Discovering Germany

Public Health Insurance Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung (GKV) Hospital stays, dental care, routine doctor visits, x-rays, recommended immunizations, in some cases: natural medicine. In case you feel that the GKV coverage is not sufficient for you, private supplements are available as well. You may call a general practitioner or dentist of your choice, ensuring, however, that state health insurance patients are accepted. Some will require you to make an appointment, with others you can turn up during the opening hours. The public health insurance covers certain services. Others are so-called IGEL services. You are responsible to pay them, as they are not covered by public health insurance. The doctor / dentist has to inform you about any extra costs before the treatment. TK, AOK, DAK, BEK, BKK – There are more than 140! The services provided by GKV are determined by the government. Therefore, they are quite similar to every Krankenversicherung. Yet it is advisable to check just before you apply.

Private Health Insurance Private Krankenversicherung (PKV) In general preferential treatment in hospitals (free choice of hospital, single room, treatment by the chief physician instead of an intern), possibly other extras (such as natural medicine, acupuncture), depending on the range of services you wish. You may call any doctor or dentist you wish. Some will require you to make an appointment, with others allow walk-ins during opening hours. When you register at the doctor’s or dentist’s reception, you might be required to show your health card which will be scanned and returned to you. After treatment you will receive an invoice by post to be reimbursed onto your bank by the health insurance company and then to be transferred to the doctor or dentist. Allianz, Axa, DKV, Gothaer, Hallesche e.g. – There are more than 60 providers! Due to the wide range of tariffs, you should ask for advice by an independent expert.

Coverage provided:

Choosing a doctor or dentist:

Paying for doctor’s and dentist´s visit:

Providers (examples, not recommenda- tions):

Helpful Hint: Once you have joined a private health insurance, you cannot change to public health insurance. A switch from public to private is possible after two entire months calculated as from the date of cancellation.

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Discovering Germany