People living in Germany on capital, rental, or other passive income are not compulsorily insured under public health insurance, so Private health insurance (PKV) is available as the main coverage. Eligibility rests on two things: meeting the income requirement and the health assessment. This article covers people without employment or self-employment income in Germany.
Am I eligible for Private health insurance (PKV) if I live on passive income in Germany?
Yes, in most cases. Because you're not in employment, you're not compulsorily insured in public health insurance, so 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. Meeting the income requirement makes you eligible to apply, but does not automatically mean you are covered, since acceptance also depends on the health assessment that is part of every application.
What counts as passive income, and what proof do I need?
Passive income includes rental income, returns from capital investments, and pension payments from abroad. What matters is that the income is regular and can be documented, so you'll need your rental contract, a portfolio statement, or confirmation from your pension provider, depending on which applies to you. If other supporting documents are needed, we'll be in touch after you submit your application.
Savings on their own don't count. Drawing down from capital you've already built up isn't enough to meet the income requirement without ongoing income attached to it.
What income do I need to be eligible for Private health insurance (PKV) on passive income?
You need at least €60,000 gross per year (2026) from passive income to be eligible.
How does the health assessment affect my eligibility?
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 premium if I'm not employed?
You pay the full premium yourself. There is no employer share. Your premium is based on your age, your health, and the plan you choose, not on your income. Income is collected during the quote to assess eligibility.
How do I sign up?
Get your personal quote and coverage details in under two minutes.
Book a call with on the quote page. Eligibility on passive income depends on how your income is structured, so it's worth talking it through before you apply. We'll walk you through what counts, which documents you'll need, and what happens next.
What are my options if I'm not eligible?
Expat health insurance is usually the most practical option if you don't meet the income requirement. It has no income requirement and no health questions, and it's accepted for most first-time visa applications. For visa renewals and longer stays, long-term expat health insurance can be a good option.
You may also 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.