Meta Description: Expats moving to Germany in 2025 need the right health coverage. Here’s a human-friendly guide to the best private health insurance companies, costs, and expat tips.
The Health Insurance Puzzle for Expats
Ask any expat who has just landed in Germany and you’ll hear the same thing: the healthcare is brilliant, but figuring out insurance is a headache. Public insurance works fine for locals, but for many expats—especially freelancers, high earners, or families—private health insurance in Germany ends up being the smarter option.
I learned this the hard way. When I first arrived in Munich, I thought public insurance would be enough. Then I realized I was paying way more than I expected, waiting weeks for specialist appointments, and struggling with German-language paperwork. Switching to private? Faster doctors, English-speaking support, and surprisingly affordable once you compare the right plans.
The Private Insurers Expats Actually Talk About
There are dozens of insurers in Germany, but when you sit down with expats in Berlin cafés or co-working hubs in Hamburg, the same names come up again and again.
- Allianz Care – Globally recognized. Families love it. The coverage is wide—hospital stays, dental add-ons, maternity. It’s not always the cheapest, but if you want a big, reliable brand, this is it.
- Cigna Global – The darling of freelancers and digital nomads. Their expat medical insurance Germany 2025 packages are flexible: you can start basic and add vision, dental, or maternity later.
- AXA – Strong presence inside Germany and abroad. Great balance between affordability and access to good clinics.
- Ottonova – The digital newcomer. You do everything through their English app. I know several students in Berlin who rave about how quick reimbursements are.
best German health insurance companies for expats
And yes, if you’re a student, insurers like TK or BARMER are also common. But many international students I’ve met still lean toward private insurers like Ottonova for the convenience.
What Coverage Usually Looks Like
Don’t picture some vague “basic” insurance. Most private expat policies cover: doctor visits, hospital care, emergency treatment, prescriptions, and specialist consultations. Then you can choose extras like dental, maternity, or alternative therapies. Some high-end plans even cover travel outside Germany.
affordable private health insurance Germany
Who Actually Benefits From Going Private?
- Freelancers/self-employed – Public premiums can be brutal when income goes up. Private plans are often cheaper.
- High earners – Once you cross the income threshold, public doesn’t make sense financially.
- Families – Allianz and AXA make more sense when kids are involved.
- Students – I’ve seen plenty of cases where international student health insurance Germany with Ottonova works better than public because it’s app-based and in English.
A Couple of Real Stories
In Berlin, I met an American expat who started with public insurance. He switched to Ottonova because specialist wait times were killing him. With private coverage, he got English-speaking doctors in days, not weeks.
Another friend, a freelancer from Spain, went with Cigna Global. She liked that she didn’t have to pay for maternity upfront but could add it later. “It felt like the plan adjusted to my life, not the other way around,” she told me.
expat medical insurance Germany 2025
How to Choose Without Losing Your Mind
A few things I wish someone told me earlier:
- Always check visa requirements—Germany won’t approve certain permits without proper insurance proof.
- Don’t chase the absolute cheapest. A €20 difference can mean way better hospitals.
- Be aware that premiums rise with age—what’s affordable at 28 might feel heavy at 50.
- English support is not optional if you don’t speak German well.
And here’s the best hack: use a broker. In Germany, insurance brokers don’t charge you directly, but they’ll compare Allianz, AXA, Ottonova, and others and find the plan that fits your situation.
Many people search for cheap private health insurance for expats in Germany, but the truth is you should balance cost with benefits
FAQs About Expat Health Insurance in Germany
Q1: What’s the best private health insurance for expats in Germany 2025?
Allianz, AXA, Ottonova, and Cigna Global are the most recommended providers.
Q2: Can international students get private health insurance?
Yes—Ottonova and BARMER are popular for international student health insurance Germany.
Q3: Is private cheaper than public?
For high earners and freelancers, yes. Public contributions rise with income, private premiums are often lower.
Q4: How much does it cost?
Anywhere from €200–€600/month. Students can get coverage closer to €100.
Q5: Do private insurers cover dental and vision?
Most do, either included or as add-ons. Allianz and Cigna are strong here.
Final Word
Germany’s healthcare system is one of the best in the world—but without insurance, it’s also one of the most expensive. If you’re an expat arriving in 2025, don’t gamble.
- Go with Allianz if you want the security of a global giant.
- Pick Cigna Global if you’re a freelancer who wants flexibility.
- Try AXA for a balance of affordability and strong coverage.
- And if you’re young, digital, or studying abroad, Ottonova might be the perfect fit.
Bottom line: private health insurance in Germany for expats is not just a formality. It’s protection, convenience, and peace of mind. Compare, get a quote, and lock in your coverage before you need it.