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United Kingdom We take the hassle out of health insurance: these two health insurance companies provide international medical and dental insurance for expats in Germany. Get quick sample quotes and check out our list of FAQs to select the best health coverage plan for you.
Health insurance quotes for expats in Germany
The Munich-headquartered financial services company offers international health insurance plans for expatriate students, professionals, couples and families. Depending on the policy, Allianz Care covers everyday medical expenses, emergency treatment, dental consultations, maternity, surgery, and outpatient fees.
APRIL International is a health and travel insurance provider operating in 180 countries. Their range of insurance products is tailored to the needs of expats, whether you’re relocating your family, studying for a semester abroad, enjoying a working holiday, or simply travelling. 130,000 expats already trust APRIL International.
The American health services company serves expats and globally mobile individuals in more than 200 international jurisdictions. Cigna Global’s policies are easily customized to coverage and cost requirements and customers can pick from three coverage levels, modular plans, and several cost-share options.
Healthcare in Germany
What do I need to receive healthcare in Germany?
Germany operates a dual public and private healthcare system, considered among the best in the world. It’s open to all residents including expats through a state health insurance system that was first introduced in 1880. Everyone in Germany, from permanent residents to temporary visitors, needs to be covered by a health insurance plan. Most residents are covered by the public health insurance scheme which entitles them to free public healthcare. Private insurance is available for those not covered as well as those who want to top-up their state insurance and get a higher level of coverage.
Do I need private health insurance in Germany?
You will need private insurance in Germany if you don’t qualify for the public insurance scheme (e.g., if you’re a temporary visitor from outside the EU). You can also choose to top-up your state insurance package or, if you earn above a certain amount or are self-employed, opt out of the state scheme and go fully private. Private health insurance will entitle you to services and facilities not covered by public scheme, such as private healthcare, private hospital rooms, some dental treatment, and complementary therapies. You will also be able to cover small fees charged through the public system (e.g. prescription charges, hospital stays).
FAQ: Health insurance in Germany
If you choose private health insurance in Germany, make sure you shop around and do your research. There are around 40 private companies offering different coverage packages at different prices, so take time to find a good deal that suits your own particular needs.
Besides comparing prices, you may want to ask questions such as:
1. Does the package cover family members?
Whereas German public health insurance covers additional family members for free, private plans are usually only for one person. Do some research on insurance providers that offer family packages, family discounts, or special offers for children if you have family insurance needs.
2. Are there any restrictions, limitations, or exclusions on the policy?
Unlike public health insurance, which is based on income with both employers and employees paying a fixed monthly percentage, private German health insurance premiums are calculated on risk factors such as age and medical history. If you have pre-existing or chronic conditions, your rates will be higher and you may find some things not covered with some insurers, so check everything before signing up.
3. What’s a coverage gap and could I be affected?
A coverage gap occurs between the end of of your health insurance coverage in the country you are moving from and the start of your health insurance coverage in the country you are moving to. In Germany, your new employer will generally handle registration for health insurance; if you are self-employed, you must register yourself with a German health insurance provider.
4. Am I covered while I travel?
If you make frequent trips outside of Germany, you may find a private international insurance package more suitable. Public insurance only covers you for treatments in other European Union countries, whereas private companies can offer different deals to accommodate your travel needs outside of the EU.
5. What treatments are covered?
One of the benefits of private insurance is that it can cover treatments excluded from public coverage, such as alternative and complementary therapies, dental implants and costs for glasses/contact lenses. However, some private firms may not cover all dental costs or areas included in public coverage, such as maternity care. Make sure you get the coverage you need.
6. How straightforward is the process for making a claim?
Most private insurers in Germany require you to pay medical costs upfront and then claim reimbursements, whereas public insurance usually covers everything upfront through your social security contributions. Check the claims process with different companies as you are likely to end up out-of-pocket in the short term.
