Public Health InsuranceInsurance Comparison 2026
AOK vs. BARMER
An independent side-by-side comparison covering benefits, costs, and coverage details.
Based on official policy documentsUpdated October 2026Independent comparison
01Side by side
Features compared
| Feature | AOKView Details | BARMERView Details |
|---|---|---|
| Cost & Contributions | ||
| Total monthly (under 23) | €139.28–€148.09 (AOK Bayern: €141.16) | €146.29 |
| Total monthly (23+ childless) | €144.41–€153.22 (AOK Bayern: €146.29) | €151.42 |
| Zusatzbeitrag rateAdditional contribution rate set by each insurer | 2.47%–3.50% (varies by region; AOK Bayern: 2.69%) | 3.29% |
| Coverage & Benefits | ||
| Mental health / psychotherapy | Full coverage — psychotherapy, psychiatry, inpatient treatment | Full coverage + free 7Mind mindfulness app + online CBT programs + Teledoktor video consultations |
| Dental bonus system | Up to 75% after 10 years of regular checkups | Up to 75% after 10 years of regular checkups |
| Bonus programs | ||
| Bonus amount | Up to €200/year (varies by regional AOK) | Up to €200/year |
| Service & Digital | ||
| English support | Limited — depends on regional AOK branch; varies significantly by city | Good — English hotline (weekdays 8am–7pm), English website (barmer.de/en), English email support |
| Digital services | AOK App (Mein AOK) · ePA (electronic patient record) · Online service center · Digital health courses · AOK Gesundheitsnavigator (doctor finder) | BARMER App · Teledoktor (24/7 video consultations) · 7Mind mindfulness app (free for members) · ePA (electronic patient record) · 120+ online fitness courses and 1,500+ workouts · Online skin check and second opinion service |
| Insured people | 27.4 million (all 11 regional AOKs) | 8.18 million |
| Visit AOK→ | Visit BARMER→ | |
AOKView Details
BARMERView Details
Cost & Contributions
Total monthly (under 23)
€139.28–€148.09 (AOK Bayern: €141.16)
€146.29
Total monthly (23+ childless)
€144.41–€153.22 (AOK Bayern: €146.29)
€151.42
Zusatzbeitrag rate
Additional contribution rate set by each insurer
2.47%–3.50% (varies by region; AOK Bayern: 2.69%)
3.29%
Coverage & Benefits
Mental health / psychotherapy
Full coverage — psychotherapy, psychiatry, inpatient treatment
Full coverage + free 7Mind mindfulness app + online CBT programs + Teledoktor video consultations
Dental bonus system
Up to 75% after 10 years of regular checkups
Up to 75% after 10 years of regular checkups
Bonus programs
Bonus amount
Up to €200/year (varies by regional AOK)
Up to €200/year
Service & Digital
English support
Limited — depends on regional AOK branch; varies significantly by city
Good — English hotline (weekdays 8am–7pm), English website (barmer.de/en), English email support
Digital services
AOK App (Mein AOK) · ePA (electronic patient record) · Online service center · Digital health courses · AOK Gesundheitsnavigator (doctor finder)
BARMER App · Teledoktor (24/7 video consultations) · 7Mind mindfulness app (free for members) · ePA (electronic patient record) · 120+ online fitness courses and 1,500+ workouts · Online skin check and second opinion service
Insured people
27.4 million (all 11 regional AOKs)
8.18 million
02FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
AOK costs vary by region. AOK Rheinland-Pfalz/Saarland (cheapest region): €139.28/month for students under 23 or €144.41/month for 23+ childless. AOK Bayern: €141.16/month or €146.29/month. AOK Nordost (Berlin, most expensive): €148.09/month or €153.22/month. The base is €87.38 + regional Zusatzbeitrag (2.47%–3.50%) + nursing care (€30.78 or €35.91).
English support varies by regional AOK. Some branches in university cities (Munich, Berlin, Hamburg) have English-speaking staff, but it's not guaranteed. There is no dedicated English hotline. For reliable English support, TK is the better choice for international students.
Each AOK is open to people who live or work in its region, and students can also choose the AOK where their university is located (§ 173 SGB V) — so most students join the AOK of the federal state where they study. AOK Rheinland-Pfalz/Saarland has the lowest Zusatzbeitrag at 2.47%, AOK Bayern charges 2.69%, and AOK Nordost (Berlin) is the most expensive at 3.50%.
Yes, if you are under 30 and enrolled in a degree program at a German university. Sign up within 3 months of enrollment. Language course and Studienkolleg students are not eligible for GKV.
AOK offers up to €200/year through its bonus program. Earn rewards for preventive screenings, dental checkups, vaccinations, and fitness activities. Exact program details and amounts vary by regional AOK.
BARMER costs €146.29/month for students under 23 (or with children) and €151.42/month for students 23+ without children. Breakdown: €87.38 base health insurance + €28.13 Zusatzbeitrag (3.29%) + €30.78 nursing care (or €35.91 if childless and 23+). That's about €5/month more than TK.
Teledoktor is BARMER's free 24/7 telemedicine service. You can consult doctors via video for minor illnesses, prescription renewals, skin checks, and second opinions before operations — no appointment needed. Especially useful for students with busy schedules.
Yes, BARMER covers full psychotherapy as required by law. Additionally, BARMER includes the 7Mind mindfulness app for free (12 months) and offers online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) programs — going beyond basic GKV requirements. Completing 7Mind courses earns bonus points too.
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