Information on German insurance_incl health insurance

DIFFERENT TYPES OF INSURANCE

Below we would like to provide you with a brief overview of different types of insurance which you might need during your assignment in Germany. + Health Insurance (whether public or private coverage – with/without complementary insurances) and liability insurance for vehicles are mandatory + Personal liability insurance, home contents insurance and legal expenses insurance are recommended

Below, please find the major differences between types of insurance in Germany.

HEALTH INSURANCE (KRANKENVERSICHERUNG)

As Health insurance is obligatory for everyone residing in Germany, obtaining health insurance is a high priority. There are two types of health insurance in Germany: Public or Private. If you are covered though the public health insurance, please note that additional coverage is available. In general, you have a choice between both equitable systems, but there are some mandatory rules to consider. The key features of each offering are shown below. Once you have joined a private health insurance, you cannot change back to public health insurance. Switching from public to private insurance is possible after two months from date of cancellation.

HEALTH INSURANCE (KRANKENVERSICHERUNG) – MAIN DIFFERENCES

Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung, GKV - Public health insurance Compulsory for people with an annual gross salary of less than approx. EUR 60,000 p.a., or voluntary for persons earning more than this amount, or self- employed Note that salary limits change every year. Based on monthly gross salary, a certain and annually reviewed percentage (currently around 15%, half of it paid by the employer), up to a certain salary limit. The premium does not apply to salary parts exceeding a certain limit per month. Some insurances require additional premiums on top. All family members (without a salary of their own) are covered without any additional cost. Coverage is provided within Germany and the EU (for temporary stays). No overseas coverage. Application of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and worldwide travel health insurance coverage is recommended, when needed.

Private Krankenversicherung, PKV - Private health insurance Optional for people who earn more than the currently defined limit, or are self- employed.

Basis for as- signment

Premiums

Based upon age at entry to the insurance program, gender, pre-existing conditions and insurance tariffs. The employer will contribute up to a certain amount.

Family

Charges separately per each family member.

Coverage outside Germany

In general, worldwide coverage. Needs to be reconfirmed with individual insurance company.

Refunds

Generally not available.

Can be applicable to those who do not put in claims – for example, if you decide to pay (minor) medical expenses yourself. This has to be agreed upon before the contract is signed. In general preferential treatment in hospitals (choice of hospital, room size, treatment by physician instead of an intern), and the possibility of additional services (such as natural medicine,

Coverage provided

Hospitals stays, dental care, routine doctor visits, x-rays, recommended immunizations, in some cases: natural medicine are covered. In case you feel that the GKV coverage is not sufficient for

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DIFFERENT TYPES OF INSURANCE

you, private supplements are available as well. You may make an appointment with a general practitioner or dentist of your choice. Some doctors will require an appointment while others allow walk-ins. Note that some doctors might only offer services to privately health insured. The public health insurance only covers certain services. Non-covered services are called IGEL services. IGEL services must be paid for separately by you. The doctor / dentist must inform you of any extra costs before the treatment begins. AOK, BEK, BKK, DAK, TK – There are more than 140 providers in Germany. The services provided are determined by the government and are quite similar, though we suggest you check before you apply.

acupuncture), depending on the portfolio of your health insurance. You may make an appointment at any doctor or dentist you wish. Some doctors will require an appointment first while others allow walk-ins. 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. The doctor will send you an invoice that needs to be advanced by you. You will then have to hand it in at your insurance, in order to be reimbursed by them. Allianz, AXA, Barmenia, DKV, Gothaer, Hallesche e.g. – There are more than 60 providers in Germany. Due to the wide range of insurances tariffs you should ask for advice by an independent insurance broker before applying.

Choosing a doctor or dentist

Paying for doctor’s and dentist’s visit

Providers (examples)

PERSONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE (PRIVAT-HAFTPFLICHTVERSICHERUNG)

a) Car: An unlimited, third-party liability insurance policy is compulsory for all cars/motorized vehicles entering Germany. Safe drivers are rewarded by reductions of their premiums. In order to benefit from this, please provide a record of your insurance history from your insurance provider. b) Private: This insurance is optional, but highly recommended. Many landlords will demand proof of liability insurance before signing a lease contract, since it covers cases of liability for injury or damage to other persons or their property. Basic or standard coverage is €5-10 million against injury or damage and €50,000 against damage to a rented property. Some insurances offer special premiums for individuals. Not every aspect is covered by this type of insurance, so please check with your insurance provider regarding what fields are covered or not under the policy. c) If you have a dog, please be advised that dog liability insurance is strongly recommended.

HOME INSURANCE (HAUSRATVERSICHERUNG)

Household Insurance, covering the contents of your home against fire, water damage, theft, vandalism, and hail is not required by law in Germany; however, it is recommended, and some landlords demand it. The insurance costs can depend on the size of your accommodation and the quantity and quality of your household goods.

LEGAL INSURANCE (RECHTSSCHUTZVERSICHERUNG)

Covers any legal costs you encounter up to a certain limit. And, if you want to countersue, it will cover the payment as long as there is a reasonable chance of winning. Legal insurance can be purchased for different purposes, such as for the entire family, the job, traffic infractions, or the lease of your home. For further detailed information you should contact the following recommendable English speaking independent insurance brokers* offering their services in different ways (in person, via email, on-line or phone):

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INDEPENDENT INSURANCE BROKERS

For further detailed information you should contact the following recommendable English speaking independent insurance brokers* offering their services in different ways (in person, via email, online or phone:

Hoesch & Partner GmbH (Offices in Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Stuttgart and Munich, coverage throughout Germany) Contact person: Matthias Heil Rüsterstr. 1, 60325 Frankfurt Tel.: +49 (0) 69-71 70 7-161 Fax: +49 (0) 69-72 73 75 E-Mail: matthias.heil@hoesch-partner.de www.hoesch-partner.de

competence. exclusive. e.k. (Coverage throughout Germany)

Contact person: Claus Edam Klosterstr. 6, 50181 Bedburg Tel.: +49 (0)2272-937 4100 Fax: +49 (0)2272-937 4109 Mobile: +49 (0)177-277 21 00 E-Mail: cedam@ce-expat.com www.ce-expat.com www.german-health-system.com

KURZ & BÜNDIG AG Versicherungslösungen (Coverage throughout Germany)

Versicherungsbüro Weiss GmbH (Coverage throughout Germany)

Contact person: Peter B. Meier Bussardweg 9, 48155 Münster i. Westf. Tel.: +49 (0)251-59049065 (central line) Fax: +49 (0)251-59049075 E-Mail: pbm@kubag.de (Mr. Meier) www.kubag.de

Contact person: Daniel Weiss Haubachstr. 30, 10585 Berlin Tel.: +49 (0)30 - 40 36 31 95 Mobile: +49 (0)178 - 140 584 0 E-Mail: daniel.weiss@versicherungsbuero- weiss.com www.versicherungsbuero-weiss.com

ENGLISH SPEAKING PUBLIC HEALTH INSURANCE PROVIDERS

Recommended English-speaking public health insurance providers offering services in person, via email, online or by phone would be

TK – Techniker Krankenkasse (Website: www.tk.de) Barmer GEK ( Website: www.barmer-gek.de)

*Please note that the insurance brokers will make sure that all carriers and for example the contacts at the private health insurance providers will offer their services in English as well.

*Services of these brokers are offered free of charge and include initial consultation, development and presentation of tailored solutions, negotiations of conditions with insurance and financial institutions, as well as applications, claim settlements, cancellations or changes of policies. Brokers may also provide contracts with public health insurance. Please feel free to contact the broker or insurance company directly.

Disclaimer: Please note that the above information has been provided as a guide and is subject to change. The content provided herein is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation and/or opinion. Neither Dwellworks nor any of its subsidiaries make any representations, express or implied as to the timeliness, accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein. Dwellworks expressly disclaims any liability for errors or omissions in such information.

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