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.
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See you again next Monday!