Everyone who moves to Berlin has to get health insurance, either public or private. Your salary, occupation and residential status determine which type of German health insurance you can get.
How Does Health Insurance in Berlin Work?
Once you sign up for a health insurance policy in Berlin, you receive an Insurance Card, which you have to present when seeking medical attention at a doctor’s office or hospital. Health insurance covers the majority of your basic medical needs, and it is usually all you need.
The type of health insurance you can get, based on income/occupation:
- You need public (statutory) health insurance if:
- You are employed, and your salary is less than €62,550/year
- You are a student under the age of 30
- You can get private health insurance only if:
- You are a freelancer or self-employed
- Your salary is more than €62,550/year
- You are a student over the age of 30
- You are attending preparatory or language courses
- You are a post-graduate student or a scholarship holder (without a contract of employment).
- You are a guest scientist or researcher.
Where To Apply for Health Insurance in Berlin?
You have to locate the Berlin branch of an insurance company then contact them so you can start the process of registering for health insurance. If you are employed, your employer will likely register you, but they will ask you which insurance company you prefer.
Some of the biggest public health insurance companies in Berlin are:
- TK-Techniker Krankenkasse
- AOK Baden Württemberg
- Barmer
- DAK
- KKH – Kaufmännische Krankenkasse
If you are eligible for private insurance, some of the best private insurance companies include:
- DR-WALTER
- AXA
- Allianz
- DKV
- HanseMerkur
- Mawista
How to Choose The Best Health Insurance Plan When in Berlin?
The best health insurance plan for you depends on your own specific circumstances. For example:
- If you have dependent family members, you might be best sticking with public health insurance because it allows them to use your policy, with no additional costs.
- If you are older or have a pre-existing condition, private insurers may charge you extra, whereas public insurers do not.
- If you are young, healthy, do not have dependents, and have a high income, private health insurance may be less expensive, hence a better option for you.
Most public health insurers in Berlin are regulated by the state, so they offer largely the same amount of protection, with minor differences. It is a different matter when it comes to private insurance. Although they are still somewhat regulated, they have much more diversity in types of policies.
When Is The Best Time To Get Health Insurance?
You should get health insurance as soon as you move to Berlin. Before you sign up with a health insurance company, you have to register at the local Registration Office (Einwohnermeldeamt) to get a German social insurance number (Sozialversicherungsnummer). This proves you contribute to the national health insurance fund.
How Much Does It Cost To Get Health Insurance in Berlin?
The cost of Berlin health insurance for professionals and freelancers depends on whether it is public or private:
- Public: The cost depends on your salary. Approximately 14.6% of your salary goes to monthly contributions for national healthcare, where 7.3% is deducted from your payment, while your employer pays the other 7.3%.
- Private: Private health insurance companies in Berlin price their insurance policies based on your age, your health, and the amount of coverage that you want. So, prices can change drastically from company to company.
If your salary is €62,550/year, you pay around €400/month on public insurance. This is the maximum amount you pay, even if your salary increases further, whereas the minimum is €180/month.
Many freelancers and successful young professionals (with high salaries) decide to get private health insurance in Berlin because the monthly costs are far lower than in the public sector.
What Does Health Insurance in Berlin Cover?
Statutory health insurance in Berlin covers your basic medical necessities, such as medical checkups and treatment, surgery, basic dental care, prescription medication, maternity care, etc. You still need to pay for some things, however, such as:
- €10 for a doctor visit in each 4-month period (year quarter). So, if it’s the first time you’re visiting a doctor in one quarter of the year, you pay €10, and then you do not need to pay for the next visits within that 4-month period.
- The first €10 of any prescription.
- €10/day for hospital stays, only up to 28 days/year.
- Vision aids like glasses or contacts.
Health Insurance for US Expats in Berlin
US citizens moving to Berlin on a long-term basis can enrol under the public/statutory health insurance scheme. You can also get a supplementary private medical insurance plan for additional coverage on things like dental care, private hospital rooms, or quicker appointments.
If you qualify (e.g. you are a freelancer or have a high income), you can switch entirely to private insurance.
You will find that the quality of healthcare in Berlin is comparable to the U.S.
Health Insurance for Freelancers in Berlin
If you are a freelancer in Berlin, you have the option to choose between public and private insurance. If you decide to enrol under the public scheme, you have to pay 14.6% of your income in health insurance contributions yourself, as opposed to salaried employees, for whom the employee covers half. This is why many freelancers decide to subscribe to private health insurance.
Health Insurance for Artists in Berlin
Health insurance for artists in Berlin depends on the duration of your trip. If you are only travelling for a short period of time (e.g. up to three months) you are good to stick with travel health insurance. If you are moving to Berlin long-term, you can subscribe to one of the available public insurance schemes or a private insurance company.
Health Insurance for Refugees in Berlin
Refugees or Asylum-Seekers in Berlin cannot enrol under a statutory health insurance scheme like the rest of expats. However, if you are a refugee who needs medical assistance in Berlin, you can request it through the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act (AsylbLG), which covers basic medical needs, such as treatment of acute illnesses, basic dental care, vaccination, pregnancy/birth-giving, etc.
Visiting a Doctor or Specialist in Berlin
Unlike in many other countries, you won’t have an appointed GP (General Practitioner) or family doctor in Berlin – you are free to choose any doctor you want. You can even visit specialists without a referral.
You can find doctors in Berlin by visiting the website of the association of statuary health insurance physicians Berlin or the KBV, but you can also ask for personal recommendations from friends or coworkers.
You have to call and make an appointment with the doctor’s assistant. If you have public insurance, you have to wait a few days to a couple of weeks for an appointment, unless it is an emergency. Those enrolled with private medical insurance usually get appointments quicker, in a couple of days.
Hospitals in Berlin
Hospitals in Berlin are very efficient and the doctors are well-qualified, so rest assured you will receive the best possible care if you need to be hospitalized. Here’s what you should expect in a Berlin hospital:
- You have to pay about €10/day for your stay.
- With public insurance, your surgery and other medical bills are sent directly to your insurer.
- If you have private insurance, you may have to pay first then the company will reimburse you.
- Patients with private insurance may be able to get a private or semi-private room, otherwise, you will likely share a room with up to three other people.
- Visiting hours are usually between 2-8.
- You must bring your own towels, toiletries, and gowns.
There are three types of hospitals in Berlin:
- Public hospitals, administered by the state.
- Private hospitals, administered by private companies.
- Charitable hospitals, administered by voluntary organisations or churches.
Your doctor will usually refer you to a hospital.
Dentistry in Berlin
Public health insurance usually just covers basic dental care, such as checkups, basic filling, and teeth cleaning. You can get a supplemental private insurance plan for dental coverage for more complex work, such as root canals or dentures, but it will cost more.
