When my company decided to send me to Essen, I took a quick look at the local community and said: Please do! The healthcare system and health insurance in Germany tend to be excellent, however, the ins and outs of the system might be a little confusing at first.
This guide explains everything you need to know, giving you an overview of the healthcare system in Germany. It makes sense of your mandatory contribution towards health insurance and what that entitles you to. You will also find out whether you are eligible for private health insurance, which could grant you access to perks such as private hospital rooms. Furthermore, this section outlines how to find a doctor.
It also includes information regarding maternity, such as pregnancy and giving birth in Germany. Discover our welcoming community of expats! Attend online and in-person events that bring global minds together.
So, how does healthcare work in Germany? It is based on a dual public-private system. Healthcare in Germany is divided into two sectors: the gesetzliche Krankenversicherung or Gesetzliche Krankenkasse public health insurance or the statutory healthcare system, as the Germans prefer to call it and private Krankenversicherung private health insurance.
In Germany, it is a legal requirement to have some form of health coverage, whether public or private, and it is even a requirement when starting a job. Your employer in Germany will typically take care of registering you with a German health insurance company, but in case you want to choose your own, they will ask for your medical insurance information beforehand.
