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Continentale

#10

Budget-conscious first-time PKV switchers

From

~€240/month

4.2/5
Founded
1926
Headquarters
Dortmund
Customers
~900,000 insured
Type
Mutual insurer (Versicherungsverein auf Gegenseitigkeit)

Overview

Continentale is a Dortmund-based mutual insurer known for offering some of the most competitive private health insurance premiums in Germany. As a mutual company, Continentale reinvests profits for the benefit of policyholders, which contributes to competitive pricing. For young professionals switching to PKV for the first time, Continentale's entry-level tariffs offer a low barrier while still providing solid basic coverage. The insurer is a good starting point for those who want to experience PKV without committing to premium-level premiums.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Among the most affordable PKV options
  • Good entry-level tariffs for young professionals
  • No shareholder pressure — mutual insurer
  • Reliable claims handling

Cons

  • Premium tariffs less comprehensive than competitors
  • Limited brand recognition
  • Fewer add-on options available

Coverage Highlights

  • Affordable entry-level tariffs with core coverage
  • Hospital coverage with two-bed room in standard tariff
  • Dental coverage with reasonable reimbursement rates
  • Outpatient care with standard specialist access
  • Preventive care and vaccination coverage
  • Optional add-ons for enhanced coverage areas

Tariffs & Pricing

Continentale's pricing strategy focuses on affordability. Their COMFORT and PREMIUM tariff lines offer good coverage at competitive prices. Entry-level tariffs start lower than most competitors, making Continentale attractive for budget-conscious first-time PKV switchers. However, the premium-tier tariffs are less comprehensive than those of larger competitors, so if you want top-end coverage, you may need to look elsewhere.

Starting premium: ~€240/month (estimated for a healthy 30-year-old professional, 2026 rates)

Claims Process

Claims are processed reliably with average turnaround times of 7-10 business days. Digital claims submission is available through their app. The process is straightforward for standard claims. Continentale's claims handling is fair, though customer service touchpoints are fewer than with larger insurers.

For Expats

Continentale has minimal English-language support and limited international recognition. For expats, Continentale works best when accessed through a knowledgeable broker who can handle communication. The value proposition is purely financial — if getting the lowest possible PKV premium is your priority and you have broker support, Continentale deserves consideration.

The Verdict

Continentale is best suited for budget-conscious first-time pkv switchers. With premiums starting from ~€240/month and a rating of 4.2/5, it holds position #10 in our 2026 rankings. As with any private health insurance decision, the right choice depends on your individual health profile, age, income, and coverage priorities. A licensed broker can provide personalized quotes and help you compare Continentale against other insurers.

Disclaimer: This review is for informational purposes only. Premiums, ratings, and coverage details are approximate and may change. We are not a licensed insurance broker. For binding quotes and personalized advice, please consult a registered Versicherungsmakler under §34d GewO.

Get a Continentale Quote

A licensed broker can provide an exact Continentale quote based on your age, health, and coverage preferences.

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Quick Summary

Ranking
#10 of 10
Rating
4.2/5
Premium from
~€240/month
Best for
Budget-conscious first-time PKV switchers
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