Health insurance for people with a Chancenkarte: What you need to know when you arrive in Germany

With the so-called Chancenkarte, Germany is opening up new opportunities for people from non-EU countries to enter Germany to look for work or build an occupation. In addition to questions about residence, work, and housing, one topic is of central importance: health insurance. It is not only personal protection, but also a legal obligation.

BARMER, one of the largest public health insurance funds in Germany, provides comprehensive information here about the regulations that apply and what people with a Chancenkarte should pay attention to.

Mandatory health insurance in Germany

In Germany, general health insurance cover is mandatory. This means that every person with a place of residence or permanent residence in Germany must have adequate health insurance coverage. This obligation also applies to people who enter Germany with a Chancenkarte.

Proof of health insurance coverage often has to be provided when applying for or renewing an Aufenthaltstitel (residence permit). Without insurance, problems with the public authorities can arise – and high costs in the event of illness.

Transitional phase: Health insurance before starting work

Many people initially come to Germany with a Chancenkarte without a permanent job. During this phase, there is usually no mandatory insurance obligation for public health insurance, as this is usually linked to employment that is subject to mandatory insurance.

For this time period, private health insurance that meets the minimum requirements of the immigration office is often required. It‘s important that this insurance covers outpatient and inpatient treatment as well as emergencies.

BARMER recommends finding out about the transition to public health insurance at an early stage as soon as your personal situation changes.

Entering public health insurance

As soon as you take up employment subject to social insurance contributions in Germany, in most cases you will automatically become subject to mandatory insurance in the public health insurance system (GKV). From this point on, employees are free to choose a public health insurance fund – for example, BARMER.

Contributions to public health insurance are based on salary. They are paid proportionately by the employee and employer. Under certain preconditions, dependent family members can be co-insured free of charge.

Public health insurance healthcare services

Public health insurance offers comprehensive and reliable protection. This includes, among other things:

• Medical and dental treatment
• Hospital treatment
• Pregnancy and childbirth healthcare services
• Preventive care check-ups and vaccinations
• Psychotherapeutic care
• Medication, physical therapies, and medical aids
• Rehabilitation measures

These healthcare services apply regardless of age, gender, or pre-existing conditions and are regulated by statute.

Prevention and health promotion as a statutory mandate

A central component of the statutory mandate of health insurance funds is the promotion of prevention and health literacy. BARMER supports insured persons in maintaining their health in the long term – for example through:

• Certified health courses (e.g., exercise, nutrition, stress and addiction management)
• Digital offerings and apps
• Preventive care programs and health checks
• Information and consultation on healthy living in Germany

Orientation is particularly important for people who are new to the German healthcare system.

Consultation and support for new arrivals

The German healthcare system differs from other countries in many ways. Public health insurance funds such as BARMER therefore have a duty to provide information and advice.

Consultation is provided on the following topics, among others:

• Registration and changing health insurance
• Entitlement to healthcare services and cost sharing
• Finding a doctor and therapy
• Sick leave and sick pay
• Maternity protection and family benefits

Much of the information is also available in multiple languages to make it easier to get started.

Conclusion: Well covered from the start

For people with a Chancenkarte, health insurance is an indispensable part of arriving in Germany. It not only protects against financial risks in the event of illness, but also provides access to high-quality medical care.

BARMER supports insured persons with information, consultation, and statutory healthcare services throughout all phases of life – even when starting a new occupation. Those who inform themselves early on, lay an important basis for a secure and healthy start in Germany.