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Barmenia Private Health Insurance
Written by
Janine El-Saghir
Janine El Saghir is an editor at How-to-Germany.com, where she specializes in the practical aspects of daily life and integration for expatriates. With years of...
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Erkan Boga
Erkan Boga is the founder and CEO of qmedia GmbH, the publishing house behind How-to-Germany.com. He established the platform with the clear vision of creating...
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Sadie Voss
Content Lead & Editor
Sadie Voss is the Lead Editor for How-to-Germany.com. As an expat who carved her own way into Berlin from the United States, Sadie is deeply...
- English Support: Limited
- Digital App / Claims Handling: Available via customer portal, digital services, and included Medgate telemedicine
- Best For: Expats who prefer structured core tariffs with configurable benefits and targeted solutions, such as plans for international professionals
Barmenia Private Health Insurance Overview
Barmenia private German health insurance is part of the BarmeniaGothaer Group, a long-established German insurer with a broad product portfolio across health, life, and general insurance. The group-level merger was legally completed in September 2024. However, Barmenia Krankenversicherung AG and Gothaer Krankenversicherung AG continue to operate as separate health insurance risk carriers, with their full corporate integration not expected until approximately 2030 or 2031. Within this structure, private health insurance is positioned as a flexible system that combines predefined core tariffs with selected optional benefits.
Outpatient, inpatient, and dental care are included within Barmenia’s main einsA compact tariffs. Dental reimbursement levels depend on the selected tariff, while benefits such as sick pay can be selected separately. Telemedicine through Medgate and the Medgate App is included in the core einsA plans at no additional cost. This approach allows policyholders to adapt coverage to their individual needs without relying on a fully modular system.
- Private health insurance combines predefined core tariffs with selected optional benefits.
- Outpatient, inpatient, and dental care are included in the main einsA compact tariffs.
- Dental reimbursement levels are defined by the selected core tariff, while sick pay can be added separately.
- Medgate telemedicine is integrated into the einsA tariffs at no additional cost.
- Dedicated insurance options are available for international professionals.
- Reimbursement levels, including dental benefits, differ significantly between the individual core tariffs.
- einsA prima and einsA prima+ use a primary care physician model for outpatient specialist treatment.
- Benefits such as sick pay require active configuration by the policyholder.
- Some products marketed through the combined BarmeniaGothaer portfolio are still underwritten by separate Barmenia or Gothaer insurance entities.
In addition, Barmenia offers a range of supplementary products and targeted solutions, including dedicated insurance options for international professionals and separate add-ons for sick pay and other specific services. Medgate telemedicine is already included free of charge in Barmenia’s comprehensive private health insurance tariffs rather than being sold as a separate paid add-on.
Barmenia’s structure combines predefined core medical and dental coverage with selected modular elements. Medgate telemedicine is included in the einsA core tariffs, while benefits such as sick pay can be configured separately.
Key Health Insurance Tariffs
Barmenia offers private health insurance under 3 different coverage concepts within its flagship einsA series: einsA prima as the cost-conscious entry-level concept, einsA primex as the intermediate or comfort concept, and einsA expert as the premium concept. Its main einsA compact tariff family includes 5 tariff levels: einsA primex, einsA prima, einsA prima+, einsA expert, and einsA expert+. For expats that need flexible options, like those with a German student visa or freelance German visa, German Schengen visa requirements may require a plan that covers their particular circumstances. Barmenia tariffs can potentially accommodate these circumstances.
Across the main tariffs, outpatient services include preventive care, psychotherapy, alternative treatments, and access to Medgate telemedicine. Specialist-access rules depend on the tariff. einsA prima and einsA prima+ use the Primärarztprinzip: specialist treatment should generally follow a referral from a primary care physician or Medgate to receive the full tariff reimbursement. Direct specialist treatment without the required referral can reduce reimbursement, typically to around 75% or 80%. Unrestricted direct specialist access is available in tariffs without this primary care restriction, including einsA primex.
Inpatient coverage can be configured to a high level, including single-room accommodation and treatment by the chief physician. Reimbursement levels may exceed standard fee schedules, indicating a higher level of medical coverage depending on the selected plan.
Barmenia’s einsA structure is organized around the prima, primex, and expert coverage concepts. Prima is the cost-conscious entry level, primex is the intermediate or comfort option, and expert is the premium concept. The selected plan defines the main level of outpatient, inpatient, and dental cover, while certain benefits, such as sick pay, must be configured separately. Medgate telemedicine is integrated into the core tariffs. Outpatient specialist-access rules also differ, with prima and prima+ applying the primary care physician principle.
Key differences between tariff levels concern reimbursement rates, service scope, and the extent of additional benefits.
Core outpatient, inpatient, and dental treatment is included within Barmenia’s main einsA compact tariffs. The selected tariff determines the dental reimbursement level, while sick pay (Krankentagegeld) is not automatically included and must be selected separately.
Dental coverage is integrated into Barmenia’s main einsA compact tariffs rather than being purchased as a separate module. However, reimbursement levels differ by tariff. Sick pay (Krankentagegeld) remains a separate benefit that must be selected according to the policyholder’s income-protection needs.
Coverage for temporary stays abroad is generally included within the core tariffs, with additional options available for extended or more specialized international protection.
Overall, Barmenia’s tariff structure combines predefined core outpatient, inpatient, and dental coverage with selective modular elements, offering flexibility while still requiring active configuration for certain benefits. Medgate telemedicine is fully integrated into the einsA core plans, is available at no extra cost, and does not reduce the policyholder’s eligibility for premium refunds.
Telemedicine through Medgate and the Medgate App is included free of charge in Barmenia’s comprehensive private health insurance tariffs. Its use does not affect the Beitragsrückerstattung for otherwise eligible claim-free policyholders.
Barmenia implemented private health insurance premium adjustments on January 1, 2026. Standard adult tariffs generally increased by approximately 9% to 17%, although the exact adjustment depended on the tariff, age group, deductible, and individual contract. Some child and youth groups in einsA prima experienced considerably higher increases of up to approximately 44%. These figures should not be treated as applying uniformly to every policyholder, but they reinforce the importance of comparing long-term contribution development rather than focusing only on the initial premium.
Health Insurance for International Professionals
BarmeniaGothaer offers a dedicated solution for international professionals with the MediHealth Prime tariff. The product was originally developed by Gothaer and is now marketed within the combined BarmeniaGothaer portfolio, but it continues to be underwritten by Gothaer Krankenversicherung AG. This plan is designed for expats staying in Germany for a limited period and is contractually capped at a maximum duration of 60 months. It cannot be renewed beyond this 5-year limit.
MediHealth Prime is a Gothaer Krankenversicherung AG product marketed through the BarmeniaGothaer Group. It is designed for expats staying in Germany for a limited period and is strictly limited to a maximum of 60 months.
MediHealth Prime combines comprehensive outpatient, inpatient, and dental benefits within a single plan. Coverage includes full reimbursement for many medical services, access to specialist treatment, and enhanced hospital care, such as single or double room accommodation and treatment by the chief physician.
Preventive services, vision benefits with fixed allowances, and a high level of dental coverage are also included.
- Comprehensive outpatient, inpatient, and dental benefits within a single plan.
- Full reimbursement for many medical services.
- Access to specialist treatment.
- Enhanced hospital care, such as single or double room accommodation and treatment by the chief physician.
- Immediate access to benefits without waiting periods.
- Recognized as valid health insurance for visa applications.
- Designed for expats staying in Germany for a limited period.
- Strictly limited to a maximum of 60 months and cannot be renewed beyond that period.
- It is underwritten by Gothaer Krankenversicherung AG rather than Barmenia Krankenversicherung AG.
- It is a simplified, expat-oriented alternative to more complex private health insurance structures.
A key feature is immediate access to benefits without waiting periods, making the plan particularly suitable for newly arriving professionals.
In addition, services such as telemedicine consultations and digital appointment scheduling are available, helping people access healthcare in everyday situations. The plan is also recognized as valid health insurance for visa applications.
Overall, MediHealth Prime provides a simplified, expat-oriented alternative to more complex private health insurance structures. It is marketed by BarmeniaGothaer, underwritten by Gothaer Krankenversicherung AG, and limited to a maximum contract duration of 60 months.
Expat Reality Check
- Flexible Structure: Core tariffs cover outpatient, inpatient, and dental care, with optional add-ons for more specific needs
- High Coverage Potential: Premium configurations allow extensive benefits, including treatment beyond standard fee schedules
- Specialist Access Options: Tariffs without a primary care restriction permit direct specialist access, while Medgate can support referrals in prima and prima+
- International Options Available: Extended international coverage is available through additional arrangements, alongside a dedicated expat health insurance solution that provides comprehensive coverage for up to 60 months.
- Integrated Telemedicine: Medgate consultations are included in the einsA core plans at no additional cost and do not affect premium refunds
- Digital Services: Customer portal and digital claims options support access and administration
- Tariff Complexity: Dental reimbursement and other benefit levels differ between the five einsA compact tariffs, while sick pay must be selected separately
- Primary Care Restrictions: einsA prima and einsA prima+ generally reduce specialist reimbursement when treatment occurs without a primary care physician or Medgate referral
- Active Configuration Required: Certain benefits, particularly income protection through sick pay, are not included by default
- Less Intuitive for Expats: Compared to more structured or integrated systems, the setup may be harder to navigate
- Separate Risk Carriers: Products within the BarmeniaGothaer portfolio may be underwritten by either Barmenia Krankenversicherung AG or Gothaer Krankenversicherung AG
- International Coverage Not Clearly Defined: Details on long-term coverage outside Germany depend on additional arrangements
- MediHealth Prime Duration: The expat tariff ends after a maximum of 60 months and cannot be renewed beyond that limit
- 2026 Premium Increases: Standard adult tariffs generally increased by around 9% to 17%, while some child and youth groups increased by up to approximately 44%
Dental and Vision Coverage
Dental coverage is integrated by default into all five main compact tariffs within Barmenia’s einsA private health insurance family: einsA primex, einsA prima, einsA prima+, einsA expert, and einsA expert+. The selected core tariff determines the applicable reimbursement level rather than dental cover being purchased as a separate module. For dental prosthetics, einsA prima reimburses up to 75%, while einsA prima+ and einsA primex reimburse up to 80%. einsA expert reimburses up to 85%, while einsA expert+ reimburses up to 90%, subject to the tariff conditions and any applicable benefit limits.
For statutorily insured individuals, the combined BarmeniaGothaer portfolio includes dental supplementary insurance tariffs from two different product lines. MediZ Smile 75 and MediZ Smile 85 are legacy Gothaer tariffs, while Barmenia’s proprietary dental supplementary range is the Mehr Zahn series, including Mehr Zahn 100. The Mehr Zahn series is a Zahnzusatzversicherung for people who remain insured through the statutory system; it is not an optional dental module for policyholders in Barmenia’s full private health insurance tariffs. These plans follow tiered reimbursement structures for dental treatment and prosthetics. A key feature is the absence of waiting periods in the relevant plans, allowing immediate access to benefits, although reimbursement may be subject to defined limits during the first years of the contract.
Vision benefits are included within the private health insurance tariffs, with fixed allowances for glasses and contact lenses depending on the selected plan. Additional coverage for procedures such as LASIK may be available in more comprehensive configurations.
Barmenia also offers supplementary products related to vision and outpatient care, including specialized add-ons for visual aids and eye treatments, which can be taken out by those insured under the statutory system.
Alternatives to Barmenia Private Health Insurance
Traditional private health insurers differ in how they combine structured core tariffs with optional add-ons, as well as in the level of flexibility available within their plans.
- Allianz: Flexible, modular structure with extensive options for tailoring coverage
- AXA: Integrated tariff design with a more predefined benefit structure
- DKV: Broad medical coverage with a strong focus on traditional private health insurance
Digital providers emphasize simplified access, English-language support, and fully digital processes across application and policy management.
- ottonova: Fully digital provider with app-based management and integrated services such as telemedicine
- Feather: Simplified access for expats with English-language support and straightforward plan structures
- Getsafe: Mobile-first insurer offering streamlined products and easy onboarding
Barmenia positions itself between these approaches, combining structured core tariffs with selected optional benefits rather than offering a fully modular or purely digital model.
Conclusion
Barmenia Private Health Insurance combines structured core tariffs with selected optional benefits. The einsA family is organized around the prima, primex, and expert coverage concepts, with five principal tariff levels. Prima is the cost-conscious entry level, primex is the intermediate or comfort option, and expert is the premium concept. Outpatient, inpatient, dental, and Medgate telemedicine services are included in the core einsA tariffs, while reimbursement levels and specialist-access rules depend on the selected plan. Sick pay and certain other benefits must be added separately.
einsA prima and einsA prima+ apply the primary care physician principle. Direct specialist treatment without a referral from an eligible primary care doctor or Medgate can reduce reimbursement, while unrestricted specialist choice is available in tariffs without this restriction.
This setup offers flexibility and strong coverage potential but requires more active comparison than a single integrated tariff system. Additional options, such as dedicated plans for international professionals and extended German travel health insurance coverage, broaden its range of use cases. MediHealth Prime is marketed within the BarmeniaGothaer portfolio, remains underwritten by Gothaer Krankenversicherung AG, and cannot continue beyond its strict 60-month maximum duration.
Barmenia is particularly suitable for expats who want structured core coverage with a choice of benefit levels, while those looking for a simpler, fully integrated solution may find other providers more straightforward. The premium adjustments introduced on January 1, 2026 also make it important to assess long-term affordability alongside the initial scope of coverage. Standard adult tariffs generally increased by approximately 9% to 17%, while some child and youth groups experienced increases of up to around 44%.
Frequently Asked Questions
Barmenia follows a partially modular approach. Core tariffs include outpatient and inpatient care, while elements such as dental coverage and sick pay can be added separately. This allows for flexible customization but requires more active decision-making compared to fully integrated plans.
No, sick pay is not part of the standard tariffs. It must be selected as an additional module, which is particularly important for self-employed individuals who need income protection during periods of illness.
Barmenia may be suitable for expats who want to tailor their coverage. In addition to standard private health insurance, the MediHealth Prime tariff offers a simplified solution for international professionals, providing comprehensive coverage for stays of up to five years and meeting typical visa requirements.
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