Meena guides people from these regions to health insurance in Germany:
We make the German health system easy to understand.
Navigating a new country's healthcare system is overwhelming. Meena breaks it down in your language, walks you through each step, and connects you with the right provider.
Your language, your terms
We explain German health insurance in Arabic, Urdu, Turkish, Farsi and English — no confusing jargon.
Sign up in 5 minutes
With Meena's guidance, completing the DAK membership form online takes just a few minutes. No paperwork, no queues.
Find a doctor who speaks your language
Use DAK's Doctor Finder tool to locate certified physicians near you who speak Arabic, Urdu, Turkish or Persian.
Free family cover
Your spouse and children can be added to your insurance at no extra cost, as long as certain conditions are met.
Support around the clock
DAK is reachable 24/7 — via hotline, online chat, video call, or in person at one of 500+ service centres.
No cash needed at the doctor
Your electronic health card covers doctor visits directly. No upfront payments, no reimbursement forms for regular care.
What your DAK health insurance covers.
Your statutory health insurance through DAK-Gesundheit gives you access to a wide range of medical services, all at a fair, legally regulated rate.
Note on optional services: Some services — such as professional dental cleaning, skin cancer screening or certain alternative therapies — may or may not be covered depending on your specific provider. Always check directly with your insurer before booking such treatments.
Long-term care insurance included automatically
When you sign up for statutory health insurance in Germany, long-term care insurance (Pflegeversicherung) is automatically included — at no extra cost. It covers you if you ever become unable to care for yourself due to serious illness, disability or old age, and need professional support.
How much will you pay?
Health insurance contributions in Germany are income-based and shared with your employer — so you never pay the full amount alone.
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%
Total contribution rate: 17.8%
This is the combined rate shared between you and your employer.
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½
You pay only 8.9% of your gross salary
Your employer pays the other 8.9% — it comes straight out of payroll.
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€
Contribution ceiling: €5,812.50 / month
Even if you earn more, contributions are only calculated on this maximum amount.
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0
Family members covered free of charge
Non-earning family members pay no additional contribution.
Quick contribution estimator
Estimate only. Capped at €5,812.50/month gross. DAK rate 17.8% (2026).
Two systems: statutory and private health insurance.
Germany operates two separate health insurance systems. Most people moving to Germany for work or study will use statutory insurance — but it helps to understand both. You cannot switch freely between them.
Statutory (GKV)
For most employees, students and their families. This is DAK-Gesundheit's category.
- Premiums based on your income (not personal health)
- Doctor bills paid directly — no upfront cost
- Spouse and children covered free of charge
- Long-term care insurance included automatically
- Wide range of providers to choose from
Private (PKV)
For high earners above the insurance threshold, the self-employed and civil servants.
- →Premiums based on age, health and occupation (not income)
- →You pay medical bills yourself, then claim reimbursement
- →Children are NOT automatically covered — each needs a separate premium
- →Access to private practices and some exclusive services
- !Very difficult to switch back to statutory once you join
Tip — supplementary private insurance: Even if you are on statutory health insurance, you can add optional private top-up insurance for specific areas. Popular examples include supplementary dental insurance and hospital benefit plans that grant you a private room or free choice of doctor during a hospital stay.
Important for newcomers: It is advisable to take out international travel health insurance for your first few days or weeks in Germany — before your statutory membership is confirmed. This covers emergencies during the gap and may also be required for your visa application.
Your path to health insurance in Germany.
Whether you're coming to study, work, or join family — complete these steps before your visa appointment.
Check your requirements
Find out which visa category applies to you — skilled worker, student, family or job seeker. Each has specific document and insurance requirements. See our visa guide →
Gather your documents
Collect your passport, proof of accommodation, financial means, degree certificates and any other documents required for your visa type. Foreign-language documents need certified German translations.
Sign up for health insurance
Register with DAK-Gesundheit online in under 5 minutes — from your home country, before your embassy appointment. No visit or signature required. You'll receive instant email confirmation.
Receive your confirmation
DAK sends you an official membership certificate by email. This is your proof of statutory health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) — a mandatory document for your visa application.
Apply at the consulate
Submit your complete application at the German consulate or embassy in your home country — including your DAK confirmation. Once approved, you receive your D-visa and can enter Germany.
Information for your situation.
Whether you're a student, employee, or bringing your family — Meena has guidance tailored to your specific situation.
International students
Coming to Germany to study? Statutory health insurance is generally required for all students — and affordable student rates exist.
- Reduced student contribution rate
- Valid at all university clinics
- Fast online registration
- Covers doctor visits & prescriptions
- Students over age 30 are generally not eligible for the student rate and must arrange alternative cover
Employees & workers
Starting a job in Germany? Statutory health insurance is mandatory. Your employer automatically pays half.
- Employer shares the cost equally
- Coverage starts on your first day
- Switch provider anytime after 12 months
- Multilingual HR support guides available
Families & dependants
Bringing your family to Germany? Dependants can often be added to your policy at no extra cost.
- Free cover for non-working spouse
- Children automatically covered
- Maternity & newborn care included
- Family doctor referral system
Doing an apprenticeship (Ausbildung)?
Apprentices in Germany are required to hold statutory health insurance, and you are free to choose your own provider. DAK-Gesundheit is a popular choice among apprentices for its excellent digital services and clear, simple coverage.
Coming to Germany on a job seeker visa?
EU citizens arriving to look for work can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) temporarily. However, non-EU citizens on a job seeker visa — such as those from Pakistan, Turkey or the Middle East — must take out private health insurance for this period, as statutory insurance requires employment. Special expat rates are available. Once you start working, you can switch to statutory insurance.
Health insurance without an employer — quick overview
Even if you are not currently employed, you still need health insurance in Germany. Here is how it works depending on your situation:
- Family: Children, spouses and registered partners can usually be covered for free under one adult's statutory insurance — this is called family co-insurance (Familienversicherung).
- Students & apprentices: Statutory health insurance is generally mandatory. There are exceptions for students over age 30, who need alternative cover.
- Job seekers (EU citizens): EU/EEA citizens can temporarily use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) while looking for work in Germany.
- Job seekers (non-EU): People from outside the EU/EEA on a job seeker visa must take out private health insurance. Special expat rates exist for this situation.
We're here in your language.
DAK-Gesundheit offers multilingual support. Meena adds an extra layer — explaining everything in your native language before you even pick up the phone.
Beyond health insurance: what else you need.
When moving to Germany, health insurance is mandatory — but it's not the only cover that matters. Here are the other essentials for expats, workers, students and families.
Privathaftpflicht
Personal liability insurance — covers accidental damage you cause to others. From ~€40/year. The most recommended insurance in Germany for expats and skilled workers.
Learn more →Hausrat (Household Contents)
Covers all your belongings against theft, fire, storm and water damage. Essential for anyone renting an apartment in Germany. From ~€60/year.
Learn more →Blocked account for students
Mandatory for the student visa application. You must deposit €11,208 in a Sperrkonto before applying. Open online in 1–3 days from Pakistan, Turkey or the Middle East.
Learn more →Get in touch.
Have questions about your insurance, coverage or the application? Leave your details and Meena will get back to you within one business day.
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meenasonline.com
Your guide to health insurance, blocked accounts and insurances for people moving to Germany from the Middle East, Pakistan and Turkey.