The German healthcare system is one of the best in the world check at bookinghealth.com. It’s ranked sixth in the world by the World Health Organization (WHO), and it has some of the lowest infant mortality rates, maternal mortality rates and life expectancy rates in Europe. In fact, Germany ranks second overall on WHO’s index of health care systems because of its excellent performance on many other measures as well as availability. These include equitable coverage for all citizens, quality control through peer review processes, low administrative costs relative to other countries and a high degree of budgetary transparency at both national and regional levels.
Health care in Germany is the most popular topic in our forum’s English section. From asylum seekers’ health insurance to whether or not you need travel insurance when visiting Germany, we sort through fact and fiction on this page.
If you’re planning to visit Germany or move there permanently, it’s important to know what the health care system is like.
Health care in Germany is a popular topic on our forum. We’ve answered questions about health insurance for asylum seekers, getting treatment at a doctor’s office and hospital, and whether or not you need travel insurance when visiting Germany.
The German health care system dates back to the 1880s, when Otto von Bismarck introduced the first statutory health insurance (SHI) in order to avoid the appearance of social unrest. The SHI system has developed over time and today is a hybrid of private and public models.
The German health care system dates back to the 1880s, when Otto von Bismarck introduced the first statutory health insurance (SHI) in order to avoid the appearance of social unrest. The SHI system has developed over time and today is a hybrid of private and public models. The German SHI system consists of a public fund, financed by contributions by those insured under it, and private insurers who offer additional coverage for services not provided under statutory health insurance plans..
The German SHI system was designed as an income-based social security program that would provide financial protection against illness or injury. It was meant to be available to all citizens regardless of age or employment status; however many people are covered only because they are employed while others must purchase their own policy if they do not work full-time jobs at companies with group plans..
Today the system consists of a public fund, financed by contributions by those insured under it, and private insurers. Both are subject to strict federal regulation. The private insurers operate under the umbrella of the “gesetzliche Krankenversicherung” (GKV), but are funded by their customers’ contributions rather than through taxes. Doctors are also required by law to treat all patients equally.
In its current form, the German health care system consists of a public fund that is financed by contributions made by those insured under it, and private insurers. Both are subject to strict federal regulation. The private insurers operate under the umbrella of the “Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung” (GKV), but are funded by their customers’ contributions rather than through taxes. Doctors are also required by law to treat all patients equally.
People with low incomes can get financial assistance from the state if they cannot afford health insurance payments. These “Hilfebedürftige”, which include people on benefits like unemployment support or Hartz IV, are also eligible for general social security payments known as “Sozialhilfe”.
If you are living in Germany and need financial assistance, there are several ways to apply. If you have been receiving benefits from the German government for at least 6 months, then you can apply online or over the phone by calling Deutsches Rotes Kreuz (German Red Cross) on 0800 1811111 or by visiting their website. A list of other organizations that offer advice can be found here: https://www.bundesregierung.de/Content/DE/Infothek/Termine-Pressemitteilungen/2019/05/termine09_2019_gemeinsames_pressegespraech-fuer-fluechtlinge-und-asylbewerberinnen–und–asylbewerbern_-mit—deutschen-arbeitgebern—in—richtungsstelle-.html
Who exactly is eligible for financial assistance? Anyone who lives in Germany but does not have private health insurance coverage can apply for state healthcare funding through the Sozialhilfe program (social welfare). In order qualify as “Hilfebedürftige”, an individual must be under 65 years old and either receive Hartz IV unemployment support or live below a certain income threshold set by local German authorities (known as “Verbrauch”).
If approved, this means that you will qualify for both general social security payments known as “Sozialhilfe” (including benefits such as rent allowance and child support), along with free public health services available through Krankenkassen (healthcare insurance companies).
Conclusion
Hopefully this article has provided you with some helpful insight into the German health care system. We hope that it will help you make an informed decision when it comes to your next visit to Germany!
