (€{threshold} annually in 2026). The contribution is calculated based on age, health condition, and desired benefits.

Advantages:

Individually selectable benefits
Short waiting times for appointments
Attending physician of choice (Wahlarzt) and single rooms possible
Contributions independent of income
Potential premium refunds

Disadvantages:

Health check required
No free family insurance
Contributions can increase in old age
Switching back to GKV is conditional and legally excluded after age 55 (§6 para. 3a SGB V)