The choice depends on your status (employee, self-employed, student) and your income.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Employees earning less than \u20ac77,400 gross per year (2026) must be publicly insured. Above this threshold, private insurance is an option. <\/p>\n
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The CFE can be an interesting alternative for French expatriates wishing to maintain a connection with the French healthcare system while living in Germany.<\/p>\n
What is the Difference between Public and Private Insurance?<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n
Public (GKV): income-proportional contribution (14.6%), standard coverage, family included at no extra cost.<\/p>\n
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Private (PKV): contribution based on age and health status, broader coverage (private room, specialists, significantly reduced waiting times).<\/p>\n
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\ud83d\udc49 For high earners, PKV is generally more advantageous in the long term.<\/p>\n
What Do Pflichtversichert, Freiwillig Versichert, and Privatversichert Mean?<\/h2>\n
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Pflichtversichert: legal obligation to be publicly insured.<\/li>\n
Freiwillig versichert: voluntary public insurance, often after exceeding the income threshold.<\/li>\n
Privatversichert: insured with a private company, under an individual contract.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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Can I Remain Affiliated with the French Social Security System (CFE)?<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n
Yes, via the Caisse des Fran\u00e7ais de l\u2019\u00c9tranger (CFE).<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
It allows you to maintain a “French-style” coverage during your expatriation.<\/p>\n
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However:<\/p>\n
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CFE alone is not recognized as legal insurance in Germany.<\/li>\n
You must add international supplementary insurance and long-term care insurance (Pflegepflichtversicherung) to comply with regulations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udc49 Our firm specializes in this hybrid setup (CFE + German supplementary insurance), which is often used by high-income expatriates or the self-employed.<\/p>\n
Is it Possible to Cancel My German PKV to Join the CFE?<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n
Yes, under certain conditions. But be aware: <\/p>\n
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CFE is not legally sufficient in Germany.<\/li>\n
By leaving PKV, you lose the accumulated seniority reserve.<\/li>\n
Some employers reject this arrangement.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
A personalized analysis is essential before making any decision.<\/p>\n
Can I Switch Back to German Public Insurance after Being Privately Insured?<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n
Yes, it is possible, but under certain conditions:<\/p>\n
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Return as an employee with an income below the mandatory threshold: if you become an employee again and your annual gross income is below the GKV ceiling, you can return to the public system.<\/li>\n
Return after a long period abroad: expatriates returning to Germany can be reintegrated into the GKV.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
\u26a0\ufe0f Please note: The choice between PKV and GKV has implications for your contributions, health benefits, and future pension.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udc49 Faller Finance assists expatriates in optimizing their health coverage (GKV, PKV, or CFE).<\/p>\n
How are Medical Expenses Covered in Case of an Accident (E.G., Skiing or Travel)?<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n
In Germany, GKV and PKV cover basic medical expenses. However: <\/p>\n
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Repatriation, mountain rescue, or certain treatments abroad may remain at your expense.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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\ud83d\udc49 It is highly recommended to take out supplementary travel insurance, especially for winter sports.<\/p>\n
In public insurance: deducted directly from salary (14.6%), split 50\/50 between you and the employer.<\/li>\n
In private insurance: deducted from your personal account; the employer pays their share on your payslip.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
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Does My Employer Choose My Health Fund?<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n
No. It is up to you to choose your public health fund or private company. Our firm can recommend a fund based on your supplementary insurance needs. <\/p>\n
I Am Self-Employed: What Options are Available to Me?<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n
The self-employed can freely choose between:<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
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Public health fund (freiwillig versichert): premium based on income (including rental income).<\/li>\n
Private insurance (PKV): premium based on age and health, with more flexibility and better benefits.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
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Can I Deduct My Health Contributions in Germany?<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n
Yes. Contributions to GKV, PKV, or CFE are tax-deductible up to legal limits, under the Sonderausgaben (special expenses) category. <\/p>\n
What Happens if I Have an Accident Abroad?<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n
Publicly insured individuals are covered in the EU with the European Health Insurance Card, but not beyond.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Privately insured individuals must check their contract terms: most cover treatment abroad for up to 12 months.<\/p>\n
Can My Contributions Increase if I Frequently Use My PKV?<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n
No. Increases depend on overall healthcare costs and the structure of the insured portfolio, not on your individual treatments. <\/p>\n
Can I Change Public Health Funds?<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n
Yes. A 2-month notice period from the end of the current month applies. <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The change is simple and does not create a period without coverage.<\/p>\n
What are the Advantages of Professional Support?<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n
The German healthcare system is complex, especially for expatriates who have previously contributed in France.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
A specialized advisor can:<\/p>\n
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Objectively compare PKV, GKV, and CFE options,<\/li>\n
Prepare a file compliant with German law,<\/li>\n
Optimize the tax treatment of your contributions,<\/li>\n
And anticipate the impacts on pension and taxes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
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Key Takeaways: Expatriate Health Insurance in Germany<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n
The German healthcare system is based on two schemes: public (GKV) and private (PKV).<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
French expatriates in Germany can choose between German insurance or CFE (with supplementary coverage).<\/p>\n
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Health contributions are shared between employee and employer, or are deductible for the self-employed.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Medical care is well reimbursed, but it is advisable to arrange for supplementary international travel insurance.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Your choice of health insurance in Germany has a direct impact on your pension, taxes, and net income.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udc49 For a personalized assessment of your health coverage in Germany, contact Faller Finance: we compare PKV, GKV, and CFE solutions based on your profile and objectives.<\/p>\n