Business magazine«Focus-Money» runs «Der große GKV-Test» together with the DFSI institute every year. In issue 7/2026, with 70 funds examined, the conclusion is unchanged:
Die Techniker — the best health insurance company in Germany among the funds open nationwide. The test covers not only financial stability but the whole range of services — from care programmes and service quality to supplementary tariffs. In the DFSI GKV-Guide 2026 the TK additionally received the award for the best value for money.
Who the TK suits
Take out state health insurance statutory health insurance in one of Germany's best public health insurance funds it is easier than ever.
Who can take out state health insurance with Die Techniker:
Who can take out state health insurance with Die Techniker
Employees
In 2026, the contribution rate for employees’ health insurance will be 17.29%. This comprises a general contribution rate of 14.6% and a supplementary contribution rate for specific funds of 2.69%.
Your employer pays half of the total contribution rate and an additional contribution on your behalf, i.e. 8.6%.
Students
From €132.61 to €146.29 a month (2026). You can take out student health insurance even before arriving in Germany
Trainees
Same as for employees — the health insurance contribution rate in 2026 is 17,29 %, of which the employer pays half (8,6 %).
Entrepreneurs
Self-employed people and freelancers
And also:
Art workers and school pupils
What the TK costs in 2026
TK services and benefits
From acupuncture to additional tariffs — Techniker Krankenkasse offers more
Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) is one of Germany's largest and most innovative health insurance funds. In addition to basic statutory insurance cover, TK offers a wide range of supplementary medical services, digital services and health support programmes – at no extra cost or with partial reimbursement of expenses.
Below is an overview of the key services and benefits of TK.
Complementary and alternative medicine
Acupuncture
TK covers acupuncture treatment for chronic back or knee pain. The service is provided subject to medical necessity.
Alternative medicines
Up to 100 euros per calendar year is reimbursed for homeopathic and herbal products (phytotherapy) prescribed on a private or «green» prescription.
For children under 12, medically necessary natural remedies are paid for directly via the TK electronic card.
Homeopathy
Insured persons can receive treatment from homeopathic doctors throughout Germany. TK covers in full:
- initial consultation (approx. 60 minutes),
- subsequent case histories and consultations.
Osteopathy
TK contributes to the cost of osteopathic treatment if:
- it was prescribed by a doctor before starting therapy,
- The specialist has verified relevant qualifications.
Prevention and early diagnosis
Health courses
TK reimburses:
- 80 %: the cost of certified courses is up to 150 euros per course and up to 300 euros for a combined course,
- Up to 100 % of the cost of online courses, up to a maximum of 150 euros.
Skin cancer screening from the age of 20
TK pays for skin cancer screenings from the age of 20, which is earlier than the statutory deadline. The examination can be carried out every 2 years by dermatologists participating in the TK agreement.
Sports medical examination
Every two years, TK reimburses 80 % of the cost:
- up to €60 — basic examination,
up to €120 – comprehensive examination (includes basic).
Health checks for schoolchildren
TK is closing gaps in prevention by paying for:
- U10 (7–8 years old),
- U11 (9–10 years),
- J2 (16–17 years old).
Dentistry and vaccination
Professional dental cleaning
Once a year, TK reimburses 40 euros for professional dental cleaning at a dental practice for insured persons aged 18 and over (valid from 01.10.2022).
Travel vaccinations
For private trips abroad, TK pays for STIKO-recommended vaccinations, including, for example:
- hepatitis A and B,
- malaria prevention
(an additional charge for the vaccine itself may apply).
Family, pregnancy and domestic life
Midwife on-call duty
TK reimburses up to €250 for the midwife on-call service. Payment is made upon presentation of the original invoice.
Housework help
- If there are children under the age of 14 or a disabled child in the family,
- and there are no other adults capable of taking over the care,
TK provides home help subject to certain conditions.
TK digital services and apps
TK-App
Using the app, you can:
- view sick notes,
- send documents and messages,
- receive TK letters online,
- to submit applications and invoices,
- to participate in the bonus scheme,
- synchronise data with Apple Health or Google Fit.
TK reward scheme
Healthy lifestyle motivation programme with financial bonuses for prevention, sport and a mindful approach to health.
TK-Coach App
24/7 digital personal coach on the topics of:
- movement,
- diet,
- relaxation and stress management.
TK-Doc App
Online consultations with doctors via video call or chat — without visiting the surgery.
How to join the TK
The application is submitted online on the TK website. There is a separate form for each group — they are further down — but the general application works for everyone: employees, apprentices and the rest.
| Who you are | Contribution in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Employee (Angestellter) | 17,29 % of gross pay. Half — 8,6 % — is paid by the employer, the same amount is withheld from your salary |
| Apprentice (Auszubildende) | Same as for employees: 17,29 %, half is carried by the employer |
| Student (Studierende) | 132,61 to 146,29 € per month. You can apply even before arriving in Germany |
| Self-employed and freelancers | The contribution is based on income and there is no employer — you pay it in full yourself |
| Artists, schoolchildren | Separate rules; use the button below to apply |
Employees
Students
Trainees
Entrepreneurs
And also:
Options that allow you to save on SSC contributions
TK-PrämieFlex:
Just cancel the unnecessary services and immediately get a bonus of up to 90 euros a year. Sounds tempting?
Detailed description TK-PrämieFlex
TK 300Plus tariff:
If you rarely use your insurance, do not get sick, but regularly have routine health checks, you can receive a health bonus of up to 300 euros.
Detailed description TK 300Plus
Frequently asked questions about the TK
Employees, students, apprentices, self-employed people and freelancers, artists and schoolchildren. Nationality does not matter — what counts is your status and your place of work or study in Germany. Statutory funds open nationwide may not refuse an application and do not check your state of health, unlike private insurance.
The total contribution rate is 17,29 % of income: 14,6 % general rate, the same at every fund, plus the TK’s own supplementary rate of 2,69 %. For employees the employer pays half, so about 8,65 % falls on you. Students pay 132,61 to 146,29 € per month. On top of that comes long-term care insurance: 3,6 %, and 4,2 % for people without children from the age of 23.
Yes. The TK has separate application pages in English for employees, students and apprentices — the links are next to each application form on this page. The contract and later correspondence are in German, but you can submit the application without knowing the language.
Yes. Since 2021 the minimum period of membership in a fund is 12 months; after that you can switch with two months’ notice to the end of a month. If your current fund raises its supplementary rate, a special right of termination applies and the minimum period does not. You do not need to cancel yourself — the new fund handles the switch.
Acupuncture for certain indications, health courses with 80 % of the cost reimbursed, professional tooth cleaning, midwife on-call service during pregnancy, extended prevention and early detection. Plus digital services: an app with the electronic patient record, online consultations and submitting documents by phone.
Yes, this is Familienversicherung: a spouse and children without their own income are covered with you and pay no separate contribution. The condition is that the family member’s income stays below the set limit. Details and the current limit are on the page about public health insurance. state health insurance.
The 14,6 % base rate is the same everywhere, so funds differ only in their supplementary rate and range of services. The TK’s supplementary rate is 2,69 % against the average of 2,9 % set by the Federal Ministry of Health for 2026. On quality, the TK has taken top places in the independent Focus Money and DFSI ratings for years.
Still have questions? Write to us
Fill in the form — we will answer your question and help with the TK application if your case does not fit the online application above.
If you have any further questions, you can always contact us:
By email: [email protected]
On Telegram: t.me/Finber_support
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