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Almost 90% of the population is a mandatory or voluntary member of Germany’s statutory health insurance system. The system, which covers hospital and outpatient treatment as well as health care services, is financed through wage contributions shared between employer and employee. The statutory insurance is offered by 113 sickness funds (Krankenkassen).

Each of them offers roughly the same catalogue of standard benefits. The most basic of these are known as Regelleistungen, while others, which insurers are not legally required to offer, are called Satzungsleistungen. These include things like travel vaccinations, sports and exercise programs, and bonus schemes if you take part in prevention courses or have regular checkups.

Statutory insurance also includes dental and eyecare coverage, as well as a limited number of home remedies that can be prescribed by doctors. The statutory insurance premium is about 2.5% of the average annual salaried income or pension in Germany, with employees and employers paying half each. There are also two other types of compulsory health insurance: accident insurance, which is covered by the employer, and long-term care insurance, which is paid for half by the employee and half by the employer.

Expats may also opt for private medical insurance, which is typically more expensive than the statutory plan but allows for more choices in terms of coverage options. However, it is important to note that many private insurers exclude pre-existing conditions, and they often require lengthy waiting periods before covering those treatments.

The cost of private medical insurance is based on individual risk assessments, so the per-person monthly fee can vary significantly between plans. Unlike the public healthcare system, private plans also cover outpatient treatment outside of the hospital and may include supplementary health and lifestyle benefits, such as travel insurance or alternative medicine treatment coverage. https://files.fm/f/wz2xehvgjk Private medical insurance is also tax-deductible for most Germans, and a large portion of the premium can be offset by income taxes.

While the statutory health insurance system has been subject to numerous setbacks and interruptions over the years due to changing political circumstances, its structural continuity has remained constant. This has helped it to be one of the most stable healthcare systems in the world.

The statutory health insurance is open to everyone who lives in Germany, as long as they are long-term residents and over the minimum earnings threshold. Those who do not qualify for the public insurance are eligible to purchase a special tariff, which is usually much more expensive than the statutory insurance. These are limited-term policies, though, so if you are planning to stay in the country long-term, it is best to avoid them. If you are not able to obtain private medical insurance, the state-regulated emergency healthcare service is available at no charge via the national hotline 116 117. It can be reached around the clock and operates in all languages. Alternatively, you can use the European hotline 112 to find a doctor who speaks English. There is no need to register for the emergency healthcare service, but you will need your German healthcare insurance number and card in order to receive treatment.