Health Insurance in Germany for Opportunity Card Holders: Guide for Applicants in 2026

If you are planning to move to Germany on the Opportunity Card, health insurance is one of those things you need to sort out early. The country requires every resident to have valid health coverage, whether you are a citizen, an employee or a job seeker on the Germany Opportunity Card. It is a legal requirement and a part of your visa application. Here is everything you need to know about Health Insurance on Germany Opportunity Card, from the types available to the costs and what changes once you start working.

Is Health Insurance Mandatory for Germany Opportunity Card Holders?

Yes, health insurance on the Germany Opportunity Card is mandatory and must be submitted as part of your visa application at the German consulate. The policy must cover your full period of stay from day one, including medical treatment, hospitalisation and emergency care. A basic travel policy will not be accepted. The minimum coverage required for Schengen entry is EUR 30,000.

Public vs Private Health Insurance Options on Germany Opportunity Card

Healthcare in Germany runs a dual-track system. There is Statutory Health Insurance called GKV (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) and Private Health Insurance called PKV (Private Krankenversicherung). And if you are someone who is still job hunting, there is a third insurance option that most people use: expat or incoming insurance.

Check below for a clear comparison of all three types of Health Insurance in Germany for Opportunity Card Holders:

Health Insurance Costs for Germany Opportunity Card Holders

Health insurance costs are not the same for everyone on the Germany Opportunity Card, as it depends on your current situation. Read below to see what you will pay at each stage as an Indian:

Compare: Opportunity Card vs Work Visa vs Study Route

What Happens to Your Health Insurance After Finding a Job in Germany

Once you land a full-time job in Germany, things get much easier on the health insurance front.  If your gross salary is below EUR 77,400 per year, your employer takes care of enrolling you in the statutory GKV system, and the contributions come straight out of your salary. You do not have to run around sorting it out yourself.

When it comes to choosing a provider, TK (Techniker Krankenkasse), AOK and Barmer are names you will hear a lot among expats. All three have English-language support, which makes the whole process a lot less confusing. Just remember to cancel your expat policy once your GKV enrollment is confirmed, otherwise you will end up paying for both.

If your salary is above EUR 77,400, you can choose to stay with GKV or move to a private PKV plan. Most people who are in Germany for the long haul tend to stick with GKV, though, mostly because it covers your family members and is generally more flexible.

Check Out: 5 Best Job Portals in Germany for Indians in 2026

How to Apply for German Health Insurance Before Your Visa Appointment

Check below the simple step-by-step health care insurance process in Germany for Opportunity Card Holders: 

Move to Germany on the Opportunity Card With GetGIS

Getting your Health Insurance with Germany Opportunity Card in place is one of the most important steps before you make the move. Start with incoming insurance, maintain it through your job search, and transition to GKV when employment begins. 

If you want personalised support on your Opportunity Card application, documents, or relocation planning, reach out to GetGIS Germany Immigration Assistance and make your move to Germany a smooth one.

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Also Read:

• Part-Time Work Rules on Germany Opportunity Card
• Germany Opportunity Card: How to Apply, Fees, Requirements 
• Top Germany Jobs for Indians Without German Language
• German Resume Format for Jobs in Germany
• How to Get Job in Germany from India in 10 Simple Steps