Living Abroad

Healthcare in Germany for UK Nationals: Statutory vs Private Insurance and the S1

3 min read

In this guide
  1. Quick answer
  2. Statutory or private?
  3. How do you see a doctor?
  4. What do you pay?
  5. What about the S1, students and posted workers?
  6. Common mistakes
  7. FAQ
    1. Can my family join my plan?
    2. Where is the EHIC?
    3. Other countries?
  8. Key takeaways
  9. Related guides
  10. Sources

Do you need health insurance to live in Germany? Yes. GOV.UK says: “You must have health insurance cover to live in Germany.” You must also show proof of cover before registering as a resident and when applying for a visa. About 90% of residents use a statutory insurer (gesetzliche Krankenkasse) and about 10% use a private insurer.

Quick answer

  • Insurance is compulsory, and proof of cover is needed to register as a resident and to apply for a visa.
  • Employees can usually join a scheme through their German employer. Self-employed people register directly with an insurer.
  • Dependants can be added to a statutory plan at no cost.
  • Register as a resident first, then join an insurer. Your ID card has the German EHIC on the back if you have a statutory insurer.
  • The S1 must be registered with a statutory German insurer.

Statutory or private?

Type Share of residents (GOV.UK) How you join
Statutory (gesetzliche Krankenkasse) About 90% Through your employer, or directly if self-employed or not covered through work
Private About 10% Directly with the insurer

How do you see a doctor?

You can visit any GP practice without registering. Referrals are not always needed, and some treatment requires a referral slip (Überweisungsschein). With a statutory insurer, choose a provider that accepts statutory patients, often marked Kassenarzt, Vertragsarzt or Alle Kassen.

What do you pay?

You pay monthly contributions, which come out of an employee’s salary. Some costs remain, such as 10 euros per hospital day and prescriptions up to 10 euros.

What about the S1, students and posted workers?

  • S1: you may qualify if you live in Germany and receive a UK State Pension or exportable benefit. Frontier workers should check with HMRC. Dependants’ cover ends when the State Pension claim begins, if they were covered as dependants of a State Pensioner.
  • Students: a Student GHIC covers medically necessary care during study, and a valid Student EHIC can be used until it expires. Students with a job, including paid placements or internships, must join a German insurer, which GOV.UK says costs around 100 euros a month.
  • Posted workers: can use a GHIC, EHIC or S1.

Common mistakes

  • Moving without cover. Proof is needed for residency and visas.
  • Choosing a doctor who does not accept statutory patients.
  • Forgetting extra costs such as hospital day charges.
  • Taking a paid student placement without joining a German insurer.

FAQ

Can my family join my plan?

Dependants can be added to a statutory plan at no cost, according to GOV.UK.

Where is the EHIC?

On the back of your insurer’s ID card if you have a statutory insurer.

Other countries?

See Spain, France and the Netherlands.

Key takeaways

  • Health insurance is compulsory in Germany.
  • Most residents use a statutory insurer.
  • S1 holders register with a statutory insurer.

Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not medical or legal advice. Rules change, so check GOV.UK and German authorities.

Sources

  • GOV.UK: Healthcare for UK nationals living in Germany

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