Health Insurance in Germany, Europe

Information expatriation

Capital City: Berlin
Total area: 357,022 km2
Population: 82,244,000 (2007)
Money: Currency Converter
Time Zone: List of time zones by country
Calling Code: +49 XXX

Practical Information:

Wikipedia Germany

Health Product: Travel Insurance and Health insurance
Health Insurance information and Sanitary Risk: World Health Map
BLOG: Expat Health insurance Information

Here is a brief description of the healthcare system in the country:

·      Germany has a universal multi-payer healthcare system known as "krankenversicherung". It guarantees coverage for all citizens and permanent residents.

·      Around 90% of Germans are enrolled in statutory public health insurance funds operated by private insurers. These not-for-profit public funds are financed by a 7.3% payroll tax split between employer and employee.

·      Private health insurance plays a small role, taken out by around 10% of the population including civil servants, self-employed and high-income individuals.

·      Services covered include all forms of medical treatment, sickness benefit, dental care, hospitalization, medications, and rehabilitation. Co-pays are nominal, usually around 10 euros per visit.

·      Access to primary and specialist physicians is through doctor referral only. Germans choose or are assigned to a general practitioner who provides basic care and referrals.

·      Healthcare provision is through private practices and a mix of nonprofit and for-profit hospitals. Some are university-affiliated.

·      Quality is considered high and outcomes comparable to other European countries. Germany has universal access, choice and portability of insurance.

·      Limited user fees were introduced in the 2000s to reduce overuse, but the system remains predominantly tax-funded with egalitarian principles.

Here are some key health considerations for expatriates living in the country:

·      Expats must have health insurance. They can join the public system by opting into "Krankenkasse" insurance or taking out private coverage.

·      Krankenkasse requires paying the payroll tax but provides comprehensive coverage. Private plans may have waiting periods.

·      Make sure your insurance covers the area you live in. Plans are region-specific in Germany.

·      Consider insurance for family members as well. Dependents may not be automatically covered.

·      Verify your policy covers the full package of benefits like vision/dental, not just emergencies.

·      Costs are partially reimbursable for some citizens of other EU/EEA nations with the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

·      Maintain access to English-speaking GP clinics in major cities for language assistance.

·      Be prepared to rely more on specialists than generalists compared to other systems due to doctor referrals.

·      Carry insurance ID cards at all times and be prepared to pay small co-pays upfront with reimbursement.

·      Learn some basic German medical terms for communicating at clinics/hospitals.

·      Find an expat doctor in your city who can help navigate the system if needed.