Can I travel to Germany without health insurance? (2024)

Can I travel to Germany without health insurance?

Medical insurance to enter Germany is a mandatory document. Without a policy you will simply be denied a visa. In fact, according to the law, you cannot even live in Germany without health insurance.

What happens if you have no health insurance in Germany?

You might get tired looks and face heftier bills down the line, but you won't be prosecuted. That said, the health insurance scheme is a mandatory part of the German social security system. Even without insurance, you must still make social security contributions.

Can I go to the doctor in Germany without health insurance?

What if I don't have health insurance in Germany? If you're visiting Germany and don't have health insurance in the country, you can still see a doctor. You will, however, have to find a private doctor and be responsible for the cost of the visit — a GP consultation without medical insurance costs from €30 to €60.

How do I prove health insurance coverage for Germany?

You will usually need a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) . Additionally, you will also need a certificate proving that you are not required to take out German statutory health insurance. This certificate is issued by the statutory health insurance providers in Germany.

Is health insurance required for a German visa?

If you require a visa to enter Germany, travel health insurance is a mandatory requirement to obtain a German visa. In most cases, you can use this insurance during your first months in Germany. Then you can later change to a more suitable option like public health insurance.

What insurance is mandatory in Germany?

Health insurance (Krankenversicherung)

Health insurance is required for all German residents. It pays for your healthcare when you need it. You pay the employee tarif. Your health insurance costs a percentage of your income.

How much does German health insurance cost?

Costs of Public health insurance in Germany

Social security contributions for public healthcare insurance (GKV, Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) is set at 14.6% of an employee's gross salary, made up of a 7.3% contribution from the employer and 7.3% contribution from the employee.

Who is exempt from health insurance Germany?

As stated in the German Social Code Book V, “Sozialgesetzbuch Fünftes Buch (SGB V),” students in specific situations can be exempt from statutory health insurance in Germany. To be exempted from compulsory or statutory insurance, you must send an official request to a statutory health insurance company in Germany.

How many people don t have health insurance in Germany?

WIESBADEN – In 2019, roughly 61,000 people in Germany (grossed) had neither health insurance nor any other entitlement to health care. The number of people without health insurance was down by 23% on 2015, when the figure was roughly 79,000.

Do tourists pay for healthcare in Germany?

Healthcare in Germany is accessible to all residents through public health insurance – this system covers 90% of residents. While non-residents require private insurance coverage to receive medical care.

Can you go to a hospital in Germany without insurance?

Generally speaking, most hospitals in Germany accept all patients, whether they have public or private health insurance. However, it's important to keep in mind that a few smaller, private hospitals may only accept those with applicable coverage.

How much does an ER visit cost in Germany?

Currently, all visits to emergency services are free at the point of use in Germany for anyone who is covered by German health insurance.

Can I use foreign health insurance in Germany?

Depending on your country of origin, you may be covered by your foreign health insurance policy. Germany has agreements with some countries to recognise their health insurance plans as valid in Germany. If your foreign health insurance is not recognised, you will need to take out a German health insurance policy.

What is the best private health insurance in Germany?

Is healthcare free in Germany for non-citizens?

Health care insurance is mandatory in Germany - for citizens and for non-citizens. People who are employed in Germany have their premiums withheld by their employer. Those who are not employed (retirees, self-employed) are also obligated to be insured and have to pay their premiums themselves.

When did health insurance become mandatory in Germany?

A mandatory health insurance requirement was introduced at the national level in 1883 during the chancellorship of Otto von Bismarck and was expanded over the following century to the areas of occupational accidents and disease (1884), old age and disability (1889), unemployment (1927) and long-term care (1994).

What is the cheapest public health insurance in Germany?

Which private health insurance is best for foreigners in Germany?

If you're looking for affordable and comprehensive health insurance coverage as an expat in Germany, two private insurance companies worth considering are Feather Insurance and DR-Walter. Both companies cater to the needs of expatriates and offer specialized insurance plans that provide a wide range of benefits.

How much does a hospital stay cost per day in Germany?

Hospital stays cost 10 Euros per day (max. 280 Euros per year) for members of the state health plan. Members of the state health plan can shop around for the best price and provider of supplemental insurance for dental, private doctor, private hospital accommodation etc.

Is it easy to access healthcare in Germany?

Applying for public healthcare insurance is relatively stress-free, as you simply need to register with the German authorities at your local town hall. Once you are registered, have a social security number, and are making your contributions, you will have access to the state-run healthcare.

What happens if I get sick while traveling in Germany?

Seeing a doctor

In the German healthcare system, you are free to choose your doctors. If you have public statutory health insurance (Gesetzliche Krankversicherung, GKV) then you can go to any doctor that accepts public insurance, regardless of which insurer (Krankenkasse) you use.

Can tourists go to the doctor in Germany?

In Germany, you cannot see a doctor without first having health insurance. In fact, it is illegal for German citizens to be uninsured. Therefore, practitioners will ask for upfront payments if a patient is uninsured. This legal requirement also applies to visitors to the country and non-German residents.

What to do if you get sick while traveling in Germany?

Calling and visiting the doctor

If after resting, your symptoms don't disappear, maybe it's time to call a doctor, in this case it's better to go first to our “Hausarzt”, the attention will be more accurate, since he has our medical history (past illness, allergies, if we have a regular medication, etc).

How to get urgent care in Germany?

Out-of-hours medical care

Alternatively, you can call 116 117 for a non-emergency doctor on call. This number works all over Germany. The helpline is open round the clock, including evenings, weekends and public holidays. You can also visit the 116117 website to find a local surgery that offers emergency services.

Can I just go to a hospital in Germany?

Unless it is an emergency that requires a visit to the A&E department, you can usually only access a German hospital via a referral from a doctor. If it is not a medical emergency, you also have the right to choose your hospital, i.e. one that can provide specialist care for your particular condition.