| As an alternative to the state supported | | | | requirements. As might be expected cost is |
| healthcare system expats in Germany have the | | | | determined by such variables as the patient's |
| option of signing up to a private health care | | | | medical history, age and gender. |
| plan. The prerequisite is a salary over | | | | |
| 47,700 Euros. Those working in Germany on an | | | | Its is important to bear in mind that while |
| independent basis (i.e. self employed) would | | | | the GKV covers family and non working |
| also be eligible. | | | | dependents the PKV only covers the paying |
| | | | customer. On the plus side private providers |
| Employees would have to demonstrate that they | | | | are not allowed to cancel policies on the |
| had earned more than the threshold amount for | | | | basis of claims made. They are legally |
| 3 years. Otherwise they will automatically be | | | | required, furthermore, to set aside 10% of |
| enrolled in the government scheme | | | | contributions against health care provision |
| (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung of GKV). It | | | | to be rendered in retirement. |
| is always prudent to address this with | | | | |
| employers as soon as possible since when | | | | Self employed German residents who are |
| staff are registered for the state insurance | | | | covered by the policy of an international |
| there is no option to change for three years. | | | | (i.e. non German) provider should check the |
| This draconian seeming measure is a result of | | | | small print and make sure it is acceptable in |
| recent reforms and is designed to compel | | | | Germany. Even if the existing policy is |
| higher earners to stick with the state | | | | applicable, long term Pflegeversicherung |
| system. The private option is attractive for | | | | (nursing care) must be acquired as |
| expats because although standards are high | | | | well.private Krankenversicherung (PKV) |
| with the standard program it is reassuring to | | | | regulations stipulate that all self employed |
| have access to medical staff whose competency | | | | persons must now purchase private health |
| in their patients mother tongue can be | | | | insurance (even if they had no cover |
| guaranteed. | | | | previously). The German providers are legally |
| | | | obliged to accept applicants regardless of |
| German hospitals depend increasingly on their | | | | their health situation. Finally, the cost |
| private practice for funding and so receive | | | | will be capped by 1st January 2009. This |
| new patients with open arms. The private | | | | government of the Federal Republic has |
| Krankenversicherung (PKV) market is covered | | | | introduced these measures to ensure that |
| by around 50 firms and there is a good | | | | ultimately all residents have cover. |
| palette of products available to meet most | | | | |