With CAPE by your side

Public Health Insurance

Trusted access. Equal coverage. Full protection for your health in Germany. Public health insurance designed for internationals.

Public Health Insurance for expats in Germany

Reliable healthcare coverage for your life in Germany.

Public health insurance provides universal access to medical care for residents in Germany. It works on the principle of solidarity, everyone pays according to their income and receives the same level of care. For most employees, it’s mandatory and ensures full legal compliance when living and working in Germany. It protects you from high medical costs and gives you access to doctors, hospitals and medication.

Visa accepted Recognised for visa and residence applications
50% contributed Employer contributes half of your premium
English support English service, documents and app
  • Guaranteed access

    No medical examination. Pre-existing conditions are fully covered.

  • Family insurance

    Eligible spouses and children are usually covered free of charge.

  • Comprehensive healthcare

    Access to doctors, specialists, hospitals, medication and preventive care.

  • Income-based contributions

    Your monthly contribution depends on your salary, not on your health.

Get your personal quote

Your status

Employed
Self-employed
Student
Intern / Trainee

Your details

Family coverage

Co-insurance spouse
If no monthly income above 565€
Co-insurance children
If no monthly income above 565€

4. Your contribution

0 € per month
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You also qualify for private health insurance.
If you are healthy and have no dependents to cover, private health insurance could be the better option for you. Click here to compare both options.

Your contribution

Our recommendation

Most Trusted

Germany's largest public insurer

Over 11 million members nationwide trust TK for comprehensive healthcare coverage.

Recognized

Award-winning benefits

Outstanding services and excellent healthcare coverage quality.

International

English-speaking support

Dedicated customer service for international members.

Value

Competitive contribution rates

Lower contribution rates compared to many other public health insurance providers.

General

Dependents coverage
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✓ (no extra cost)
Worldwide coverage / repatriation
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Sick pay allowance
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Transportation
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At the doctor

General / Specialist doctor visits
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Private doctor visits
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Medicines and bandages
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✓ (90%)
Vaccinations
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In hospital

Free choice of doctor
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✗ (doctor on duty)
Accommodation
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✓ (multi-bed room)
Choice of hospital
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✓ (public hospitals)

Dental

Orthodontics
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✗ (only for children)
Dental treatment / checkups
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Dental cleanings
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✓ (up to €40)
Dentures and inlays
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✓ (60%)

Treatment & Therapies

Therapeutic measures
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✓ (90%)
Medical aids
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✓ (75% - 90%)
Preventive care treatments
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✓ (restricted range)
Alternative practitioner
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✓ (up to €100)
Psychotherapy
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Eyes

Vision aids
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✗ (only for children)
Refractive eye surgery
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Public vs. private health insurance

Why CAPE

Made for internationals in Germany

Insurance advice tailored to you.

We combine carefully selected insurance options with clear, English-speaking advice and personal support throughout the entire process.

  • Carefully selected insurance from trusted German providers
  • Clear advice in English
  • Fully digital application with personal support
  • Continued support after your policy has started
No anonymous call centre A personal advisor who knows your case
CAPE insurance advisor
Free 20-minute consultation

Book your personal insurance consultation.

Get clear advice tailored to your situation. We'll explain your options, answer your questions and help you choose the right cover.

Let Anna explain

Not sure what is covered or whether public health insurance is the right option for you? Anna explains the German public healthcare system clearly and simply.

Still have questions? Contact our team directly.

A clear introduction to public health insurance in Germany.

You know what’s covered - apply now.

Enjoy the security of knowing your health insurance is in place.

Frequently asked questions

Once you have completed the application process above, we will review your application and forward it to TK on your behalf. You will usually receive your provisional membership certificate within 24 hours, and your physical insurance card will arrive a few weeks later.

Click here to see a comparison of both systems.

Yes. As part of your TK application, you will automatically be registered with the German pension system and receive a social security number (pension number) which will be sent to your German home address. Just sit and wait.

Yes. TK will send you a health insurance card ("Gesundheitskarte") once your membership is confirmed. This card is required for doctor visits, pharmacies, and hospitals.

As soon as your membership is confirmed, you're immediately eligible to see a doctor without any delay. You simply make an appointment with any doctor who accepts public health insurance members ("Kassenarzt"). At the appointment, you show your insurance card. The doctor bills TK directly, you don't pay upfront.

Yes. TK offers free family coverage for spouses and children under certain conditions. Children are usually covered up to age 18, or longer if they are students or unemployed. A requirement is that dependents don't have their own compulsory insurance and stay under the income limit.

If you are employed, your insurance premiums will be automatically deducted from your salary. By law, your employer is obligated to cover half of your insurance premium, with the remaining half being taken out of your monthly earnings. If you're self-employed, a student, or unemployed, you'll need to provide an IBAN for the purpose of setting up automatic monthly deductions for your insurance payments.

TK covers all medically necessary treatments, including doctor visits, hospital care, medication, preventive checkups, and basic dental care. Additional services such as psychotherapy, vaccinations, and chronic disease management are also included. Nevertheless, some benefits are not sufficient. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to take out additional private insurance, for dental for example.

Yes. Premiums may increase as they are proportionally linked to the insured individual's income growth. Moreover, the income ceiling that determines the highest contribution bracket is typically adjusted upwards annually.

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