Apply for health insurance for freelancers
Employees are compulsory insured in the statutory health insurance. Self-employed persons, on the other hand, do not generally belong to those persons who are compulsory insured.
Exceptions:
- agriculturists have to be insured with the agricultural health insurance (Landwirtschaftliche Krankenversicherung)
- self-employed artists and publicists have to be insured with the artist’s social welfare insurance (Künstlersozialversicherung).
For all other self-employed persons, voluntary insurance in the statutory health insurance is possible under certain circumstances. Self-employed persons, who would not like to be insured on a voluntary basis or do not meet the requirements for voluntary insurance, can be privately insured.
In addition, there is also the possibility to combine statutory insurance cover with private cover: If the benefits of the statutory health insurance are not adequate, you can conclude supplementary private insurance.
Responsible department
- for insurance on a voluntary basis in the statutory health insurance: the statutory health insurance fund, where you were last insured
- for insurance in the private health insurance: every company offering private health insurance
Details
Prerequisite
- For voluntary insurance in the statutory health insurance scheme:
- You were insured in the statutory health insurance scheme before you became self-employed.
- Immediately prior to this, you had family insurance or membership in the statutory health insurance scheme for at least twelve months or
in the last five years you can provide evidence of a previous insurance period of at least 24 months. - You apply for voluntary membership within three months of ending your previous insurance.
- For private health insurance: enquire with the insurance company.
Procedure
If you would like to insure yourself on a voluntary basis in the statutory health insurance, please ask your health insurance company for advice. You will receive the application forms there. Many health insurance companies also offer them on their website as a download.
To become a member in the private health insurance, you can first of all get the health insurance company of your choice to send you a quote. Speak personally with your service provider or contact him/her in writing. In most cases it is also possible to request a quote online.
Deadlines
You have to report admission to a statutory health insurance of your choice within three months after terminating the previous insurance. Voluntary membership always starts immediately afterwards. It is not possible to join at a later date.
Required documents
In the case of an application for voluntary membership: last income tax assessment notice or, in the case of a new company, other proof of income.
When choosing a private insurance provider: depending on the insurance provider.
Costs
Legal advice from a specialised lawyer or tax consultant may incur additional costs.
Detailed information
- Information on social insurance for agriculture, forestry and horticulture can be found here: https://www.svlfg.de/krankenkasse
- Information on social insurance for artists can be found here: https://www.kuenstlersozialkasse.de/kuenstler-und-publizisten/leistungen
- The Verband der privaten Krankenversicherung e.V. provides information on private health insurance.
Legal basis
Fünftes Buch Sozialgesetzbuch (SGB V):
- § 5 Versicherungspflicht
- § 9 Freiwillige Versicherung
- § 240 Beitragsbemessung für freiwillige Mitglieder
Release note
machine generated, based on the German release by: Sozialministerium Baden-Württemberg, 24.10.2025