Whether it's about submitting a sick note, changing contact details or getting help finding a doctor - you certainly expect your health insurance fund to offer its services in an uncomplicated and online way. Most health insurers now offer these services online or via app. Mere health offers are less likely to be found among the apps. This is of course due to the fact that medical products, under which such apps fall, have to meet special requirements and go through approval processes. On the other hand, lifestyle topics such as nutrition or exercise as well as pure information offers are not subject to any special regulations. Therefore, there is a large selection to choose from in this area. Here you can get an overview of the apps offered by the largest German health insurance companies.
Techniker Krankenkasse is the largest health insurance company in Germany with currently over 10 million insured persons. In its app, it offers services such as the transmission of sickness notifications and the download of membership certificates. But the app also offers a fitness programme with access to the Apple Health app, Google Fit, Samsung Health and Fitbit. More information is available here. In addition, the TK supports allergy sufferers with its "Husteblume" app or tinnitus patients with the “Tinnitracks” app.
Barmer GEK, the second largest insurance company in terms of membership, offers a whole range of apps. In addition to a service app and an app for its own bonus model, there are offers for medical advice and emergency help for children, but also for meditation, spinal therapy, nutritional advice, a guide for students and much more. An overview is available here.
The AOK’s offer is just as diverse. Apps such as "AOK Gesund Einkaufen" for healthy-shopping tips, "Lebe Balance" for more awareness or "Relax" with a relaxation programme as well as "AOK Schwanger" for expectant mothers complement the general "Meine AOK" app. This app can be used to submit sick notes and applications, among other things. The apps are offered differently from region to region, so that not all functions can be used by everyone. Further information is available here or in the Google Play Store or the Apple Store.
In addition to their pure service app, called the “DAK App”, the DAK also offers the option of digital document transmission via the “DAK Scan App”. Furthermore, there is an electronic health record, the "Vivy App", while the "DAK Pflege App" offers care tips and information and "DAK Schwangerschaftscoaching" is the free app for expectant parents. You can read all about these apps here.
Of course, the various other smaller health insurance companies and private insurers also have countless apps on offer.
In general, you should decide in advance what exactly you are looking for and whether you are willing to share your data with a company. User reviews can help you choose the right app to suit your needs.