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Germany boasts a robust public health insurance system, known as the Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung (GKV). This system ensures that most residents have access to comprehensive healthcare coverage, including doctor visits, hospitalisations, surgeries, and prescription drugs. The cost is shared between employers and employees, making it a relatively affordable option. While most people are enrolled in public health insurance, some individuals, particularly high-income earners and self-employed people, may opt for private insurance.
This Blog Includes:
- Germany Public Health Insurance: Overview
- German Public Health Insurance: Eligibility
- How to Apply for German Public Health Insurance?
- Cost of German Public Health Insurance
- What is Covered by Public Health Insurance in Germany?
- Best Public Health Insurance in Germany
- Cheapest Public Health Insurance in Germany
- FAQs
Read more blogs on Study in Germany here!
Germany Public Health Insurance: Overview
German public health policy also known as Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung- GKV is a key component in the German healthcare system. Not only this, it is mandatory for all the citizens living or visiting the country to have insurance which will help them cover their medical expenses at the time of need.
At the time of choosing the policy, an insured person pays half the contribution fees, while an employer or a government institution covers the other half. All these contributions complete the public health insurance system in Germany so that people receiving unemployment benefits and pensions can still receive medical care.
Look at the image below which lists the basics of German public health insurance.
Must Read: Health Insurance for International Students in Germany
| Did You Know? 10% of people choose or have access to private healthcare insurance, also known as Private Krankenversicherung (PKV), while the great majority of people are enrolled in the public healthcare insurance system, or Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung (GKV). |
German Public Health Insurance: Eligibility
If you wish to opt for public health insurance in Germany, then the following are the criteria where you must fit in one of them:
- You must be employed and should be earning a minimum of EUR 450 per month.
- You are retired
- You have a disability problem.
- You can be assigned to a statutory health insurance business as you don’t have any other insurance.
- You get survivor’s benefits or an orphan’s pension.
- You are part of receiving the unemployment benefits.
- Finally, you are either a student, apprentice, or intern.
Also Read: Medical Universities in Germany
How to Apply for German Public Health Insurance?
Following are the ways through which you can apply for German public health insurance.
- Before making any decisions, make sure you carry out proper research and then choose the best provider as per your needs.
- Gather all the required documents as mentioned on their official website. Some of the common documents include your ID or passport, evidence of residency in Germany (such as a rental agreement or registration certificate), and your employment contract or income proof.
- Next, visit the official website of the health insurance provider, complete the registration process and fill out the application form. The form will ask for basic information such as your name, date of birth, address and employment details and submit the documents they asked you to submit.
- Once all the documentation is done, you will finally receive your public health insurance card (Krankenversicherungskarte) via mail. This card will be proof that you have proper public health insurance and use it in the hospitals during visitation or any emergencies. Make sure you have the health insurance card with you at all times.
- Finally, once you have been enrolled in public health insurance, make sure you inform your employer by sharing information like the provider’s name and health insurance number, with your employer. Your employer will need this to deduct appropriate contributions from your salary.
Can I Opt Out of Public Health Insurance?
If you are already part of the public health insurance in Germany and wish to opt out of the same, you can only do so in specific situations, some of them are:
- You earn more than the set income threshold i.e EUR 69,300 (as of 2024)
- You are self-employed
- If you are a student over 30 years of age (then you will have to opt for Private Health Insurance in Germany)
- You work as a civil servant in Germany
Also Read: Germany Private Health Insurance: Comprehensive Guide for Students
Cost of German Public Health Insurance
In Germany, the price of public health insurance is determined by taking a percentage of your gross income. The standard contribution rate for 2024 is 14.6%. You and your employer split this sum, so you normally pay about 7.3% of your gross income.
It’s crucial to remember that this is only the basic rate. An extra charge known as a “Zusatzbeitrag” may be imposed by certain health insurance companies. This extra charge is typically roughly 1.7% of your income and can differ depending on the provider.
Now, if you are a student then you must look at the cost of German public health insurance premiums. Keep in mind this will vary as per the provider you choose.
How to Pay For Public Health Insurance in Germany?
Payment for public health insurance in Germany will vary for both employed and self-employed people. Below we have given detailed information on the same.
- For Employed: If you are employed and paying for public health insurance then your money will automatically be facilitated through your employer. Every month, your employer will deduct the required percentage from your monthly wages as social contributions and then allocate it toward your public insurance.
Due to this, you will witness a difference in your gross salary (before deductions) and your net salary (after deductions) every month.
- For Self-Employed: For self-employed or voluntarily insured people, the responsibility of paying the contribution fees will be yours. In this case, you must ensure that you calculate and pay your contributions independently, usually in taxes and pay it timely.
This will vary depending on the provider you choose. Make sure you go through all the rules and regulations and confirm the payment process for the chosen public health insurance.
| Quiz Time! Q1. Is public health insurance mandatory for all residents in Germany? Q2. How is the cost of public health insurance typically shared? Q3. What types of medical services are generally covered by public health insurance? Q4. Can you choose your public health insurance provider in Germany? Check Answers! Ans 1. Yes, public health insurance is mandatory for most residents in Germany. Ans 2. The cost of public health insurance is typically shared between employers and employees. Ans 3. Public health insurance generally covers a range of medical services, including doctor visits, hospitalisations, surgeries, prescription drugs, and preventive care. Ans 4. Yes, you can choose your public health insurance provider from several options. |
What is Covered by Public Health Insurance in Germany?
In Germany, the majority of medical treatments are covered by public health insurance. Take a look at the following benefits that you can avail.
| Hospitalisation | Accommodation | Physician |
| Medical fees | Inpatient treatment | Choice of Your Doctor |
| Medical Fees | Medications | Therapeutic treatments |
| Dental treatment | Dentures | Orthodontics |
Additional Benefits of Public Health Insurance
In addition to the required services, some insurers may provide extra benefits referred to as “statutory benefits” (gesetzliche Leistungen). Home nursing, osteopathic treatments, alternative medicine subsidies, travel vaccines, professional teeth cleaning, and domestic support services are a few examples of statutory advantages. These services vary for each provider by their respective laws.
Does my Insurance Cover Me Abroad?
Public insurance does not protect you when you travel abroad. There is an exemption, though, for EEA and EU nations, where you can use your EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) to get medical care just like you would in Germany.
One must keep in mind that your EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) is not a replacement for the insurance. You must have a proper healthcare insurance plan.
Can I Choose Between Doctor and Practitioner?
Yes, in contrast to the majority of nations with public healthcare systems, people in the German program can schedule an appointment with any Kassenärzte, or registered physicians, rather than needing to visit a registered physician.
Also Read: Is Germany Safe for Indian Students?
Best Public Health Insurance in Germany
Here are some of the best public health insurance providers in Germany which you must consult at the time of choosing.
| AOK (Allgemeine Ortskrankenkasse) | TK (Techniker Krankenkasse) | Barmer |
| HEK (Hanseatische Krankenkasse) | KKH (Kaufmännische Krankenkasse) | BIG direkt gesund |
Must Read: TK German Health Insurance
Cheapest Public Health Insurance in Germany
If you are eligible for public health insurance, several companies provide reasonably priced plans that are favourable to foreigners. Take a look at the image below mentioning some of the cheapest public health insurance in Germany
Explore more blogs on Germany here!
FAQs
Yes, most residents in Germany are required to have public health insurance, regardless of their employment status.
Public health insurance in Germany is funded through contributions from both employers and employees. The contributions are a percentage of your gross income.
Public health insurance in Germany provides comprehensive coverage for a wide range of medical services, including doctor visits, hospitalizations, surgeries, prescription drugs, and preventive care.
Yes, you can choose from a variety of public health insurance providers in Germany. Each provider offers slightly different benefits and services.
While most people are enrolled in public health insurance, some individuals, such as high-income earners and self-employed people, may opt for private health insurance. Private insurance often offers additional benefits but can be more expensive.
The cost of public health insurance varies depending on your income. However, it’s generally more affordable than private health insurance.
If you lose your job or become unemployed, you can still maintain your public health insurance coverage for a certain period. This ensures continuous healthcare access during challenging times.
In this case, you will continue to be covered by your prior insurance provider if you can no longer afford your public health insurance. In this instance, your health insurance contributions are paid by the Federal Employment Agency or the Social Welfare Office.
If an expat intends to remain in the country for an extended period, typically more than three or six months, they are eligible for public health insurance.
So this was all about the “Germany public health insurance.” Want regular updates on study-abroad universities? Then make sure to subscribe to Leverage Edu today!
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