As one of the world’s biggest and most powerful economies, opportunities abound to relocate to Germany to work. Many global brands maintain offices in the country, while some of the biggest and most popular call the country home.
In addition to seeking employment in Germany, the country is also a popular destination for overseas students as well as for those looking for an overseas retirement location. As is usual in such a large country, there are big differences to be had in culture and experience depending on where you choose to live.
The German healthcare system is the oldest in Europe, dating back to the late 19th century. Healthcare in Germany is delivered via both public and private sector medical facilities.
Healthcare in Germany is free for German nationals. The system is funded by mandatory social security contributions, that German citizens must register for upon commencing employment. Contributions are split equally between employee and employer, and total 14.6% of a citizen’s eligible gross salary, meaning German nationals can expect to pay 7.3% of their salary towards the social security fund.
German nationals who earn more than EUR 57,600, those who are self-employed, civil servants, and those working in some other professions, can choose to opt out of making these contributions but then must take out private health insurance. Many German citizens choose to take out private health cover in order to supplement their state coverage anyway, as only basic dental treatment is covered while optometric treatment is not covered at all.
Non-German nationals working or living in Germany are required by law to register at their local town hall when living in the country.
Once you have done this, you can then get a social insurance number and make national insurance contributions out of your salary. At this point, you will be entitled to access public healthcare in the same way as a German national. However, you must also register with one of the country’s public health insurance funds.
While healthcare standards in Germany are among some of the best in the world, having private health and medical insurance cover can help you get the treatment you need quicker, and take the stress out of being ill in a new or unfamiliar location.
Take out an international health insurance package to ensure all of your medical needs and costs will be covered when living in Germany.
Our health and medical insurance plans start from as little as EUR 25 per month for our WorldCare Plan, which will cover you for any in-patient and day-patient care you require while living in Germany, and may prove especially useful if you require on-going, long-term treatment for a condition. You can also get our more affordable SimpleCare plan that gives cover for big medical events. Prices start at EUR 22 per month.
In addition, our more comprehensive plans will also enable you to be covered for out-patient care, in addition to any dental and maternity care you may require.
Join thousands of Now Health International members and take out a private health package to keep you covered while living in Germany.
“I am so grateful to the Now Health Team for everything they did for me and my family. My rare condition was completely unexpected and it was distressing to discover this while I was pregnant. However from the initial diagnosis all the way through to my kidney transplant, the team were nothing but supportive and ensured I could access the best care when I needed it most. Having the reassurance that my mother’s transplant donor costs would be covered was also a real relief. Thank you Now Health!”