Concordia Krankenversicherung: Leading Provider of Health Insurance in Germany
Essential Information for Foreigners About Health Insurance in Germany
As part of our commitment to the international community, The Eye Newspapers (owners of The Germany Eye and The Munich Eye) have partnered with Concordia Krankenversicherung to offer exclusive deals for foreigners seeking health insurance in Germany. Concordia is a renowned provider of German private health insurance, recognized for its exceptional coverage, outstanding customer service, and deep expertise in serving expatriates and internationals. Whether you're looking for private health insurance in Germany for yourself or your family, Concordia makes the process easy and hassle-free, offering expert guidance and English-language support throughout your journey.
The first is Public Health Insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung, GKV), which covers basic healthcare needs for all residents and is available to those earning below a certain threshold.
The second option is Private Health Insurance (Private Krankenversicherung, PKV), available to those who earn more than 69,300 Euros per year (as of 2024). If your income is below this threshold, you will be required to opt for GKV, though there are exceptions in certain cases.
So, what makes Private Health Insurance in Germany different from Public Health Insurance? The main differences include:
It is a legal requirement in Germany to have health insurance. Whether you opt for private health insurance or public health insurance, all residents must ensure they are insured through an accredited German insurance provider.
The Eye Newspapers are working closely with Concordia to streamline the application and service process, ensuring that expatriates enjoy a user-friendly experience. We continuously value customer feedback to improve the experience for our readers and clients.How Does Health Insurance Work in Germany?
In Germany, health insurance is mandatory for all residents. You must choose between two primary types of coverage, offered by over 100 insurance providers (Krankenkassen in German). These are:The first is Public Health Insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung, GKV), which covers basic healthcare needs for all residents and is available to those earning below a certain threshold.
The second option is Private Health Insurance (Private Krankenversicherung, PKV), available to those who earn more than 69,300 Euros per year (as of 2024). If your income is below this threshold, you will be required to opt for GKV, though there are exceptions in certain cases.
So, what makes Private Health Insurance in Germany different from Public Health Insurance? The main differences include:
- Eligibility for Private Health Insurance is determined primarily by income. If you earn more than 69,300 Euros annually, you qualify for PKV, which offers more extensive coverage and faster access to medical care.
- Private health insurance provides higher quality service, including access to specialists, advanced medications, and private hospital rooms.
- Some doctors and hospitals only accept patients with PKV, ensuring you receive timely and specialized care when required.
- Although Private Health Insurance can appear more expensive initially, the difference in cost may be minimal compared to GKV, especially depending on your income and age.
- Premiums for private health insurance may rise with age or declining health due to increasing medical needs.
- You may need to pay for medical services upfront and claim reimbursement from your insurer, which is often in German (though Concordia offers English-language support for such procedures).
- Family members or dependents are not automatically included under Private Health Insurance unless specifically covered in the policy.
- Some doctors may recommend additional treatments or medications because private insurance providers like Concordia cover a wider range of treatments.
Not all doctors or hospitals participate in the GKV network, so it is crucial to check with your provider before receiving treatment. Both private and public health insurance cover medical treatments abroad, but PKV generally offers broader international coverage.
What Happens Next?
To learn more about your health insurance options, explore the articles on this page about German private health insurance and public health insurance. These resources provide valuable insights and will help you make an informed decision. Consider the following questions before choosing your coverage:- Do I have dependents, and will they be covered under my insurance plan?
- Do I prefer more privacy in hospital settings (PKV typically offers more private rooms)?
- Do I require English-language customer support or assistance from English-speaking doctors (PKV plans often offer this)?
- Am I planning to start a family soon, or do I have a non-working partner to consider?
- Do I earn more than the annual salary threshold to qualify for Private Health Insurance?