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© 2016 Dwellworks
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Discovering Germany
Health
Medical/Dental Systems Overview
The German health system is considered to be excellent and highly advanced. Health
insurance is obligatory for everyone residing in Germany. There are two types of health
insurance in Germany: public and private. There are quite a few private health companies
and over 120 public health companies. In general, you have the choice amongst both
equitable systems. Sometimes, the human resource departments will have
recommendations for specific health insurances.
The main features are shown in the following listing.
Health Insurance (
Krankenversicherung
) – Main Differences
Public Health Insurance
Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung
(GKV)
Private Health Insurance
Private Krankenversicherung (PKV)
Target group: Compulsory for people with an annual
gross salary of less than €54,900, or
voluntary for persons earning more
than €54,900, or self-employed.
People who have earned more than
€54,900 (gross) in 2014 and will
earn more than €54,900 in 2015, or
self-employed.
Premiums:
Are based on monthly gross salary,
currently
average
15.4% on €4,125 at
most (half of which will be paid by the
employer). Some insurances take
additional premiums on top. The range
is between 14.6 to 15.90%.
Additional long-term care contribution
amounts to 2.35% (plus 0.25% for
childless members).
Are based upon age at entry,
gender, pre-existing conditions and
tariff.
The employer will contribute 50% of
the premiums. Additional long-term
care contribution amounts to 2.35%
(plus 0.25% for childless members).
Family:
All family members (without a salary of
their own) are covered without any
extra costs.
Charges separately per each family
member.
Coverage
outside
Germany:
Is recognized throughout Europe
(providing basic coverage according to
the standards of the respective
country).
No coverage overseas. Supplementary
world-wide travel health insurance
coverage is recommended.
In general world-wide coverage.
Refunds
Generally not available.
Interesting for those who do not put
in claims, if, for example, you decide
to pay your minor medical expenses
yourself. This needs to be agreed
upon beforehand.