How does the healthcare system work in Germany ?
In Germany, you have to acquire health insurance. In this way, you are covered in the event of an illness. Equality is the cornerstone of statutory health insurance. Everyone with insurance is entitled to the same services, regardless of their parent's health risks and no matter how high their membership fee is. Students with little or no income get all the perks at an especially low rate. However, the insurance company bears 90% expense for prescribed medicine, but the student must pay the remaining 10% expense on their own. Apply for Germany Health Insurance today!
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Germany has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, offering high-quality medical services to residents and visitors. The system is a mix of public (statutory) and private healthcare, and it operates on a universal health insurance model.
1. Health Insurance in Germany
Health insurance is mandatory for all residents in Germany, and it is divided into two main types:
A. Public Health Insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung - GKV)
Covers about 90% of the population.
Funded through payroll contributions (shared between employer and employee).
Contributions are around 14.6% of gross salary, plus an additional minor surcharge (~1-2%).
Covers doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription medications, maternity care, and preventive check-ups.
Free coverage for children and non-working spouses under family insurance.
B. Private Health Insurance (Private Krankenversicherung - PKV)
Available for high earners (€69,300/year in 2024), self-employed individuals, and certain professionals.
Premiums depend on age, health condition, and coverage level (not income-based like public insurance).
Offers faster access to specialists, better hospital accommodations, and additional treatments.
2. Healthcare Services in Germany
General Practitioners (Hausarzt): The first point of contact for non-emergency medical issues.
Specialists (Fachärzte): Referral from a GP is usually needed (except for some specialists like dentists or gynecologists).
Hospitals (Krankenhäuser): High-quality care, with both public and private hospitals available.
Pharmacies (Apotheken): Prescription medications are dispensed here, and pharmacists provide basic medical advice.
3. Emergency Medical Care
112 is the emergency number for ambulances and urgent medical help.
Hospitals have emergency rooms (Notaufnahme) open 24/7.
Some health insurance plans cover air ambulance or repatriation costs for severe cases.
4. Costs & Coverage
Most treatments are covered by insurance, but co-payments may apply:
€10-15 per hospital day (max. 28 days/year).
€5-10 per prescription medication.
Dental treatments may have partial coverage unless extra private insurance is purchased.
5. Healthcare for International Students & Expats
Students under 30 can enroll in public student health insurance (~€120-€150/month).
EU citizens with an EHIC card can access healthcare under reciprocal agreements.
Non-EU students and workers must buy public or private health insurance before obtaining a visa.
Germany’s healthcare system is efficient, high-quality, and accessible, making it a great destination for students, expats, and professionals.
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