Having health insurance in Germany is mandatory. There are two types offered in Germany, national health insurance and private health insurance. There are a few very important differences between the two and it is important to make a wise choice to match best your needs. Health insurance contributions are equally shared by employee and employer regardless of which plan you choose.
Before you move to Germany you should find out about the kinds of insurance that you will need while you are here. While some are optional such as liability insurance, others such as vehicle and health insurance are not.