Healthcare
Germany — Healthcare: Public Healthcare
Germany's statutory health insurance (GKV) is mandatory for most employees below the mandatory insurance threshold (Jahresarbeitsentgeltgrenze, rising to €77,400/year for 2026). Contributions are 14.6% of gross income split evenly between employer and employee (7.3% each), plus an average additional contribution (Zusatzbeitrag) of 2.9% in 2026, which varies by insurance fund. Contributions are capped at a maximum assessment ceiling of €69,750/year (€5,812.50/month) for 2026 — income above this level doesn't increase the contribution further. A key GKV advantage: spouses and children with income below defined limits are covered at no extra cost (family co-insurance), unlike private insurance where each person is billed separately.
VerifiedGovernment / official sourceStatutory health insurance (GKV) contribution rulesLast reviewed: 2026-07-20
Key facts
- GKV base contribution: 14.6% of gross income, split 7.3% employer / 7.3% employee, plus an average 2.9% additional contribution (Zusatzbeitrag) in 2026 that varies by fund.
- 2026 mandatory insurance threshold (above which employees may opt for private insurance instead): €77,400/year (€6,450/month).
- 2026 contribution assessment ceiling: €69,750/year (€5,812.50/month) — contributions don't rise further above this income level.
- Family co-insurance: spouses and children below defined income limits are covered under GKV at no extra cost — a major cost advantage over private insurance.
Costs
- GKV base contribution: 14.6% of gross income (7.3% employer + 7.3% employee)
- Average additional contribution (Zusatzbeitrag), 2026: ~2.9% (varies by fund)
Required documents
- Employment contract (for employer-arranged enrollment)
- Proof of income for contribution assessment
Common mistakes
- Assuming GKV contribution scales indefinitely with income — it's capped at the €69,750/year (2026) assessment ceiling.
- Overlooking that the mandatory insurance threshold rose to €77,400/year for 2026, delaying eligibility to opt into private insurance for some higher earners.