Living in Germany for a long time, you will probably prepare all your needs for the long term, including health insurance. Fortunately, Germany is one of the countries with equal health insurance for all residents. Even if you are a foreigner. This German health insurance for foreigners’ article might be a guide before you go there.
How is the German Health Insurance for Foreigners System?
All German citizens, both native and immigrant, have been provided equal health insurance. The German government has designed a tax payment allocation system, which is not only for infrastructure but also for the medical sector.
To provide a feature that all German citizens can access public healthcare easily, the government provides insurance without the need to incur additional costs. This public health insurance is a government subsidy, as well as tax payments paid by working citizens.
This means that everyone who works in Germany will be automatically deducted from the cost of collecting taxes, which will later be included as public health insurance subsidies.
Based on the law in force in Germany, states that every resident is required to have health insurance. This is supported by a tax payment system for medical subsidies.
Apart from that, Germany also gives you a choice of whether you want to use public or private healthcare. Private healthcare is usually chosen by those who have above-average salaries. If your salary is less than 66,600 EUR/ year, then you can get public health insurance.
Then, if you are a freelancer with an annual income of up to 66,600 EUR, you can choose between changing public healthcare and choosing a private plan. Those who have an income of more than 66,600 EUR per year, they can choose to remain in the public (statutory) or take a private one.
German Health Insurance for Foreigners
This health insurance is a must-have for all immigrants living in Germany, regardless of their destination. Even when you aim to travel, you must have health insurance. Several criteria differentiate health insurance for foreigners, expatriates, travelers, and students.
1. Travelers or Tourists
Everyone who enters Germany using a visa must follow strict rules to have health insurance while in Germany. It doesn’t matter how long you stay, and whatever the purpose is. German travel insurance will cover medical expenses while in Germany.
At least you can get coverage of up to 30.00 EUR for all regions in Germany and countries that are members of the Schengen visa.
You need a Schengen visa to enter Germany, which includes Schengen Visa travel insurance. It is German health insurance for foreigners that can help cover emergency health care costs and other medical expenses.
2. International Students
Everyone has the right to get health insurance while in Germany, including students. Germany’s strict legal system requires everyone in their country to have health insurance.
Students who are under the age of 30, will get public healthcare, while students who are over 30 years, will get private healthcare. Students over 30 are usually Ph.D. students, scholarship holders, and also guest scientists.
They are considered to have better financial stability, so they cannot access public healthcare insurance. For students who study while working as freelancers also cannot access public health care insurance, they must use private insurance.
Except for those who come from certain countries, where health insurance from their home country applies in Germany.
3. Foreign Employees
German health insurance for foreigners including foreign employees is something that you must have. Working in Germany for a long time means you will get a salary from an international standard company. Thus, you can have a high income.
Otherwise, expatriates who work and have a salary above 66,600 EUR can choose to use public or private health insurance. But before that, to enter Germany and prepare a visa, you must have private health insurance first.
Fortunately, if you come from a country that is included in the EU (European Union) or EEA (European Economic Area) area, then your insurance applies here.
What Makes Private and Public Healthcare Insurance Different?
If you are in a situation where you can choose between public or private healthcare insurance, then this is your next question. Which one is better? Although both are supported by the government, there are some differences between public and private healthcare.
1. Public German Health Insurance for Foreigners
- You pay for insurance through taxes taken from 14.6% to 15.6% of your salary per month.
- The payment amount does not increase based on your age.
- Employers and employees pay equal contributions to public healthcare.
- Especially for freelancers, they pay their insurance costs completely.
- You can use the same health insurance for your children and spouse who doesn’t work. It is not charged extra.
- Everyone has equal access to health insurance costs. All have the same coverage.
- This applies to everyone who has a monthly income.
- Public health insurance applies to all hospitals in Germany.
- You may not be able to get a private hospital room.
2. Private German Health Insurance for Foreigners
- The amount of insurance costs you pay depends on your age and the type of coverage you choose.
- It will be even more expensive for those who have pre-existing conditions and are often sick.
- Employers and employees will pay equivalent insurance, depending on their needs.
- Your employer will not provide subsidized insurance funds if the nature is additional insurance.
- There are additional costs for family members you want to include in your health insurance plan.
- To get more coverage, you need to pay more too.
- Those who can access private health insurance are those who have an income higher than 66,600 EUR per year.
- You can access insurance in all hospitals in Germany, be it public or private hospitals.
- The insurer of private healthcare can get a private hospital room.
German Health Insurance for Every Occasion
Having health insurance in Germany is commonplace. What’s more, if you are a foreigner, it’s no wonder you definitely have a Schengen visa. Which is included with Schengen Visa Insurance. Stay in Germany without worrying about your expenses bills. Therefore, which health insurance will you get to cover any sickness?