Health insurance when you are not employed
Options if you are self-employed, job-seeking, studying or accompanying a family member.
What this actually is
If nobody is paying public health insurance for you as an employee, you either pay it yourself as a self-payer, are covered by the state in specific categories, or hold commercial insurance where the public system is not open to you.
Who it applies to
Self-employed people, job seekers, some students, and dependants.
When it's required
Continuously — gaps in cover create arrears that you will be asked to pay later.
Step by step
- 1
Work out your category
Employee, self-employed, state-insured or self-payer. The category decides who pays.
- 2
Register or update your status
Tell your insurer within eight days when your situation changes.
- 3
Set up payments
Self-payers and self-employed people pay monthly by standing order.
- 4
Keep proof
Keep confirmation of cover — it is requested for residence matters.
Documents to bring
- Identity document
- Proof of your statusTrade licence, study confirmation, or labour office registration
Who decides
Your chosen public health insurance company
Related
Official information
- VZP — General Health Insurance CompanyOfficial source
Last checked: 1 August 2026
Cover rules are strict and arrears accrue quickly. Confirm your category with your insurer directly.