Krankenversicherung (health insurance) is compulsory in Germany. Employees up to the annual earnings threshold (Jahresarbeitsentgeltgrenze, 73,800 € in 2026) are compulsorily insured with a statutory health insurer (GKV).
Contribution rates 2026
- General rate: 14.6% of gross salary
- Average supplementary contribution (Zusatzbeitrag): approx. 2.5% (varies by insurer)
- Total: approx. 17.1% split equally between employer and employee
- Assessment ceiling: 5,512.50 €/month
Statutory vs. private health insurance
Above the earnings threshold, employees can switch to private health insurance (PKV). Private insurance can be cheaper for healthy, high-earning singles – but involves risk at older age or with health issues.
Sources: §§ 226, 241 SGB V, GKV-Spitzenverband.