Insurance Comparison 2026
Techniker Krankenkasse (TK)vs.BARMER
An independent side-by-side comparison covering benefits, costs, and coverage details.
✓ Based on official policy documents✓ Updated April 2026✓ Independent comparison
| Feature | Most PopularTechniker Krankenkasse (TK)View Details | BARMERView Details |
|---|---|---|
| Cost & Contributions | ||
| Total monthly (under 23) | €141.16Better | €146.29 |
| Total monthly (23+ childless) | €146.29Better | €151.42 |
| Zusatzbeitrag rateAdditional contribution rate set by each insurer | 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 cash (or €400/year as Gesundheitsdividende) | Up to €200/year |
| Service & Digital | ||
| English support | Excellent — dedicated English hotline (24/7), English TK-App, English website | Good — English hotline (weekdays 8am–7pm), English website (barmer.de/en), English email support |
| Digital services | TK-App (available in English)ePA (electronic patient record)TK-Doc video consultationsOnline health coursesDigital fitness tracking (Google Fit, Samsung Health, Fitbit integration) | BARMER AppTeledoktor (24/7 video consultations)7Mind mindfulness app (free for members)ePA (electronic patient record)120+ online fitness courses and 1,500+ workoutsOnline skin check and second opinion service |
| Members | 12.3 million | 8.2 million |
| VisitTechniker Krankenkasse (TK) → | VisitBARMER → | |
BARMERView Details
Cost & Contributions
Total monthly (under 23)
€141.16Better
€146.29
Total monthly (23+ childless)
€146.29Better
€151.42
Zusatzbeitrag rate
Additional contribution rate set by each insurer
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 cash (or €400/year as Gesundheitsdividende)
Up to €200/year
Service & Digital
English support
Excellent — dedicated English hotline (24/7), English TK-App, English website
Good — English hotline (weekdays 8am–7pm), English website (barmer.de/en), English email support
Digital services
TK-App (available in English)ePA (electronic patient record)TK-Doc video consultationsOnline health coursesDigital fitness tracking (Google Fit, Samsung Health, Fitbit integration)
BARMER AppTeledoktor (24/7 video consultations)7Mind mindfulness app (free for members)ePA (electronic patient record)120+ online fitness courses and 1,500+ workoutsOnline skin check and second opinion service
Members
12.3 million
8.2 million
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
TK costs €141.16/month for students under 23 (or with children). Students aged 23+ without children pay €146.29/month due to the additional nursing care surcharge. This breaks down as: €87.38 base health insurance + €23.00 Zusatzbeitrag (2.69%) + €30.78 nursing care (or €35.91 if childless and 23+).
Yes, TK has the best English support among German public insurers. They offer a 24/7 English-language hotline, the TK-App with English interface, an English website (tk.de/en), and English-speaking staff at many branches. Not all written correspondence is in English, but phone and app support are excellent.
Yes, if you are under 30 and enrolled in a degree program at a German university. You must sign up within the first 3 months of enrollment. Language course and preparatory course (Studienkolleg) students are not eligible for GKV.
TK rewards healthy behavior with up to €200/year in cash (or €400/year as Gesundheitsdividende if reinvested in health products). You earn points for preventive checkups, vaccinations, sports club membership, fitness tracking (via Google Fit, Samsung Health, or Fitbit), and health courses.
All GKV insurers cover the same legally mandated base benefits. TK stands out for international students thanks to its English-language support (24/7 hotline, English app), competitive Zusatzbeitrag (2.69% vs. BARMER's 3.29%), and strong digital services. AOK offers more branch offices, while BARMER excels in telemedicine and mental health extras.
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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