What does Krankenversicherung mean?
Krankenversicherung (health insurance) pays when you are ill, for example for doctors, hospitals and medicines. In Germany it is compulsory.
die Krankenversicherung · die Krankenversicherungen (plural)
Most people have statutory insurance with a Krankenkasse. Some have private insurance.
People who work usually pay contributions through their wages. People who get benefits from the Jobcenter are usually insured through it.
Offices and employers often ask for proof, for example a membership certificate from your Krankenkasse.
Example sentence
Bitte weisen Sie Ihre Krankenversicherung durch eine Mitgliedsbescheinigung nach.
Please prove your Krankenversicherung with a membership certificate.
What you can do
If you are not sure whether you are insured, ask a Krankenkasse immediately. Gaps can become expensive.
Related words
- Krankenkasse The Krankenkasse is your statutory health insurance. It pays for doctors, hospitals and many medicines.
- Gesundheitskarte The Gesundheitskarte (health insurance card) is your Krankenkasse's card. You show it at the doctor's so the practice can bill the fund.
- Pflegekasse The Pflegekasse (long-term care insurance fund) pays benefits for people who need care. It usually belongs to your Krankenkasse.
- Zuzahlung A Zuzahlung (co-payment) is a small amount you pay yourself, for example for medicines, in hospital or for therapy.
- Bürgergeld Bürgergeld (citizen's income) was the Jobcenter's money for people who can work but lack enough to live on. It had this name until June 2026.