In Berlin, Beihilfe is the share of medical costs that the employer covers for civil servants. The rest has to be covered by private health insurance. This guide explains the reimbursement rates, how the out-of-pocket share arises and what to look for when you choose a private policy so the gap stays small. The basics of insurance during the clerkship are also covered in the guide on health insurance during the clerkship.
Short answer: In Berlin, Beihilfe covers a share of eligible costs that depends on your group. As a rule, civil servants on probation without children are at 50 percent (status October 2026). The remainder is usually covered by a supplementary private policy. The rates for spouses and children are set out in the state Beihilfe ordinance. Last updated: October 2026.
Key points
- Active civil servants in Berlin receive 50 percent of eligible costs as Beihilfe under the basic rule.
- The out-of-pocket share has to be covered by private health insurance, usually with a Beihilfe tariff.
- As a rule, civil servants on probation without children are at 50 percent (last updated: October 2026). Ask the Beihilfe office.
- The state Beihilfe ordinance is decisive. Check the current position before you decide.
Which reimbursement rates apply in Berlin?
Your Beihilfe is calculated with the reimbursement rate (Bemessungssatz) that applies to you. The rate depends on whether you are a civil servant, a pensioner or a dependant covered by your Beihilfe. The rates for your group are set out in the state Beihilfe ordinance.
As a rule, civil servants on probation without children are at 50 percent. Do not rely on an assumption. Ask the Beihilfe office in writing.
How does the out-of-pocket share arise?
The out-of-pocket share is the part of a bill that Beihilfe does not pay. At a 50 percent rate, the other half of the eligible costs remains open. You need to cover that gap yourself, usually with a private policy that includes a Beihilfe tariff. Costs that are not eligible for Beihilfe come on top, depending on the service and the prescription.
A share is not only created by doctor bills. Medication, therapies such as physiotherapy and medical aids are also checked for eligibility. Ask before larger treatments so you know the gap before the appointment.
Assumption: an eligible medical bill of 400 euros and a reimbursement rate of 50 percent. Beihilfe then pays 200 euros. Your supplementary insurance covers the other 200 euros only if its tariff includes that service. Without a supplement, the 200 euros remain with you.
Which private policy suits civil servants with Beihilfe?
Civil servants usually choose a Beihilfe tariff of private health insurance. It is designed for the remaining share and is therefore cheaper than full cover without Beihilfe. Dental work, hospital stays and alternative practitioners matter most, because the gaps can be largest there.
If you need to insure a spouse or children, include the higher rates in your calculation. The remaining share becomes smaller and the private policy has less to cover. Put the rates from the table next to your family situation and calculate spouse and children separately, because the rates differ.
Look at how contributions develop with age, waiting periods, exclusions and benefit limits. We do not name individual insurers, because the right tariff depends on the individual case. Academycon can give you a personal assessment after a conversation, see how we work.
How do you submit bills correctly?
Submit original bills with the diagnosis and a description of the service in the form that the Beihilfe office requires. Keep copies. Incomplete bills are often returned, which delays the reimbursement. A step-by-step guide is in the German guide on Beihilfe during the clerkship (in German) and the glossary is in the German glossary on Beihilfe (in German).
Frequently asked questions
As a civil servant in Berlin, do I always get 50 percent Beihilfe?
The basic rule is 50 percent. Spouses, children and certain constellations receive higher rates. Check your case with the Beihilfe office before you take out a private policy.
Do I still need private health insurance if I get Beihilfe?
Usually yes. Beihilfe covers only part of the costs, and the rest stays with you without a supplement. A Beihilfe tariff is usually the right way to cover that gap.
Does Beihilfe also cover my children?
The state ordinance sets separate rates for eligible children. The Beihilfe office decides which children are eligible, based on your family situation.
What applies if I am still a trainee?
Then the question of the rate matters most. As a rule, civil servants on probation without children are at 50 percent. Ask the Beihilfe office in writing which rate is set for you, and keep the answer.
How do I know whether these rates are still current?
The state Beihilfe ordinance is the reference. Do not rely on guides alone. The Beihilfe office of the state of Berlin gives binding information on the current position, and you should record the answer in writing.
What to do next
- Find out whether you receive Beihilfe and which reimbursement rate applies to you and your dependants.
- Calculate your out-of-pocket share using a typical year of bills, for example dental work or a hospital stay.
- Compare private tariffs for the remaining share and have the benefits confirmed in writing.
- Submit bills completely and keep copies.
Related guides
- Beihilfe during the clerkship: entitlement, rate and application (in German)
- Glossary: Beihilfe (in German)
- Health insurance during clerkship: GKV, PKV and Beihilfe
- Health insurance between exams and the clerkship: avoiding gaps (in German)
- Teacher training in Berlin 2026/27: allowances, Beihilfe and health insurance
Sources: Beihilfe ordinance Berlin in its current version, status October 2026 (German).
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
