Short Answer

Freelancers must apply for either public (GKV) or private (PKV) insurance starting from their very first day of self-employment.

If your income is below €69,300, you have the right to apply directly to a public provider like TK or AOK.

What Most Expats Don't Realize

You waited three months to settle into your freelance rhythm before looking for a health provider. When you finally applied, the insurance company sent you a bill for thousands of euros in "back-payments" for the months you were "uninsured." You lost your entire first month's profit because you didn't realize there is no such thing as a "grace period" in Germany.

What To Do

  • Apply for a "Sozialversicherungsnummer" (Social Security Number) at the same time you select your insurance provider.
  • Book an appointment with an insurance broker to compare the long-term costs of GKV versus PKV.
  • "Ich möchte mich freiwillig gesetzlich versichern." (I would like to take out voluntary public insurance.) — Use this phrase when contacting a public insurer as a freelancer.

The Truth

Germany enforces mandatory insurance with zero gaps. If you wait to apply, the system will eventually find you and force you to pay every cent of the missed premiums.