Insurance Comparison 2026
Techniker Krankenkasse (TK)vs.HEK
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 | Below-Average RateHEK — Hanseatische KrankenkasseView Details |
|---|---|---|
| Cost & Contributions | ||
| Total monthly (under 23) | €141.16Better | €142.87 |
| Total monthly (23+ childless) | €146.29Better | €148.00 |
| Zusatzbeitrag rateAdditional contribution rate set by each insurer | 2.69% | 2.89% |
| Coverage & Benefits | ||
| Mental health / psychotherapy | Full coverage — psychotherapy, psychiatry, inpatient treatment | Full coverage — psychotherapy, psychiatry, inpatient treatment |
| 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 €150/year cash for preventive behavior |
| Service & Digital | ||
| English support | Excellent — dedicated English hotline (24/7), English TK-App, English website | Limited — German primary |
| 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) | HEK-AppePA (electronic patient record)Online member portalOnline video consultationsDigital document upload |
| Members | 12.3 million | 740,000 |
| VisitTechniker Krankenkasse (TK) → | Visit provider → | |
Cost & Contributions
Total monthly (under 23)
€141.16Better
€142.87
Total monthly (23+ childless)
€146.29Better
€148.00
Zusatzbeitrag rate
Additional contribution rate set by each insurer
2.69%
2.89%
Coverage & Benefits
Mental health / psychotherapy
Full coverage — psychotherapy, psychiatry, inpatient treatment
Full coverage — psychotherapy, psychiatry, inpatient treatment
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 €150/year cash for preventive behavior
Service & Digital
English support
Excellent — dedicated English hotline (24/7), English TK-App, English website
Limited — German primary
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)
HEK-AppePA (electronic patient record)Online member portalOnline video consultationsDigital document upload
Members
12.3 million
740,000
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.
HEK costs €142.87/month for students under 23 (or with children) and €148.00/month for students aged 23+ without children. Breakdown: €87.38 base health insurance + €24.71 supplementary contribution (2.89%) + €30.78 long-term care insurance (or €35.91 if childless and 23+).
Not quite — TK's supplementary rate is 2.69% vs. HEK's 2.89%, so TK is €1.71/month cheaper (€141.16 vs. €142.87 for students under 23). HEK is still well below average and among the more affordable nationwide public insurers in 2026.
HEK's English support is limited — the primary language is German. There is no dedicated English hotline. If English support is essential, TK, BARMER, or SBK are better suited. For students with German skills, HEK's low supplementary rate makes it attractive.
Found Your Best Plan?
Compare more plans or apply directly — get covered in minutes.