Health insurance

Health insurance is mandatory in Germany. If you’re living in Germany, you must have health insurance. There are two main types of health insurance to choose from, depending on your income: statutory health insurance and private health insurance.

Statutory Health Insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung)

Most employees in Germany have statutory health insurance. Here are the key points:

• Premiums Based on Income: The amount you pay for statutory health insurance depends on your income.
• Coverage: Doctor’s visits and medications are usually paid for directly by the health insurance provider. You typically won’t receive a bill.
• Family Coverage: Your family members (spouse and children) can be included in your statutory health insurance at no additional cost if they do not work.
• Excluded Services: Some services, such as professional dental cleaning and skin cancer screening, might not be covered. Check with your insurance provider for details.

Private Health Insurance (Private Krankenversicherung)

If you earn above a certain salary (the compulsory insurance limit, which is €69,300 in 2024), you can choose private health insurance. This option is ideal for high earners, self-employed individuals, and civil servants.

• Higher Income Threshold: Private health insurance becomes an option if your income exceeds the compulsory insurance limit.
• Additional Benefits: You can also add supplementary private insurance to your statutory health insurance for additional benefits, such as better dental coverage or hospitalisation benefits.

Key Differences

• Income Dependency: Statutory insurance premiums are income-based, while private insurance premiums are based on individual risk factors like age and health.
• Family Coverage: Statutory insurance covers non-working family members at no extra cost. Private insurance requires separate policies for each family member.
• Service Coverage: Private insurance often offers more comprehensive coverage and shorter waiting times for treatments.

Choosing Your Insurance

• Assess Your Needs: Consider your income, family situation, and health needs when choosing between statutory and private health insurance.
• Consult Providers: Contact different insurance providers to compare benefits and premiums.
• Check Additional Coverage: Look into supplementary insurance options if you want extra coverage for services not included in your main plan.

By understanding these basics, you can make an informed decision about your health insurance in Germany. Make sure to stay insured and take advantage of the healthcare services available to you.