Once TK approves your application, your public health insurance (GKV) coverage starts on the start date shown in your confirmation of coverage, and you can see a doctor from that date onward. Your physical health insurance card arrives separately: TK sends a letter with a one-time password so you can upload a photo, and the card follows about 2 weeks after the upload. You do not need the card in hand to visit a doctor, because your TK membership is already active. If a doctor asks for written proof, your confirmation of coverage document serves as evidence.
I've been approved by TK for public health insurance. What happens next?
Approval means your public health insurance (GKV) membership with TK is confirmed. Your coverage begins on the start date stated in your confirmation of coverage, and you can visit a doctor at any time from that date onward. Your physical health insurance card is sent separately and arrives after your coverage has already started.
When will I receive my health insurance card from TK?
Your health insurance card arrives in 2 stages after your public health insurance application is approved:
About 1 week after your confirmation of coverage, TK sends a letter containing a one-time password for the photo upload page.
About 2 weeks after you upload your photo, the health insurance card itself arrives by mail.
Your card cannot be produced until your photo has been uploaded, so the total waiting time depends on how quickly you complete that step.
How do I upload the photo for my health insurance card?
TK requires a photo before the health insurance card can be issued. Use the one-time password from the letter TK sends by mail to open the photo upload page on the TK website, then submit your photo there. You can find the upload page at https://www.tk.de/service/form/2005260/passbild.form.
What should I do if my mailing address is not correct or my name is not on the postbox?
Your health insurance card and the letter with your one-time password are sent by mail, so TK needs a current and complete delivery address. If your name does not appear on the postbox at your address, the address should include a c/o line with the name that does appear there. You can update your address with TK by emailing [email protected], or by calling TK on +49 40 46 06 62 53 00 or 0800 285 85 85 (free of charge). You can contact our support team for more assistance or additional resources.
Can I see a doctor before my health insurance card arrives?
Yes. Your public health insurance coverage is active from the start date of your policy, whether or not the physical card has arrived. You can book and attend appointments with your TK membership alone, and the practice can verify your coverage without the card.
What can I do if a doctor asks for written proof of my public health insurance coverage?
Some medical practices ask for a written confirmation before the physical card is available. The confirmation of coverage document you received when your application was approved serves as that proof, and you can bring a printed or digital copy to your appointment. If the practice wants confirmation directly from TK, you can call TK on +49 40 46 06 62 53 00 or 0800 285 85 85 (free of charge) and ask them to send the confirmation to the practice by fax.