The GKV is the short name for the Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung. It is Germany’s statutory (public) health insurance system. You get basic medical coverage through the GKV if you are insured under the law.
The GKV covers doctor visits, hospital care, medication, and preventive services. You and your employer usually share the insurance contributions. You can choose among different Krankenkassen (public health funds) within the GKV. The rules and benefits are set by law (SGB V) and applied by the GKV organisations.
The GKV matters because it is the default insurance for many employees, students, and families in Germany. You will see GKV on job contracts, payslips, and registration forms. As an expat, you may have to decide between staying in the GKV or moving to private insurance depending on your job, income, and residency status.
Examples:
- You start a job in Germany: your employer enrolls you in a GKV fund and pays part of the contributions from your salary.
- Your non-working spouse or child can be covered under your GKV through Familienversicherung, so they often do not need a separate policy.