Quick answer: TK (Techniker Krankenkasse) is one of Germany's largest public health insurers (GKV), popular with expats for its English-language service and app. As a GKV fund, TK charges a percentage of your gross income — roughly 16–17% in total in 2026 (the 14.6% general rate plus TK's supplementary contribution), split with your employer. TK is an excellent default for most employees, but higher earners, the self-employed, and civil servants may get better value and benefits from private insurance (PKV).
What Is TK (Techniker Krankenkasse)?
Techniker Krankenkasse — almost always called TK — is a statutory health insurance fund within Germany's public system (GKV). With millions of members it is one of the country's biggest insurers. Like all GKV funds it provides the legally defined standard package of healthcare, but funds compete on service, digital tools, and their supplementary contribution rate. TK is especially well known among internationals for offering customer service and a member app in English.
How Much Does TK Cost in 2026?
Because TK is a public insurer, your contribution is based on your income, not your age or health. In 2026 the contribution is made up of the general GKV rate of 14.6% plus TK's own supplementary contribution (Zusatzbeitrag), giving a total of roughly 16–17% of gross salary. Employees split this with their employer; the self-employed pay the full amount. Contributions are capped at the income ceiling (Beitragsbemessungsgrenze).
Always check the current rate: each fund sets its own supplementary contribution and it can change annually. Confirm TK's exact 2026 Zusatzbeitrag on TK's official site before deciding.
Why Expats Choose TK
TK (GKV) vs Private Insurance (PKV): Which Is Better?
TK is a strong choice if you want simplicity, free family cover, and income-based pricing. But if you are a higher earner, self-employed, or a civil servant, private insurance (PKV) can offer lower premiums and better benefits.
| Factor | TK (GKV) | PKV (Private) |
|---|---|---|
| Premium basis | % of income (~16–17%) | Age & health at entry |
| Best for | Employees, families | Higher earners, self-employed, civil servants |
| Family cover | Free for dependents | Policy per person |
| Specialist access | Usually via referral | Direct, faster |
| Hospital & dental | Standard package | Enhanced (single room, implants) |
| English service | Yes | Varies by insurer/broker |
See our full comparison of the difference between public and private health insurance.
How to Join or Switch to TK
Joining TK as an employee is straightforward: choose TK and your employer registers you, deducting contributions from your salary. If you are switching from another GKV fund, you can change funds subject to the standard notice period. If you are weighing TK against private cover, it is worth comparing both before you commit — switching from PKV back to GKV later can be difficult.
TK or Private? Compare Before You Decide
Get a free, independent comparison of public (like TK) versus private insurance for your exact income, age, and situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TK (Techniker Krankenkasse)?
TK is one of Germany's largest statutory (public) health insurance funds, part of the GKV system. It provides the legally defined standard healthcare package and is especially popular with expats because it offers English-language customer service and an English app. As a public fund, it prices contributions on income rather than age or health.
How much does TK cost in 2026?
As a public insurer, TK charges a percentage of your gross income: the general GKV rate of 14.6% plus TK's own supplementary contribution (Zusatzbeitrag), totalling roughly 16–17% of gross salary in 2026. Employees split this with their employer; the self-employed pay the full amount. The exact supplementary rate can change yearly, so confirm it on TK's official site.
Is TK good for expats and does it offer English service?
Yes — TK is one of the most expat-friendly public insurers, offering English-speaking support and an English-language app, which makes it easier for newcomers to manage membership, certificates, and prescriptions. Its strong digital tools and free family cover add to its appeal.
Is TK public or private insurance?
TK is public (statutory) insurance — part of Germany's GKV system. It is not private insurance (PKV). The difference matters: GKV funds like TK price on income and cover family members for free, while PKV prices on age and health and requires a policy per person but can offer enhanced benefits.
Should I choose TK (GKV) or private insurance (PKV)?
TK is a strong default for most employees and families thanks to income-based pricing and free dependent cover. However, if you are a higher earner, self-employed, or a civil servant, private insurance (PKV) may offer lower premiums and better benefits such as faster specialist access and private hospital rooms. Comparing both before committing is wise, since returning from PKV to GKV later can be difficult.
Official Sources & Further Reading
This guide draws on official German government and regulatory sources. Rates and thresholds change annually — always confirm current figures with these bodies or a licensed broker.
- Bundesgesundheitsministerium (BMG) — Federal Ministry of Health.
- SGB V — German Social Code Book V, the legal basis for health insurance.
- BaFin — Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (regulates private insurers).
- Vermittlerregister — verify any German insurance broker's §34d GewO licence.