How to register for mandatory health insurance in Munich (2026)
Cost
Free
Approx. 14.6% of gross salary (GKV). Minimum for freelancers: ~220€/month. Students: ~120€/month.
Time at office
30-60 minutes for the application
Estimated time
Active registration in 1-3 days. Health card in 1-2 weeks by mail.
Quick summary
English guide to registering for Krankenversicherung in Munich. In Germany, health insurance is mandatory for everyone. Public insurance (GKV), costs, and how to sign up.
Required documents
-
Anmeldebestätigung
Confirmation of residence registration.
-
Pasaporte o DNI
Valid identification document.
: 2026
Step by step
- 1
Choose between public (GKV) or private (PKV) insurance
Most employees opt for GKV. For incomes above 69,300€/year, you can choose PKV. For newcomers, GKV is always the safest option.
!Expert tip
"If you come from Spain with an EHIC card, it covers you for 3 months. But once you start working in Germany, you must register for German insurance."
- 2
Choose a Krankenkasse and apply for registration
Go to official siteThe main ones are TK, AOK, DAK, and Barmer. They all cover the basics; the difference is in extra services and digital apps.
!Expert tip
"TK (Techniker Krankenkasse) is very popular among expats due to its digital app and English services."
- 3
Receive the health card
In 1-2 weeks, you will receive the green health card (Gesundheitskarte). With it, you can visit the doctor anywhere in Germany.
!Expert tip
"Always carry the health card. You need it every time you visit the doctor."
Offices and service points - Munich
Frequently asked questions
Is health insurance mandatory in Germany?
How much does health insurance cost in Germany?
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This procedure in other cities
Official sources and useful links
This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check the official source for current information.