Introduction
Public health insurance funds (Gesetzliche Krankenkassen or GKK) are a core element of the healthcare system in Germany. These funds provide health insurance services for employees and citizens, and there are around 132 statutory health insurance companies in total. Below, we present some of the main funds and the types of insurance they offer.
1. AOK (Allgemeine Ortskrankenkassen)
AOK is one of the largest and most important health insurance funds in Germany. It operates on a regional basis and provides its services according to geographic areas. For example, in the federal state of Saxony-Anhalt, AOK Sachsen-Anhalt is the responsible fund for providing health services to insured persons in that region.
2. BKK (Betriebskrankenkassen)
BKK funds are special company health insurance funds that operate under two umbrella organisations. They provide health insurance coverage for many employees and offer a wide range of health-related services and additional benefits, often tailored to specific companies or sectors.
3. IKK (Innungskrankenkasse)
IKK funds are similar in structure to the BKK. They are usually linked to trade guilds or professional associations, where each guild may have around 1,000 members. These funds offer statutory health insurance schemes specifically designed for their members and their professional groups.
4. KBS (Knappschaft)
KBS (Knappschaft) began as a special insurance fund for miners. Today, it is open to all citizens. It provides comprehensive coverage for a wide range of medical services and has developed into a full statutory health insurance fund.
5. LKK (Landwirtschaftliche Krankenkasse)
LKK focuses on people working in the agricultural sector. It offers statutory health insurance and related services tailored to the needs of agricultural workers and farms.
6. Ersatzkassen
The Ersatzkassen are a group of statutory health insurance funds that are organised under private law but operate within the public health insurance system. They provide self-administered support and services for their members, often with special conditions or additional benefits. Access to certain offers may depend on meeting specific requirements.
How to choose the right health insurance fund
In principle, citizens are free to choose the statutory health insurance fund that suits them. However, there are some specific conditions that must be taken into account. For example, with certain funds that charge an additional contribution, members may be required to remain with the fund for up to one and a half years before they are allowed to switch.
Furthermore, if you sign up for optional additional services or special tariffs, you may be bound to the fund for at least three years.
Tips for choosing a health insurance fund
Research the funds:
Look up annual or business reports online and compare the different funds to find the most suitable one in terms of financial strength, benefits and service quality.
Service and benefits:
Pay attention to funds that offer good customer support, structured care programmes and extra free services such as preventive check-ups or health courses.
Additional contributions:
Try to avoid funds that charge comparatively high additional contributions or hidden extra fees.
Referral and invitation bonuses:
Some funds offer bonuses when you invite friends or family to join. These referral bonuses are often between 50 and 75 euros per person.
Special offers and bonus programmes:
Check which bonus schemes are available. Some funds reward health-conscious behaviour or participation in preventive programmes with bonuses that can reach up to 200 euros.
Conclusion
Choosing the right statutory health insurance fund is a key step to ensuring that you receive the healthcare you need. Thanks to the variety of options available, individuals can select the insurer and tariff that best match their personal needs, priorities and financial situation.
Disclaimer
The editorial team of our website strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and consultation of multiple sources. However, errors may still occur, or some details may not be fully verified. Therefore, the information in our articles should be regarded as an initial point of reference only. For definitive and official guidance, please always contact the relevant authorities or qualified professionals.
