1. Public and Private Medical Coverage

Nowadays, health insurance operates under a public-private dual system, meaning there are two health insurance schemes in Germany: private health insurance and public health insurance.

General health needs, including basic dental care, are covered by public health insurance, while private insurers cover more specialized medical treatments.

Although your spouse or children can also be covered by public health insurance, private health insurance normally only covers the applicant. The following table summarizes the general differences between public mandatory insurance and private insurance:

2. Public Health Insurance for International Students

Just like in the GKV (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung = statutory health insurance), outpatient medical treatments, dental care, medications, remedies, and aids must be part of health insurance. Additionally, health insurance must cover hospital treatments and stays, necessary rehabilitation care, and all benefits for pregnant women, including childbirth.

During their stay in Germany, international students are covered by the GKV, which also issues proof of enrollment in public health insurance. Private health insurance can be taken out individually, but it must at least cover the basic care provided by the GKV as well as patient transport to the home country or in case of death.

3. Registration

According to German health insurance law, if you live or work in Germany for an extended period, you must register with the German authorities at the residents' registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt). Once registered, you'll obtain a social security number (Sozialversicherungsnummer) and contribute to health insurance, which entitles you to the same state-provided healthcare as German citizens.

Enrollment of foreigners in public health insurance is almost always required if they are permanently employed in Germany. Any EU national who doesn't have a job in Germany can only enroll in public health insurance if they were already officially a member of a public health insurance fund in their home country.

4. The Insurance Card

A health insurance card (Krankenversichertenkarte) will be issued to you by your insurer and must be carried with you whenever you visit a German doctor, dentist, or specialist. Since 2014, an electronic insurance card with a photo of the holder (from age 15 onward) serves as proof that you're entitled to medical benefits and services. The card, including your name, date of birth, address, and health insurance information, is scanned each time you visit a medical service. Don't forget to inform your insurer of your address so they can send you the health insurance card by mail.

5. Doctors in Germany

Doctors in Germany are called "Ärzte" in German. A Hausarzt is a general practitioner. The German healthcare system allows you to choose your own doctor. Several of them speak at least some English. Some doctors are only available for private patients, so it's important to check in advance whether you'll have to pay for the treatment.

6. Hospitals in Germany

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

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

Don't forget to bring your health insurance card before going to see a doctor.

7. Pharmacies in Germany

Pharmacies are called "Apotheken" in German. Their hours are normally 9 AM to 6 PM Monday through Friday and 9 AM to 12 PM on Saturday. All pharmacies provide addresses for accessing healthcare outside their opening hours. In most cases, your health insurance won't cover your pharmacy bills. EDUBAO therefore suggests checking first to what extent you're medically covered.

For more information, check out our other articles on insurance, doctors, and pharmacies. And if you have any other questions, don't hesitate to contact us!