Tag: healthcare

Eight Things I Did Not Know About the Health Care System in Germany

Jen from Guatemala and Yvonne from Germany discuss eight surprising aspects of Germany’s healthcare system. Key points include mandatory health insurance, the distinction between public and private insurance, hospital stay arrangements, sick leave policies, visiting doctors, the focus on natural remedies, and cautious antibiotic use. They recommend consulting Feather Insurance for guidance.

Hey, I’m Jen, and I’m from Guatemala.

And I’m Yvonne, and I’m German.

We’re from SimpleGermany.com, where we help expats settle into life in Germany more smoothly. Today, we’re discussing eight things about the healthcare system in Germany that caught me by surprise!

Stick around until the end of the video. We’ll provide you with a tip on how to navigate this healthcare jungle in Germany.

Thing #1: Health Insurance Is Mandatory

Everyone in Germany must have health insurance. This may seem obvious if you come from a country with a robust healthcare system, but in places like Guatemala, it’s not necessarily the law. In the U.S., there isn’t a universal healthcare system, and having insurance isn’t mandatory either. However, in Germany, you cannot live or work here without health insurance. If you’re caught without it, you might find yourself in serious trouble!

Thing #2: Types of Health Insurance

Depending on your salary and the type of job you have, you will either have private or public health insurance. About 90% of Germans are insured through the public system, which works based on the governmental social system that takes a portion of your salary. If you earn below approximately €65,000 per year, you typically must take public health insurance. However, if your salary exceeds that threshold, you can opt for private insurance. It’s essential to check the numbers annually as they can change.

For freelancers, it’s often easier to get private insurance, as public options aren’t always available to them.

Thing #3: Transitioning Between Insurance Types

Once you have private health insurance, switching back to public insurance can be challenging. It’s generally recommended to stay with private insurance as re-entering the public system requires specific circumstances and can be cumbersome.

Thing #4: Hospital Stay Arrangements

With public health insurance, if you stay in a hospital, it’s common to share your room with three other patients. Additionally, many hospitals in Germany don’t have air conditioning, which can be tough during summer months when temperatures can soar.

On the other hand, just because you’re privately insured doesn’t guarantee a room with air conditioning. It really depends on the specific hospital.

In our experience, sharing a room can lead to interesting situations, like trying to sleep next to someone who’s awake at 3 a.m. asking if everyone is still alive!

Thing #5: Sick Leave Policies

It’s generally acceptable to take sick leave in Germany, especially for employed individuals. Your employer will pay your full salary for up to six weeks while you recover. On the contrary, if you’re self-employed or a freelancer, you need to rely on your savings and decide whether to take time off since you won’t have that same salary coverage during your recovery.

Thing #6: Visiting Doctors

If you are publicly insured, you can easily visit your family doctor without any out-of-pocket costs. Just make an appointment, show your health insurance card, and you’re all set! If you need a specialist, your doctor will usually provide a referral.

With private insurance, while similar steps apply, you’ll likely pay upfront and may get an appointment sooner. You’ll then get reimbursed based on your specific plan’s rules.

Thing #7: The Use of Natural Remedies

Germany has a significant focus on natural remedies. Many people head to pharmacies looking for herbal solutions rather than fast-acting medicine. Drugstores have entire sections dedicated to herbal teas and natural remedies for various ailments.

Thing #8: Antibiotic Reservations

Antibiotics are treated with caution in Germany. The general belief is to avoid over-prescribing them to prevent antibiotic resistance. Many prefer natural remedies and let their bodies recover more naturally. My experience with a cold in Germany really highlighted this difference compared to Guatemala, where stronger medications are common.

The German healthcare system is quite complex, but it certainly has its advantages. If you’re unsure about which insurance to get, we recommend consulting with Feather Insurance, an expat-focused service that can help guide you through the process.

If you found this information helpful, please consider supporting Simple Germany by subscribing to our channel, hitting that like button, or even buying us a coffee. Every little bit helps us to continue creating valuable content for people navigating life in Germany!

See you again next Monday!

Foot care is a must if you have diabetes. what is important, what diabetic patients not do?

Diabetes can damage the blood vessels and nerves in your feet, which can affect the circulation and the ability to feel sensations in your feet. As a result, small injuries or cuts can quickly become infected and lead to serious complications. To prevent any foot problems, it’s important to take good care of your feet and regularly check for any signs of trouble.

Here are some important tips to keep in mind:

  • Keep your feet clean and dry: Wash your feet every day with warm water and mild soap. Be sure to dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes.
  • Check your feet everyday for any signs of redness, swelling, or sores: Look for any changes in the color, shape, or temperature of your feet. Also, check for any cuts, blisters, or other injuries that may be slow to heal.
  • Trim your toenails straight across to avoid ingrown nails: Cut your toenails straight across and file the edges to avoid any sharp corners that can dig into the skin.
  • Wear proper fitting shoes with good support to avoid blisters that can turn into sores: Avoid tight shoes or high heels and always wear socks or stockings with your shoes to prevent friction and blisters. Also, be sure to break in new shoes slowly to avoid any rubbing or irritation.
  • Visit a podiatrist regularly to catch any foot problems early on: A podiatrist is an expert in foot care and can help you identify any foot problems early on before they become serious.

In addition to these tips, there are also some things that diabetic patients should avoid doing to prevent any foot problems. Here are some of them:

  • Do not soak your feet in hot water or attempt to remove calluses or other foot lesions on your own: Hot water can lead to burns and can also dry out the skin, making it more prone to cracking. Also, attempting to remove calluses or other foot lesions on your own can put you at risk for infection or other complications.
  • Do not walk barefoot, even indoors, to avoid any foot injuries: Walking barefoot can increase your risk of injury and infections. Be sure to wear shoes or socks at all times, even in your own home.
  • Do not use heating pads or hot water bottles on your feet as it can cause burns: