A health insurance fund (Krankenkasse) is an organisation that provides your statutory health insurance. You pay a contribution every month. In return, the health insurance fund pays for things like doctor's visits, medicines and hospital treatment. In Germany, everyone must have health insurance. The word Krankenkasse usually refers to statutory health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung). There are many different health insurance funds. You can choose which one you want to join.
Where you will see the word
- With your employer: At the start, they will ask which health insurance fund you belong to. They register you with it. They deduct the contribution directly from your wages.
- At the doctor's: At the practice, they will ask you: “Which health insurance fund are you with?” (Bei welcher Krankenkasse sind Sie?) Then you show your health insurance card (Gesundheitskarte).
- At the immigration office (Ausländerbehörde): For a residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel), you usually have to show that you have health insurance.
- On forms: for example at the Jobcenter, the family benefits office (Familienkasse) or at university. These forms often have a field called “Name of health insurance fund” (Name der Krankenkasse).
- In letters from the health insurance fund: for example about contributions, a new card or sickness benefit (Krankengeld).
What you should do
- Choose a health insurance fund as soon as you work, study or live in Germany. You can find out more under Getting health insurance.
- Compare the health insurance funds. Most of the benefits are the same. But the additional contribution (Zusatzbeitrag) and some extra benefits differ. Some health insurance funds are only available in certain federal states.
- Give your employer your certificate of membership (Mitgliedsbescheinigung) quickly. If you do not choose a health insurance fund in time, your employer can register you with one themselves.
- Send a photo if the health insurance fund asks for one. Then you will receive your electronic health insurance card. Take this card with you every time you see a doctor.
- Check whether your family can be insured with you. Spouses and children with no income of their own or a low income are often covered free of charge under family insurance (Familienversicherung).
- Read letters from the health insurance fund carefully. Reply within the deadline stated in the letter. Report changes, for example a new address after your residence registration (Anmeldung) or a new job.
You can switch health insurance funds later. However, you usually need to have been a member for a certain period first. If your health insurance fund raises its additional contribution, you are often allowed to switch earlier. The health insurance fund will inform you about this in a letter.
Example
- “Please submit the certificate of membership from your health insurance fund before you start work.”
- “Your health insurance fund is raising its additional contribution. You therefore have a special right to cancel (Sonderkündigungsrecht).”
- On the phone with a doctor's practice: “Please bring the card from your health insurance fund.”
Related terms
- Health insurance (Krankenversicherung): This is the general term for cover in case of illness, whether statutory or private.
- Private health insurance (Private Krankenversicherung): Insurance with a private company. It is only available to certain groups, for example self-employed people, civil servants (Beamte) or people with a high income.
- Health insurance card (Gesundheitskarte): The card with your photo from your health insurance fund. You show it at the doctor's.
- Insurance number (Versichertennummer): Your personal number with the health insurance fund. It is printed on your health insurance card.
- Additional contribution (Zusatzbeitrag): A part of the contribution that each health insurance fund sets itself.
- Sickness benefit (Krankengeld): Money from the health insurance fund if you are ill for a longer period and no longer receive a salary from your employer.