Social insurance coverage for trainees (Azubis) in Germany

In Germany, once a trainee (Azubi) starts a regular vocational training program (Duale Ausbildung), they are treated in terms of social insurance almost like a normal employee. This gives them comprehensive legal and health protection. Here is a precise explanation of all social insurances that cover trainees:

What are the five social insurances in Germany?

• Health insurance (Krankenversicherung)

• Pension insurance (Rentenversicherung)

• Unemployment insurance (Arbeitslosenversicherung)

• Long-term care insurance (Pflegeversicherung)

• Accident insurance (Unfallversicherung)

1. Health insurance (Krankenversicherung)

• Mandatory for every trainee

• Covers doctor visits, treatment, medication, hospital admission

• Part is deducted from your wage and the other part is paid by the employer

• If you are under 25, you cannot remain in family insurance if you receive a training wage

Common insurance funds: AOK, TK, Barmer, DAK

2. Pension insurance (Rentenversicherung)

• Also mandatory

• A portion is deducted monthly (about 9.3%) + an employer share

• Counted toward your working years later for retirement

• You can request your pension account statement after several months of starting training

3. Unemployment insurance (Arbeitslosenversicherung)

• Covers you if training ends and you do not find a job immediately

• Allows you to apply for ALG I (unemployment benefit) under certain conditions after completion

• You pay only about 1.3% of your wage

4. Long-term care insurance (Pflegeversicherung)

• Mandatory for everyone covered by health insurance

• Covers care costs in case of illness or later mobility impairment

• About 1.5–1.8% is deducted from your wage

• If you are childless and over 23, you pay more (additional contribution)

5. Accident insurance (Unfallversicherung)

• Not deducted from your wage—fully covered by the employer

• Protects you during training and while commuting to and from work or vocational school

• In case of an accident, the insurer covers all costs

Does an Azubi receive an insurance card?
Yes. Once you are registered with health insurance, you receive:

• an electronic health card (Gesundheitskarte)

• which you use when visiting any doctor or pharmacy

Can you choose the insurance provider?
Yes. You choose your health insurance fund yourself. If you do not, the employer may register you automatically with a public fund (such as AOK).

Important notes:

• Insurance starts from the first day of training

• Contributions are deducted from the gross salary (Brutto), not the net salary

• They always appear on your payslip (Gehaltsabrechnung) each month

• You can change the insurance fund after 12 months (under conditions)

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-* The writers and editors team at the website strives to provide accurate information through intensive research and reviewing multiple sources when writing articles; however, some errors may appear or unconfirmed information may be included. Therefore, please consider the information in the articles as an initial reference and always consult the competent authorities to obtain confirmed information.