Employees of a German company can choose Private health insurance (PKV) instead of Public health insurance (GKV) once the gross annual salary is above the legal income threshold, which is EUR 77,400 as of January 1, 2026. Meeting the threshold makes you eligible to apply, but acceptance depends on the health assessment. Below the threshold, Public health insurance (GKV) is compulsory. This article covers employees of a German company only.
What income do I need to earn as an employee to qualify for private health insurance?
You're eligible to apply for Private health insurance (PKV) instead of Public health insurance (GKV) if your gross annual salary from your German employer is above the legal income threshold for employees. Meeting the threshold makes you eligible to apply, not automatically covered: acceptance also depends on the health assessment that is part of every application. If your salary is below the threshold, Public health insurance (GKV) is compulsory for you and Private health insurance (PKV) is not available as your main health coverage.
What gross annual salary do I need to be eligible for Private health insurance (PKV) if I'm employed by a German company?
From January 1, 2026, an employee needs to earn more than EUR 77,400 in gross annual salary to be eligible for Private health insurance (PKV). The threshold is set by law and reviewed every year, so the figure changes annually. Your employer contributes up to 50% of your Private health insurance (PKV) premium, capped at a fixed monthly amount, which is covered in our article on employer contributions.
Can I leave public health insurance to join private health insurance as an employee?
Whether you can leave public health insurance depends on your status within it:
If your gross annual salary is above the income threshold, you are voluntarily insured in public health insurance, and you are free to end that coverage and move to private health insurance.
If your gross annual salary is below the income threshold, you are compulsorily insured in public health insurance, and you cannot move to private health insurance while that status applies.
See the notice period and steps on how to switch from public health insurance to private health insurance.
How does the health assessment affect my eligibility for private health insurance?
Meeting the income threshold does not guarantee acceptance, because private insurers also assess your health history. The assessment can result in full coverage at the standard price, coverage with a risk surcharge, coverage that excludes treatment related to an existing condition, or a declined application. Medical checkups may be required if you are over the age of 55, if you have certain health conditions, or if you had no comprehensive health coverage at any point in the last 12 months.
What are my options if I earn below the income threshold as an employee?
If your gross annual salary is below the threshold, you are legally required to have public health insurance, and you can choose a provider such as TK, AOK, BARMER, or DAK. Private health insurance becomes an option once your salary rises above the threshold.
How do I sign up for private health insurance as an employee?
Get your personal quote and coverage details in under two minutes.
Apply for coverage
From the quote page, you'll be able to sign up online within 15 minutes. We'll process your application within a few days and reach out if more information is needed.
Otherwise, your application will be confirmed automatically, and your coverage will start on the date you've selected in the application.
Does this apply if I live in Germany but work for an employer outside Germany?
No. This covers employees of a German company. If you live in Germany and work for an employer based outside Germany, your eligibility for Private health insurance (PKV) is assessed differently, and your employer may not contribute toward the premium. See our separate article on eligibility for Private health insurance (PKV) when you work for an employer abroad.