Moving to Germany

Berlin Station

Expat Guide: Moving to Germany

Moving to Germany as an expat can be a thrilling and enriching experience, but it's crucial to navigate the complexities of the healthcare system and secure appropriate expat healthcare insurance. In Germany, healthcare is a blend of a public statutory system and private insurance, making it essential for expats to understand their options and obligations.

Healthcare in Germany
Germany’s healthcare system is renowned for its efficiency and quality. It's characterized by a dual system where residents can opt for either public (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung - GKV) or private health insurance (Private Krankenversicherung - PKV). As an expat, your eligibility and choice between these systems depend on various factors including employment status, income, and residency status. A list of the private Healthcare companies are shown below, plus there are some comparison websites available in Germany that allow you to compare prices and levels of coverage for your insurance.

Public Healthcare for Expats In Germany

Public health insurance is available for most employees, as enrollment is mandatory for those earning under a specific income threshold. The public system covers a wide range of medical services and treatments, with costs shared between employer and employee through payroll deductions.

Private Healthcare Insurance for Expats in Germany

If your income is above the threshold (Currently €66,600 per year in 2023) for mandatory public insurance, or if you are self-employed, you might opt for private health insurance. PKV usually offers shorter waiting times for appointments and more individualized service. It's particularly popular among expats for its flexibility and the option for more comprehensive coverage.

• Coverage Scope: Ensure the plan covers essential healthcare services, including hospitalization, outpatient care, and possibly dental and mental health services.

• Pre-existing Conditions: Understand how the policy handles pre-existing conditions, as some private insurances might impose waiting periods or additional costs.

• Cost-Sharing Elements: Familiarize yourself with the terms like deductibles and co-pays, and how they impact your out-of-pocket expenses.

• Flexibility and Portability: If you travel often or plan to move between countries, consider whether your health insurance provides international coverage.

• Language and Support Services: Especially for those who aren’t fluent in German, having access to English-speaking doctors and support services can be invaluable.

Health Insurance for Visa and Residency

For expats moving to Germany, having health insurance is also a legal requirement for obtaining a visa and residency permit. The insurance plan must meet specific criteria set by German authorities. For more details, a good site to visit is the German embassy in the UK.

Navigating the Transition to German Healthcare insurance

Upon moving to Germany, it’s advisable to register with a local doctor (Hausarzt - an online directory may help). In the public system, referrals from your Hausarzt are typically required for specialist treatments. It’s also essential to understand the prescription and pharmacy system in Germany, which might differ from your home country.

Navigating the German healthcare system as an expat involves several key steps to ensure comprehensive coverage and access to medical services. Germany offers a dual healthcare system consisting of both public (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung, GKV) and private (Private Krankenversicherung, PKV) health insurance options. Here's a step-by-step guide to help expats use the German healthcare system effectively:

1. Determine Eligibility: Most residents in Germany are required to have health insurance, whether through the public or private system. Employees earning under a certain threshold are automatically enrolled in the public system, while higher earners and self-employed individuals may opt for private insurance.

2. Choose Between Public and Private Insurance: Assess your situation to decide which system suits your needs. Public insurance covers a wider range of services and is generally more affordable, while private insurance offers more personalized service and shorter waiting times.

3. Register with a Health Insurance Fund: If opting for public insurance, select a Krankenkasse (health insurance fund) and register. Your employer will typically handle half of the contributions. For private insurance, compare offers and choose a provider that fits your needs.

4. Obtain a Health Insurance Card: Once registered, you'll receive a health insurance card (Gesundheitskarte), which you must present at medical appointments.

5. Register with a General Practitioner: In Germany, you typically need to register with a Hausarzt (general practitioner) who will be your first point of contact for health issues and can refer you to specialists.

6. Understand Co-Payments and Reimbursements: Familiarize yourself with any co-payments that may be required for prescriptions or treatments, particularly under private insurance, where you may need to pay upfront and seek reimbursement later.

By following these steps, expats can effectively navigate the German healthcare system, ensuring access to the medical services they need while residing in Germany.