Two Common Routes
Architects and engineers reach PKV either as self-employed professionals or as well-paid employees. A self-employed architect or consulting engineer working freelance can choose PKV from the outset. An employed engineer at a firm switches once their salary passes the annual income threshold, which is common in senior technical roles.
Variable Income and Protection
Self-employed architects and engineers often have project-based, uneven income. That makes two things important: a realistic daily sickness benefit to replace earnings during illness, and a tariff whose premium you can sustain in leaner years. Building the cover around the reality of freelance cash flow avoids strain later.
Match the sickness benefit to your income: without an employer continuing pay, a self-employed architect or engineer relies on Krankentagegeld during a long illness. Set the daily amount against what a project delay would actually cost you.
Points to Weigh
- Freelance free choice: self-employment opens PKV immediately, on health and tariff grounds.
- Employed threshold: switching depends on crossing the income threshold.
- Some professional pension schemes: certain chambers run their own pension provision, separate from health cover.
- Long-term planning: plan premiums into retirement and consider a relief tariff.
For a firm employee near the threshold, a broker can compare a switch to PKV against remaining in GKV, factoring in your health and how your salary is likely to move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Compare PKV Tariffs for Your Situation
Our independent advisors help expats and professionals find the right private health insurance — personalised to your age, health, and budget.
Get My Free Quote