Freelancers and self-employed people in Germany are not compulsorily insured in public health insurance, so Private health insurance (PKV) is available as the main coverage. Eligibility rests on two things: meeting the income requirement for self-employed applicants and the health assessment. This article covers freelancers and self-employed people in Germany.
Am I eligible for Private health insurance (PKV) if I'm self-employed or freelancing in Germany?
Yes, in most cases. Because you're not compulsorily insured in public health insurance, private health insurance is open to you as your main health coverage. Our Standard, Plus, and Premium plans have no end date, so you can stay on the same policy for as long as you live in Germany instead of having to move to something else when a time-limited policy expires. Meeting the income requirement makes you eligible to apply, not automatically covered — acceptance also depends on the health assessment that is part of every application.
What income do I need to earn to be eligible for Private health insurance (PKV) as a freelancer?
The income requirement for self-employed and freelance applicants depends on how long you've been resident in Germany:
If you've been resident in Germany for more than 12 months, you need to earn more than €25,000 gross per year.
If you've been resident for 12 months or less, you need to earn more than €36,000 gross per year, or more than €51,000 gross per year if you're 51 or older.
The current figures are in our article on the income threshold for private health insurance. If you live in Germany but work for an employer based outside Germany, you're assessed against these figures rather than the employee threshold.
What proof of self-employment do I need to provide?
Normally, we ask for documents that confirm both your self-employed status and that your income meets the requirement for the coming 12 months. This can include client contracts, your most recent tax declaration, and bank statements. Within the application, we'll tell you which of these apply to your situation and reach out if anything further is needed after you apply.
How does the health assessment affect my eligibility for private health insurance?
Meeting the income requirement 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.
Who pays my private health insurance premium if I'm self-employed?
You pay the full premium yourself. There is no employer share for self-employed people and freelancers, unlike employees of a German company, whose employer covers up to 50%. Your premium is based on your age, your health, and the plan you choose — Short-term, Standard, Plus, or Premium — not on your income. Income is collected during the quote to assess eligibility.
How do I sign up for private health insurance as a freelancer or self-employed person?
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.
What are my options if I'm not eligible for private health insurance as a freelancer?
If you don't meet the income requirement or your application is declined, you may still be able to join public health insurance (GKV) as a voluntary member if you were insured in the EU, EEA, Switzerland, or the UK within the last 3 months. Artists and other creative professionals may access public health insurance through the Künstlersozialkasse (KSK). Where neither is accessible, expat health insurance and long-term expat health insurance offer visa-compliant coverage.