PKV vs GKV Calculator — Should You Switch to Private Health Insurance?
Compare your actual GKV contribution against estimated PKV costs. Includes family coverage gap, employer subsidy, and 10-year cost projection. Based on 2025/2026 official figures.
Your details
Used to calculate GKV contribution and PKV eligibility
PKV premiums are set at entry age — younger = permanently lower base rate
Family situation
GKV covers non-working spouses free. PKV charges a separate premium.
Only needed if spouse also works — for their separate GKV cost
Your GKV costs (calculated automatically)
Check your health insurer’s current rate. Average 2025: ~1.7%. Enter 0 if unknown to use base rate only.
PKV premium estimate
Comfort tariff is most common for employees switching from GKV.
⚠️ These are orientation estimates only PKV premiums vary significantly by insurer, health status at entry, and tariff details. The figures below are indicative ranges — always get a personal quote before making any decision. Use the “Get a personalised quote” button below.
Monthly cost comparison
Public Insurance (GKV) Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung
Your gross salary —
Contribution basis —
Total KV rate (AN share) —
Your monthly GKV contribution —
Employer pays (separately) —
Family coverage included —
Private Insurance (PKV) Private Krankenversicherung
Gross PKV premium —
Employer subsidy (max) —
Your monthly PKV cost —
Children (separate premiums) —
Non-working spouse premium —
Total household PKV/month —
⚠️ Family coverage gap — critical for your situation
GKV family coverage
€0/month
spouse + children included free
PKV children cost
—
separate premium per child
PKV spouse cost
—
if non-working, needs own PKV
Extra PKV family cost vs GKV
—
per month compared to GKV
Cumulative cost projection (employee share only, no premium inflation)
Horizon GKV total cost PKV total cost Difference
⚠️ The 3-year lock-in rule — read before switching Once you leave GKV as an employee, you can only return if your gross salary drops below the JAEG threshold for at least 12 consecutive months. In practice, for a high-earning tech worker this may never happen. Switching to PKV is effectively a permanent decision. Consider this carefully if you plan to reduce hours, take a career break, become self-employed, or retire early.
Get a personalised PKV quote — free, no commitment Feather compares PKV options in English. Takes 5 minutes. Independent broker — not tied to one insurer.
Get PKV quote →
Still in GKV? Make sure you’re in the cheapest one Zusatzbeiträge vary from 1.2% to 3.8% across insurers — switching is free and can save €500+/year. Our guide explains how to compare and switch in minutes.
How to choose the cheapest GKV →
Note: PKV premium estimates are indicative ranges based on market data from PKV-Verband, Check24, and insurer examples (2026). Actual premiums depend on your health status at entry, chosen tariff, insurer, and deductible. GKV calculations use official 2025/2026 contribution rates and ceilings. Employer subsidy capped at €508.59/month (2026). The 3-year rule is a simplification — consult a qualified insurance broker or Steuerberater before making any health insurance decision. Sources: §5 SGB V (JAEG), §241 SGB V (KV rates), §55 SGB XI (PV rates), BMG 2026 figures.