Health Insurance
I am receiving a salary. Will my health insurance cover my spouse?
Depends on whether you have statutory or private insurance. Being on statutory health insurance, she can be covered in so far as she has no income. Being on private insurance, she is not. The reason for this is easy to explain because of the nature of the two different insurance systems. Statutory insurance finances itself by the solidarity of all payers. Married couples, both working, will both have to pay their premiums. The private insurance only covers the risk for the person insured.
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What is meant by “statutory health insurance”?
“Statutory” implies that your insurance is compulsory via certain public (but not state owned) insurance companies. Most statutory health insurance companies offer mostly the same services, but the premiums are very different.
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How can I get private health insurance?
Having a yearly income above a certain amount or being self-employed, you can choose between both types of insurances. There is virtually no way to switch between the systems, so you are locked in once you have made your choice. By the way, forget about dispensing health insurance. In Germany, it is mandatory. Even though you are entitled to choose, you can remain privately insured or sign up a statutory health insurance as a so-called “freiwillig Versicherter” (voluntary insured person).
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When is statutory health insurance mandatory?
Most people belong to the public system.
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All employees with a monthly income of up to € 4,012.50
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Students at state and state-approved universities until completion of the 14th semester or up to 30 years old (with some exemptions).
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People on work experience (internships) or in secondary education.
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I heard from health insurance company back home that I do not need to close an insurance policy here in Germany as my home coverage for students is also valid for Germany. Is this true?
Students from countries with which Germany has signed a social security treaty, which includes an insurance clause, can continue to be covered by their home insurance company while they are in Germany. For further information, enquire at your institution's international office. But also in these cases, you still have to present proof of insurance coverage to the foreigners office (Ausländeramt) in Germany.
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Which in general is better, statutory or private insurance?
Depends on your monthly liquidity, monthly income, how specialized your coverage is to be, and other factors. Choose a private insurance company: if you do not mind paying all and then getting the money reimbursed (except for hospital bills), or if you need flexible coverage, alternative medicine, and a private hospital room. Go with statutory insurance if you need minimum coverage, have a long-term illness or a family. The statutory insurance company must insure you if you are not entitled to choose. This is only a very rough differentiation. Please contact an insurance broker for more competent information before signing a contract.
Statutory insurance is considered as the insurance for the poor, supplying only standard treatment. The legislation for statutory insurance tends to limit the payment of the doctor’s performance. Applying for private insurance? Be sure to list every serious illness you have had. Do not listen to the sales agent, who might play down your history to get you the lowest possible rate. If you had a severe illness reckon a great surplus on the premium, if they take you at all. If you have a minor orthopedic problem, this will cause a minor surplus to your premium. And if you hide your medical history, only to get a giant bill later on to be refunded, the company will claim you cheated them. They will cancel your contract and refuse to pay for treatments and hospital stays. On top of that, you may be barred from getting insured by another private company or even by a statutory insurer. They will not even refund any premiums.
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Last updated: January 2008