Members of the KSK (Künstlersozialkasse) are generally required to have Public health insurance (GKV). Self-employed artists and publicists who are new to their profession, or whose income exceeded the threshold for Private health insurance over the three preceding calendar years, can apply for an exemption and take Private health insurance (PKV) instead. KSK subsidizes contributions for both products, though the Private health insurance subsidy is capped at 50% of the premium. Public health insurance contributions are income-based, while Private health insurance premiums depend on your age and health when you join. Feather is not affiliated with the KSK.
Do I need Public health insurance or Private health insurance as a KSK member?
Members of the KSK (Künstlersozialkasse, the German Artists' Social Insurance Fund) are generally required to have Public health insurance (GKV), and this becomes mandatory once the KSK accepts your application. Self-employed artists and publicists who meet certain conditions can apply for an exemption and take Private health insurance (PKV) instead. KSK subsidizes contributions for both Public health insurance and Private health insurance. Feather is not affiliated with the KSK, and the KSK decides on membership and exemptions. You can read about what the KSK is and who is eligible.
How can I be exempted from Public health insurance as a KSK member?
You can apply to the KSK for an exemption from Public health insurance (GKV) in 2 situations:
New professionals. During your first 3 years of self-employed artistic or publicistic work, known as the Berufsanfängerzeit, you can choose Private health insurance instead. You must apply within 3 months of the KSK confirming that you are subject to compulsory insurance, not within 3 months of sending your application.
High earners. You can apply if your income exceeded the annual income threshold for Private health insurance across 3 consecutive calendar years, measured as the combined total of those 3 years' thresholds. For an application in 2026, your combined income from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2025 must exceed €209,700, and the application must reach the KSK by 31 March 2026.
The two exemptions work differently once granted. The new-professionals exemption is temporary: it ends 3 years after your Berufsanfängerzeit finishes, on the following 31 March, after which Public health insurance becomes compulsory again unless you qualify as a high earner by then. The high-earner exemption is permanent and cannot be reversed — you cannot return to Public health insurance afterward. The KSK publishes the current thresholds and deadlines on its exemptions page.
How much does Public health insurance cost for KSK members?
Contributions to Public health insurance (GKV) are calculated from your income, which keeps coverage affordable if your income is low, uncertain, or fluctuating. In 2026 you pay 7.3% of your income, and the KSK pays a matching 7.3%. Your provider's additional contribution rate (Zusatzbeitrag) is split the same way; the statutory average for 2026 is 2.9%, but each provider sets its own. Public long-term care insurance is bundled with Public health insurance and is charged separately, at a rate that depends on whether you have children.
For a gross income of €3,000 per month in 2026, your share of the health insurance contribution is €219 per month, plus roughly €43 if your provider charges the average additional rate. Rates change annually, so check the KSK's contribution page for current figures.
What does Public health insurance cover for KSK members?
Public health insurance (GKV) includes:
Coverage with no waiting periods and no assessment of pre-existing conditions.
Free coverage for a non-working spouse and for children under family insurance.
Maternity allowance.
Income-based contributions that continue into retirement, so coverage carries on once you draw a pension.
When you take Public health insurance, you choose a provider, such as TK, AOK, BARMER, or DAK.
How much does Private health insurance cost for KSK members, and how much does KSK subsidize?
Premiums for Private health insurance (PKV) are based on your age and health condition at the time you join, not on your income. If you have been exempted from Public health insurance, you can apply to the KSK for a subsidy worth 7.3% of your income plus half of the average additional contribution rate, which gives 8.75% in 2026. The subsidy is capped at 50% of your premium. Two examples at 2026 rates:
Premium of €220 per month with a gross income of €2,500 per month: the calculated subsidy of €218.75 is capped at €110.
The same premium with a gross income of €1,000 per month: a subsidy of €87.50, which is below the cap.
If you take Private health insurance, you also need private long-term care insurance, which the KSK subsidizes on the same basis.
What should I consider before switching from Public health insurance to Private health insurance under KSK?
Premiums for Private health insurance (PKV) are often lower than Public health insurance contributions for younger members and higher earners, because they are based on age and health rather than income.
Some pre-existing conditions can be excluded from Private health insurance coverage.
Private health insurance generally offers faster access to specialist appointments.
Private health insurance premiums do not decrease when your income decreases, and the KSK subsidy is capped at 50% of the premium.
Private health insurance has no family insurance, so a non-working spouse and children each need their own policy and premium.
If you are exempted as a high earner, the switch is permanent and you cannot return to Public health insurance.
You can contact our support team for more assistance or additional resources.
What other contributions do KSK members pay besides health insurance?
Long-term care insurance. Public long-term care insurance (gesetzliche Pflegeversicherung) is bundled with Public health insurance. If you take Private health insurance, you must also take private long-term care insurance, which is calculated on the same basis but at a lower rate.
State pension insurance. Contributions to the German state pension are mandatory for KSK members, and the KSK matches your contribution — see what the KSK is and who is eligible.