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Public or private? TK or Feather? We break down the best health insurance options for expats moving to Germany.
By Mahiuddin Al Kamal · 5 options
Health insurance in Germany is mandatory, no exceptions. Every resident needs coverage, and you'll have to prove it when you register your address and apply for a residence permit. The good news: the German healthcare system is excellent. The confusing part: figuring out whether you should go public or private, and which provider to choose.
For most employed expats earning under 77,400 EUR per year (the 2026 threshold), the decision is made for you: you must join public insurance. Above that income, or if you're self-employed, you get to choose. Either way, TK (Techniker Krankenkasse) and Feather are the two names you'll hear most often in expat circles, and for good reason.
TK is Germany's largest public health insurer and has the best English-language support of any Krankenkasse. If you're going public (and most people should), TK is the safe, proven choice. Feather is a different beast: they're an insurance broker that helps expats navigate both public and private options in English, handling all the paperwork and comparisons for free. Think of TK as the destination and Feather as the guide who helps you get there.
Warning: If you're over 55, switching from private back to public insurance is nearly impossible under German law. Choose carefully, especially if you plan to stay in Germany long-term.
01 / At a glance
Pick an option name to jump to its full write-up below.
| Option | Rating | Best for | Type | English | Freelancer-friendly | Setup | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top pick TK (Techniker Krankenkasse) | 4.6 | Public, best English support | Public (GKV) | Strong | Yes | Online | Visit TK (Techniker Krankenkasse) website, opens in a new tab |
| Feather Insurance | 4.4 | English broker, all options | Broker | 100% | Yes | Guided | Visit Feather Insurance website, opens in a new tab |
| Ottonova | 4.4 | Digital private (PKV) | Private (PKV) | 100% | Yes | Online | Visit Ottonova website, opens in a new tab |
| AOK Public (GKV) | 3.9 | Local office support | Public (GKV) | Limited | Yes | Office/online | Visit AOK website, opens in a new tab |
| BARMER Public (GKV) | 3.9 | Digital public option | Public (GKV) | Some | Yes | Online | Visit BARMER website, opens in a new tab |
Scroll the table sideways to see every spec.
02 / In detail
Germany's largest public health insurer. Excellent English support for expats.
Pros
Cons
Insurance broker for expats. Handles public and private health insurance in English.
Pros
Cons
Germany's first fully digital private health insurer (PKV). English app and concierge, built for expats and freelancers earning above the threshold.
Pros
Cons
Public (GKV)
One of Germany's largest public insurers with strong regional presence and many local offices.
Pros
Cons
Public (GKV)
Major public insurer with a solid app and English-language onboarding help for expats.
Pros
Cons
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