Germany Health Insurance

With a population of approximately 83 million, mid-sized by worldwide comparison, and a diversified economy that includes high-end manufacturing, technology, chemicals, consumables, and finance, Germany is a true economic superpower. Further, Germany perennially appears in the top ten countries lists for household income, purchasing power, exports, and standard of living. This is wealth is reflected in the social provisions offered to citizens and residents regarding, education, healthcare, and civil services.

Dubbed the land of poets and thinkers, German cultural offerings are a major draw for tourists from all over Europe and beyond who want to experience its medieval to modern architecture, music, art, and sports. With comfortable summer weather perfect for enjoying the metropolitan centers, and cold snowy winters, Germany is also popular for skiing and other winter sports.

Germany’s Healthcare System and Insurance Concerns

A mixture of public and private clinics, specialist centers, and hospitals provide what is regarded as one of the best health care systems in the world. Germany's healthcare system is repeatedly ranked among the top in the world regarding quality, consistency, efficiency, equity, and accessibility. General health indicators reflect the success of its system in caring for its citizens, as communicable diseases are well contained, childhood vaccination rates are very high, and early detection of disease is given high priority. Average life expectancy is high at 80 years, infant mortality is very low, and Germany's doctor to patient ratio is one of the best in the world at 33:10,000. Health issues that now face the population are those common to other highly developed countries and are primarily related to abuse of tobacco and alcohol, obesity, heart disease, and cancers.

In all there are approximately 2,300 hospitals providing over 570,000 available beds to care for the medical needs of the population. Of these about 55 percent are public non-profit facilities, 30 percent are private non-profit, and 15 percent are private for-profit. All clinics and hospitals are open to everyone, and the care and services available from them are very comparable. The primary differentiators are how doctors get paid, as non-profit doctors are salaried and for-profit doctors are paid according to treatments rendered. Healthcare regulation is not put upon the Federal Ministry of Health, but instead is a system of peer review and self governance by the medical providers, the sickness funds management groups, and health insurance companies which works to keep quality high, costs within control, and seeks to minimized abuse of coverage by patients and doctors alike.

Instead of only being permitted one preselected hospital or general physician when in need of treatment, Germans have the luxury of numerous specialty hospitals often with expertize in very specific diseases, cures, and treatment methods to choose from. Thus Germans are free to select any doctor, specialist, or treatment facility they desire. Medical specialties in Germany range from communicable disease research, reproductive health and assistance, cancer diagnosis and treatment, cardiac and vascular surgery, weight-loss, pediatrics, orthopedics, and much more. Many of these care centers are considered to be the best in their field, and doctors from around the globe have come to Germany to study and gain experience in specialty fields and cutting-edge treatments.

Because health care is of such high quality and the number of doctors, clinics, and hospitals is so huge, Germany has an excellent reputation regarding medical tourism. For expats residing in Germany or persons traveling to Germany with the express intent of medical treatment, research on the Internet and with your insurance provider will assist in making the best choice for care provider. Unlike many of its European Union counterparts, due to the highly competitive nature of private medical practices and the vast number of private physicians, care is extremely prompt. Most patients can be seen within a few hours of requesting an appointment.

Germany Medical Insurance Information

As a member of the European Union (EU), which requires all member nations to provide socialized healthcare insurance to all its residents, Germany has adopted a compulsory system that covers its entire population. The origins of Germany's health insurance system stretch all the way back to 1883 when the Otto von Bismarck Health Insurance Act granted protection to low wage workers, and it is now the world's oldest and longest running social healthcare initiative. The current system is a hybrid, joining public sickness funds (government subsided health insurance) with private voluntary care. All employed persons are required to contribute to the government healthcare fund at a flat rate of 15.5 percent of gross income, plus a co-payment which varies depending on treatment. Civil servants, self employed persons, and high wage earners (over €50,000 per year) are allowed to purchase private health insurance or provide their own health fund. Currently about 88 percent are covered by government subsided sickness funds, while 12 percent choose private coverage.

All EU health card holders are permitted to access German healthcare outlets in case of emergency, and will be billed at their resident country's reciprocal rate for co-payment, but they cannot use Germany's medical care for non-emergency treatment without prior permission or referral unless covered by a private medical insurance plan or paying cash. Persons without EU health cards or private insurance may be given needed emergency care at non-profit clinics or hospitals to stabilize the patient but are not obliged to provide free care beyond that point and many treatment centers require a payment plan be arranged for their services. Others traveling to Germany for the purpose of medical treatment will need to provide proof of financial capability to pay either through medical insurance coverage or via some other form of fiscal surety. Be aware that the cost of medical treatment out of pocket in Germany is very high, as quality usually comes at a price.

Germany Travel Insurance Information

Visa requirements vary according to country, consult your country's German Consulate Office for complete details. No vaccinations are required for entry, but all routine vaccinations are always recommended. Due to the trend toward no longer vaccinating against measles in Germany recent outbreaks have occurred of the often-overlooked disease, particularly in Bavaria, and all are urged to ensure they are up to date on measles vaccines and boosters if required. Other risks that affect visitors include tick-borne viruses and exposure to weather. All should take necessary precautions when hiking or taking part in other outdoor activities. In addition to German, English is widely spoken and French is also quite common. All modern conveniences are available in Germany, as well as common pharmaceuticals but persons requiring prescription medications should bring along a sufficient supply as they will usually require a doctor's prescription for refill or renewal.

Germany Expat Medical Insurance

Countries such as Germany pose little threat of health risk to the average traveler or expatriate. The only major consideration is how to ensure payment should you or a family member require medical attention while in the country due to accident or illness. The best way to insulate yourself and your loved ones from the stress high medical bills is to purchase protection via a comprehensive Germany Health Insurance plan or an International Medical Insurance package that will open doors to the best care available in Germany or around the world. Contacting Expat Medical Insurance connects you with capable advisers who are happy to assist you, free of charge, and take the guesswork out of selecting the best coverage to fit your individual needs.