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Germany Expat Health Insurance

Germany, officially known as the Federal Republic of Germany, is centrally located in mainland Europe. With a population of approximately 82 million people, it is the European Union’s most populous member state. Upon reunification of the country in 1990, Germany has established itself as one of the world’s leading nations and is currently the largest economy in Europe; the country is the world’s fourth largest economy by nominal GDP. It is also the second largest exporter and third largest importer of goods in the world. Along with France and the United Kingdom, Germany is widely acknowledged as being one of the European Union’s most influential states and the country is well known for its achievements in science. Scientific research and development play an integral part in the national economy.

German Healthcare System and Insurance

German nationals enjoy a very high standard of living and the country has a comprehensive social security system. The health care system is regarded as being a global leader and various health indicators portray it in a positive light. Germany has a low infant mortality rate of just 3.5 deaths per 1,000 live births. The life expectancy for males is 78 years and 82 years for females. Germany ranks in the top 10 nations for the number of practicing physicians – 3.3 per 1,000 people. The total spending on health remains above 11 percent of GDP annually.

Although medical care in Germany is of a high quality, medical costs can be quite expensive. By law, German residents, non-nationals and expatriates intending to reside there for longer than six months must possess a German health insurance plan. Health care options available are national public health insurance cover, private health insurance cover or a mix of both. At a minimum, public German health insurance covers hospital and out-patient treatment.

Approximately 87 percent of those who reside in Germany are part of the national health insurance plan (Gesetzlichen Krankenversicherung or GKV) and this is partly due to salary restrictions for those wishing to use private health cover. As all employees must have health insurance, only those with large incomes exceeding €50,000 per annum are entitled to join the private insurance system (Private Krankenversicherung or PKV).

Under the GKV, premiums for low income earners are capped at a pre-determined level. Those with higher incomes pay their premiums as a fixed percentage of salary, usually around 15 percent of gross. Members are entitled to a fixed set of services described by the Federal Ministry of Health as sufficient and necessary to maintain individual good health. These include in-patient and out-patient care in addition to dental services. Registered family members such as a husband or wife and dependant children are also covered by the GKV. There is no discrimination between members with regard to existing medical conditions or age and it is essentially a ‘pay as you go’ system. Citizens who have been made redundant, the long term unemployed and the retired can continue to receive GKV cover as the cost of their premium is met by both the federal and local government.

As with private health insurance options throughout the world, the PKV is based on individual agreements between the person to be insured and the insurance company with the contract defining the services covered and the cost of the premium. Individuals with an annual salary that exceeds the threshold can supplement their GKV cover with some form of PKV plan. It should be noted that once an individual decides to decline national insurance cover and purchase a private plan, they cannot return to national insurance at a later date.

Many expatriates and non-nationals resident in Germany supplement the mandatory national insurance with private cover. The advantages of combining both include access to treatments and consultations with English speaking medical staff and nationwide access to a wider choice of dental and medical services. Prior to relocation in Germany, expatriates are advised to seek advice on which Germany health insurance plans to purchase that would best suit them and their family that will help ensure they are adequately covered for the duration of their time there.

Although the German health care system is regarded as one of the world’s best, there are a number of potential issues that if allowed to continue will cause the sector problems going forward. Obesity is commonly being recognized as a potential major health issue, and according to a 2007 study Germany was rated as having the highest number of overweight people in Europe. Despite government initiatives to reduce the numbers of smokers in the country, approximately 38 percent of adult males and 28 percent of adult females continue to smoke and the effects of which have had a detrimental effect on national health strategy. An aging population and the burden this will have on the provision of health services will result in generations of workers being forced to pay higher premiums to avoid the public health system falling into deficit. The national unemployment rate also continues to rise and as the contributions from these citizens are met by federal and local government the added cost will severely impact on annual health expenditure.

Germany is generally a safe and pleasant country in which to reside or visit. Most citizens enjoy a trouble free time in Germany, however, like most large European countries there is an ongoing risk of terrorism. Terrorist attacks can be indiscriminate and that includes areas popular with expatriates and travelers. Overall crime levels are low although one should remain vigilant against petty crime such as purse snatching and muggings, particularly in crowded places such as local markets. The German police are entitled to ask for proof of identification and as such foreign nationals and non-residents should carry their passport at all times.

German Expat Health Insurance

If you are relocating to Germany, you should be aware that German health insurance is compulsory. Global Health Insurance can assist you in selecting a German expat health insurance policy that is suitable for you and your family while you are in Germany. We offer a wide range of policies that can be tailored to meet your specific requirements in Germany, expat health insurance policies we work with offer benefits that include maternity, dental, in-patient, out-patient and more. To receive a free quotation or further information on expatriate international health insurance, please contact one of our advisers today.