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Public health insurance for foreign employees

Rated 4.72/5 at
  • Business travelers
Public health insurance for employees coming to Germany.

Foreign employees subject to social security contributions in Germany are required to have health insurance. And you’ll benefit from it: public health insurance (GKV) covers medical treatments, preventive care, and emergencies.

We’re here to help you find the right insurance solution for your stay – so you feel safe and well protected from the very beginning.

Security at a glance

Recommended public health insurances

For foreign employees, choosing the right public health insurance is a key step toward a smooth start in Germany.

In our overview, we present a selection of trusted public health insurance providers and their services. You can also download helpful information and membership application forms.

If you have any questions or need further advice, feel free to contact us – we’re happy to help.

Public health insurance for foreign employees

BARMER Krankenkasse

Strong health insurance with comprehensive benefits.

BARMER public health insurance offers a wide range of services designed to actively support and maintain the health of its members. Digital tools like the BARMER app provide convenient and efficient access to healthcare. International professionals benefit from English-language phone support. You can become a member from anywhere in Germany.

Public health insurance for foreign employees

Techniker Krankenkasse

An innovative insurance provider with modern services.

Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) is Germany’s largest public health insurer, with nearly 12 million members. Known for its forward-thinking digital solutions and outstanding customer service, TK is especially attractive for young, tech-savvy employees who value modern healthcare. Membership is available throughout Germany.

Public health insurance for foreign employees

DAK-Gesundheit

Your reliable partner for comprehensive protection in Germany.

DAK-Gesundheit offers foreign employees extensive health insurance coverage throughout their stay in Germany. It supports and rewards an active lifestyle with online courses and bonus programs such as AktivBonus and AktivBonus Junior. Membership is possible throughout Germany.

Public health insurance for foreign employees

AOK

Strong coverage and reliable support for employees.

AOK offers public health insurance tailored to the specific needs of foreign employees. It stands out with a strong regional network, a wide range of benefits, and excellent personal guidance. AOK is a collective of eleven independent health insurance funds covering all of Germany – you become a member through the local branch in your region.

The KLEMMER Advantage

Our Promise

For two decades, we’ve been known for our expertise in travel insurance.

We carefully select and regularly update our offers to always provide you with the best options.
We work exclusively with reputable and trusted insurance partners. As a German company, we guarantee the highest reliability and excellent service – with strict data protection according to the highest standards.

Our experienced, multilingual team is here to support you with expert advice and passionate commitment. You can count on us.

Learn more about our company
  • Travel insurance experts for 20 years
  • Tailor-made insurance solutions for every trip
  • Collaboration with leading insurance partners
  • Multilingual advisory team
  • Based in Germany

FAQ & Help for foreign employees

This might be useful for you

Here you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions about our travel insurances. We’ve gathered the most important information to help you feel well prepared. If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

  • Do I need business travel insurance?

    Yes, taking out international travel insurance for business travellers is advisable. A lot can go wrong on a business trip, such as a meeting being cancelled at short notice, illness or delays. Health-related problems in particular are often not fully covered. Many public health insurance providers cover emergency treatment only, but not all the medical services commonly covered in Germany or medical repatriation to the traveller’s home country. In addition, many private travel insurance policies cover leisure trips only and exclude business travel.Specialised business travel insurance reduces the risk of high cancellation, rebooking and medical costs. These insurance products often combine international health insurance with travel insurance benefits, including trip cancellation, trip interruption and baggage cover. The scope of coverage depends on the insurance company and the selected plan, so it is worth checking the details carefully.KLEMMER’s WORK & PROFESSION insurance provides optimal protection for people travelling outside Germany for business purposes.
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  • Do I need health insurance for my stay with an EU Blue Card?

    Yes, you need health insurance for your stay in Germany with an EU Blue Card from the first day after entry. As a rule, you must already provide proof of this coverage when you apply for your visa. To bridge the time between entry and the start of your job, you should take out incoming insurance such as the WORK & PROFESSION Insurance.Once you start working in Germany, you will have either public or private health insurance. If your gross salary is above the compulsory insurance threshold, you can choose. If your salary is below it, you will be covered by public health insurance.
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  • Do I need health insurance for my stay with the Opportunity Card?

    Yes, health insurance is absolutely essential for your stay in Germany with the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte). Without valid proof of insurance, you will not receive a residence permit.As you are not yet entitled to join public health insurance without an employment contract, you need incoming insurance. This incoming insurance must meet the legal requirements, which means it must offer benefits comparable to those of public health insurance. It must also be valid throughout the Schengen area and for the duration of your stay (usually 12 months from the issue of the Opportunity Card).By the way: Our WORK & PROFESSION Insurance is perfect for starting out in Germany with the Opportunity Card.
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  • Do I need to be reachable during a business trip?

    When you're on a business trip, it’s not realistic to act as if you’re still at your desk. There will be moments without reception or during security checks when you simply can’t respond. And don’t forget the very reason you're travelling: your actual appointments. It’s a good idea to make sure you're not overwhelmed while away. For example, arrange for a backup in your team beforehand. Setting up an out-of-office reply can also help – even if it's just to let people know you’re currently hard to reach and will get back to them later.
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  • Do self-employed people from abroad need health insurance in Germany?

    Self-employed people and freelancers from abroad must take out health insurance in Germany as soon as they move their place of residence or at least their habitual residence to Germany. Anyone coming to Germany only temporarily from an EU or EEA country, e.g. for three months, may be able to remain in their home country's social security system under certain conditions. Self-employed people who were previously insured with a public health insurance provider in Germany or another EU country can often join public health insurance as voluntary members. If there is no previous period of public health insurance in the EU, private health insurance is usually the choice.
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  • How and where can I apply for an Opportunity Card?

    You can apply for the Opportunity Card either online via the Consular Services Portal of the Federal Foreign Office or in person at the German embassy or consulate in your home country. For your application, you need a passport, proof of your vocational training or studies, language certificates and documents on your financial situation. All documents must be in German or English – so you may be asked to provide certified translations of some documents when you apply.
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  • How to counteract jetlag?

    It’s impossible to completely avoid the effects of jetlag, especially when crossing multiple time zones. Jetlag catches up with everyone who travels across time zones. However, there are things you can do to minimize its effects. One helpful tip is to gradually adjust your sleep schedule before your trip to match the time zone of your destination. If you’re traveling east, go to bed earlier to prepare, and if you’re traveling west, go to bed later. Once you arrive, staying hydrated, getting plenty of natural light, and taking short naps to fight fatigue will help you cope with jetlag.
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  • How to make sure you don't forget anything on business trips?

    To make sure you have everything you need on every business trip, you should create a packing or checklist. On this list, write down the things that must absolutely go in your suitcase. Essentials include hygiene products and makeup, a suit or dress with a steamer and appropriate footwear, a spare shirt or blouse, clothes for travel and leisure, your laptop and smartphone along with cables and a power bank, your wallet with money, credit card, and insurance documents, a small travel first aid kit, and if needed, vision aids. If you're traveling for several days, remember to pack sportswear and an interesting book. Depending on your destination and the length of your trip, other items might be important, such as vaccinations. Early preparation helps ensure that you don't forget anything.
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  • Should I exercise while on a business trip?

    Absolutely! There’s always time for a few quick stretches – even at the airport, on the train, or during a rest stop. If your trip lasts more than a day, try to plan in some physical activity. Your hotel might even have a gym. A great way to combine business with pleasure is “sightjogging”: go for a run before or after your appointment and explore the town you're staying in – even if it’s just a quick look at a few local sights.
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  • What are the requirements for the EU Blue Card?

    To obtain an EU Blue Card, three main requirements must be met. First, you need a recognized degree from a German or foreign university. In certain IT professions (and other highly specialized jobs), several years of professional experience can replace the degree. Second, there must be a specific job offer, e.g. in the form of an employment contract. The contract must be for at least 6 months and provide for employment that matches your qualifications. Third, the employment contract must provide for a certain minimum annual salary.In addition, general residence law requirements apply, including a valid passport and health insurance coverage.
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  • What are the requirements for the Opportunity Card?

    To be granted an Opportunity Card, applicants must be recognized skilled workers, i.e. hold a German vocational or university qualification or an equivalent qualification from abroad.Anyone who does not achieve this direct recognition is assessed using a points system based on qualifications, language skills, professional experience and age. During the stay, applicants must be able to support themselves financially, e.g. through savings in a blocked account or a part-time job of up to 20 hours per week.
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  • What is the difference between a business trip and a work-related trip?

    Traveling for work or business – aren’t they the same? Not quite. Generally, employees in the public sector go on work-related trips (Dienstreisen), while the term business trip (Geschäftsreise) is more commonly used in private companies or by self-employed individuals.
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  • What is the difference between the Opportunity Card and the EU Blue Card?

    The main difference between the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) and the EU Blue Card is their purpose. The Opportunity Card allows you to enter Germany to look for a job. The EU Blue Card is a residence permit for qualified or highly qualified skilled workers who have a specific job offer or even an employment contract in prospect. If you manage to find a job in Germany with the Opportunity Card, you can switch to the EU Blue Card. The requirements for this are a university degree, a high salary, the approval of the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) and, if applicable, a professional license (for regulated professions).
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  • What is the EU Blue Card?

    The EU Blue Card (Blaue Karte EU) is a temporary residence permit for highly qualified skilled workers from non-EU countries (third countries) who want to take up qualified employment in the European Union. It applies in most EU member states, including Germany, but not in Denmark and Ireland. The EU Blue Card is valid for up to 4 years or for the duration of the employment contract plus 3 months. As a rule, it allows family reunification without a prior language test, and family members are entitled to work.
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  • What is the Opportunity Card?

    The Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) is a residence permit for nationals of non-EU countries (third countries). It allows them to enter Germany to look for a job. The Opportunity Card is generally valid for 12 months and can be extended by up to two years with a follow-up Opportunity Card.
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  • What requirements apply to foreign jobseekers staying in Germany?

    Different requirements apply to foreign jobseekers in Germany depending on where they come from.Anyone holding a passport from an EU or EEA country or Switzerland enjoys freedom of movement for workers and freedom of establishment. Staying in Germany to look for a job is possible without restriction for up to 6 months without a visa or any other residence permit, as long as they can support themselves financially and have health insurance coverage.Nationals of non-EU countries (third countries) always need a visa if they want to enter Germany to look for work. When applying at the German embassy or consulate, they already have to submit many other documents. In addition to a valid passport, these include proof of qualifications and, depending on the intended profession, the approval of the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) and a professional license, if applicable.
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  • What should I consider when choosing accommodation?

    When booking accommodation, it's important that it serves the purpose of the business trip. It should ideally be close to the train station, airport, or highway, but also not far from the place of business (e.g., the client's office). Short distances lead to less stress and more punctuality.
    Learn more

  • What should I eat on business trips?

    When you're traveling, it's easy to grab the first fast food you see along the way – often expensive and unhealthy. If you have the chance, it's a good idea to pack healthy snacks in advance. These include granola bars, dried fruits, nuts, and portable fruits like apples and bananas. You should also always have a bottle of water with you, provided it's allowed in your carry-on.
    Learn more
More questions & answers

Transparency you can trust

Real experiences, real security – what our customers say

The experiences of other insured customers are invaluable. They offer insights into real-life situations, build trust, and help you make informed decisions.

At KLEMMER, reviews are collected by ProvenExpert. See for yourself and benefit from the experiences of other customers.

Excellent

4.72 out of 5 stars

440 reviews

5.00
„Thank you so much! The whole process was incredibly quick easy and completely hassle free. Miriam was so friendly kind and helpful I had such a positive experience and will definitely recommend your insurance company to my school and many of my friends. Thank you for your wonderful service Miriam!“
J.
5.00
„Schnelle Schadensabwicklung, unkompliziert und einfach.“
Anonymous
5.00
„Ich habe gute Rückmeldungen erhalten, wenn ich Fragen hatte. Ich bin mit den erbrachten Dienstleistungen zufrieden.“
Anonymous
5.00
„Die schnelle und unkomplizierte Bearbeitung sowie die kompetente Beratung und der äußerst freundliche Umgang Ihrer für uns zuständigen Mitarbeiterinnen.“
Anonymous
5.00
„Normalerweise fülle ich solche Umfragen nicht aus. Da ich mit Ihren Service aber wirklich außerordentlich zufrieden war mache ich dies gerne. und bedanke mich für den immer sehr schnellen freundlichen und kompetenten Service. Ich kann mir keine bessere au Pair Versicherung vorstellen und würde diese jedem empfehlen. Grüße Schmidt Helmut wir hatten bisher alle unsere 12 Au-Pairs in den letzte 20 Jahren bei Klemmer versichert“
Fam S.
5.00
„The Klemmer team reply to messages very quickly! Thank you Miriam!“
YUTSEN K.
4.67
„Die Kundenbetreuung ist hervorragend, alle Anliegen werden umgehend bearbeitet.“
Anonymous
5.00
„Sehr professionell, hilfsbereit, und geduldig. Danke noch mal“
Anonymous
5.00
„Ich nutze die Versicherung schon länger für meine AuPairs , habe sie auch weiterempfohlen. Egal um welches Thema es ging , es wurde alles problemlos und vor allem schnell erledigt!“
Anonymous
5.00
„Wir sind von der zügigen Bearbeitung von Klemmer International immer wieder begeisterst.“
A.
5.00
„Seit vielen Jahren versichern wir unsere Erntehelfer bei der Klemmer International Assekuradeur GmbH. Der Grund dafür liegt in der Kompetenz der Ansprechpartner sowie dem sehr guten Kundenservice und der individuellen Beratung. Anliegen und Rückfragen werden stets schnell und zuverlässig bearbeitet.“
Anonymous
5.00
„Ich war wirklich begeistert von der Beratung durch Frau Größwang! Sie war unglaublich freundlich, kompetent und hat sich mit viel Geduld und Fachwissen um mein Anliegen gekümmert. Man merkt, dass ihr die Zufriedenheit der Kund:innen wirklich am Herzen liegt.“
Anonymous
5.00
„Vielen Dank an Frau Größwang für Ihre sehr freundliche und kompetente Art“
Anonymous
5.00
„Ich hatte Frau Größwang am Telefon und sie hat sich sofort um mein Anliegen wegen meiner Reiseversicherung gekümmert. Es lief zu meiner vollsten Zufriedenheit.“
Anonymous
5.00
„Sehr freundlicher und kompetenter Kontakt. Vielen Dank!“
Anonymous
5.00
„Sehr hilfsbereite Mitarbeiter die ihren Job verstehen. Ich bin sehr zufrieden!“
Anonymous
5.00
„Ich würde Klemmer immer wieder wählen und auch weiterempfehlen. Alles lief in den vielen Jahren, die ich meine Au-pairs bei Klemmer versichere, unkompliziert, schnell und lösungsorientiert. Davor hatte ich eine teure Versicherung, die weder lösungsorientiert noch unkompliziert war. Der Wechsel zu Klemmer war die richtige Entscheidung!!!!!“
Jasmina G.
5.00
„Seit über 10 Jahren nutze ich nun schon Klemmer für Familie und auch selbst für Urlaube. Jetzt musste ich zum ersten Mal eine Leistung einreichen und habe ohne langes hin und her die Leistung fast vollständig erstattet bekommen.“
Anonymous
5.00
„Ich bin sehr zufrieden. Ihre Firma ist von ein Freund von mir empfohlen und ich hab ihm dafür sehr gedankt. 🥰“
B.
4.00
„Ich befinde KLEMMER International Assekuradeur eine gute Option, da die angebotenen Dienstleistungen sehr gut sind und die Lösungen stets den Wünschen entsprechen. Aber die Wartezeit dauert ein bisschen lang.“
Anonymous
5.00
„sehr zufrieden“
Anonymous
5.00
„🤍“
Anonymous
3.75
„Zufrieden war ich nur bis ich dann die Versicherung in Anspruch nehmen musste. Für Medikamente werden 5,00 EUR in Abzug gebracht. Der Hinweis darauf findet sich nur versteckt in den Versicherungsbedingungen. Rechnung wurde auch erst erstattet, nachdem ich nach 14 Tagen mal nachgefragt habe, warum meine Mail immer noch nicht beantwortet wurde. Also Weiterempfehlung: nur bedingt.“
Dr. D. M.
5.00
„Kompetende Beratung und Abwicklung“
Anonymous
5.00
„Persönlich, menschlich- erreichbar! Bisher wirklich empfehlenswert“
K.
4.83
„I am just amazed at how my issue was worked with at most urgency“
Anonymous
5.00
„Vielen lieben Dank!“
Anonymous
5.00
„Good“
TENG YU C.
5.00
„They processed my insurance claim in around 7 days. The money was paid and I had no issues. I recommend Klemmer.“
Anonymous
5.00
„Beste Versicherung mit kompetenten Mitarbeitern.Sind Dauerkunden und sehr zufrieden.Danke Frau Puhl für ihre Unterstützung heute und Grüßean ihre Kollegen!!“
L.
4.67
„Schnelle Antwort und unkomplizierte direkte Kostenabrechnung der Behandlung mit dem Krankenhaus. Per E-Mail und Telefonisch sehr gut erreichbar. Rückruf klappt auch wunderbar.“
Steven G.
5.00
„Kompetente und schnelle Hilfe“
Heinrich S.
1.33
„Werben fuer Versicherungen fuer junge Auslaender, die nach Deutschland kommen wollen, um Deutsch zu lernen bzw. Deutschland kennenzulernen. Die inkludierten Leistungen sind jedoch nur irrefuehrend und moralisch fraglich in deutscher Sprache in den AGBs aufgefuehrt. Selbst im sogenannten "Premium"-Paket. Relevante Inhalte sind auf Englisch nicht genau uebersetzt. Auf eine direkte Beschwerde hin ist man nicht naeher eingegangen. Einsichtigkeit und Verstaendnis wurden weder vor noch nach der Beschwerde gezeigt. Meines Erachtens Menschen unwuerdiges Verhalten.“
Anonymous
5.00
„Ich bin äußerst zufrieden mit KLEMMER International Assekuradeur GmbH und möchte mich herzlich für den hervorragenden Service bedanken! Die Abwicklung meiner Anliegen war immer unkompliziert, schnell und professionell. Das Team ist freundlich, kompetent und stets hilfsbereit. Besonders schätze ich die transparente Kommunikation und die fairen Konditionen. Ich kann diese Versicherung jedem empfehlen, der Wert auf Verlässlichkeit und guten Kundenservice legt. Vielen Dank für die tolle Unterstützung!“
Kateryna A.
5.00
„Insbesondere die Geduld von Frau Binder möchte ich hervorheben. Wir hatten jetzt schon 2 Au Pair über Klemmer versichert und werden sicher auch alle weiteren so versichern!“
Anna S.
5.00
„Super kompetent und schnelle Abwicklung“
Anonymous
5.00
„Schnell, Flexibel, Zuverlässig, Funktioniert auch gut bei Wechsel/Anpassung/Stornierung der Versicherung“
Martin B.
5.00
„Die Abeicklung ist wirklich toll. Leider habe ich nie jemanden im Leistungsteam erreicht außer per E-Mail.“
Jana Z.
5.00
„Sehr Kundenorieniert und immer freundlich.“
Max-Rill-Gymnasium R.
5.00
„Unkompliziert und zuverlässig“
Anonymous
4.00
„it as such a good experience which I am pretty satisfied.“
Anonymous
5.00
„My insurance claim was settled promptly and without fuss: I am entirely satisfied with the professional and helpful service received - thank you!“
ED F.
1.00
„Ich wurde sehr unfeundlich beraten und abgewiesen als ich weitere Fragen hatte. Würde die Versicherung niemandem empfehlen.“
Anonymous
4.00
„So far, the feedback and reimbursement of my invoices were clearly and fast. Following the terms and conditions indicated in the contract. I have a year contract with Klemmer. I hope it runs well untill the end :)“
Anonymous
4.50
„Die Antwort auf Ihre Fragen erfolgt zeitnah.“
Anonymous
5.00
„Herzlichen Dank, sehr zufrieden“
Salma H.
5.00
„Sie haben mir schneller antworten. Vielen dank für Ihre Leistungen.“
Ghada E.
5.00
„The insurance helped me during my stay in Germany and when I attended before the hospital everything was good.“
R.
5.00
„Schnelle, unkomplizierte Bearbeitung und wie immer freundlicher Service bei Klemmer. Danke.“
Anonymous
5.00
„Thank you for guiding me and covering the full cost“
Y.
5.00
„Die Vertragsabschluss und die Zahlung der Versicherungspolice sind klar und einfach, keineswegs kompliziert. Als ich einen Zahnarzt in Deutschland aufsuchen musste, verlief alles glatt. Ich musste lediglich den Behandlungsschein sowie meinen Reisepass der Zahnarzthelferin vorlegen und brauchte keine weiteren Formalitäten zu erledigen. Klemmer kümmerte sich um die direkte Bezahlung an den Zahnarzt, ohne jegliche Komplikationen. Hervorragend!“
Dr. Rubén José L.
5.00
„Ich versichere seit 5 Jahren unsere Au-Pairs und internationale Gäste bei KLEMMER. Meistens hatten wir die Versicherung nicht in Anspruch genommen. Aber wenn, dann war die Beratung stets professionell und die Kosten wurden schnell erstattet.“
Maria K.
2.00
„Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren, hiermit möchte ich nur eine Kurze Rückmeldung, dass ich mit euch Service sehr zufrieden war. Ich danke euch sehr. Mit freundlichen Grüßen Fabrice Notahinjanahary“
Anonymous
5.00
„freundliche Berater am Telefon und guter Service jederzeit zu empfehlen“
D.
4.50
„Service einwandfrei und unbürokratisch. Klemmer kann ich uneingeschränkt empfehlen! Beratung in meinem Fall entbehrlich, da das gesamte Konzept online aufgebaut und einfach strukturiert ist und damit wunderbar funktioniert.“
Anonymous
5.00
„Es ist einfach und biss jetzt sehr unkompliziert. Danke“
L.
5.00
„Ich finde es schade, dass man keine Eingangsbestätigung zu eingereichten Rechnungen bekommt.“
Anonymous
5.00
„Unkomplizierte Abwicklung eines stationär geführten Notfalls bei unserem AuPair. Vielen Dank!“
Anonymous
5.00
„Ich bin seit fast 20 Jahren zufriedener Kunde. Unkompliziert, schnell und unbürokratisch.“
Sven H.
4.00
„Toller unkomplizierter Service!“
Anonymous
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