Why Barmer is the right choice
Discover what is most important when you arrive in Germany
As a new employee, Barmer provides valuable information about the German health insurance system and offers guidance to help you navigate your new role.
Frequently asked questions for apprentices
It depends on the salary. In 2025, apprentices in Germany with an annual gross salary below €73800 (monthly €6150) are subject to mandatory public health insurance.
At Barmer, you only pay 8.945% of your gross salary for the security and benefits of public health insurance. As contributions are shared 50/50 between employer and employee, the contribution rate for employees is currently 17.89%. This is a combination of the standard statutory contribution rate of 14.6% and the additional individual contribution rate of 3.29%.
The contribution rate for long-term care insurance is 4,2 % (without children) – your employer pays 1,8 % of this amount. Parents receive a 0.25% reduction on their long-term care contribution rate for each child under the age of 25. Therefore, in the future, contribution rates for long-term care insurance will be tiered.
Your employer. In most cases, your employer will deduct your share directly from your salary and then transfer the total amount directly to Barmer.
It’s easy. We organize it for you. When you join Barmer, we will apply for your Social Security Number (Sozialversicherungsausweis/Versicherungsnummernachweis) and send it to your postal address. So you don’t have to do anything.
Your financial security and peace of mind. Barmer protects your income if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury. In most cases, your employer will continue to pay your salary for the first 6 weeks of sick leave. After that, Barmer protects your financial security with sick pay if certain preconditions are met.
No, but we appreciate it when you do. As your partner in health insurance, we like to know when your employment changes so we can coordinate any relevant information with your new employer to make sure you have the perfect start in your new job.
Yes. You need to inform Barmer when you leave Germany permanently so we can cancel your health insurance at the right time. You’ll need to visit the residents’ registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt) in advance to deregister your address and submit a copy of this document to Barmer. If you continue to work for a German employer but move your main place of residence abroad, both you and your German employer will be subject to the social security laws of your new country of residence. In this case, you’ll need to liaise very closely with your employer and local authorities to avoid any complications.
Need more help?
For further information simply call our English Service Hotline on 0800 333 0060* (and +49 202 568 333 0060* from abroad). Or write us an email.
* On weekdays from 8:01 PM to 6:59 AM.
