The German healthcare system is world-class. The healthcare system in Germany is world-class.
Foreigners are required to have health insurance in Germany, just as its citizens. You will need travel insurance even if you are a tourist. You won’t get your German visa if you don’t have travel insurance.
In this article, we’ll cover the basic information about health insurance that you should know as an expat or foreigner in Germany. Learn more by reading below!
Different types of health insurance in Germany
Both Germans and foreigners can obtain two different types of health insurance in Germany.
- German public (statutory) health insurance– The majority of German residents are required to carry public health insurance. This type of health insurance covers hospitalization, pregnancy, basic dental, outpatient care and prescription drugs.
- German private health insurance – Some Germans can also get private health insurance. The private health insurance covers services not covered by the public health care system, such as extensive dental treatment, private hospital rooms and 100% reimbursement for medications.
What Qualifies You for Private German Health Insurance
If you are a foreigner in Germany, you may be eligible for private health coverage if you meet the requirements.
- Your gross annual salary as an employee is greater than 64,350 Euros
- You are a self-employed or freelancer
- You are a civil servant
- If you want private health insurance to fill in the “gaps”, then public insurance is not for you.
How can a foreigner obtain private German health insurance?
You must inform your employer if you are already enrolled in the public health insurance. Tell your existing public insurance fund about this.
You should tell your employer if you are interested in enrolling in a private German health plan.
In Germany, you can choose between a number of private health insurance providers, including DR-Walter AXA Mawista DKV HanseMerkur etc.
How can a foreigner obtain public German health insurance?
You must visit a local registration officer as soon as you arrive in Germany to get public health insurance. You will be given a German Social Insurance Number.
You will need to register at a public insurer after you have obtained the number. Often, your employer can do this for you. You can choose from any of the public health insurance providers like AOK Baden-Wurttemberg, KKH – Kaufmannische Krankenkasse, Barmer, DAK etc.
What Should you know about private health insurance for foreigners in Germany
If you make a good salary, the cost of private health insurance is cheaper because it doesn’t increase with your income. It can be very expensive as you age, because you need more medical treatment.
It can also be a good option for self-employed or freelancers, as they are responsible for paying the full amount under public insurance.
What Should you know about the public health insurance for foreigners in Germany
Costs of health insurance are dependent on your monthly salary and can range between 14.6% and 15.6%. The higher your salary, the more expensive the public health insurance will be. If you earn over 59,000 Euros per year, however, you’ll pay the same as someone who makes 59,000 Euros per annum.
Your employer will pay half the cost of your insurance and deduct it from your salary if you’re an employee.
Private insurance does not charge more for the elderly.
You can include your spouse or children who are not working in your insurance policy at no additional cost.
