Medical care for all

Germany has an extensive network of doctor’s surgeries, hospitals and pharmacies that guarantee the highest standards of medical care for all the country’s citizens. This requires all residents in Germany to have health and long-term care insurance Long-term care insurance Long-term care insurance was introduced in 1995 as the “fifth pillar” of the social insurance system. The compulsory insurance is financed by equal contributions by employers and employees. Read more › , giving everyone access to health care – regardless of their income, age, social background or personal health risks.

Statutory and private health insurance Health insurance Almost all citizens in Germany have health insurance, whether as a compulsory member of the statutory health insurance scheme (90 percent) or a private health insurance scheme (10 percent). The health insurance companies cover the cost of medical treatment, medication, hospitalization and… Read more ›

There are two types of health insurance in Germany: statutory health insurance and private health insurance. Their sickness funds cover the costs of medical treatment, medical drugs, vaccinations, hospital stays, prevention and rehabilitation, among other things.

For employed persons, apprentices, trainees, students and pensioners, statutory health insurance is generally compulsory. Contributions are paid by the insured persons and their employers, and on retirement by pension insurance Pension insurance The statutory pension insurance is the most important pillar of old-age provisions. Its financing is split: The monthly contributions paid by employees and employers pay the pensions of those currently in retirement. Through their contributions, those insured acquire some rights when they… Read more › providers. These contributions are calculated according to the insured person’s income. Family members without no income of their own are covered free of charge. Persons with statutory insurance are entitled to free treatment, with the exception of certain statutory out-of-pocket payments and co-payments.

Employed persons whose earnings exceed a certain threshold, self-employed persons and civil servants are examples of those who are exempted from the compulsory statutory health insurance. They can alternatively opt for private health insurance cover. Unlike with statutory insurance, private insurance premiums are dictated by the extent of the insured benefits and by the individual insured risk. Nearly 90 percent of people in Germany have statutory health insurance cover, however.

Long-term care insurance Long-term care insurance Long-term care insurance was introduced in 1995 as the “fifth pillar” of the social insurance system. The compulsory insurance is financed by equal contributions by employers and employees. Read more ›

All persons with health insurance in Germany are also required to have long-term care cover. Long-term care insurance is also funded on an equal basis by employers or pension insurance providers and the insured themselves. Contributions are dependent on income.

Citizens with private health insurance must take out private long-term care insurance.

Comprehensive medical care

Around six million people are employed in the healthcare sector – in everything from doctor’s surgeries and hospitals to public health departments and medical laboratories.

When a person falls ill, they normally first consult their general practitioner (GP), who is supposed to act as their guide through the healthcare system. In addition, there is an extensive network of specialist doctors. Everyone is free to consult the doctor of their choice. With the exception of emergencies, a stay in hospital is ordered by a doctor.

In Germany, medicines are dispensed by a good 17,000 pharmacies. Prescriptions for drugs that are not available over the counter are issued by the doctor who is treating the patient.

Funding

Statutory health insurance is financed via the Health Fund. The contributions from employers, other social insurance providers and the insured themselves are paid into this Fund, as is a federal subsidy. The sickness funds pay the services needed by the insured from this Health Fund.

The total costs of health care are high: nearly 500 billion euros was spent on health in Germany in 2021. That equates on average to 5,939 euros per inhabitant.