Health insurance number in Germany — a clear guide

GermanInsightsByInsights Team Published Updated

Two numbers, one system. Here’s exactly what they are, where to find them, and when you need each one.

The two numbers

Don’t mix these up

♥
KVNR

Health insurance number

Used when visiting doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies. Found on your health card.

▶
SV-Nummer

Social security number

Used by employers for payroll and pension. Found on your pay slip.

Format at a glance
A123456789
KVNR — 1 letter + 9 digits = 10 characters total. Starts with an uppercase letter. Found on your eGK card under “Versicherten-Nr.”
65 170839 J 088
SV-Nummer — 12 characters, encodes your birthdate and name. Found on your pay slip from your employer.
Side-by-side comparison

KVNR vs SV-Nummer

Feature Health number (KVNR) Social security (SV-Nummer)
Purpose Doctors, pharmacies, hospitals Pension, employment, payroll
Format 1 letter + 9 digits 12 characters (includes birthdate)
Where to find Front of your health card (eGK) Pay slip or pension office letters
Stays with you? Yes — for life, even if you switch insurers Yes — assigned once, never changes
Who issues it Your health insurance provider German Pension Insurance (DRV) via employer
Getting your number

How to get your health insurance number

  • 1
    Choose a public health insurer TK (Techniker Krankenkasse), AOK, Barmer, and DAK are popular choices. TK is often recommended for its English-language support.
  • 2
    Register online or in person Most providers let you sign up online. Your application documents will be sent to your registered address in Germany via post.
  • 3
    Receive your eGK health card Your electronic health card (elektronische Gesundheitskarte) arrives by post. Your KVNR is printed on the front, bottom-left, labeled “Versicherten-Nr.”
  • 4
    Lost your card? No problem Check your pay slip, look for letters from your insurer, or call your insurance provider directly — many have English-speaking support.

Quick tip: If your employer asks for your “health insurance number” before you start a job, they almost certainly mean the SV-Nummer (social security number) for payroll — not your KVNR. Check your previous pay slip first, or contact your insurer to request one.