Healthcare
Germany’s healthcare services and social security scheme have a good reputation. However, paying your contributions may be quite pricey, based on your line of work and annual income. Healthcare in Germany is divided into two sectors, the
gesetzliche Krankenversicherung (public health insurance) and the
private Krankenversicherung (private medical care).
All Germans and legal residents of Germany are entitled to healthcare. In fact it has become illegal not to be insured, and having some sort of medical insurance is thus a requirement when applying for a job.
Public Health Insurance
All salaried workers in Germany whose gross monthly income is less than 4,575 € are publicly insured. The percentage they owe to the state-run healthcare system is taken out of their monthly pay. In 2011, this percentage was raised to 15.5% of the employee’s monthly salary. However, 7.3% is paid by the employer.
Applying for public health insurance is relatively stress free, as you simply need to call up a regional office, set up an appointment, bring you passport and your residence permit (
Aufenthaltserlaubnis). Usually, your German employer’s HR office will take care of this for you.
Private Health Insurance
Private health insurance is quite a bit more expensive than public healthcare. Those earning more than 4,575 € per month (or 54,900 € per year) can opt for private health insurance. The application process for this is a bit more complicated. You may be subjected to medical tests, required to answer a questionnaire concerning your medical history, and submit proof of your income.
Unlike public healthcare, you have to go through the selection and application process without your employer’s help. The benefits of private health insurance mostly do not lie in the quality of medical standards, but in the speed of care. In other words, you will not be left waiting for hours but will be attended to quickly, and some doctors only take patients with private insurance.
Health Care in Germany InterNations.org