Attracting and retaining high-profile talent is a key challenge for companies in Germany. For expats, understanding the German healthcare system can also be stressful. Company Health Insurance (bKV) is a game-changing benefit: It offers direct, everyday value to your team, shortens sick leaves, and positions your business as an employer of choice.
Key Facts at a Glance
| What is covered | Health benefits for your employees financed by you as the employer, for example an annual health budget for dental cleaning, glasses, alternative practitioners or check-ups. |
|---|---|
| What is not covered | Benefits above the agreed budget, benefits outside the tariff catalogue and, depending on the tariff, treatment already under way. Details |
| Who needs it | For employers who want to attract and retain skilled staff and are looking for an alternative to a pay rise. |
| What does it cost | Budget tariffs usually cost around €10 to €30 per employee per month; premium tariffs more. Non-binding guide value (as of 2026); your premium depends on your situation. I will gladly prepare a non-binding quote for you: get in touch. |
| What to look out for | A budget tariff with free use, no health questions and staying within the €50 monthly benefit-in-kind limit for tax and contribution exemption. |
Thomas' Story: How a Health Benefit Revitalized His Tech Team
Fictional example for illustration; all persons and events are invented.
Let me share the story of Thomas, who runs a tech agency in Germany with an international team. Many of his employees are expats who speak limited German and struggle to find dental appointments or specialists who speak English. Thomas wanted to support his team and decrease sick leave while competing with the benefits offered by major tech giants in Berlin.
We implemented a customized health budget model (bKV). Thomas chose an annual budget of €600 per employee. Shortly after, one of his lead engineers used their budget for professional dental cleanings, and another colleague covered the cost of new prescription glasses.
The team's response was phenomenal. They felt deeply cared for by their employer, and the ease of submitting bills via a smartphone app (with no health check required) was highly appreciated. Sick leave went down, and international hires praised the benefit on Glassdoor. Thomas reflects: “The corporate health scheme is easily the most impactful benefit we've offered. It is immediate, tangible, highly tax-efficient, and demonstrates our commitment to employee well-being.”
Why Corporate Health Schemes are a Win-Win
This program delivers measurable advantages for both sides:
- Employer Branding: Set your company apart when hiring highly qualified expats in Germany.
- No Medical Questions: All team members are accepted without health checks, and pre-existing conditions are generally covered (treatments already ongoing or advised before the start may be excluded depending on the tariff).
- Tax Efficiency: Fully deductible as business expenses and eligible for the €50/month tax-free benefit-in-kind.
- Reduced Sick Leave: Faster access to appointments and preventive check-ups keep your team healthy.
Flexible Health Budgets: Complete Freedom
Modern corporate health systems rely on annual health budgets. As the employer, you define a budget tier. Your employees choose exactly how to spend it, whether on dental care, spectacles, prescription medications, alternative medicine, or check-ups.
As your fiduciary representative, I manage the introduction of the bKV program to ensure a smooth setup. The entire process is digitalized, minimizing administrative overhead for your HR department.
Requirements for Expats
- German Business Registration (Gewerbeanmeldung or Freelance Tax ID)
- German Business Address
- German Bank Account (IBAN)
What Is Not Covered
Company health insurance tops up your employees' public health insurance. Typical limits:
- Budget limit: Once the annual budget is used up, employees pay further costs themselves.
- Benefit catalogue: Only what the tariff provides for is reimbursed; wellness or gym memberships are usually not included.
- Ongoing treatment: Depending on the tariff, treatment already started is excluded, even if no health questions are asked.
- Tax limit: If the premium exceeds the benefit-in-kind limit, it becomes subject to tax and social security contributions.
How I Help You When You Need to Claim Benefits
Here you deal with the insurer directly for everyday matters, which is usually the fastest way. As your broker, I am legally on your side, not the insurer's, and I step in as soon as something gets stuck:
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1. Contact the insurer directly
For reimbursements, your employees contact the insurer directly. The contact details are in the documents they receive at the start.
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2. Keep your records
Keep invoices, letters and decisions until the money has arrived. If there are queries or a dispute, they are your proof.
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3. Submit invoices digitally
Your employees submit invoices most easily via the insurer's app. I support you and your team with any questions about reimbursements.
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4. I help when it gets stuck
If the insurer refuses, cuts benefits or takes too long, contact me. I check the settlement and the policy conditions and follow up with the insurer. What to do after a denial.