To qualify for Private health insurance (PKV) in Germany, you need to meet an income threshold, and the figure that applies depends on whether you're employed by a German company or self-employed. Meeting the threshold makes you eligible to apply, not automatically covered — acceptance also depends on the health assessment that is part of every application.
What income do I need to earn to be eligible for private health insurance as an employee?
From January 1, 2026, an employee of a German company needs to earn more than €77,400 in gross annual salary to be eligible for private health insurance. Below that figure, public health insurance (GKV) is compulsory, and private health insurance is not available as your main coverage. The employee threshold is set by law and reviewed every year, so the figure changes annually.
What is the employer contribution towards private health insurance in Germany?
German employers contribute up to 50% of an employee's monthly health and nursing care insurance costs, including coverage for dependents. The maximum employer contribution is capped at €613.22 per month, which breaks down as:
Up to €508.59 per month for private health insurance.
Up to €104.63 per month for nursing care insurance.
What's changing with the employee income threshold and employer contribution in 2027?
Both figures are expected to increase starting January 1, 2027, though neither is finalized yet.
Income threshold: the employee threshold is projected to rise to just under €85,000 per year.
Employer contribution: the contribution caps are also expected to increase, since they're calculated from Germany's contribution assessment ceiling, which is separately projected to rise in 2027.
The official figures for both will be set by the Bundeskabinett in autumn 2026.
What income do I need to earn to be eligible for private health insurance if I'm self-employed or freelancing?
The threshold for self-employed people and freelancers depends on how long you've been resident in Germany:
If you've been resident in Germany for more than 12 months, you need to earn more than €25,000 gross per year.
If you've been resident in Germany for 12 months or less, you need to earn more than €36,000 gross per year, or more than €51,000 gross per year if you're 51 or older.
If you live in Germany but work for an employer based outside Germany, these figures apply to you rather than the employee threshold.
Who sets the income threshold for private health insurance?
For employees: The employee threshold is set by German law and applies to every private provider.
For self-employed, freelancing or employed with a foreign employer: The thresholds for self-employed people and freelancers are set by each private provider individually, so they aren't fixed by law and can differ between insurers. The figures above are the ones that apply to applications through us.