Two Very Different Products
"Private health insurance" in Germany actually covers two quite different things, and confusing them leads to poor decisions. A full private health insurance (private Krankenvollversicherung) replaces statutory insurance (GKV) entirely. A supplementary private insurance (Zusatzversicherung) sits on top of GKV, topping up specific gaps. Knowing which you need is the first step to getting cover right.
In one line: a Vollversicherung is your main health insurance; a Zusatzversicherung is an add-on for GKV members who want better dental, hospital or other specific benefits without leaving the statutory system.
Full Private Insurance (Vollversicherung)
This is the comprehensive PKV most of this blog discusses. It is open to those who qualify — employees above the salary threshold, the self-employed, civil servants and certain others — and replaces GKV completely. It offers broad, tailored benefits and premiums based on age and health, builds an ageing reserve, and is intended as a long-term, often lifelong, choice.
Supplementary Insurance (Zusatzversicherung)
A Zusatzversicherung is for people who remain in GKV but want to close specific gaps. It is inexpensive, requires only a light health check, and can be added or dropped relatively freely. Common types include:
| Top-up type | What it adds |
|---|---|
| Dental (Zahnzusatz) | Better cover for crowns, implants, cleaning |
| Hospital (Krankenhauszusatz) | Single room, chief-physician treatment |
| Outpatient (ambulant) | Glasses, alternative medicine, aids |
| Daily sickness/hospital cash | Income and incidental-cost benefits |
Which Should You Choose?
The decision follows your situation:
- Choose a Vollversicherung if you qualify for PKV and want comprehensive private cover as your main insurance for the long term
- Choose a Zusatzversicherung if you are staying in GKV — by choice or because you do not qualify for PKV — but want better dental, hospital or other specific benefits
Many GKV members get excellent value from a couple of well-chosen top-ups (especially dental and hospital), enjoying some PKV-style benefits without the commitment of full private cover. Others, who qualify and want the full advantages, opt for a Vollversicherung.
A Note on Reversibility
The two products differ sharply in commitment. A Zusatzversicherung is easy to add or cancel, making it low-risk. A Vollversicherung is a major, long-term decision — switching back to GKV later is restricted, especially after 55. Treat the supplementary route as flexible and the full route as a considered, lasting choice, and you will match the product to your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
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