Free tool
GKV vs. PKV Comparison Calculator for Tattoo Artists
Enter your income, age, and family status – the calculator instantly shows you which health insurance option is cheaper. No sign-up, no data stored.
Income & Age
GKV contribution is income-based (up to max. €5,175/month). PKV is income-independent.
PKV premiums rise with age – this value influences the PKV estimate.
Family Status
GKV: children covered for free. PKV: approx. +€120/month per child.
GKV: non-employed partner covered for free. PKV: approx. +€220/month extra.
Sick Pay Insurance
As self-employed you have no automatic sick pay. GKV: approx. +€35/month. PKV: approx. +€55/month (separate sick pay insurance).
Your Comparison
GKV (voluntary)
PKV (estimate)
PKV is cheaper
317,00 €
Savings per month
Compare PKV plans directly: Free PKV comparison →
Assessment
Given your income and age, PKV may be cheaper in the short term. But note: premiums rise with age, and switching back to GKV later is difficult. Get individual advice.
Note: All values are estimates based on 2026 averages. For a binding decision we recommend an independent insurance advisor.
StudioFlow automatically records your revenue per appointment – so you always know whether your income covers your expenses.
Try for free →How is this calculated?
GKV (voluntary insured)
Contribution rate 2026: 14.6% (general rate) + approx. 1.7% (supplementary rate) + 3.6% (long-term care) = 19.9% of income, up to the contribution ceiling of €5,175/month. Minimum contribution: approx. €235/month. Children and non-employed partners are covered at no extra cost.
PKV (private health insurance)
Premiums are based not on income, but on age, health status, and chosen plan. The estimated values are based on typical plans for healthy self-employed individuals. Each additionally insured person costs extra – including children.
Find the complete guide including KSK info and practical tips in the article: Health insurance for tattoo artists – GKV or PKV?
GKV or PKV as a Tattoo Artist: When Does Each Option Make Sense?
Choosing between GKV and PKV is one of the most consequential decisions for self-employed tattoo artists – and it's binding long-term. GKV is the safer choice in most cases: the contribution is income-based (lower income means lower contribution), children and non-employed partners are covered for free, and switching back is possible whenever you become employed again.
PKV can be worthwhile if you're young, healthy, and earning well when you start self-employment and don't have a family. In this case premiums can be below GKV levels with sometimes better benefits (shorter wait times, free choice of doctor). The key disadvantage: PKV premiums rise substantially with age, and switching back to GKV before age 55 is very difficult.
As a self-employed tattoo artist you need sick pay insurance in both systems – because neither GKV nor PKV automatically compensates for lost income during illness. Without this coverage your fixed costs (rent, insurance, software) keep running while income stops.
Frequently Asked Questions about Health Insurance for Tattoo Artists
When is GKV better than PKV for tattoo artists?
GKV is the better choice when you have children (free family insurance), your income fluctuates, or you're uncertain about long-term self-employment. From your mid-40s GKV also becomes cheaper because PKV premiums rise sharply with age. Switching back to GKV before age 55 is barely possible.
What does health insurance cost for a self-employed tattoo artist in 2026?
In GKV at least approx. €235/month (minimum contribution). At €2,000 net income approx. €360–390, at €3,000 approx. €540–580. PKV starts for young healthy beginners at €260–340/month and rises with age. On top of this, both systems require separate sick pay insurance (approx. €35–55/month).
Can I switch from PKV back to GKV?
Before age 55, switching back is very difficult. It's possible if you fall below the compulsory insurance threshold, take a social-insurance-liable employment, or make use of certain family arrangements. This restriction is the main reason not to make the PKV decision lightly.
Do I need sick pay insurance as a tattoo artist?
Yes – absolutely. As self-employed there's no continued pay. If you get sick, rent, insurance, and software keep running. Sick pay insurance pays a daily amount from the agreed waiting period (e.g. from day 8 or 29). Rule of thumb: insure at least your monthly fixed costs. Cost: approx. €35–80/month.
Can I join the Künstlersozialkasse (KSK) as a tattoo artist?
For most tattoo artists, no. Tattooing is classified as a trade in Germany for tax purposes, not as artistic activity under the KSVG. The KSK is exclusively for artists and publicists. Exceptions exist for purely illustrative work – but this requires individual assessment by the KSK itself.