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Private vs Public Health Insurance Calculator 2026

Public (GKV) vs. private (PKV) health insurance in Germany: what do you really pay per month?

Your details

Your monthly cost

GKV (employee share)

648,09 €

Health 508,59 € + care 139,50 €

PKV (after employer subsidy)

325,00 €

Subsidy: 325,00 €

Private insurance (PKV) would currently be 323,09 €/month cheaper (3.877,13 €/year).

Comparing premiums alone is only half the story: PKV premiums rise with age, family members cost extra, and returning to public insurance is difficult. See the guide below for details.

PKV or GKV: The 2026 contribution comparison

Few financial decisions have consequences as long-lasting as the choice of health insurance in Germany. The public insurer (GKV) calculates its contribution from your income (14.6 % plus a supplementary contribution, half of it paid by the employer, capped at the contribution assessment ceiling), while the private insurer (PKV) prices by age, health and level of cover. Our calculator puts both out-of-pocket amounts side by side for your situation – including the employer subsidy for private insurance.

More than a monthly premium: What really matters

Today's premium advantage of private insurance can reverse over the decades: premiums rise with age and medical cost inflation, children and non-working partners cost extra, and returning to public insurance is practically impossible from age 55. Anyone considering the switch should look beyond the premium comparison at the plan's old-age provisions (Altersrückstellungen), the standard tariff as a fallback option and their own family planning. To see how strongly GKV contributions shape your overall net salary, use the German salary calculator; all contribution rates and ceilings are explained in our guide to German social security 2026.

Frequently asked questions about PKV and GKV

Who can switch to private health insurance (PKV) in Germany?⌄
Employees only once their regular annual gross salary exceeds the compulsory insurance threshold (Versicherungspflichtgrenze, 2026: 77,400 euros, i.e. 6,450 euros per month). Self-employed people, freelancers and civil servants can choose regardless of income. Students can opt out of compulsory public insurance at the start of their studies.
What is the maximum cost of public health insurance (GKV)?⌄
In 2026 the maximum employee contribution (health insurance share with the average supplementary contribution of 2.9 % plus long-term care insurance with the childless surcharge) is around 500 to 520 euros per month – reached at the contribution assessment ceiling of 5,812.50 euros gross per month.
Does the employer contribute to private insurance (PKV) too?⌄
Yes. The employer covers half of the PKV premium, but at most the amount it would pay for public insurance (maximum subsidy 2026: around 500 euros for health insurance plus approx. 105 euros for long-term care insurance).
Why is private insurance cheaper when you are young?⌄
PKV premiums are based on age, health status and the scope of the plan – not on income. Young, healthy high earners therefore often pay significantly less than in the GKV. In return, premiums rise with age, while the GKV contribution stays tied to your (usually lower) income in retirement.
Can I return from private (PKV) to public (GKV) insurance?⌄
Only to a limited extent: employees return when their salary falls below the compulsory insurance threshold – but only before their 55th birthday. After that, returning is almost impossible. The PKV decision should therefore be understood as a long-term commitment.
Are family members covered in private insurance (PKV)?⌄
No. Unlike the GKV with its free family insurance, every family member needs their own contract in the PKV. For families with one earner and several children, public insurance is therefore often the more economical choice.

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