PKV Knowledge Base

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

47
Articles
12
Topics
2026
Updated
PKV Guide
How to Switch from GKV to PKV in Germany: Step-by-Step

A complete step-by-step guide to switching from GKV to PKV in Germany. Who qualifies, when to switch, what happens to dependents, and common mistakes to avoid.

Providers
Best PKV Providers for Expats in Germany 2026

The best PKV providers for expats in Germany in 2026. A practical comparison of top insurers by English support, coverage breadth, claim processing, and premium competitiveness.

Costs
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.

Expats
What Happens to Your PKV When You Leave Germany?

What happens to your PKV when you leave Germany? Three options explained: suspend, keep running, or cancel. Plus special rules for EU moves and returning expats.

Coverage
Pregnancy and Maternity Coverage Under PKV in Germany

How PKV covers pregnancy and maternity in Germany. What's included, how to add a newborn, income during maternity leave, and PKV vs GKV for expectant mothers.

Civil Servants
PKV for Civil Servants & Beihilfe: The Complete Guide

How PKV works for German civil servants (Beamte) with Beihilfe. Learn what Beihilfe covers, how to choose a top-up PKV tariff, and how expat civil servants navigate the system.

Digital Health
Digital Health & PKV in Germany: What's Covered in 2026

How PKV covers digital health in Germany: telehealth consultations, DiGA apps on prescription, wearables, and the digital extras private insurers offer in 2026.

Mental Health
Mental Health Coverage Under PKV in Germany

Mental health coverage under PKV in Germany: psychotherapy sessions, psychiatry, inpatient care, and how PKV compares to GKV for mental health treatment.

Retirement
PKV in Retirement in Germany: What You Need to Know

What happens to your PKV when you retire in Germany? How premiums change, what the Standardtarif safety net is, and how to plan ahead for PKV in retirement.

Coverage
PKV Emergency Coverage Abroad: What's Actually Covered?

Does PKV cover emergency treatment abroad? What's covered in the EU vs worldwide, repatriation costs, and what add-on travel insurance PKV members actually need.

Dental
PKV Add-Ons: Dental, Vision & Hospital Upgrades Explained

PKV add-ons for dental, vision, and hospital comfort in Germany. What's included in standard PKV and what you need to upgrade — with cost comparisons for expats.