Germany has a well-developed and effective healthcare system. To live in the country, initiating insurance, especially for immigrants is paramount.
The state requires that every citizen of Germany is insured; this means that every immigrant in Germany must be either on public or private health insurance.
As you read through this article you will learn the procedures for acquiring health insurance in Germany particularly for immigrants with clear and easy instructions on how to do so are explained.
Steps to Apply for German Insurance for Immigrants
Step 1: Have an Overview of the Insurance Offer
Before applying for health insurance in Germany, you must understand the two main types available: public or statutory health insurance and private health insurance.
- Public Health Insurance (GKV):
This is perhaps the most common type of medical insurance cover in Germany that is prevalent in the current world. Where, for instance, it is required that employers meet the expenses incurred for their subordinates earning up to a stipulated remuneration limit, which is €66,600 per year in the year 2024.
The contributions are pension based and all the employees contribute about 14 percent of their gross salary. They are entitled to 6% of gross salary of which the employer has to contribute 50%.
- Private Health Insurance (PKV):
Some basic private insurance is available to those that are earning above the income threshold, those that are self-employed and other categories of people including civil servants.
While the cost of premiums is directly linked with age, health condition and type and amount of coverage to be provided, it does not depend on the income.
Immigrants must find out which of the types of insurance they are supposed to be subscribing to depending on their employment status and their income.
Step 2: Acquire Relevant Documents
After knowing which insurance type is preferable, the second thing to do is provide the necessary documents that will be requested.
Some of these documents may slightly differ considering whether you wish to apply for public or private health insurance. However, there are typically seven fundamental documents that are contained in the package:
- Proof of Identity: Identity card/ Passport/ National identity card.
- Proof of Residence: German police registration certificate (Anmeldung) issued by the local registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt).
- Proof of Employment or Self-Employment: Existence of an employment contract or letter attesting to income for the self-employed.
- Bank Account Details: For paying the premium on the insurance policies that one has taken.
- Health Questionnaire: Private insurance will require that you complete a health questionnaire, which aims at revealing information about health complications.
- Having all these documents with one will however ease the process of applying.
Step 3: Evaluate Insurance Provider
For public insurance, you can select on a number of providers, or Krankenkassen, that will be discussed below.
Some of the major public health insurers in Germany include:Some of the major public health insurers in Germany include:
- AOK
- Techniker Krankenkasse (TK)
- Barmer
- DAK-Gesundheit
- BKK
The services that are provided are similar and, therefore, the differences may exist in customer relations, other services, or particular products. This means that one should take time and do a comparison of the various options available and choose that which will suit the need best.
For private insurance, there are many providers, such as:For private insurance, there are many providers, such as:
- Allianz
- AXA
- DKV
- HanseMerkur
There are private insurance companies which afford different plans of which they can choose from. One must be sure to read the fine print in the plan comprising of the coverage, the exemptions and the prices charged.
Step 4: Submit the Application
The fourth step is normally to submit the application and by this it means that after completing your application you should submit it to the relevant university.
Once you have chosen the insurance provider you want to go with, you can go ahead and apply for the insurance.
In the case of public insurance, this operation is rather more straightforward. For most of the insurance it possible to apply online, through mail or through the insurance agency physically.
The application form will call for some vital personal data and details of the applicant’s employment as well as the bank account details for the payment of premiums.
In the case of private insurance, however, the process is somewhat longer. He or she will analyze your health questionnaire after submitting your application and may call for further medical examination or documentation.
After the approval of your application, you will be issued with a policy document that will contain details of your policy cover.
After you have submitted the application and your application has been granted you will be issued with a health insurance card which is called Gesundheitskarte.
This card is vital as it is used at any time that you see a doctor, specialist or at a hospital. Your insurance number and details of your insurance provider are some of the details that you are likely to find it contain.
Step 5: Enroll With a General Medical Practitioner
Once you have your insurance, however, it is beneficial to enter the National Health Service (NHS) and select a general practitioner (GP) or a family doctor.
In Germany general practitioners GPs have the following functions and roles; They are the primary care physicians for numerous Germans and organize their access to various providers of medical products and services, including specialists.
The beauty of booking with us is that you can opt for any GP who is a member of your insurance. It is wise to affiliate with one to be guaranteed of a health facility to turn to whenever you have an ailment.
Step 6: Know What’s Covered and What You Are Entitled To
This means that it is relevant to orient oneself on the existing possibilities and what is precisely covered by the health insurance plan. However, for those on public insurance, usually the basic medical services, the hospital services and prescriptions are usually provided. But some services such as dental checkups or acquisition of glasses may attract charges known as co-pay.
For those that have private insurance, the coverage will be on the basis of the plan you have taken. Private insurance plans often encompass more features: private hospital accommodation, non-conventional treatments, and shortened waiting time for a doctor’s appointment. But understand that there might be some prerequisites for exclusion and that the premiums may hike up later.
The principle of obtaining health insurance may seem rather confusing especially for an immigrant in Germany but just stick to the plan below.
Knowledge of distinctions in public and private insurance, acquisition of required papers, and selection of a correct company are the final steps in it.
Negotiation and management of your insurance is one thing, but the insurance you obtain must also be monitored for changes in premium, and overall understanding of coverage.
Germany, being one of the prosperous countries in the world, offers people to have health insurance which is a significant factor of people’s successful life since they know they will not have to spend a large sum of money on the treatments in case of health issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Categories of Health Insurance Exist for Immigrants in Germany?
The foreign citizens staying in Germany can be insured under the public (Statutory) health insurance or PKV based on their working status and their income.
Is Health Insurance Mandatory for Immigrants in Germany?
Certainly, every person, including immigrants, has to be insured in Germany and the state also offers health insurance for this. To participate, you need to have health insurance through the state or have private health insurance.
What is the Process of Acquiring Health Insurance Especially for the Immigrants in Germany?
If you want to avail public health insurance then one has to be a member of one of the statutory health insurance funds. As for private insurance, one has to go directly to the private insurers and anyone can then select from one of the available options.
Can I Retain the Health Insurance of My Home Country While I Am Living in Germany?
Normally, no; one must have German health insurance. However, some EU citizens may decide to keep the use of their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for some time but those who intend to live permanently in Germany have no option but to change to a German insurer.
What States Approximate the Cost of Health Insurance for Immigrants in Germany?
The cost is different depending on public or private insurance. Provincial contributions for insurance are physically linked with the individual’s income, whereas, private insurance is charged according to the age, health condition, preferred packages.
Is My Family Included in the List of People Protected Under Health Insurance of Germany?
In public insurance one can add non-working spouses and children of the policyholder without having to pay more premiums. Private insurance has to be taken severally for each family member.
What Are the Conditions of Insurance Coverage if One Loses His or Her Job in Germany?
If you happen to lose your job, the program of public health insurance can be maintained under unemployment compensation. For individuals that have their own insurance, they will have to seek continuation of insurance services at a possibly lower rate.
