Why is health insurance in Germany so expensive?

Why is health insurance in Germany so expensive?

The costs of the German public health care scheme are immense and constantly rising due to demographics as well as medical cost inflation and the large bureaucracy which continues to expand with each reform. The expected loss for the public health system in 2020 is over 1.7 billion Euros.

How much is average health insurance in Germany?

Totalled up across their life, the average German will pay 250.000 euros in public health insurance premiums. Even as an expat, your premiums will still mount up. Given the sums of money involved, it seems baffling that some people leave their choice of health insurance to chance.

Is private health insurance cheaper in Germany?

If you are young, healthy and have a good income, private will be much cheaper than public. If you have a good salary during your entire career, private can be much cheaper than public, even in the long term. Doctors make more money with patients who have private health insurance, so they have priority1.

Is the German healthcare system good?

Although the German health care system is among the systems providing a very high quality of health care, it is also one of the most expensive and keeps undergoing reforms to reduce costs and maintain or improve quality. The main idea of the statutory health system is the principle of solidarity.

Is private insurance better in Germany?

For healthcare professionals, there are considerable financial upsides to taking on privately insured persons in Germany – this often leads to favourable treatment in the healthcare system, including significantly shorter waiting times for treatment.

How do the unemployed get health insurance in Germany?

Unemployed people can sign for private insurance while staying in Germany. Hence, you will have a fixed amount to pay every month. When visiting a doctor in Germany, you will pay yourself, and later get reimbursed by the insurance company. Indeed, large and expensive treatments are paid for by the provider directly.

Who has the best healthcare system in Europe?

the Netherlands
Netherlands. It was in 2015 that the Netherlands achieved the top spot in Europe when it comes to health care. With its network of over 150 acute primary care centres which are open every day, 24 hours, it is easy to get the essential healthcare that patients need.

Is it illegal to live in Germany without health insurance?

Failing to take out health insurance is illegal. It can also be a costly option: if you are found to be residing without health insurance, you can be charged back payments to cover your entire stay in Germany.

What is the cost of health insurance in Germany?

What is the per capita cost of health insurance in Germany? The German government heavily subsidizes the cost of the public healthcare system. Annual per capita spending is around €4,500. You can find more information on our Public Health Insurance in Germany page.

What is the student discount for health insurance in Germany?

All students under 30 in Germany can take advantage of a special student discounted rate for public health insurance This is charged at €105.05 ( students under the age of 23) or at €106.93 ( students age 23 and above) per month and covers both public healthcare and nursing care insurance.

What happens if I am not regularly insured in Germany?

In case you are not regularly insured in Germany but are an EU citizen, the current rules for the coordination of social security-systems in Europa stipulate, that the German physician or hospital bills the treatment-costs for emergency cases to the respective foreign health insurance of the treated patient.

What do you need to know about the German health care system?

You should know this to understand the scope of services you are contracting with your insurance of choice. The German health care system, established in the late 19th century, is historically the first universal health care system.