Public versus Private insurance

Germany has a dual public-private health insurance system, with public and private health insurance options available.

Mandatory health insurance covers general health needs, including basic dental care, while private insurance providers cover more specialized medical treatments.

While public health insurance can cover spouses and children, private health insurance usually only covers the applicant. The general differences between public mandatory and private insurance are summarized in the following table:

Mandatory health insurance for international students

Just as in the GKV (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung = mandatory health insurance), outpatient medical treatments, dental care, medications, remedies, and aids must be included in the health insurance for foreigners. Inpatient treatment and stays must also be covered, as well as all benefits related to pregnancy and childbirth.

International students studying in Germany are also required to have health insurance. Proof of health insurance must be presented during enrollment. During their stay in Germany, international students are covered by the GKV, which also issues proof of enrollment. Private health insurance can be obtained individually, but it must cover at least primary care services provided by the GKV, as well as transportation to the home country in case of death.

Registration

Based on German healthcare legislation, if you live long-term or work in Germany, you must register with the German authorities at your local town hall (Einwohnermeldeamt). Once you are registered, have a Social Insurance Number (Sozialversicherungsnummer) and are making National Insurance Contributions, you are entitled to state-run healthcare equivalent to those of German nationals.

Mandatory health insurance coverage for foreigners is usually mandatory if they are permanently employed in Germany. Any EU citizen who has no work in Germany can only register for mandatory health insurance if they were already formally a member of mandatory health insurance coverage in their home country.

Health insurance card

A health insurance card (Krankenversichertenkarte) will be issued to you by your insurance provider and must be taken with you every time you visit any German physician, dentist, or specialist. Since 2014, an eHealth card with a picture of the owner (from 15 years old) is evidence of the warrant to medical treatment and services. The card, which includes your name, birth date, address, and health insurance information, is scanned whenever you visit a medical facility. Make sure to inform your health insurance provider of your address so they can send you the health insurance card by mail.

Doctors in Germany

Doctors are called "Ärzte" in the German language. A "Hausarzt" is a general practitioner or primary care physician. You can choose your own doctor under the German healthcare system. At least some of them can speak basic English. Some physicians only serve patients with private health insurance, so you should check in advance whether you, as a person with public health insurance, will have to pay for treatment.

Hospitals in Germany

Hospitals are called Krankenhäuser in German language. There are three main types:

• public hospitals (Öffentliche Krankenhäuser) which are run by the local and regional authorities;
• voluntary, non-profit hospitals (Freigemeinnützige Krankenhäuser) run by churches or organizations run by the German Red Cross;
• private hospitals (Privatkrankenhäuser).

Don’t forget to take your health insurance card before going to see doctors.

Pharmacies in Germany

Pharmacies are called Apotheke in German language. Their opening hours are usually from 9 am – 6 pm from Monday to Friday and 9 am –12 pm on Saturdays. All of them provide healthcare addresses outside the opening hours. But your health insurance may, in the most cases, not cover your bills of pharmacies. EDUBAO suggest you ask your health insurance first how far your health insurance would medically cover you.