Health Insurance in Germany for Opportunity Card Holders: Guide for Applicants in 2026
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Health insurance in Germany on Opportunity Card is mandatory from day one. Costs start at EUR 30 per month, while employees pay around 8.75% of salary under GKV. Know your options before your visa appointment.
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Table of Contents
- Is Health Insurance Mandatory for Germany Opportunity Card Holders?
- Public vs Private Health Insurance Options on Germany Opportunity Card
- Health Insurance Costs for Germany Opportunity Card Holders
- What Happens to Your Health Insurance After Finding a Job in Germany
- How to Apply for German Health Insurance Before Your Visa Appointment
- Move to Germany on the Opportunity Card With ÿմ
If you are planning to move to Germany on the Opportunity Card, health insurance is one of those things you need to sort out early. The country requires every resident to have valid health coverage, whether you are a citizen, an employee or a job seeker on the Germany Opportunity Card. It is a legal requirement and a part of your visa application. Here is everything you need to know about Health Insurance on Germany Opportunity Card, from the types available to the costs and what changes once you start working.
Is Health Insurance Mandatory for Germany Opportunity Card Holders?
Yes, health insurance on the Germany Opportunity Card is mandatory and must be submitted as part of your visa application at the German consulate. The policy must cover your full period of stay from day one, including medical treatment, hospitalisation and emergency care. A basic travel policy will not be accepted. The minimum coverage required for Schengen entry is EUR 30,000.
Public vs Private Health Insurance Options on Germany Opportunity Card
Healthcare in Germany runs a dual-track system. There is Statutory Health Insurance called GKV (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) and Private Health Insurance called PKV (Private Krankenversicherung). And if you are someone who is still job hunting, there is a third insurance option that most people use: expat or incoming insurance.
Check below for a clear comparison of all three types of Health Insurance in Germany for Opportunity Card Holders:
|
Insurance Type |
Who it is for |
Estimated Cost |
Available Before Employment? |
|
Statutory GKV |
Employees earning below EUR 77,400 per year |
Approx. 17.5% of gross salary split with employer |
No, requires employment contract |
|
Private PKV |
High earners above EUR 77,400 per year or self-employed |
EUR 300 to EUR 700 per month based on age and health |
Yes, for select private products |
|
Expat / Incoming Insurance |
Job seekers and pre-employment arrivals |
EUR 30 to EUR 100 per month |
Yes, designed for this stage |
Health Insurance Costs for Germany Opportunity Card Holders
Health insurance costs are not the same for everyone on the Germany Opportunity Card, as it depends on your current situation. Read below to see what you will pay at each stage as an Indian:
|
Stage |
Insurance Type |
Estimated Monthly Cost |
|
Arriving in Germany with no job yet |
Expat / Incoming Insurance |
EUR 30 to EUR 100 |
|
Part-time work up to 20 hours per week |
Expat or voluntary GKV |
EUR 50 to EUR 150 |
|
Full-time job with salary below EUR 77,400 per year |
Statutory GKV |
Approx. 8.75% from your pay, employer covers the rest |
|
Full-time job with salary above EUR 77,400 per year |
Private PKV |
EUR 300 to EUR 700 per month based on your profile |
Compare: Opportunity Card vs Work Visa vs Study Route
What Happens to Your Health Insurance After Finding a Job in Germany
Once you land a full-time job in Germany, things get much easier on the health insurance front. If your gross salary is below EUR 77,400 per year, your employer takes care of enrolling you in the statutory GKV system, and the contributions come straight out of your salary. You do not have to run around sorting it out yourself.
When it comes to choosing a provider, TK (Techniker Krankenkasse), AOK and Barmer are names you will hear a lot among expats. All three have English-language support, which makes the whole process a lot less confusing. Just remember to cancel your expat policy once your GKV enrollment is confirmed, otherwise you will end up paying for both.
If your salary is above EUR 77,400, you can choose to stay with GKV or move to a private PKV plan. Most people who are in Germany for the long haul tend to stick with GKV, though, mostly because it covers your family members and is generally more flexible.
Check Out: 5 Best Job Portals in Germany for Indians in 2026
How to Apply for German Health Insurance Before Your Visa Appointment
Check below the simple step-by-step health care insurance process in Germany for Opportunity Card Holders:
|
Step |
What to Do |
|
Step 1 |
Choose an incoming insurance provider such as Mawista, EDUCARE24, or Provisit |
|
Step 2 |
Apply online, select coverage up to 365 days, and pay monthly or annually |
|
Step 3 |
Download your certificate and attach it to your Opportunity Card visa application |
|
Step 4 |
After arriving and finding a job, let your employer enroll you in GKV then cancel your expat policy |
Move to Germany on the Opportunity Card With ÿմ
Getting your Health Insurance with Germany Opportunity Card in place is one of the most important steps before you make the move. Start with incoming insurance, maintain it through your job search, and transition to GKV when employment begins.
If you want personalised support on your Opportunity Card application, documents, or relocation planning, reach out to ÿմ Germany Immigration Assistance and make your move to Germany a smooth one.
Also Read:
Limited-time offer : Access a free 10-Day IELTS study plan curated for you
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my home country health insurance for the Germany Opportunity Card visa application?
How long does expat or incoming health insurance cover me in Germany?
What happens to my health insurance if my Opportunity Card expires before I find a job?
Can I choose which GKV provider I want to join when I start working in Germany?
Does GKV cover my family members in Germany?