Applying for Private health insurance (PKV) requires three things: a valid ID card or passport, a German address, and proof that your income is above the income threshold. Employees prove income with a signed work contract valid for at least 12 months. Freelancers and self-employed applicants prove income with signed client contracts or letters of intent plus bank statements from the last 3 months. Without acceptable proof of income, an application for Private health insurance (PKV) cannot be accepted.
What documents do I need to apply for Private health insurance (PKV)?
We ask for three documents during the Private health insurance (PKV) application:
A valid ID card or passport.
A German address. If you don't have a German address yet, we use a placeholder address during your application.
Proof that your income is above the income threshold for Private health insurance (PKV). The accepted documents differ depending on whether you're employed or self-employed.
What income documents do I need as an employee applying for Private health insurance (PKV)?
Employees prove their income by uploading their work contract. The work contract must include:
The start date of your employment.
Validity for at least 12 months from the start date of your Private health insurance (PKV) policy.
A salary above the income threshold.
Signatures from both you and your employer.
What income documents do I need as a freelancer or self-employed applicant for Private health insurance (PKV)?
Freelancers and self-employed applicants prove their income with two required documents and can add optional ones:
Required — work contracts or letters of intent. If you work with multiple clients, submit one contract for each client. Each contract must be signed by you and your client, state the start date, duration, rates, and working hours, and show that your expected income meets the income threshold for the next 12 months.
Required — bank statements from the last 3 months. These statements show a consistent income flow. Proof of savings is not accepted as income.
Optional — supporting documents. You can add invoices, paychecks, business plans, recent tax assessments, or BWA statements (Betriebswirtschaftliche Auswertung, a German business performance report).
What happens if I can't prove that my income is above the threshold?
If you can't provide documents showing that your income is above the income threshold, your application for Private health insurance (PKV) can't be accepted. The income requirement is a legal condition for joining Private health insurance (PKV) in Germany, so it can't be waived.
How can I avoid delays when I submit my application documents?
Missing documents or unclear information delay the approval of a Private health insurance (PKV) application. Check that every document is complete, legible, and signed by all required parties before you submit it.