Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) Health Insurance Review 2025

When over 11 million people in Germany put their trust in the same health insurer, it raises a big question: what makes Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) so special? Is it simply popular because of clever marketing, or does it genuinely offer better service and coverage than the rest?

If you’re moving to Germany, starting your studies, or simply re-evaluating your health insurance options, TK’s name will come up again and again. In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into everything you need to know: from contributions and benefits to digital services, pros and cons, and whether it’s truly the right choice for you.

About Techniker Krankenkasse

Founded in 1884, TK started as an insurance fund for engineers (“Techniker” = technicians). Over the decades it has grown into the largest statutory health insurer (GKV) in Germany.

• Headquarters: Hamburg
• Members (2025): Over 11 million
• Service centers: More than 200 nationwide
• Awards: Consistently ranked #1 by Focus Money, ServiceValue, and Stiftung Warentest

TK is often considered Germany’s most modern statutory insurer, thanks to its digital tools and a reputation for efficiency.

Public vs Private Health Insurance: The Basics

Before we look at TK specifically, let’s quickly set the stage.

• Public Health Insurance (GKV): Contributions based on income. Children and non-working spouses are included for free.
• Private Health Insurance (PKV): Contributions based on age, health, and coverage level. Each family member pays separately.

Why many choose TK within the public system:

• Affordable for students and employees.
• Family insurance included.
• Strong preventive programs and digital services.

Who is usually better off with public (GKV):

• Families with children.
• Employees with middle or lower income.
• Expats and students who want stability.

Contributions & Costs at TK

TK’s contributions follow the standard GKV rules, with a small additional rate.

• Base GKV rate: 14.6% of gross income.
• TK additional rate (2025): ~1.2%.
• Split: Employer and employee each pay half.

Example monthly premiums

Status	Income	Monthly contribution	Notes
Employee	€4,000 gross	~€292	Half paid by employer
Student (under 30)	Fixed rate	~€125	Includes long-term care
Self-employed	€4,000 income	~€584	Pays full amount

Additional costs include small co-payments for prescriptions, hospital stays (€10/day), and therapies. Dental prosthetics are only partly covered, which is why many TK members add a private dental policy.

What TK Covers

Like all public health insurers, TK provides a broad statutory package:

• Visits to GPs and specialists
• Hospital stays and treatments
• Medications and medical aids
• Preventive check-ups and maternity care
• Free coverage for children and non-working spouses

TK extras beyond the basics

This is where TK often shines compared to other GKVs:

• Alternative therapies: acupuncture, osteopathy, homeopathy (partially covered)
• Preventive screenings: skin cancer checks, dental health programs
• Bonus program: cashback for healthy activities (up to €300 a year)
• Travel vaccinations: often covered, which is rare among statutory insurers

Digital health

TK has invested heavily in digital tools:

• TK-App: upload sick notes, submit claims, view benefits
• E-prescriptions and vaccination records
• 24/7 medical hotline (TK-Doc)
• Online coaching for fitness, stress, and nutrition

This makes TK one of the most user-friendly GKVs in Germany.

Customer Experience

Support & Accessibility

• 200+ service centers nationwide.
• Hotline and live chat available.
• Some English support (better than many rivals, though not as strong as private insurers).

Digital convenience

• The TK app is highly rated.
• Sick notes and claims can be submitted online.
• Reimbursements are processed faster than most other insurers.

Satisfaction levels

• TK ranks consistently at the top of German health insurance surveys.
• Expats and students often mention the easy sign-up process.
• Some criticism remains: bureaucracy in exceptional or cross-border cases.

How Claims & Reimbursements Work

Most services are billed directly between doctors and TK, so you rarely see an invoice. For extras (like osteopathy), you may pay upfront and get reimbursed.

• Routine claims: usually processed within days.
• Alternative treatments: may take longer.
• Expat note: TK’s website has English sections, but hotline support in English is limited.

Pros and Cons of TK

Advantages

• Largest and most stable statutory insurer.
• Strong reputation for service and digitalisation.
• Free family insurance.
• Great for students, freelancers, and expats.

Disadvantages

• Contribution tied to income (expensive for high earners).
• Limited dental coverage without add-ons.
• Still bureaucratic in niche cases.

Overlooked Benefits of TK

Many insured people don’t realise how much TK offers beyond the basics:

• Bonus program: rewards preventive check-ups, vaccinations, gym visits.
• Travel vaccinations: covered for many destinations.
• Mental health support: online therapy and coaching options.
• English app interface: especially useful for expats.

Alternatives to TK

• AOK: Strong regional presence, but less digital.
• Barmer: Similar size, strong preventive programs.
• DAK: Good for chronic conditions.
• Private insurance: Allianz, Debeka, Ottonova (digital-first).

A popular strategy is staying with TK and adding private supplementary insurance (dental, hospital upgrade, travel). This way you keep family benefits while boosting coverage.

Common Pain Points & Objections

• “Isn’t private insurance cheaper?” → Only for young, healthy high-earners. Returning to GKV later is difficult.
• “Dental cover is weak.” → True, but supplementary dental insurance solves it.
• “Service still feels bureaucratic.” → TK is better than most GKVs, but yes, some paperwork remains.

Future Outlook

TK is leading the digital health trend:

• AI-based claims processing in development.
• More online coaching programs.
• Continued focus on preventive medicine.

It is expected to remain Germany’s #1 statutory health insurer for years to come.

Conclusion

Techniker Krankenkasse has earned its reputation as Germany’s most popular health insurer. With over 11 million members, top survey rankings, and one of the best apps in the industry, it’s hard to go wrong with TK.

• Best suited for: families, students, expats, employees with average income.
• Less ideal for: top earners considering PKV, or those wanting full dental coverage.

👉 Takeaway: TK is reliable, modern, and family-friendly. If you join, don’t forget to sign up for the Bonus Program and consider a private dental supplement for complete peace of mind.