This is a topic which has lots of facets and nuances.<\/p>\n
As such, we’ve published other aricles covering specific healthcare topics. Be sure to check them out so you can get the best German health insurance advice for your <\/em>needs:<\/p>\n This<\/span> article will tackle everything in the box below!<\/p>\n Note that we don’t cover incoming health insurance here for those entering the country on a job seeker visa<\/a>, or those seeking to apply for a residence permit for self-employment<\/a> (the “freelancer visa”) from within Germany.<\/p>\n Save<\/span>Save<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.25″ max_width=”1080px” custom_padding=”30px||30px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|0px||0px” custom_padding_phone=”” z_index_tablet=”500″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”German healthcare explained” _builder_version=”4.8.2″ text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”#ffffff” text_line_height=”1.2em” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#ffffff” background_color=”#2e2e2e” custom_padding=”25px|25px|25px|25px|true|true” hover_enabled=”0″ z_index_tablet=”500″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n This article will give you a thorough grasp of:<\/p>\n – The major differences in the German healthcare system vs. healthcare in the UK and the US<\/p>\n – The eligibility criteria for private health insurance<\/p>\n – What does health insurance in Germany typically cover?<\/p>\n – How contributions work (Employer vs. the Individual)<\/p>\n – The process of visiting a doctor in Germany<\/p>\n – Making appointments to see specialists<\/p>\n – Common watch-outs and pitfalls<\/p>\n – A brief summary of positives and negatives of the German system<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.25″ max_width=”1080px” custom_padding=”30px||30px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|0px||0px” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”What options available?” _builder_version=”4.8.2″ text_orientation=”justify” z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_align=”justify”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n You automatically have the option of whether to take\u00a0public health insurance\u00a0<\/strong>or whether to opt out and take a private health insurance policy<\/strong>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n You\u00a0don’t automatically have this choice.\u00a0It depends on how much you earn<\/a> before tax i.e. your gross salary.\u00a0In 2020, the threshold is \u20ac62,550 before you can opt out of public insurance and select to go private. <\/strong>Anyone earning below this threshold is automatically obliged to take out a public insurance policy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n While you may theoretically<\/em><\/strong> be eligible for private insurance, it does not necessarily guarantee<\/strong><\/em> that a private medical insurance company will offer you insurance<\/strong><\/em>.\u00a0This very much depends on the level of risk they perceive you to be as an individual…<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.4.2″ background_enable_color=”off” border_width_all=”1px”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.4.2″][et_pb_code admin_label=”Ottonova” _builder_version=”4.4.2″ text_orientation=”center” width=”100%” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding=”||||false|false”] Our Recommended Private Health Insurance for Freelancers, plus Employees Earning Above \u20ac62,550 Gross Per Annum<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/www.awin1.com\/cread.php?s=2479501&v=15971&q=372762&r=634404″ url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Learn more from ottonova” button_alignment=”center” admin_label=”Learn more Ottonova” _builder_version=”4.4.2″ custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”18px” button_text_color=”#2e2e2e” button_bg_color=”#ededed” button_border_width=”2px” button_font=”Nunito|800|||||||” button_use_icon=”off” custom_margin=”25px||||false|false” z_index_tablet=”500″ box_shadow_style=”preset2″ box_shadow_horizontal=”5px” box_shadow_vertical=”5px” box_shadow_blur=”10px” box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.8)” locked=”off” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” button_text_color__hover=”#2e2e2e” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_bg_color__hover=”#e8e8e8″ button_bg_enable_color__hover=”on”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.4.2″ custom_margin=”2vw||2vw||true|false” border_width_all=”1px”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.4.2″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Barmer.png” url_new_window=”on” align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Barmer” _builder_version=”4.4.9″ width=”100%” width_tablet=”55%” width_phone=”75%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||true|true” z_index_tablet=”500″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_button url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Sign Up for Barmer here!” button_alignment=”center” admin_label=”Barmer Signup” _builder_version=”4.4.2″ custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”18px” button_text_color=”#2e2e2e” button_bg_color=”#ededed” button_border_width=”2px” button_font=”Nunito|800|||||||” button_use_icon=”off” custom_margin=”3vw||1vw||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” z_index_tablet=”500″ box_shadow_style=”preset2″ box_shadow_horizontal=”5px” box_shadow_vertical=”5px” box_shadow_blur=”10px” box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.8)” locked=”off” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” button_text_color__hover=”#2e2e2e” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_bg_color__hover=”#e8e8e8″ button_bg_enable_color__hover=”on”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.4.2″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Barmer Text” _builder_version=”4.4.2″ text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”20px” text_line_height=”1.6em” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#000000″ header_2_font_size=”21px” header_3_font=”||||||||” header_3_text_color=”#000000″ width=”80%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”6%||6%||true|false” locked=”off”]<\/p>\n Our Public Health Insurance Partner for Employees<\/span>\u00a0(eligible regardless of salary!)<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.4.2″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||2vw||false|false” border_width_all=”1px”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.4.2″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/KLforExpats_Logo_Subline.png” title_text=”KLforExpats_Logo_Subline” url=”https:\/\/www.klforexpats.com\/?utm_source=LiveWorkGermany” url_new_window=”on” align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”KL for Expats” _builder_version=”4.5.1″ width=”55%” width_tablet=”55%” width_phone=”75%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||true|true” z_index_tablet=”500″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/www.klforexpats.com\/?utm_source=LiveWorkGermany” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Contact KL for Expats ” button_alignment=”center” admin_label=”Email KL for Expats” _builder_version=”4.5.1″ custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”18px” button_text_color=”#2e2e2e” button_bg_color=”#ededed” button_border_width=”2px” button_font=”Nunito|800|||||||” button_use_icon=”off” custom_margin=”3vw||1vw||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” z_index_tablet=”500″ box_shadow_style=”preset2″ box_shadow_horizontal=”5px” box_shadow_vertical=”5px” box_shadow_blur=”10px” box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.8)” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” button_text_color__hover=”#2e2e2e” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_bg_color__hover=”#e8e8e8″ button_bg_enable_color__hover=”on”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.4.2″][et_pb_text admin_label=”KL for expats text” _builder_version=”4.4.9″ text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”20px” text_line_height=”1.6em” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#000000″ header_2_font_size=”21px” header_3_font=”||||||||” header_3_text_color=”#000000″ width=”80%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”8%||8%||true|false”]<\/p>\n Want to speak to a Private Insurance Broker? Our Partners at KL for Expats can help you!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.25″ max_width=”1080px” custom_padding=”30px||30px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|0px||0px” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”What options available?” _builder_version=”4.4.2″ text_orientation=”justify” z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_align=”justify”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n You pay a percentage of your gross salary each month. This is capped for any earnings above \u20ac6,900 gross per month (states belonging to former West Germany) or \u20ac6,450 (former East Germany)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n You pay a monthly premium which is calculated by the insurance company, based on their perceived risk of insuring you as a patient. Usually the key factors are your age, history of pre-existing conditions and your occupational health risk.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.25″ max_width=”1080px” custom_padding=”30px||30px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|0px||0px” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”How is it different?” _builder_version=”4.4.9″ text_orientation=”justify” z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_align=”justify”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Let’s start with the nuts and bolts of the system:<\/p>\n How does it work in practice and how does it differ from what you are used to in your home country?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n This is a fully government \/ taxpayer-funded single-provider model.<\/p>\n Healthcare professionals such as doctors and nurses in the UK are public sector employees. In fact, the NHS is the biggest single employer in Europe.<\/p>\n Hospitals, clinics and doctors’ surgeries are all administered by the government. Whilst these services are decentralised and are administered locally, the budget itself comes from central government and is funded entirely by the state.<\/p>\n The British system is free at the point of entry. It means that pretty much anyone can turn up in Accident & Emergency at a British hospital, or go to the doctor, and they will be treated unconditionally without having to confirm any valid health insurance.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If your insurance policy doesn’t cover you for a certain health complaint, or if you have taken out inadequate insurance, then you as an individual are in most cases liable for your treatment costs.<\/p>\n The Medicare and Medicaid systems provide a basic safety net to cover those most in need i.e. older people, welfare recipients and certain low earners who otherwise would not be able to pay for healthcare, but both of these still rely on an insurer-based model.<\/p>\n Hospitals, doctors’ surgeries, clinics, rehabilitation centres and so forth are private, for-profit businesses. They perform services and then invoice the individual (or the insurance company directly) just like any other regular business would operate.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.25″ max_width=”1080px” custom_padding=”30px||30px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|0px||0px” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Germany UK US” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ text_orientation=”justify” z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_align=”justify”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The German healthcare system is, for all sense and purposes, a mixture of the best parts of the UK and US systems.<\/p>\n Germany tries, with some degree of success, to take the best bits from both the British and the American methods of healthcare provision.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n In the German healthcare system, hospitals are businesses, often owning chains of hospitals and related outpatient and aftercare services.<\/p>\n Doctors and dentists are self-employed individuals, often working together in a practice, paid for through\u00a0invoices they raise on their patients’ health insurance companies.<\/p>\n Nonetheless, Germany does have a regulated public health insurance system<\/strong>. Just like in the UK, everybody who is registered as being a resident in Germany has the legal right to healthcare provision, and contributions are capped at an upper limit.<\/p>\n Since 2009, all residents in Germany are legally mandated to have adequate health insurance as a condition of residency.<\/p>\n The unemployed, refugees and other welfare recipients are automatically covered by the state.<\/p>\n Unlike in the UK, however, there is a confusing array of choice around what type and level of cover you may take.<\/strong><\/p>\n You don’t just automatically have your national insurance contributions deducted from your salary. Healthcare is separate from state pension and other social security contributions in Germany, which are automatically deducted from your payslip<\/a> if you are a regular\u00a0employee.<\/p>\n Health insurance in Germany must be actively contracted by the individual. There is no single-payer, universal German health insurance provider.<\/p>\n There are over 100 public health insurance providers and even more private insurance providers.<\/p>\n This is why it can be so confusing!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.25″ max_width=”1080px” custom_padding=”30px||30px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|0px||0px” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”What will i be covered for?” _builder_version=”4.8.2″ text_orientation=”justify” z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_align=”justify”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Each\u00a0Krankenkasse\u00a0<\/em>has its own nuances and opt-ins and specific advantages or disadvantages, depending on what an individual is specifically looking for.<\/p>\n With that said, the broad level of cover is very similar and does not fluctuate as much as the array of private insurance policies out there.<\/p>\n German law stipulates that they all must cover statutory health insurance requirements, such as inpatient and outpatient care, treatment for chronic diseases and pre-existing conditions.<\/p>\n Public insurerance will usually (but not always) exclude common but non-essential medical requirements such as:<\/p>\n You will need to shop around to understand which of these may, or may not, be covered by various insurers.<\/p>\n If you don’t speak German, this can be tricky. Therefore, we’ve partnered with Barmer, one of Germany’s largest public healthcare providers.<\/p>\n They will give you an individual consultation in English, help with your signup form (also in English), and explain all of this to you before signing up.<\/p>\n You’ll receive confirmation of insurance within 24 hours, which is great if you need to have insurance fast (so as your employer’s payroll department can pay your salary!)<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.25″ max_width=”1080px” custom_padding=”30px||30px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|0px||0px” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Employer and Individual Contributions” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ text_orientation=”justify” z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_align=”justify”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Now comes the tricky and unfortunate part of the German healthcare system. You will have to advise your employer during the first month of your job which type of health insurance you wish to take.<\/p>\n Otherwise guess what? They can’t pay your salary!<\/p>\n Why? Because of employer contributions<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Your employer has to know how much they should contribute towards your insurance.<\/p>\n You will need to produce a letter from your health insurance provider and hand this to your employer’s payroll department during your first month on the job.<\/p>\n This is because regardless of which option you take, your employer is obliged to pay a 50% contribution towards your statutory healthcare costs.<\/p>\n If you choose public insurance, the total payment is calculated as 14.6% of your gross monthly salary.<\/p>\n Your employer will contribute half of this sum and you will pay the other half, which is deducted directly from your salary and paid to your insurer.<\/p>\n Additionally you have the option to purchase extras, some of which were mentioned in the section above, which are not covered under the standard policy.<\/p>\n These additions to your premium can come in at anything up to an additional 1.1% of gross income. This is a voluntary contribution and as such, your employer does not contribute towards this.<\/p>\n Therefore, if somebody wishes to take out the whole suite of extras, the total comes in at 15.7% of gross salary. But, only the 7.3% is funded by the employer and the remaining 8.4% is paid for by the employee.<\/p>\n Opting for private insurance means that your employer will provide a contribution towards your policy.<\/p>\n A policy for private health insurance in Germany is individually calculated based on perceived risk, and has nothing to do with your gross salary.<\/p>\n That’s the main reason why higher earners are often\u00a0better off going private<\/a>, especially if they don’t have a non-working spouse or kids.<\/p>\n Employer contributions also work slightly differently. You will receive the employer’s contribution (typically 50% of the monthly policy) directly on your payslip as part of your monthly salary paid into your bank. You are then responsible for paying your entire premium to the insurance company, usually via a direct debit from your bank account.<\/p>\n With private insurance, your employer is only obliged to contribute towards statutory cover. Popular optional extras on your private insurance policy, such as extended sickness payments in case of long-term illnesses, treatment by the head surgeon or upgrading to a private room during hospital stays, are for you to pay in full.<\/p>\n If you’re privately insured, on your payslip<\/a> the employer’s contribution will be described as \u201cArbeitgeberzuschuss private Krankenversicherung\u201d<\/em> or something similar.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.25″ max_width=”1080px” custom_padding=”30px||30px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|0px||0px” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Private to public?” _builder_version=”4.8.2″ text_orientation=”justify” z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_align=”justify”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Generally speaking, no.<\/p>\n You can only switch back\u00a0if you lose your job and register to claim unemployment benefits, or your salary falls below the threshold to be eligible for private health insurance.<\/p>\n There are some exceptions and loopholes but it is extremely complex and beyond the scope of this article.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.25″ max_width=”1080px” custom_padding=”30px||30px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|0px||0px” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Going to the doctor” _builder_version=”4.4.2″ text_orientation=”justify” z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_align=”justify”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It’s not a necessity to register with a German doctor, but it is<\/strong><\/em> highly advisable, especially if you want the reassuring feeling that the medical professional you are visiting at least knows a bit about your medical history and has sense of familiarity whenever you pay them a visit.<\/p>\n If you go to see a specialist or are admitted to hospital, the first question you will usually be asked is who your Hausarzt<\/em> (General Practitioner, or GP), is.<\/p>\n Some GP surgeries require an appointment to be made in advance, whereas others have a \u201cwalk-in\u201d policy. In busier surgeries and locations, you may need to wait for quite a long time.<\/p>\n Most GP surgeries are open Monday to Friday, sometimes only during the morning. Most surgeries which open during the afternoon also close for one afternoon a week (usually Wednesdays).<\/p>\n Making an appointment is usually done by telephone or in person with the doctor’s assistant (Arzthelfer).<\/p>\n Unless you seek out an English speaking doctor, it may be wise to ask a German speaker to make the appointment as there is no guarantee the doctor\u2019s assistant will speak English.<\/p>\n In major metropolitan areas, a simple Google search or asking in an expat Facebook group will usually yield a few reliable English-speaking GPs. Finding an English-speaking specialist may, however, be a little trickier depending on what you\u2019re looking for.\u00a0<\/p>\n Once at your German doctor’s surgery, you will need to present your health insurance card to the receptionist. This is credit-card sized and contains a chip with your details on it. If you are seeing the doctor for the first time, you may have to fill out a questionnaire detailing your medical history.\u00a0<\/p>\n Publicly insured patients will not receive a bill directly. This is invoiced to your insurance company. You will also have to pay a fee of \u20ac10 for your first doctor’s visit every quarter, which is usually payable in cash.<\/p>\n Privately insured patients on the other hand are expected to settle their bills directly (invoices are usually sent by post, on anything between 14 and 30 days\u2019 payment terms). You then submit the invoice to your insurance company to be reimbursed.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.25″ max_width=”1080px” custom_padding=”30px||30px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|0px||0px” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Making appointments with specialists” _builder_version=”4.4.2″ text_orientation=”justify” z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_align=”justify”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Germany works somewhat differently to many other countries when it comes to seeking out specialist doctors. While it is normal for you to first to go to your GP and to seek a referral, in most cases it’s not actually a prerequisite.<\/p>\n Specialists in Germany also tend to be located in their own medical practices rather than in an outpatient facility at a hospital or clinic. You can make the appointment directly with the specialist if you wish.<\/p>\n Before doing so, it is recommended to check that the practice accepts all patients. This can usually be determined through their website or a sign at their reception.<\/p>\n “Alle Kassen” indicates that they accept patients in both the public and private systems.<\/p>\n For those who are privately insured, also beware that some insurers have in their terms and conditions that they only reimburse invoices for specialist consultations which have been referred through GPs.<\/p>\n Depending on the specialist treatment required, you may have to wait several days or even weeks for an appointment under the public system. Private patients are usually treated faster.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ max_width=”1080px” custom_padding=”30px||30px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|0px||0px” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Good system?” _builder_version=”4.8.2″ text_orientation=”justify” z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_align=”justify”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Just one, really.<\/p>\n Health insurance in Germany costs a lot (unless you’re American and comparing with the US system, then it’s cheap!).<\/strong><\/p>\n And it’s even worse if you’re self-employed because your employer is not covering half the cost.<\/p>\n If you’re a student, receiving benefits or are in a low-paid job, there are pretty much no disadvantages. German healthcare is great.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.5.7″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#f8f8f8″ width=”80%” width_tablet=”75%” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|tablet” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”2vw||2vw||false|false” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” border_width_all=”1px” global_module=”47539″ saved_tabs=”all”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.5.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”|auto|0px|auto|false|false” custom_padding=”1vw||0vw||false|false”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.5.7″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”1vw||1vw||true|false”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.5.7″ width=”100%” custom_margin=”1vw||2vw||false|false” 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border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#4d4d4d” background_color__hover=”rgba(251,219,71,0.5)” background_enable_color__hover=”on” background__hover_enabled=”on|hover”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.26.3″ custom_padding=”|15px||15px|false|false”][et_pb_blurb title=”RESIDENCE PERMITS” url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/visas-residence-permits\/” image=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/visas-and-residence-permits.png” alt=”visas and residence permits” image_max_width=”50%” image_max_width_tablet=”50%” image_max_width_phone=”60%” image_max_width_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”Visas” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ header_font_size=”16px” background_enable_color=”off” text_orientation=”center” width=”100%” max_width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|10px||10px|false|true” custom_margin_tablet=”||5vw||false|true” custom_margin_phone=”|10px|7vw|10px|false|true” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”5px|10px|5px|10px|true|true” link_option_url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/visas-residence-permits\/” z_index_tablet=”500″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#4d4d4d” background_enable_color__hover=”on” background__hover_enabled=”on|hover” background_color__hover=”rgba(251,219,71,0.5)”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.26.3″ custom_padding=”|15px||15px|false|false”][et_pb_blurb title=”%22HOW TO%22 GUIDES” url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/how-to-guides\/” image=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/how-to-articles.png” alt=”how to articles” image_max_width=”50%” image_max_width_tablet=”50%” image_max_width_phone=”60%” image_max_width_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”How to Articles” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ header_font_size=”16px” background_enable_color=”off” text_orientation=”center” width=”100%” max_width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|10px||10px|false|true” custom_margin_tablet=”||5vw||false|true” custom_margin_phone=”|10px|7vw|10px|false|true” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”5px|10px|5px|10px|true|true” link_option_url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/how-to-guides\/” z_index_tablet=”500″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#4d4d4d” background_enable_color__hover=”on” background__hover_enabled=”on|hover” background_color__hover=”rgba(251,219,71,0.5)”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.5.7″ width=”100%” custom_margin=”0vw|auto|0vw|auto|true|false” custom_padding=”0px|50px|2vw|50px|false|false”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.26.3″ custom_padding=”|15px||15px|false|false”][et_pb_blurb title=”LIFE IN GERMANY” url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/life-in-germany\/” image=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/life-in-germany.png” alt=”life in germany” image_max_width=”50%” image_max_width_tablet=”50%” image_max_width_phone=”60%” image_max_width_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”Life in Germany” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ header_font_size=”16px” background_enable_color=”off” text_orientation=”center” width=”100%” max_width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|10px||10px|false|true” custom_margin_tablet=”||5vw||false|true” custom_margin_phone=”|10px|7vw|10px|false|true” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”5px|10px|5px|10px|true|true” link_option_url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/life-in-germany\/” z_index_tablet=”500″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#4d4d4d” background_enable_color__hover=”on” background__hover_enabled=”on|hover” background_color__hover=”rgba(251,219,71,0.5)”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.26.3″ custom_padding=”|15px||15px|false|false”][et_pb_blurb title=”HEALTHCARE” url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/healthcare\/” image=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/healthcare.png” alt=”health insurance in Germany” image_max_width=”50%” image_max_width_tablet=”50%” image_max_width_phone=”60%” image_max_width_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”Healthcare” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ header_font_size=”16px” background_enable_color=”off” text_orientation=”center” width=”100%” max_width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|10px||10px|false|true” custom_margin_tablet=”||5vw||false|true” custom_margin_phone=”|10px|7vw|10px|false|true” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”5px|10px|5px|10px|true|true” link_option_url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/healthcare\/” z_index_tablet=”500″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#4d4d4d” background_enable_color__hover=”on” background__hover_enabled=”on|hover” background_color__hover=”rgba(251,219,71,0.5)”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.26.3″ custom_padding=”|15px||15px|false|false”][et_pb_blurb title=”HOUSING” url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/housing\/” image=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/housing.png” alt=”apartments in Germany” image_max_width=”50%” image_max_width_tablet=”50%” image_max_width_phone=”60%” image_max_width_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”Housing” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ header_font_size=”16px” background_enable_color=”off” text_orientation=”center” width=”100%” max_width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|10px||10px|false|true” custom_margin_tablet=”||5vw||false|true” custom_margin_phone=”|10px|7vw|10px|false|true” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”5px|10px|5px|10px|true|true” link_option_url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/housing\/” z_index_tablet=”500″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#4d4d4d” background_enable_color__hover=”on” background__hover_enabled=”on|hover” background_color__hover=”rgba(251,219,71,0.5)”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Of the myriad of things you will need to deal with during your first weeks after arrival, probably THE most confusing task will be getting health insurance in Germany\u00a0as a foreigner. This is a topic which has lots of facets and nuances. As such, we’ve published other aricles covering specific healthcare topics. Be sure to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":38784,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":" \u00a0<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> Of the myriad of things you will need to deal with during your first weeks in Germany, I found healthcare to be the most confusing when I was a newcomer. More specifically, figuring out the various options out there and how the German healthcare system<\/strong> actually works.<\/p> We first give some background behind how the health insurance system differs from that which you are familiar, before getting into the detail. This is written with an international audience in mind but as a native Brit, a lot of the examples and comparisons I refer to inevitably have\u00a0more of a UK-centric bias to them.<\/p> We'll explain the different aspects of the German healthcare system<\/strong>, but specifically, we concentrate on what is relevant to expats<\/strong>.<\/p> This is not intended to look at healthcare from a political slant, or the history and aims of the healthcare system here in Germany. There are pros and cons to healthcare systems in every country and that would be another article all in itself.<\/p> We also cannot provide individual advice in this article because clearly everybody's circumstances and requirements are different<\/strong>.<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> We DO give examples further along in the article but this is purely for illustrational purposes and is based on the average person. In no way is this meant to substitute detailed advice and your own individual research. Whilst it is relatively easy when talking about bank accounts<\/a> to objectively to say that Bank X\u00a0provides a better product than Bank Y, it is impossible to make this distinction for healthcare.<\/p> So, read on, and at the end of the article you will have a clear grasp of:<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> If you prefer to read this offline in a more convenient format, then grab our FREE PDF Download<\/strong> of this article below!<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> [purchase_link id=\"27327\" text=\"DOWNLOAD E-BOOK\" style=\"button\" color=\"green\"]<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> NOTE: <\/strong>Different rules apply for students and temporary residents such as au pairs, exchange students, visiting academics and seasonal workers. These are not covered in this article. The scope of this article is regular, permanent (for tax and social security purposes) residents in Germany.<\/strong><\/p> \u00a0<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> Let's start with the nuts and bolts of the system:<\/p> How does it work in practice and how does it differ from what you are used to in your home country?<\/p> On one end of the scale is the British healthcare system, which is a fully government \/ taxpayer-funded national\u00a0health service<\/strong> known to us Brits of course as the NHS.<\/p> Healthcare professionals such as doctors and nurses in the UK all work for the state i.e. they are public sector employees. In fact, the NHS is the biggest single employer in Europe. Hospitals, clinics and doctors' surgeries are all administered by the government. Whilst these services are decentralised and are administered locally, the budget itself comes from central government and is funded entirely by the state.<\/p> You often hear on British current affairs and topical debate shows the term \"free at point of entry\". In practical terms it means that pretty much anyone can turn up in Accident and Emergency at a British hospital, or call an ambulance, or go to the doctor, and they will be treated without having to confirm any valid health insurance (but you will probably get a bill afterwards if you're not a UK\u00a0resident).<\/p> On the other end of the scale is the US healthcare model, which is almost exclusively accessed through individuals, or their employers doing so on their behalf as a condition of employment, taking out health insurance policies.<\/strong><\/p> If your insurance policy doesn't cover you for a certain health complaint, or if you have taken out inadequate insurance, then you as an individual are in most cases liable for your treatment costs. The stories of individuals having to sell their home to cover healthcare bills because they were uninsured are very real. Medicare and Medicaid covers those most in need i.e. older people, welfare recipients and certain low-earners who otherwise would not be able to pay for healthcare but both of these still rely on an insurer-based model.<\/p> Hospitals, doctors' surgeries, clinics, rehabilitation centres and so forth are private, for-profit businesses. They perform services and then invoice the individual (or the insurance company directly) just like any other regular business would operate. In other words, their employees belong to the regular economy and are in no way funded by the federal government.<\/p> \"Obamacare\" has, broadly speaking, made access to healthcare easier for individuals who otherwise may have de-facto been shut out of the healthcare market. Nonetheless, the essence of how the actual nuts and bolts of the system work has not\u00a0substantially changed. American healthcare remains private. All Obamacare essentially did was to ensure that high-risk patients\u00a0could not be refused insurance by every\u00a0insurance company. Each state now has to ensure health\u00a0insurance is theoretically available to all individuals.<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> Let me explain...<\/p> This brief summary of two completely diametrically opposing examples of how a country can provide healthcare is the best way\u00a0for me to begin to explain how it works here in Germany:<\/p> The German healthcare system is, for all sense and purposes, a mixture of both systems:<\/strong><\/p> Germany tries, with varying degrees of success, to take the best bits from both the British and the American methods of healthcare provision.<\/p> The basic concept of insurance is that of risk. Or perhaps better said, the statistically predictable level of risk for whatever it is that is being insured. In this case, it is you as the patient.<\/p> Determining factors\u00a0include past medical history, hereditary conditions, age, gender and lifestyle. Based on your perceived level of risk, certain types of health insurance may be unavailable to you. Having a good grasp of this, along with considering how long you plan to live and work in Germany for, will help you greatly in deciding how to insure you and your family.<\/p> Germany operates on an insurance-based system, with medical professionals working for private, for-profit companies. There is no \"German NHS\" or its equivalent.<\/strong><\/p> In the German healthcare system, hospitals are businesses, often owning chains of hospitals and related outpatient and aftercare services. Doctors and dentists are self-employed individuals, often working together in a practice, paid for through\u00a0invoices they raise on their patients' health insurance companies.<\/p> Nonetheless, Germany, in keeping with its social-democratic traditions, does have a regulated public health insurance system, or socialized medicine<\/em><\/strong> as an American would call it. Just like in the UK, everybody who is registered as being resident in Germany has the legal right to healthcare provision.<\/p> The flip side, if you see it that way, is that\u00a0in Germany the individual is also legally mandated to have adequate health insurance.<\/strong><\/p> Since January 2009, it has been enshrined in law that everybody is obliged to have health insurance. The unemployed, newly arrived refugees and other welfare recipients are automatically covered by the state. Unlike in the UK, however, individuals who are either employed or self-employed have a degree of choice around what type and level of cover they opt in to.<\/strong> You don't just automatically have your national insurance contributions deducted from your salary. Healthcare is separate from state pension and other welfare contributions, which in Germany are automatically deducted from your payslip<\/a> if you are a regular\u00a0employee.<\/p> Health insurance has to be actively contracted by the individual because there is no one single-payer, public German health insurance provider. And this is where it starts to get confusing!<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> So, now we can take a look at what types of options are available and to whom.<\/p> If you are self-employed<\/strong>, then you automatically have the option<\/strong> of whether to pay into the public health system (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung)<\/em><\/strong> or whether to opt out and take a private health insurance policy (private Krankenversicherung)<\/em><\/strong>. If trying to pronounce those has got you nervous, don't lose heart. Very rarely is choice a bad thing!<\/p> Employees, on the other hand, don't automatically have this choice:<\/strong> It depends on how much you earn before tax i.e. your gross salary.<\/p> In 2018, you have to earn over \u20ac59,400 per annum<\/a> to have the choice between gesetzlich<\/em> or privat<\/em>. <\/strong>Anyone earning below this threshold is automatically obliged to take out a public insurance policy. However, while you may theoretically<\/em><\/strong> be eligible for private insurance, it does not necessarily guarantee that a private medical insurance company will offer you insurance. This very much depends on the level of risk they perceive you to be as an individual.<\/p> A friend of mine a few years ago could not get private health insurance when he moved to Germany because he has diabetes. He had no option but to choose public health coverage, which as a relatively high earner meant that his healthcare contributions were substantially higher than mine were with private insurance (when measured as a percentage of gross salary). The cold, hard reason is that he had a condition which most probably will require lifelong medication and result in potential health problems later in life. The insurers thus deemed that for a man in his early 30s, he would be a costly and risky proposition over his lifetime.<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> There are many gesetzliche Krankenkassen<\/em>, each one with their own nuances and opt-ins and specific advantages or disadvantages depending on what an individual is specifically looking for.<\/p> All of them will cover statutory healthcare requirements such as visiting a doctor and essential hospital treatment. However, typically public insurers will not include common but non-essential medical requirements such as:<\/p> You will need to shop around to understand which of these may, or may not, be covered by various insurers. This is a very important but often overlooked point for newcomers. In extreme cases this can mean the difference between having to foot hundreds of Euro worth of medical bills yourself without any compensation from your German healthcare provider.<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> Now comes the tricky and unfortunate part of the German healthcare system. You will have to advise your employer during the first month of your job<\/a> which type of health insurance you wish to take. Otherwise guess what? They can't pay your salary.<\/p> Why? Because of employer contributions<\/strong>. Your employer has to know how much they should contribute towards your insurance.<\/p> You will need to produce a letter from your health insurance provider which confirms your monthly policy premium, and hand this to your employer's payroll department during your first month on the job.<\/p> This is because regardless of which option you take, your employer is obliged to pay a 50% contribution towards your statutory<\/span> healthcare costs<\/strong> and therefore need to know how much to deduct, or contribute to, your first payslip.<\/p> If you choose public insurance, the total payment is calculated as 14.6% of your gross monthly salary. <\/strong>Your employer will contribute half of this sum and you will pay the other half, which is deducted directly from your salary and paid to the public insurance company, known in German as Gesetzliche Krankenkasse\u00a0<\/em>or\u00a0GKV<\/em>.<\/p> Additionally you have the option to purchase extras, some of which were mentioned in the section above, which are not covered under the standard policy. These additions to your premium can come in at anything up to an additional 1.1% of gross income. This is a voluntary contribution and as such, your employer does not contribute towards this. Therefore, if somebody wishes to take out the whole suite of extras, the total comes in at 15.7% of gross salary. But, only the 7.3% is funded by the employer and the remaining 8.4% is paid for by the employee.<\/p> Opting for private insurance means that your employer will provide a contribution towards your policy. A private insurance policy is individually calculated based on perceived risk, and has nothing to do with your gross salary. Employer contributions also work slightly differently. however, in that you will receive the employer's contribution (typically 50% of the monthly policy, with a few exceptions) directly on your payslip as part of your monthly salary paid into your bank.<\/p> With private insurance, the employer is also only obliged to pay for statutory cover. Therefore if you decide to take out popular optional extras on your private insurance policy, such as extended sickness payments in case of long-term illnesses, treatment by the head surgeon or upgrading to a private room when in hospital, these will not be included in your employer's contribution.<\/p> If you're privately insured, on your payslip the employer's contribution will be described as Arbeitgeberzuschuss private Krankenversicherung<\/em> or something similar, and will usually appear after all of your gross pay and tax and compulsory social security deductions. You then typically pay your health insurance by direct debit independently to your insurer.<\/p> For privately insured individuals, your employer takes no responsibility or liability for your private health insurance\u00a0contributions and ability to pay them.<\/strong> The contract between policyholder and insurer is in no way underwritten by your employer.<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> Now that we have covered the basics, let's take a look at a couple of examples of where it may make sense to go for one option over the other:<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> In this instance, it would in most cases make sense to consider private health insurance. As a higher earner, the contributions into the public system as a higher earner would mean that it is relatively expensive (because, as we mentioned above, public health insurance contributions are a percentage of gross salary). Whereas with private insurance the premium is based on risk and this person is young, in good health and with no dependent family members.\u00a0At this point in life\u00a0for this individual, it would almost certainly be cheaper to go private.<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> Now let's consider if that same example above were:<\/p> Here a whole new set of factors come in to play. First of all he is 15 years older. In almost all cases a private health insurance company would consider him to be a higher risk. Secondly, he has two dependent kids whom he will also have to insure. Let's assume for the sake of this example that his spouse is not working full time and cannot insure them on her policy. And finally, his move is likely to be permanent.<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> The above example is important for two reasons:<\/p> If you opt out of the public system, you cannot simply opt back in when a private insurance company jacks up the cost of the insurance policy.<\/strong><\/p> Otherwise, everyone smart enough to figure it out would do it!<\/p> There is a three year grace period<\/strong> to cancel your private insurance but then after that, you can't opt back in to the public system. There are some exceptions and loopholes but it is extremely complex and beyond the scope of this article. Also let's also not forget that as this person gets older, his insurance will become a higher risk to the insurer and his premium as such will almost certainly rise over time. Irrelevant for a fixed term expat assignment but a vitally important consideration for those making the move a permanent one.<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> A new\u00a0European Union law came into force at the end of 2012 that insurers may no longer discriminate between male and female insurance policies<\/a> on the grounds of sexual equality. Historically, private health insurance policies in Germany for men had typically been cheaper for two reasons:<\/p> Firstly, women on average live longer than men and thus would have higher healthcare costs over an entire lifetime. Secondly, childbirth and associated gynaecological conditions are costlier to a healthcare system. Therefore, gender does not have any relevance in the two examples we cited above.<\/p> \u00a0<\/p>\n
How Does German Health Insurance Work?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
What Options Are Available To Me?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Freelancers & Self-Employed<\/h4>\n
Employees<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Private Insurance is subject to acceptance by the insurer<\/h4>\n
![](\"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/ee4ef9371229828712680bffc839133b-60.png\")
<\/a>[\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.4.2″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Ottonova text” _builder_version=”4.4.9″ text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”20px” text_line_height=”1.6em” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#000000″ header_2_font_size=”21px” header_3_font=”||||||||” header_3_text_color=”#000000″ width=”80%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”7%||7%||true|false”]<\/p>\nTerminology<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung (GKV)<\/h4>\n
Public Health Insurance<\/h4>\n
Private Krankenversicherung (PKV)<\/h4>\n
Private Health Insurance<\/h4>\n
How is the German healthcare system different?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
The British healthcare system (National Health Service)<\/strong><\/h4>\n
The US healthcare model (private, insurance-based)<\/strong><\/h4>\n
What does health insurance in Germany have to do with the UK and the US?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Germany operates an insurance-based system, but regulates premiums<\/strong><\/h4>\n
What Will Public Insurance Cover Me For?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n
Employer and Individual Contributions<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Can I Switch From Private To Public Health Insurance in Germany?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Going to the Doctor<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Making Appointments with Specialists<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Advantages and Disadvantages of the German healthcare system<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\u00a0<\/h4>\n
Advantages<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Disadvantages<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Looking for helpful content on another topic?<\/h4>\n
![\"German](\"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/healthcare-4-min.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>The German Healthcare System Explained<\/strong><\/h1>
![\"KL](\"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/image001-300x189.png\")
<\/a>For individual consultations, I am happy to recommend Mirja Link-Lundehn and her company <\/strong>KL For Expats<\/strong><\/a>. They are an English-speaking independent insurance broker based in Cologne, offering consultations nationwide via phone and Skype for expat employees looking for tailor-made comprehensive health insurance plan. Consultations are free and appointments can often be made at short notice. Click on the logo to visit their site! They are a great and very friendly small team...mention us when you book an appointment :-)<\/p>![\"German](\"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/edd\/2018\/06\/The_German_Healthcare_System_3Dmin-748x1024.png\")
<\/a><\/p>![\"German](\"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/healthcare-6-min.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>How is it Different?<\/strong><\/h2>
![\"German](\"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/healthcare-3-min.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>But what does Germany have to do with the UK and the US?<\/strong><\/h3>
![\"international](\"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/choices.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>What Options Are Available To Me?<\/strong><\/h3>
![\"German](\"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/healthcare-7-min.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>What Will I Be Covered For?<\/strong><\/h3>
![\"German](\"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/healthcare-5-min.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>Employer And Individual Contributions<\/strong><\/h3>
![\"German](\"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/healthcare-1-min.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>Can You Give Some Examples?<\/strong><\/h3>
Example 1:<\/strong><\/h4>
Example 2:<\/strong><\/h4>
![\"German](\"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/healthcare-2-min.jpg\")
<\/a><\/h3>Can I Switch From Private Back To Public?<\/strong><\/h3>
![\"EU](\"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/eu-law.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\u00a0<\/h3>
One final point: The EU gender directive<\/strong><\/h3>
![\"good](\"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/choices-2.jpg\")
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