As an expat living in Germany, one of your top priorities is ensuring that your children have access to the best healthcare possible. Germany boasts one of the most efficient and high-quality healthcare systems in the world, but understanding how health insurance works, especially when it comes to covering your children, can be a bit daunting. But don't worry, as we are here to cover the ins and outs of health insurance for children in Germany for you.
The German Healthcare System
Germany operates a dual healthcare system consisting of statutory health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung, GKV) and private health insurance (private Krankenversicherung, PKV).
The majority of residents are covered by statutory insurance, which is compulsory for those earning below a certain income threshold. Private insurance is available to those who are self-employed, earn above the threshold, or are civil servants.
Statutory Health Insurance for Children
One of the key benefits of Germany’s statutory health insurance system is that children are often covered for free under their parents' policy. Let's take a look at how you can utilise Statutory Health Insurance for your children as an expat in Germany:
In the GKV system, children up to the age of 18 (and in some cases up to 25 if they are in full-time education) can be covered at no additional cost under their parents' insurance plan. This is known as family insurance.
To qualify for family insurance, the insured parent’s income must be above a certain threshold, while the other parent should either not have an income or earn below a specified limit. As of 2024, the income limit for the non-insured parent is €485 per month if they are employed, or €520 if they are self-employed.
Statutory health insurance covers a wide range of medical services for children, including routine check-ups, vaccinations, dental care, and hospital treatment. Additionally, Germany’s healthcare system is known for its preventive care programmes, such as the U-Untersuchungen, a series of early detection examinations for children.
Private Health Insurance (PKV) for Children
If you are eligible for private health insurance, you have the option to insure your children privately. Here’s what you need to know regarding private healthcare in Germany:
Unlike statutory insurance, private health insurance requires separate policies for each child. The cost of these policies can vary significantly based on the level of coverage, the child’s age, and the insurer.
Premiums for private health insurance policies for children are generally lower than those for adults, but they are not free. For example, premiums can range from €150 to €250 per month, depending on the coverage. However, this can increase as the child gets older.
Private insurance typically offers more comprehensive coverage than statutory insurance, including access to private hospitals, shorter waiting times, and a wider choice of doctors. Additionally, some private plans cover treatments that are not typically included in statutory plans, such as alternative therapies or more advanced dental care.
Key Considerations for Expats
As an expat, there are a few additional factors to keep in mind when choosing health insurance for your children, so lets cover them here:
If one parent is enrolled in the statutory system and the other is privately insured, the children can generally be covered under the statutory system at no additional cost. However, if the privately insured parent earns above a certain income level, the children may need to be insured privately as well.
If your family travels frequently or you plan to move to another country in the future, you’ll want to consider how your child’s insurance coverage will be affected. Private insurance often provides more flexibility in terms of international coverage, but statutory insurance offers basic coverage within the European Union and certain other countries with bilateral agreements.
If your circumstances change, such as a significant change in income or employment status, it’s important to understand the rules for switching between statutory and private insurance. Once a child is enrolled in private insurance, switching back to statutory insurance can be difficult and may only be possible under specific conditions.
Facts and Figures
Lets take a look at a few facts on healthcare in Germany...
Germany spends approximately 11.7% of its GDP on healthcare, making it one of the highest spenders on healthcare in Europe. This investment translates into high-quality medical services for residents, including children.
Germany has a high doctor-to-patient ratio, with about 4.4 doctors per 1,000 inhabitants as of 2022. This ensures that children have access to healthcare professionals when they need it.
Germany has a robust vaccination programme, with a high vaccination rate among children. For example, over 93% of children receive the measles vaccine, contributing to the country’s strong public health system.
Nearly 90% of the population in Germany is covered by statutory health insurance, with the remaining 10% covered by private insurance. This comprehensive coverage ensures that almost all children in Germany have access to necessary medical care.
Navigating health insurance as an expat in Germany can be complex, but ensuring your children are well-covered is crucial for their well-being! Whether you opt for statutory or private health insurance, understanding the specifics of each option will help you make the best decision for your family. Keep in mind the eligibility criteria, coverage differences, and costs associated with each type of insurance, and don’t hesitate to seek professional advice form us here at Granite Financial if you need to!
Remember, the goal is to provide your children with the best possible healthcare - ensuring they can grow up healthy and happy, no matter where life takes you!
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