Pick a Krankenkasse, join it, and your health card follows by post
Statutory health insurance is the standard cover in Germany. You choose a health insurance fund, a Krankenkasse, and apply to join it online or at a branch. Employees usually tell their employer which fund they picked, and students may need to show proof of cover when they enrol. Registering your address does not insure you, so this step is yours to take.
How it works
Join a health insurance fund or apply for public healthcare cover.
How you get public healthcare depends on the country: you may need to join a health insurance fund or insurer, or ask the public health system to recognise your right to care. If you work, your employer often registers you; students, self-employed people and family members may need to arrange it themselves. You usually need your ID, proof of address, your social security number and proof of work, study or income. If you are already covered by another EU country, an S1 form or a European Health Insurance Card may apply. Once registered, you get a health insurance card or number for doctor and hospital visits.
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At a glance
You can often apply online as well
Joining is done with a health insurance fund, not at a municipal counter. Branches in places such as Berlin, Bonn and Bochum can answer questions, take your application and confirm when your cover begins. Opening days differ, so check them before you set out.
Guides
Related services
For people who cannot cover rent, food or other basic costs. See whether the Sozialamt or the Jobcenter is your starting point and how to reach them.
For freelancers, sole traders and new business owners. See how tax registration works, what the Steuernummer is for and which tax office can help.
For people who already live in Germany and move to a new home. See how to update your registered address and which office takes it.
For students, workers and family members from outside the EU. See which office handles your stay and how applications start.
For anyone moving into a home in Germany from another country. See what the registration involves and which office in your city deals with it.
For anyone who has to show where they live. See what the certificate covers and which office in your city issues it.
Other countries
Moving on, or comparing before you decide? See how this works elsewhere.
Most offices in Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia
Most offices in Poznań, Szczecin, and Białystok
Most offices in Seraing, Aalst, and Antwerp
Most offices in Rotterdam, The Hague, and Alkmaar
Where to next
Check how local branches take new members, whether you can join online or in person, and how they handle international students.
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