Healthcare System Information for Expatriates in Germany
Germany has a thriving economy and culture that attracts expatriates around the world. Healthcare for expats in Germany is among the primary reasons for the country being a popular destination, as its medical system is advanced as well as reliable. Germany has provided the world with technological advancements and innovations across several domains, including automotive engineering, aviation, energy, chemicals, etc. Its high living standards make the country a popular destination for expats from around the globe. As reported by Germany’s Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), around 14.06 million foreign citizens were registered as residents in Germany as of 31 December 2024.
The country’s healthcare system is highly reliable and of top-notch quality, which is why medical expenses are often very costly in Germany. However, with a comprehensive international health insurance plan that provides access to the German healthcare system for expats. With the right plan, healthcare for expats in Germany becomes both accessible and affordable.
In 2023, Germany had 1,874 hospitals with state-of-the-art facilities. Germany runs appointment-service centers (Terminservicestellen) that can be reached by dialing 116117. It intends to schedule a specialist appointment within 4 weeks; absence of this service may result in additional delays.. In a large number of cases, you may consult a specialist without a referral, despite the fact that some specializations or schemes ask for one; using 116117 can quicken access when appointments are insufficient. In the legal framework (GKV), benefits are regulated; contributions depend on the income, but there is no reduction in coverage for low-income earners.
Expats in Germany can also go for private health insurance that entitles them to seek optimal medical assistance from better-equipped private hospitals. Opting for the most suitable plan for you is vital, specifically when comparing public vs private health insurance Germany expats alternatives. Expats can also find out the necessary information about health insurance Germany for non-EU citizens and how it conforms to the broader landscape of healthcare for expats in Germany.
Overview of Healthcare in Germany
Expats working in Germany have to choose a health insurance provider and inform their employer about it. The country’s health insurance is divided into two types:
- Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung (state health insurance)
- Private Krankenversicherung (private insurance)
Those who earn up to approx €60,750 per year have to register with one of the Gesetzliche Krankenkasse (public health funds). The premium they pay for Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung is deducted from their monthly salary. GKV provides coverage for dental care (e.g., conventional treatments and fixed subsidies for dentures) and also optical appliances (glasses/contact lenses) in outlined clinical scenarios (e.g., for children, severe visual disability in adults). Those who earn more than €60,750 or are self-employed, public officers or students, can opt for a private health fund. Services covered under Private Krankenversicherung can vary for every insurance company. GKV and PKV do not provide complete insurance simultaneously; however, private supplementary insurance alongside GKV is common and permitted.
Since 2019, the extra contribution in GKV is equally contributed by the employer and the employee (parity financing). For new arrivals, getting a clear idea of how the German healthcare system for expats operates is essential to choosing the right cover. This is another reason why healthcare for expats in Germany must be understood before moving.
How the German Healthcare System Works for Expats
Your qualifying criteria for PKV are primarily decided by your employment status and income (e.g., higher than JAEG for employees), or whether you are self-employed/civil servant/student. There is no general 2-year residency requirement. Beyond that period, health insurance benefits stay the same for expats who are either relocating to Germany or have a work contract of more than a year.
Under statutory insurance, expats & global nomads in Germany can choose a doctor themselves. A major benefit of statutory insurance plans is that all dependent family members are covered under this plan. Benefits under private insurance can vary based upon the plan and insurance company you choose. Expats wanting better facilities and privileges can opt for a higher premium plan.
Germany has introduced stricter health insurance regulations that need to be complied with and an international health insurance plan may not fulfil the current statutory requirements. It is advisable to seek advice regarding this as it is very much dependent on your legal and family status, age, income, job prospects and intended duration of stay in Germany as to whether you should take out German national health insurance or German private insurance. Only if you have a special status (e.g. when seconded to Germany by a company for a limited time) is it possible to avoid signing up for a German health insurance plan. We do have some members who take out our international health insurance plan as a top-up to their German national insurance or German private insurance. This is especially relevant for health insurance in Germany for non-EU citizens, as requirements can widely differ according to visa category and duration of stay. This is why advisories on healthcare for expats in Germany recommend consulting both private and authorized providers before finalizing the next steps.
Pharmacies in Germany for Expatriates
Pharmacies (or Apotheken) in Germany can be identified by a large ‘A’ sign in red. By law (Apothekengesetz), an authorized pharmacist may operate one principal pharmacy along with up to three subsidiary pharmacies. These pharmacists can also recommend non-prescriptive drugs when needed. Expats will have no problem accessing the medications they require in Germany.
Emergency Medical Care in Germany
Dial 112 for any emergency medical assistance (Germany’s EU emergency number). For non-emergent critical care/ outside of business hours, dial 116117. Most of the hospitals across Germany have their Accident and Emergency units open 24/7, except for a few.
Best Private International Medical Insurance for Expats in Germany
Everyone must have either private or public health insurance in Germany. But these plans do not cover just about everything. If you have a serious medical condition or need some emergency assistance that’s not covered under your plan, you have to bear the additional expenses yourself.
To secure yourself from such unplanned and unforeseeable expenses, you can procure international health insurance from a leading international insurance company. As a German ex-pat or for foreigners living in Germany, you can go for Cigna Global international health plan that offers assistance even when you are traveling to some other country. Alternatively, you can contact us to discuss the other insurance plans offered by other leading companies for German expats or expatriates living in Germany who need health insurance for foreigners in Germany tailored to their situation. Thus, understanding healthcare for expats in Germany will help you make the wisest decision for your long-term medical needs.
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