Finance
Health Insurance for Self-Employed: Public or Private?
As a self-employed person, you must insure yourself. Learn whether public or private health insurance is better for you.
Health Insurance for Self-Employed: The Complete Guide
As a self-employed person, you're not automatically health insured. You must take care of it yourself - and it can be expensive.
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Public or Private: The Basics
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Public (GKV) | Voluntary membership in a health fund |
| Private (PKV) | Insurance with a private provider |
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Public Health Insurance
Contribution Calculation
- General contribution rate: 14.6%
- Additional contribution: approx. 1.7%
- Total contribution: approx. 16.3% of your profit
Contribution Limits (2025)
| Limit | Amount |
|---|---|
| Minimum contribution | approx. €192/month |
| Maximum contribution | approx. €843/month |
Advantages of Public Insurance
- Family insurance: Partner and children free
- Income-based: Low when profit is low
- No health check
- No age increase
Disadvantages of Public Insurance
- High maximum contributions with good income
- Contribution back-payments possible
- Standard benefits
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Private Health Insurance
Typical Contributions
| Age | Contribution |
|---|---|
| 25 years | €350-450/month |
| 35 years | €450-550/month |
| 45 years | €550-700/month |
Advantages of Private Insurance
- Better benefits: Chief physician, private room
- Income-independent
- Contribution refunds
Disadvantages of Private Insurance
- Children cost extra (€100-150/month)
- No family insurance
- Contributions increase with age
- Difficult return to public insurance
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Public vs. Private: Comparison
| Criterion | Public | Private |
|---|---|---|
| Calculation | Income-based | Risk/Age |
| Family | Free co-insurance | Everyone pays |
| Health check | No | Yes |
| In old age | Stable | Increasing |
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Decision Guide
Public is better if:
- [ ] You're planning a family
- [ ] Your income fluctuates
- [ ] You have pre-existing conditions
- [ ] You're older than 45
Private is better if:
- [ ] You're young and healthy (under 35)
- [ ] You stably earn over €60,000/year
- [ ] You're single
- [ ] You want better benefits
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The Artists' Social Fund (KSK)
The best option for creatives:
- You pay only 50% of the contribution
- For: Designers, photographers, journalists, artists
- Minimum income: €3,900/year
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Saving on Contributions
In Public Insurance
- Compare health funds (additional contribution varies)
- Use optional tariffs
- Optimize income estimate
In Private Insurance
- Choose deductible (saves 10-30%)
- Use contribution refunds
- Check tariff changes
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Conclusion
- Young, healthy, high-earning → Private often cheaper
- Family, fluctuating income → Public safer
- Creatively active → Check Artists' Social Fund
With Clever Invoice you keep track of your finances.
Frequently asked questions
Can I join public health insurance as self-employed?
Yes, you can voluntarily insure yourself in public health insurance. There's no income limit for self-employed.
What is the minimum contribution in public insurance?
The minimum contribution in 2025 is approx. €192/month, the maximum is approx. €843/month.
Can I switch from private back to public insurance?
This is difficult and almost impossible after age 55. Possible ways: Employment below the insurance threshold or family insurance.
What is the Artists' Social Fund?
The KSK is social insurance for artists and publicists. You pay only 50% of contributions, the KSK covers the rest.
Do I get sick pay as self-employed?
Not automatically. In public insurance, you must choose an optional tariff or get private daily sickness benefit insurance.