Expath helps navigate ex-pats through the labyrinth of the German healthcare system..
Health insurance in Germany can be painful for your pocket, but mistakes can be even more costly. Expath‘s Tia Robinson and independent insurance broker Keith Tanner have compiled a helpful list of insurance FAQs below…
How do I know if I should enroll in the public or private system?
Unlike in many other countries, in Germany there are two systems working in parallel. Very generally speaking, in most cases employees, their dependents, and students or trainees (Azubis) can join the public system. The self-employed/freelancers or government employees usually join the private system.
Public insurance payments are income-based and deducted from your paycheck by your employer – and your dependents (spouse or children) will be covered for free. Public insurance is also ideal for those with pre-existing conditions, who cannot be declined entry based on their medical condition.
Private insurance, on the other hand, is based on your age and personal risk factors, so if you’re young and healthy this may be a cheaper option (though it’ll become more expensive as you age). Two important possible disadvantages: coverage for dependent spouse or children requires additional payment, and those with pre-existing conditions may be declined coverage.
But I’m from the EU – do I really have to get German health insurance?
As a resident of Berlin (i.e. you’ve completed the ‘Anmeldung’ process at the ‘Bürgeramt,’ which you should do within 14 days of arrival) you’re obliged to have health insurance that will fully cover you in Germany, no matter where you are from.
If you come directly from another EU country, you may be entitled to join public insurance even if you are self-employed or a freelancer. You should apply within 3 months of your Anmeldung. (There are some exceptions where EU citizens may be able to continue to pay into your home country’s social system, but this depends on which country you come from and should be researched carefully, as it may be a good short-term but not long-term solution).