Every resident in Germany must have health insurance — it's legally required, not optional. You cannot get a residence permit without proof of coverage. There are two systems: statutory public insurance (GKV) and private insurance (PKV). Most Indians should choose GKV.
The statutory system covers about 90% of Germany's population. As an employee, you pay approximately 7.3% of your gross salary plus a small Zusatzbeitrag (additional contribution, ~1.7%), and your employer matches this amount. On a €4,000 gross salary, your share is roughly €360/month. Major providers: TK (Techniker Krankenkasse), AOK, Barmer, DAK.
Under GKV Familienversicherung, your non-working spouse and children under 25 (in education) are covered completely free — no additional premium. For a family, this makes GKV dramatically cheaper than private insurance. This single benefit is why most Indian families choose public insurance.
Private insurance is only available to high earners (above ~€69,300/year in 2025), the self-employed, and civil servants. Premiums are based on age and health, not income — so a young, healthy person might pay less initially. But premiums rise sharply with age, each family member pays separately, and switching back to GKV later is very difficult. For most Indians, PKV is a trap that looks cheap at first.
Students under 30 get heavily subsidised GKV rates of approximately €130/month. This is one of the best deals in the German system. Enrol within three months of starting your studies. Over 30 or in later semesters, you may need voluntary insurance at higher rates.
Doctor visits, specialist care (with a referral), hospital stays, prescription medications (small co-payment), mental health treatment, pregnancy and childbirth, and preventive checkups. Dental basics are covered; cosmetic dentistry and premium crowns require add-on insurance (~€10–40/month).
All GKV providers offer the same core coverage by law, but differ slightly in the Zusatzbeitrag and extra services (some reimburse gym memberships or alternative medicine). TK is popular with international professionals for its English support. Switching between GKV providers is free and easy.
Register with your Krankenkasse before your first day of work — your employer needs the Mitgliedsbescheinigung. Get an electronic health card (Gesundheitskarte) which you present at every appointment. Register with a Hausarzt (GP) early, before you're sick, as some have waiting lists for new patients.
