15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Germany

"Germany has a comprehensive healthcare system that provides a wide range of services to its citizens. The public healthcare system is funded by a combination of taxes and social security contributions, and is generally of a high quality. All German citizens and permanent residents are entitled to access the public healthcare system, and foreign residents are also eligible to use it, although they may have to pay a fee. Expats in Germany can use the public healthcare system, but they must first register with a local health insurance provider. Once registered, they can access the same services as German citizens, including preventive care, hospitalization, and specialist care," wrote an expat living in Germany.

"Germany has a well-developed healthcare system that provides high-quality medical services to its citizens. The country has a wide range of medical facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and specialized medical centers. Doctors in Germany are highly trained and experienced, and the country has a strong emphasis on preventive care. Germany also has a comprehensive network of pharmacies, providing access to a wide range of medications. In addition, Germany has a number of health insurance plans that provide coverage for medical services," remarked one expat in Germany.

"Healthcare in Germany is generally considered to be of high quality and is relatively affordable. Most people in Germany are required to have health insurance, which is usually provided by a public health insurance provider. The cost of health insurance depends on the type of coverage and the individual's income, but it is generally affordable. In addition, there are private health insurance providers that offer more comprehensive coverage, but these plans tend to be more expensive," commented one expat living in Germany.

"Emergency services in Germany are highly efficient and reliable. In the event of an emergency, the best way to call for an ambulance is to dial 112, the national emergency number. This number is free of charge and can be dialed from any phone, including landlines and mobile phones. The operator will ask for the caller's location and the nature of the emergency, and will then dispatch the appropriate emergency services," wrote one expat.

"Germany is home to some of the world's leading medical facilities, with many cities offering a wide variety of specialist medical services. The major metropolitan areas such as Berlin, Munich, Hamburg and Frankfurt boast an impressive selection of both public and private healthcare facilities, hosting an array of medical specialists including cardiologists, neurologists, surgeons and oncologists. The larger cities also have a greater variety of specialized medical teams such as fertility clinics, pediatric specialists and geriatric care centers. In addition, Germany's smaller cities and towns often have a number of excellent general practitioners, providing quality and accessible healthcare for their local population," mentioned one expat in Germany.

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Germany. Most medications are available through pharmacies, and some are available over the counter. Prescriptions are usually required for medications that are not available over the counter. In addition, some medications may require special authorization from the government before they can be obtained," commented one expat who moved to Germany.

"Medical facilities and medical care in Germany are of a high quality. German hospitals have world-class infrastructure and state-of-the-art technology, and doctors and staff are highly trained and experienced. The quality of medical care in Germany is especially distinguished for its efficiency and organization. Patients are generally given accurate diagnoses and detailed treatment plans. Additionally, many German medical professionals speak English, making communication easier. In general, medical care in Germany is reliable and safe, and is provided with compassion and respect," wrote an expat living in Germany.

"In Dusseldorf, public hospitals offer emergency treatment as well. Private clinics are affordable only with private insurance. Costs are still cheaper than US," said an expat in Dusseldorf.

"Yes, as a foreigner living in Germany, you will have access to public healthcare. The public healthcare system in Germany is known for its high quality and is funded by taxes. It is available to all residents, regardless of nationality, and covers a wide range of services, including preventive care, hospital stays, and specialist care. The cost of care is usually quite low, and in some cases, it may even be free," mentioned one expat in Germany.

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Germany. The government has implemented a range of measures to ensure that the healthcare system is able to cope with the increased demand for services. This has included increasing the number of hospital beds, expanding the capacity of intensive care units, and providing additional funding for medical staff. In addition, the government has also implemented measures to ensure that the public is able to access healthcare services safely, such as introducing telemedicine services and providing additional protective equipment for healthcare workers. Overall, the healthcare system in Germany has been able to cope with the increased demand for services during the pandemic, and the government has taken steps to ensure that the public is able to access healthcare services safely," said an expat in Germany.

"I would not like to catch covid here. If I had to be hospitalized I would be in debt for thousands of dollars. I have health insurance," commented one expat living in Kandern, Germany.