Choosing the right health insurance can be considerably challenging for expats living in Germany. Not to mention, with the mounds of conflicting information everywhere, weighing the pros and cons of public and private health insurance can be even more difficult.

This is why we have compiled this thorough guide that demystifies all of the common myths about private health insurance in Germany and presents you with the facts. Hence, if you are considering what type of health insurance to go with during your time in Germany, keep reading.

Myth #1: Private Health Insurance is better than Public Health Insurance

It is easy to assume that everything provided by the state, including health insurance and medical care, is not of good quality. However, this is entirely false. Germany’s public healthcare system is renowned for providing high-quality care for all citizens in terms of services, facilities, and benefits.

While you can benefit from a shorter appointment waiting time in private health insurance, the answer to what is better entirely depends on your personal situation. For example, if you have a cheaper private health insurance plan, the services and benefits might be similar to those provided by public health insurance.

Myth #2: It is Difficult to Switch to Public Health Insurance Once You Have the Private One

While it might be difficult to switch to public from private health insurance, it is not entirely impossible . In some cases, this transition can actually be quite straightforward. For example, if you change your status from being self-employed to working for a company and if your monthly salary is lesser than the compulsory insurance threshold, it is necessary and mandatory for you to switch to public health insurance.

Similarly, if you no longer have a job, your status will be automatically changed, and you will be enrolled in the public scheme.

Myth #3: All Invoices Will Need to Be Paid Upfront When You Have Private Health Insurance

There is a common misconception that those with public health insurance can simply enter a hospital and get their treatment without paying for anything. And those with private health insurance have to pay on the spot or in advance. However, this is not true at all.

With private health insurance, you will typically receive an invoice that you will have to pay within thirty days. Hence, you will not need to pay for anything upfront. However, this might vary in case of extensive hospital bills. Similarly, you might need to pay upfront if you are buying prescription medications.

It entirely depends on your insurance provider with whom you will need to work since they will arrange and handle the payments between the insurance provider and the hospital.

Myth #4: Monthly Private Insurance Payments Become More Expensive with Time and As You Get Older

This is entirely a myth because it is not true. You will be charged the same amount every month since the time you sign the private health insurance contract. Yes, these monthly payment amounts might increase with time, but that is predominantly because of inflation, advances in the medical field, and growing life expectancy.

The monthly payments do not increase with time because you are getting old, more ill, and your health is becoming more complicated. This is false.

Myth #5: Everything Will Be Covered in Private Health Insurance

Your doctor might prescribe you treatment and therapies depending on your condition. However, this does not mean that private health insurance will cover all of them. This is particularly true if you have opted for a cheaper, more basic plan. For example, the insurance provider will not cover treatments involving natural medicine, like physical therapy.

They may also not cover cosmetic treatments either. This is why to ensure that everything is covered in your private health insurance, you get a robust and premium plan with detailed coverage.

Myth #6: Opting for Private Health Insurance is Disloyal or ‘Un-German’

This is simply an old-world view of the healthcare system that should not be given heed. It stems from the belief that individuals who opt out of public health insurance and go for the private one are disloyal to their country.

However, this is false and unfair because the German healthcare system would not be what it is today without help from private health insurance. This is because doctors get paid considerable amounts when treating individuals with private health insurance, which in turn offsets the financial loss incurred from treating someone with public health insurance.

These were some of the most common misconceptions and myths surrounding private health insurance that expats in Germany should know about. This information will likely help you make a more suitable decision on which type of health insurance to opt for. If you still have any questions or require more clarity, you can get in touch with a professional expat company like MW Expat Solutions.