If you are self-employed as an artist or journalist, you may have to take out insurance through the Künstlersozialkasse (KSK).
If necessary, you can contact the KSK. The KSK

• will provide you with information about statutory health, long-term care and pension insurance,
• explains your rights and obligations in connection with insurance and
• advises you on registration.

In addition, the KSK will advise you on the following topics, among others, on request:

• Is artists' social insurance compulsory?
• How can you insure yourself through the KSK?
• What requirements do you have to fulfill?
• Are you self-employed as an artist or journalist?
• How high are the contributions and costs?
• What benefits does the KSK provide?
• What advantages does the KSK offer?
• Are there special regulations for newcomers to the profession?
• Can you also be self-employed or in dependent employment?
• When can you insure yourself as a student through the KSK?
• Can you choose private health insurance?
• When and how can you register with the KSK?

Self-employed artists or journalists only have to pay half of their contributions themselves. The other half is financed by a federal subsidy and the artists' social security contributions paid by companies.