Germany’s healthcare has quite an impressive reputation for having one of the world’s most comprehensive and well-maintained systems. It provides its residents with health and sick pay while also covering long-term nursing care within the many insurance plans available to expats and locals.
If you’re recently moved to Germany, you probably have many different things to consider, including accommodation, employment, etc. Adding expat health insurance Germany to this mix only makes things even more daunting. But, the laws require everyone planning to reside within the country for more than 6 months to be covered by expat insurance, Germany.
This is an effort to protect you from the exorbitantly high medical inflation in the country and ensure you don’t end up with hundreds of Euros worth of medical bills in case of sickness or injury.
Expats often find it challenging to decide which health insurance in Germany would be best for their needs and budgeting. To make it easier, we have summarized the different types of insurance coverage expats, and their families can opt for below. Let’s take a look!
Types of Expat Health Insurance, Germany
- Government-Related Public Health Insurance
Expats can opt for state health insurance in Germany, which is often considered the most feasible option, especially if you’re new to the country. This government-related coverage is meant for people with a gross salary of less than €64,350 per annum (or €5.362 per month).
Administered by the 103 Krankenkassen, this insurance plan charges a basic rate of 14.6%, along with a possible supplemental rate of 1.3% of your total monthly income. It comes with basic medical benefits including in-patient care with any on-duty doctor at your local hospital, out-patient services only with certain registered doctors, and basic dental coverage.
However, it is important to keep in mind that this insurance plan has no coverage for any private surgeons or doctors. You will not be covered for a private or semi-private room or dental subsidies beyond basic care. Moreover, expats also don’t receive any medical benefits outside of Europe.
There is some good news, though! If your family includes non-working dependents currently residing with you, they will be insured at zero additional cost! You simply need to reach out to MW Expat Services Solutions and get your family members registered for the insurance plan.
- Private Health Insurance Germany
As soon as they start earning enough, most expats choose to opt-out of the government-related insurance plan and select private health insurance in Germany instead. To apply for this coverage, you will need to be one of the following:
- An employee making more than €57,600 per annum.
- Self-employed.
- A part-time worker making less than €450 per month.
- A freelancer.
- A public employee or civil servant.
The benefits of private health insurance are significantly higher than state health insurance. It covers a wider range of medical as well as dental treatments while also offering premiums based on your age group. The exact services covered by each private insurance company differ; therefore, it is best to seek help from insurance experts at MW Expat solutions to find a scheme that would prove to be most beneficial for you and your dependents.
Important Points to Consider
Now that you are well-versed in your options regarding expat insurance, Germany, let’s go over some essential things that you should keep in mind. Germany can be an excellent new start for yourself and your family. But, the inability to follow the laws and lack of insurance can easily make your new home a difficult place to live in.
- It is illegal to be uninsured if you’re living in Germany.
To cut down costs, you can choose a suitable benefits plan from a private health insurance company but don’t opt out of healthcare insurance completely.
- Women’s healthcare is given utmost importance.
German healthcare laws have made gynecologists accessible through public and private insurance. They offer support and care during pregnancies while also conducting cancer screenings and tending to sexual health matters.
- Public Healthcare Covers Children.
If you have state health insurance coverage, your children’s healthcare will be covered for free until they turn 18. This includes pediatric care for kids under 12, after which they will be transferred to a GP.
For further inquiries and support about healthcare insurance in Germany, reach out to MW Expat Solution Services today! Our experts are ready to provide optimally tailored coverage for your needs!
