Health & Protection in Germany

Getting the proper protection and security for your family and your assets will not be very difficult in Germany. Understanding the healthcare system in Germany is a first step that needs to be taken the same time as to assess your needs in terms for protection. All this comes with documentation and

There are several insurance options with wide range of coverage and services in the country, as there are several multinational companies with headquarters in Germany. At some point, their local insurance companies can be as good as international ones, if you understand the policies that you’re signing up for. Allow us to help you learn more about your insurance policies and how you can make the most out of it while you’re enjoying your expat life in Germany.

Getting Insurance

German employers are legally required to take out medical insurance for their workforce. So start by understanding what are the level of cover your employer will give you access too and ask what would be a good advisor should you need to seek add-ons. 

"You have different options for health insurance while living in Germany; the government-regulated public health insurance system (GKV), private health insurance (PKV) or a combination of the two. You can opt for a full private health insurance if your income is above a certain threshold.."- Hortensia,  Expat in Germany

Your choice will be between the government-regulated public health insurance scheme (GKV) and a private health insurance (PKV)

From your gross salary, mandatory deductions are made for medical insurance, long-range nursing insurance, pension insurance, unemployment insurance and accident insurance. You can calculate what your estimate net salary will be here.

"We have private insurance, which has turned out to be extremely reliable.  I’ve gone to the doctor several times, and I have been fully reimbursed for everything so far."- Ava Meena, Expat in Schweinfurt, Germany

The insurance industry in Germany is huge. Most of the most trusted international insurance companies are German companies, so getting insurance with the proper coverage for your lifestyle isn’t hard in this country. First of all, employees in Germany are obligated to make contributions deducted from their salary for four different social security services; health insurance, unemployment, pensions, and nursing care. The contribution will be paid by both the employer and employee equally with a total of about 40% of the employee’s gross income a year. These public social security services, however, are very efficient and easily accessible and of very high quality. You can be rest assured that you will have your money’s worth when it comes to this public service.

"Find your doctor early, and healthcare will be no problem. It’s very straightforward once you have your health insurance."- Christy Swagerty, Expat in Bavaria, Germany

Private insurance companies are large and can be very expensive in Germany, however, if you have an international insurance policy, you can be sure to get the bang for your buck when it comes to services and benefits that are specifically made to fit the lifestyle of expats. The best insurance companies in the country with international coverage are Allianz, Generali, and ALC.

Importance of Insurance

As Germany has several large insurance corporations, their local insurance companies can be as good as international insurance policies, but make sure that you know what you’re signing up for by asking about the coverage and the benefits that you will have with the insurance that you will purchase. Just because the company is international, it doesn’t automatically mean that the products that you buy will have an international coverage. Read the fine prints and make sure you understand what you’re getting so you can be sure that you’ll get the proper coverage you need and save a lot of money in the process.

Local Insurance in Germany

Allianz dominates the local insurance in Germany, and it is also one of the top international insurance providers in the world. Both local residents and expats in the country prefer international insurance companies but with additional local services, which Allianz provides. Other prominent local insurance companies in the country are Munich RE, and VHV Group.