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Health insurance for employees
Every employee who starts work in Germany for the first time is bound under German law to be insured by a statutory health insurance company. Under certain conditions it is possible for the employee to choose a private health insurance
Important!
In principle, everyone has the freedom to choose their own health insurance.
Statutory health insurance companies offer additional voluntary benefits beyond the statutory ramen, which mean financial and medical benefits. They also differ from individual premium surcharges, which, however, on closer inspection bring the insured person more advantages than the health insurance premium.
Therefore, you should take a close look at the different health insurance companies and calculate them for yourself in order to choose the insurance that is best for you.
What is statutory health insurance (GKV)?
The statutory health insurance companies in Germany offer comprehensive health protection services. Medically necessary treatments are provided at a high level. This is ensured by an extensive catalog of health insurance services, which doctors and health insurance representatives are constantly expanding.
Every insured person has a statutory right to these benefits. In addition, health insurance companies offer interesting special services to further increase protection in the event of illness. These benefits are specified individually by each health insurance company in their statutes.
Statutory health insurance (GKV) is borne by the statutory health insurance funds, of which there are around 116. The health insurance funds carry out the tasks assigned to them by the state with regard to statutory health insurance. At the same time, this also means that the basic health insurance benefits are determined by the state.
What is private health insurance (PKV)?
Private health insurances (PKV) are private insurance companies that offer health insurance. In contrast to statutory health insurance, the contract does not come about by virtue of the law, but rather through a contract under private law.
Private health insurers usually offer better coverage at lower prices, but not everyone can take out private insurance.
How is the premium in private health insurance calculated?
The amount of the insurance premium in private health insurance is largely based on the following three factors:
- State of health of the insured person
- Age of the insured
- Scope of the tariff
An example: Anyone who is young, enjoys the best of health and wants an entry-level tariff generally pays less insurance premiums than a middle-aged insured person in a tariff with premium services.
When can I get private insurance?
Employees who can prove an income of over €62550 per year can also take out private insurance. Otherwise there is an obligation to take out statutory health insurance.
Self-employed or freelancers can also take out private health insurance.
Private full health insurances usually have low tariffs and better health insurance coverage than statutory health insurances. > (Important: Before you decide on private full health insurance, you should contact us, because such health insurance does not make sense for everyone.)
Can I switch back to statutory health insurance?
A quick and easy change to a statutory health insurance company (GKV) is not possible, but there are possibilities.
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Employees have the option of switching back to statutory health insurance if their annual gross income falls below €62550 - the equivalent of €5212.50 gross per month (as of 2020).
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Self-employed persons must give up their self-employment and switch to permanent employment before they can take out statutory insurance. Important: Here, however, the annual income limit must also be observed and must not exceed the income threshold. Likewise, anyone older than 55 can no longer change.
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For civil servants, a change back to the statutory health insurance is generally excluded
Does private health insurance make sense for me?
Private health insurance (PKV) makes sense for high-earning employees, the self-employed, freelancers and civil servants. Especially if you value high-quality care in the event of illness.
It is important, however, that it does not make sense for everyone to take out private health insurance, as there are also disadvantages.
Can I cancel my health insurance?
If you have opted for statutory health insurance, you are insured with this health insurance for at least 18 months.
Exceptions:
You have a status change (status change could be, for example: change of employer, self-employment, etc.)
You earn more than the statutory income threshold (currently: more than 62 550 euros per year)
What do I need to apply for health insurance?
you need
- Passport photo
- Passport
- German employment contract
How long does it take to get my health insurance certificate?
You will receive health insurance confirmations for your entry visa (if required) within 24 hours of successfully submitting your application (should there be any questions or complications, our service team will contact you within 24 hours so that we can send you the necessary confirmations quickly).
- Free travel health insurance for your visa
- No prepayment
- Free cancellation
DAK Gesundheit is not only one of the large German statutory health insurances - it is also a long-established company, a socially responsible employer and a fair partner to many players in the healthcare sector.
Techniker Krankenkasse is not only the largest statutory health insurance company in Germany, but also the best - this was the result of a test by the business magazine Focus Money (issue 7/2021). Whether online, by e-mail or phone, or in a personal conversation.
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