GKV vs. PKV Calculator

Public health insurance (GKV) is the solidarity system: contributions are based on income, not age or health. Family members without income are covered for free. Private health insurance (PKV) calculates individual premiums based on age, health status, and chosen coverage. Each person needs their own contract. GKV offers standardized basic benefits, while PKV allows individual packages with often shorter waiting times and chief physician treatment.

As an employee, you must exceed the annual earnings threshold (JAEG) to switch to PKV. In 2026, this is EUR 73,800 gross per year (EUR 6,150/month). Self-employed and civil servants can choose freely regardless of income. Important: the salary must permanently exceed the JAEG, not just temporarily.

The general GKV contribution rate in 2026 remains 14.6% of gross income (up to the assessment ceiling of EUR 66,150/year). Additionally, each insurer charges an individual additional contribution averaging 1.7% in 2026. Employer and employee split both contributions equally. Long-term care insurance adds 3.4% base rate (childless persons over 23 pay a 0.6% surcharge).

Yes, children can be covered for free through family insurance in the GKV as long as they have no income above the marginal employment threshold. This applies until age 18, or until 25 if in education or university. In PKV, each child needs their own contract — which can become expensive with multiple children.

PKV premiums rise for two reasons: medical utilization increases with age, and premium adjustments become necessary due to rising healthcare costs and medical advances. While PKV insurers build age provisions (Alterungsrueckstellungen), these often aren't sufficient to fully offset premium increases. On average, PKV premiums rise about 3% annually.

Yes, freelancers can voluntarily remain in or return to GKV if they meet the requirements. The minimum contribution is based on a fictional minimum assessment basis. However, self-employed pay the full contribution without an employer share. Whether GKV or PKV is cheaper depends on income, age, health, and family situation.

Switching back from PKV to GKV is only possible under specific conditions: your income must fall below the JAEG (e.g., through part-time work or job change), or you become unemployed. After age 55, returning to GKV is virtually impossible — even with declining income. This age limit is legally enshrined with very few exceptions.

Civil servants receive Beihilfe from their employer: 50% of medical costs are covered (70% for married, 80% for children). PKV only needs to cover the remainder, resulting in significantly lower premiums. Since GKV doesn't account for Beihilfe and charges full contributions, PKV is almost always more economical for civil servants.

When receiving unemployment benefits (ALG-I), you typically become mandatory GKV-insured, with the employment agency paying contributions. The same applies for ALG-II (Buergergeld). Those who opt out of mandatory insurance can stay in PKV, with the agency paying a subsidy equal to the GKV contribution. After unemployment, you may be able to return to PKV.

A higher deductible significantly reduces monthly PKV premiums: with EUR 1,200 deductible, you typically save 20-25% compared to no deductible. Whether it's worthwhile depends on your health. If you rarely visit the doctor, a high deductible can pay off. But in years with treatment needs, you pay more out of pocket. A middle option (EUR 300-600) often offers the best compromise.