Private health insurance (PKV) is available without restriction to the self-employed, freelancers, and civil servants, but employees can only opt into PKV once their gross salary clears the mandatory insurance threshold (Jahresarbeitsentgeltgrenze, €77,400/year for 2026). Major PKV providers include Allianz, AXA, Barmenia, Debeka, DKV, Hallesche, HanseMerkur, Signal Iduna, and ottonova — the latter offering a specific 'First Class Expats' tariff for temporary stays, capped at a maximum 60 months (5 years). PKV coverage typically includes perks unavailable under GKV, such as single/double hospital rooms and Chefarzt (senior physician) access, depending on the chosen tariff.
Self-employed, freelancers, and civil servants can choose PKV freely regardless of income; employees need gross salary above €77,400/year (2026) to switch.
Major PKV providers: Allianz, AXA, Barmenia, Debeka, DKV, Hallesche, HanseMerkur, Signal Iduna, ottonova.
ottonova's 'First Class Expats' tariff is designed specifically for temporary expat stays, capped at a maximum 60 months (5 years).
PKV can offer perks like single/double hospital rooms and Chefarzt (senior physician) access, depending on the specific tariff chosen.
Timelines
ottonova 'First Class Expats' tariff maximum duration: 60 months (5 years)
Required Documents
Proof of income (for employees switching from GKV)
Health declaration/medical history for underwriting
Common Mistakes
Assuming PKV is freely available to all employees — most need gross salary above the mandatory insurance threshold (€77,400/year in 2026) to switch from GKV.
Choosing a standard PKV plan for a short-term stay when an expat-specific tariff (e.g. ottonova's 5-year-capped 'First Class Expats') may be more cost-effective.