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German Health Insurance Calculator

Estimate the monthly cost of public (GKV) and private (PKV) health insurance in Germany from your employment status, income, age and household. We give neutral reference ranges and the points worth checking for your own case — not a recommendation.

Public (GKV) — estimated monthly

€736–864

Full contribution, paid entirely by you

Private (PKV) — estimated monthly

€450–700/ per person

Important notes for this case

  • Freelancers and self-employed people generally cannot join public health insurance (GKV) for the first time without GKV coverage in the previous 12 months. The exceptions are work covered by the KSK (artists' social insurance) and being covered as a dependent under a family member's Familienversicherung. Otherwise private insurance (PKV) is the remaining route.
  • If you are 23 or older and have no children, long-term care insurance adds a surcharge of +0.6% (Kinderloszuschlag).

Points to check for your own situation

  • Public (GKV) and private (PKV) treat families differently — GKV can cover dependents at no extra cost, PKV generally charges per person
  • Self-employed and freelancers should check eligibility for voluntary GKV continuation and for the KSK (artists' social insurance)
  • Once you move to private insurance, the conditions for returning to public insurance can be strict
  • Dental cover, pre-existing conditions, and how future premium increases are handled vary substantially between contracts

Sources: BMG - Beiträge der gesetzlichen Krankenversicherung / Bundesregierung - Beitragsbemessungsgrenzen 2026

About these figures
These figures are estimates based on standard formulas and official statutory values. Your actual premium depends on the insurer, your health, and the contract terms. For exact figures, contact a Krankenkasse or a licensed broker.

How to read this calculator

The amounts shown are monthly reference ranges, not quotes for a specific contract. GKV is income-linked and subject to an upper and lower bound (Beitragsbemessungsgrenze / Mindestbemessungsgrundlage), while PKV varies substantially with age, health and the level of cover.

Frequently asked questions

Are these figures an exact quote I can sign up for?

No. The calculator produces an estimate from official statutory values and typical market ranges. An actual contract price requires a quote from the insurer. Check directly with a Krankenkasse or a licensed broker.

Can freelancers choose between GKV and PKV?

Freelancers are generally not subject to the Versicherungspflichtgrenze that applies to employees. Whether you can join or remain in GKV depends on your insurance history and other eligibility rules (§9 SGB V); it is not automatically available to every freelancer. PKV eligibility is governed separately. Check your status with a Krankenkasse or an appropriately authorised insurance professional.

What is the Versicherungspflichtgrenze for 2026?

For 2026 it is €77,400 per year (€6,450 per month). Employees whose regular annual remuneration exceeds the applicable threshold may become exempt from compulsory GKV membership and may then be eligible to choose PKV. Freelancers and self-employed people are not subject to this threshold.

How much can PKV premiums rise over time?

PKV premiums can increase over time, but there is no reliable fixed multiplier that applies to every policy. Premium adjustments depend on factors such as changes in healthcare costs, actuarial assumptions and the development of the insured tariff. Age provisions (Altersrückstellungen) are designed to smooth age-related costs over time. Future premium development cannot be predicted precisely from the initial premium alone. Before signing, ask the insurer or an authorised insurance professional about the tariff's contribution history and how premium adjustments work.

Can you tell me which insurance is best for me?

No. We do not recommend a specific insurer, tariff, or insurance contract based on your personal circumstances. This site provides general information and neutral comparisons between GKV and PKV. For advice or a recommendation based on your individual situation, consult an appropriately authorised insurance intermediary or insurance adviser (§34d GewO).