Healthcare in Germany


Health insurance is mandatory to work in Germany. Insurance is divided between state and private insurance. Those in low income brackets must belong to one of the insurance systems under the state umbrella.

Premiums are paid as a percentage of income and half of the payments are made by the employer. Those in higher income brackets have the option of belonging to private insurance carriers. Expats from overseas should have reliable health insurance although EU residents may qualify already for free treatment. Employers should provide health insurance plans to relocating expats.

Hospitals too, are divided between public and private and are very expensive and high quality. It is important to have adequate insurance to pay for expensive hospital stays. Certain private clinics only accept privately insured patients but, in general, most hospitals are available to everyone. Germans may visit specialists without being referred by a general practitioner.

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