PKV Knowledge Base

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

23
Articles
12
Topics
2026
Updated
Coverage
Skin Checks Without the Wait: Dermatology and Screening Under PKV

Dermatology has Germany's longest waits; early detection decides skin cancer outcomes. How PKV covers screening, digital dermoscopy and fast access.

Coverage
Free Hospital Choice: Public Houses, University Clinics and Privatkliniken

How free hospital choice works for private patients — and the Privatklinik fine print: plan hospitals vs private clinics, and the pre-approval that prevents shocks.

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Straight to the Specialist: How Private Patients Skip the Queue

How private patients reach specialists faster in Germany: no referral requirement, appointment economics, Terminservicestellen comparison and etiquette.

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Palliative and Hospice Care: How PKV Supports the Hardest Chapter

How PKV covers palliative medicine, SAPV home palliative teams and hospice care — and what families should clarify with the insurer early.

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Ambulances and Medical Transport: What PKV Pays For Getting You There

How PKV covers medical transport: emergency ambulances, inter-hospital transfers, routine treatment journeys and air rescue — and the clauses that limit them.

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Sports Injuries and Risky Hobbies: What PKV Covers on the Edge

How PKV handles sports injuries: full cover for amateur sport, application questions about risky hobbies, professional-sport limits and rescue costs.

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LASIK and Laser Eye Surgery: Will Your PKV Pay?

When does PKV pay for LASIK? Case law increasingly treats laser eye surgery as reimbursable treatment. Tariff clauses, court rulings and how to apply.

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Prescription Drugs Under PKV: Originals, Generics and What Gets Paid

How PKV reimburses medication: original preparations vs generics, tariff clauses to check, and how the pharmacy process works for private patients.

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Living With a Chronic Condition in PKV: Diabetes, Asthma and More

How PKV handles chronic conditions: ongoing medication, specialist access, aids and deductible strategy — for those already insured when diagnosed.

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Cancer Treatment Under PKV: What Private Cover Really Delivers

How PKV covers cancer care: diagnostics, oncology, innovative therapies, second opinions and aftercare — and the tariff details that matter most.

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Medical Aids and Appliances (Hilfsmittel) Under PKV

How PKV covers medical aids and appliances (Hilfsmittel) like hearing aids and wheelchairs, and the catalogues and limits to check.

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Treatment Abroad Under PKV: Cover Across Europe and Beyond

How German PKV covers treatment abroad in the EU and worldwide, the duration limits, and what to check before you travel.