TABLE OF CONTENTS
Germany has one of the most robust and reliable healthcare systems in the world. For most employees, public health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) is the default and highly recommended option.
Public Health Insurance: The Standard Choice
The vast majority of residents in Germany are covered by statutory public health insurance.
Employees earning below the annual income threshold (approx. EUR 69,300 gross in 2025) are automatically enrolled in the public system.
Employees must register with one of the statutory providers, such as:
AOK
TK (Techniker Krankenkasse)
Barmer
DAK
And others
Public insurance offers comprehensive coverage, is widely accepted, and ensures equal access to care across the country. It is:
Trusted by the majority of German residents
Offers broad coverage and access to top-tier healthcare
Seamlessly integrated with payroll and tax systems
No need for upfront payments or reimbursement claims
Private Health Insurance: Limited Eligibility
Only employees who:
Earn above the income threshold
Are self-employed
Are civil servants
may opt out of the public system and choose private health insurance.
If eligible, employees may select their own private provider. However, Remote People cannot recommend or dictate the choice of insurer.
How Contributions Work
Germany's system does not allow for simple reimbursement of private premiums via payroll.
Instead:
Employers pay their share of the statutory contribution directly to the insurer.
Employee contributions are withheld from salary at source.
This applies to both public and private insurance arrangements.
What Employees Need to Do
Register with a health insurance provider (public or private, depending on eligibility).
Remote People will then set up payroll contributions correctly, ensuring compliance with German regulations.