PKV Knowledge Base

Expert guides on German private health insurance for English-speaking expats, freelancers, and professionals.

9
Articles
12
Topics
2026
Updated
Costs
Beitragsentlastungstarif: Pre-Funding Lower Premiums in Retirement

How a Beitragsentlastungstarif pre-funds a guaranteed premium reduction from retirement, the tax angle, and whether it is worth it.

Costs
PKV and Tax: Deducting Premiums as Vorsorgeaufwendungen

How PKV premiums for basic cover are deducted as Vorsorgeaufwendungen, what qualifies, and how to maximise the tax benefit.

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The Employer Subsidy for PKV: Arbeitgeberzuschuss Explained

How the employer subsidy (Arbeitgeberzuschuss) halves an employee's PKV premium up to a legal cap, and how it shapes tariff choice.

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Krankentagegeld: Income Protection for PKV Policyholders

How Krankentagegeld replaces lost income during illness, choosing the right daily amount and waiting period, and why the self-employed especially need it.

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Ageing Reserves in PKV: How the Alterungsrueckstellung Works

How the Alterungsrueckstellung is built while you are young to cushion premiums later, and what happens to it when you switch tariff or insurer.

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PKV Deductible Explained: How Selbstbeteiligung Affects Your Premium

How the PKV deductible (Selbstbeteiligung) trades a lower monthly Beitrag for out-of-pocket risk, and how to choose the right excess.

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PKV Premiums in Your 50s and 60s: What to Expect

Why PKV premiums rise with age, how Alterungsrückstellungen work, and the legal tools that cut your Beitrag at 60 and again at 65.

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How PKV Premiums Are Calculated in Germany: A Complete Breakdown

How are German private health insurance (PKV) premiums calculated? Age, health status, coverage level, deductibles — all factors explained with real premium examples for 2026.

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7 Ways to Lower Your PKV Premium in Germany

7 practical strategies to lower your PKV premium in Germany without sacrificing essential coverage. Deductibles, no-claims bonuses, tariff reviews, and more.