You're required to move from Expat health insurance to Public health insurance (GKV) or Private health insurance (PKV) when certain life changes occur, such as earning above the minijob threshold, exceeding student working-hour limits, or moving into longer-term employment. The right time to switch depends on which type you're moving to. If you don't qualify for public or private health insurance, you can stay on Expat health insurance or move to Long-term expat health insurance.
When do I need to upgrade from Expat health insurance to Public health insurance (GKV) or Private health insurance (PKV) in Germany?
Certain life changes require you to move from Expat health insurance to Public health insurance (GKV) or Private health insurance (PKV). You're required to upgrade if any of the following apply:
Your employment earnings exceed the minijob threshold of €603 per month — whether you were previously unemployed, a student, or working a minijob — unless you qualify for an exemption such as working student status or short-term employment rules. Freelancing and self-employment are treated differently from regular employment.
You're a student working 20 or more hours per week during the semester, and your earnings also exceed the minijob threshold of €603 per month. Both conditions together generally put you beyond working student status.
You're in short-term or seasonal employment that exceeds 3 months or 70 working days within a calendar year, which means you're no longer exempt from social contributions.
What are the income requirements to switch to Private health insurance (PKV) in Germany?
Private health insurance (PKV) in Germany has minimum annual income thresholds that depend on employment status and age:
Employees must earn at least €77,400 per year.
Freelancers under 51 must earn at least €36,000 per year.
Freelancers 51 or older must earn at least €51,000 per year.
How can I check whether I'm eligible for Public health insurance (GKV) or Private health insurance (PKV) in Germany?
You can check your eligibility for Public health insurance (GKV) or Private health insurance (PKV) using our recommendation tool, which reviews your situation against the requirements for each plan type. More detail is available in our online guide to health insurance in Germany.
When is the best time to upgrade to Public health insurance (GKV) or Private health insurance (PKV) in Germany?
The ideal timing depends on which type of insurance you're switching to:
For Public health insurance (GKV), we recommend upgrading before you start a new job, since processing can take up to 7 business days. Upgrading within 2 weeks of starting employment is also acceptable.
For Private health insurance (PKV), processing usually takes 2–5 business days. If you haven't been insured in the last 12 months, medical and dental check-ups are required, which can extend the processing time.
What are my options if I'm not eligible to upgrade from Expat health insurance?
If you're not eligible for Public health insurance (GKV) or Private health insurance (PKV), you can continue using your Expat health insurance without interruption. If you need to switch because of a visa renewal or because you've reached the maximum coverage period for Expat health insurance (usually 5 years), we offer Long-term expat health insurance as an alternative.
What happens if my application for Public health insurance (GKV) or Private health insurance (PKV) is rejected?
If your application for Public health insurance (GKV) or Private health insurance (PKV) isn't approved, your Expat health insurance remains active and you can continue using it without interruption.