Krankenversicherung: gesetzlich vs privat

Health insurance is mandatory in Germany: Public (GKV): contribution ~14.6% + supplement of gross income, free family coverage. Most employees under ~73,800€/year. Private (PKV): risk-based contribution, often cheaper for young/healthy, but children extra. For self-employed, civil servants, high earners. Important: no insurance = no residence permit, big back payments. On arrival: start with GKV, then evaluate. Top insurers: TK, AOK, Barmer, DAK — nearly identical, difference in extras.