Albeit the fact that Germany has one of the oldest healthcare systems, it still is one of the best in the world. This is a part of the many reasons why several people strive to obtain German Residency. As a resident living and working in Germany, it is compulsory to take out health insurance. Subsequently, you can be eligible for state healthcare given that you are registered for health insurance under the same; else, you are typically covered by private health insurance companies.
Your income is the basis in choosing whether to opt for private or public health insurance in Germany. Additionally, there are other factors to be considered as well when getting a health insurance.
Although The German healthcare system is secure, it can be confusing especially for new residents who are still acclimating themselves in the country.
Cost of German Healthcare
Germany spends 11.1 percent of GDP annually, which is why it belongs to the percentage of European countries who spends generously on healthcare, just behind France and Switzerland. Infact, German healthcare spending is more than 4000 Euros each year per inhabitant.
While German healthcare isn’t necessarily free of cost, being covered will be beneficial in the long run. For most people with German residency, about 7.5% of the salary goes automatically to health insurance payment. It should be considered however, that this is not always the case.
German Healthcare For Women
Though public health insurance, gynecologists are accessible for expectant mothers who are in need of support during pregnancy. These healthcare professionals also assist women in reproductive health matters, urinary tract infections or UTI and screenings for cancer and related diseases.
If you’re an expectant mother, or planning to have a child with your family, it is advisable to check if maternity costs are covered if you are under a private insurance. Otherwise, all maternity costs are covered by statutory insurance.
For women over 20 years of age, annual screenings for cervical, breast and ovarian cancers are covered by statutory insurance.
German Healthcare for Children
Until a person reaches 18, he or she is still covered by their parents’ or guardian’s public health insurance. Children ages 12 and below, are generally provided healthcare by pediatricians before being transferred to be cared for by a General Practitioner. Customarily, German parents have the discretion to choose a pediatrician for their child.
Special services such as speech therapy are also provided by children’s hospitals as well as emergency and outpatient care. Apart from these, immunization against diseases such as Chickenpox, Polio, Measles, Mumps, Rubella ( MMR), and Hepatitis B are free.
German Mental Healthcare
During the recent years, Germany has been focusing on mental healthcare services like several of its neighboring countries. Unlike before, there exists less stigma around the sensitive topic of mental health, as the German government had made efforts in raising awareness.
Common Mental Health issues are typically dealt with by general practitioners. Prescription for medication is then given and if necessary, patients are referred to specialists for further treatment.
Residents need to check their insurance policy for which mental health treatments are covered.
For more enduring mental health problems, like severe depression, eating disorders and anxiety, patients may be treated in psychosomatic clinics. On the other hand, psychiatric hospitals have facilities for in-patients.
Final Words
There is no doubt that German Healthcare is one of the best in the world, attracting several expats vying for German residency. Although difficult, there are several ways to make Germany your new home. At SRG, we provide the access for entrepreneurial engagement that could fast-track your German residency, talk to our consultants now to find out more.
