Public Health Insurance in Germany
Over 300,000 international students and professionals have already used Fintiba to prepare for their German visa. With Fintiba Plus, you’ll receive full public health insurance coverage through BARMER, as well as a Blocked Account and free travel health insurance—everything you need for your German visa, all in one package.
BARMER – Your Partner for Public Health Insurance in Germany
BARMER is one of Germany’s largest statutory health insurers and provides coverage to over 8 million people nationwide. Members benefit from fast service, support in English, access to more than 350 Service Points, a digital enrolment process, and a wide range of healthcare services.
How do I sign up with BARMER?
To get health insurance through BARMER, simply register online through Fintiba in just a few steps. We will need some basic personal details, a passport photo and for students, your enrolment certifcate. BARMER will check your application and issue your insurance card.
What You Get as a BARMER Member
BARMER offers comprehensive health insurance coverage tailored for internationals in Germany. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re well taken care of, thanks to a wide range of healthcare services to help you stay healthy.
Get Fintiba Plus Today
Discover comprehensive health coverage with BARMER for your stay in Germany.
Understanding Germany’s Public Health Insurance System
Germany’s public health insurance system, known as GKV, is a government-regulated system that guarantees access to comprehensive medical care. Contributions are income-based, and shared between insurer members and their employer or, for students, paid at a fixed reduced rate.
How It Works
Public insurance in Germany operates on a solidarity principle: everyone contributes a percentage of their income, and everyone receives equal access to healthcare. Employees and employers share the monthly contribution. Students pay reduced, fixed rates. Once you apply, you receive an insurance card and can access treatment from any public doctor or clinic.
Eligibility Criteria
Employees, students under 30, and individuals with a lower income qualify for public insurance. University students over 30, Studienkolleg (foundation course) students, job seekers, and au pairs are usually required to take private health insurance instead.
How Much Does Public Health Insurance Cost in 2026?
For 2026, the general statutory contribution rate is set at 14.6% of gross income. In addition, there is an extra contribution that each health insurer determines on its own. BARMER’s additional contribution for 2026 is 3.29%, resulting in a total contribution rate of 17.89%, which is split equally between the employee and the employer.
For Students
Students under 30 pay a reduced, fixed monthly rate calculated from the BAföG reference amount rather than their actual income. As of the 2026/27 academic year, this works out to roughly €150 per month.
Your exact rate depends on your age (a small long-term care surcharge applies from age 23 for people without children) and whether the additional contribution or BAföG rate changes during your studies.
For Employees
Employees contribute half of the total rate (14.6% general + insurer's additional contribution) directly from their salary. Your employer pays the other half automatically. At BARMER's 2026 rate, that's roughly 8.95% of gross salary for the employee share.
How to Register for Public Health Insurance
To access public healthcare in Germany, you need to register with a certified provider. This is typically required during university enrolment or when starting employment.
With Fintiba Plus, this step is handled for you. Submit your details once through Fintiba, fully online, and we take care of your BARMER registration alongside your Blocked Account setup, so there's no separate paperwork to track down or send in yourself.
Does Public Insurance Meet Visa Requirements?
Public health insurance is accepted by all German immigration authorities and meets the requirement for receiving a German visa. alongside your Blocked Account confirmation.
When Does Coverage Begin?
Coverage usually begins on the official start date of studies or employment, as stated in your enrolment certificate or contract.
Common Questions about Public Health Insurance in Germany
Your questions about public health insurance answered. Get informed and stay protected.
Can I find a doctor who speaks my preferred language?
Yes, the BARMER Doctor Finder helps you find doctors based on language. You can also use platforms like Jameda.de or Doctolib.de to filter by preferred language.
Can I keep public insurance if I change jobs?
Yes, you can stay covered under the public insurance system if you change employers. If your new gross salary is above €77,400 (2026), you have the option to switch to private health insurance.
Do freelancers qualify for public health insurance?
Freelancers can join the public system only under specific conditions, such as switching from prior public coverage or qualifying through voluntary insurance. Most freelancers are directed toward private plans unless they meet eligibility criteria for GKV.
How can I contact BARMER?
You can contact BARMER by phone, email or BARMER Chat. The BARMER website offers support in English and a 24/7 hotline. In addition, walk-in service is available at over 350 BARMER Service Points throughout Germany.
How do I request the M-10 electronic notification from BARMER for my university?
You don’t need to take any extra steps to request the M10 notification to be sent to your university. We send the M10 through BARMER automatically to the university you provided us with when opening your Fintiba account.
Is coverage really the same at every public insurer?
Yes, by law. Every public insurer must offer the same core coverage: GP and specialist care, hospital stays, prescriptions, and preventive screenings. The difference comes down to service, digital tools, English-language support, and extra wellness and health benefits.
What are the prices for public insurance in Germany?
Prices depend on your income and status. Students pay around €130–150 per month, while employee contributions average 17.9% of income, split equally between the employer and employee.
What happens if I miss registration deadlines?
Delays in registering may affect your visa or university enrollment. In some cases, retroactive coverage is possible, but only within a limited time frame. Act quickly to avoid gaps in insurance.
What services and benefits does BARMER public health insurance cover?
In addition to standard public health insurance benefits, BARMER offers extras like video consultations with BARMER Teledoktor, access to digital health apps like Gymondo and 7Mind, BARMER Bonus and multilingual support.
What services are covered by public health insurance in Germany?
Public insurance in Germany covers general practitioners, specialists, hospitals, prescribed medication, mental health support, maternity care, vaccinations, and preventive screenings.