Obviously, we don’t want you to be sick. But if you or your family need a physician, you will find that help is available quickly and at a reasonable cost. Germany has a dense network of hospitals, physicians and pharmacies.
As an employee, you definitely have health insurance – either under the statutory health insurance system or as a member of a private health insurance. If you become ill, health insurance covers the cost of medical treatment. The statutory health insurance system includes the following benefits:
- outpatient medical treatment, for example in a physician’s office
- dental care
- medication, remedies and medical devices
- inpatient medical treatment, for example in a hospital
- medically necessary rehabilitation
- services during pregnancy and childbirth
If your spouse is not employed, he or she may be covered under your statutory health insurance policy at no extra charge to you. The same holds true for your children.
Moreover, your health insurance policy automatically includes long-term care insurance. Your long-term care insurance is activated if, for example, you need nursing care because of a serious illness that prevents you from caring for yourself.
What is a health card?
As soon as you become a member of a statutory health insurance, you will receive an electronic health card documenting your membership. The card includes a photo and an electronic record of your name, date of birth, address, policy number and insurance status. It must be submitted whenever you see your physician so that your health insurance can be billed for treatment. Your health card is valid in all 28 EU countries as well as in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. This means that if you become ill in one of these countries while on holiday or a business trip, your health card gives you access to medical treatment there. Before travelling abroad, it is a good idea to contact your health insurance to find out what to do in an emergency.