Hansemerkur Health Insurance


Everything You Need to Know About German Private Health Insurance



At The Eye Newspapers, which owns both The Germany Eye and The Munich Eye, we've partnered with Hansemerkur Health Insurance to offer international residents and expatriates in Germany exclusive health insurance deals. Whether you’re seeking comprehensive coverage for health, personal liability, or other types of insurance, Hansemerkur has been selected for its excellent service, expertise, and dedication to understanding the needs of the expatriate community. With top-notch coverage options, responsive English-language customer support, and streamlined processes, Hansemerkur makes it easy for you and your family to navigate Germany's health insurance system. Hansemerkur, founded in 1951, has grown into one of Germany's leading health insurance providers. With a strong reputation for reliability and customer service, the company has been at the forefront of offering flexible and comprehensive insurance solutions for expatriates and foreign residents. Hansemerkur combines decades of experience with modern, tailored health plans to meet the diverse needs of people living in Germany, particularly those new to the country or seeking private coverage. Known for its dedication to its customers, Hansemerkur offers not only great value for money but also customer service in English, helping ease the process for expatriates navigating the German healthcare system.
In Germany, it is a legal requirement for all residents to have health insurance. You must be insured through either private health insurance or public health insurance, both provided by accredited German insurers.
The Eye Newspapers is committed to supporting expatriates and foreign residents in Germany by simplifying the health insurance process. We work closely with Hansemerkur Health Insurance to ensure that you receive the best possible service, and we value customer feedback to continually improve our offerings.

How Does Health Insurance Work in Germany?

Germany operates with two types of health insurance, both provided by over 100 companies (known as Krankenkassen). Health insurance is compulsory for all residents, and you are required to choose one of the two options (though it’s rare, it is possible to combine both). Here’s a breakdown: The first option is called Public Health Insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung, GKV). It's available to all, including employees and self-employed individuals. The second option is Private Health Insurance (Private Krankenversicherung, PKV), and its eligibility depends on your salary. So, what’s the difference? The key distinction is that you can only qualify for Private Health Insurance (PKV) if you earn over €69,300 per year (as of 2024). If your income is lower than this threshold, you must opt for Public Health Insurance (GKV). The benefits of PKV are clear, offering more flexibility and premium service options compared to GKV. Here are some key advantages of opting for German private health insurance:
  • Access to more extensive medication options
  • Private rooms and fewer shared accommodations in hospitals
  • Many doctors exclusively accept private health insurance patients
  • Private health insurance can often be comparable in cost to public health insurance for certain individuals
However, it’s important to be aware of some potential downsides of PKV:
  • Costs can increase as you age or face health issues
  • You must directly claim payments from the insurer, which may involve German-language paperwork (though Hansemerkur offers English-language services for ease)
  • Dependents are not automatically covered under your plan
  • Some doctors may prescribe more medication, knowing your insurance covers extra costs
For expatriates or those planning to start a family, Private Health Insurance may be the better option. However, Public Health Insurance is often more suitable for families, as it covers non-working partners and children. Public Health Insurance costs are based on 14.6% of your annual gross salary, shared between you and your employer. If you choose Private Health Insurance, your employer will still pay their half of the premium.
Be aware that not all hospitals or doctors participate in the GKV system. Make sure to verify the coverage details before accepting treatment. Private health insurance typically provides more extensive coverage, including treatment options abroad, especially when traveling outside Germany.

Next Steps: Choosing Your Health Insurance Plan

On the right side of this page, you’ll find links to in-depth articles that explore different aspects of both public and private health insurance in Germany. These resources will help you better understand how the system works. When considering which type of health insurance is right for you, ask yourself the following questions:
  • Do I have dependents or family members to insure?
  • Am I comfortable with shared hospital wards, or do I prefer the privacy offered by private insurance?
  • Do I require English-language services for medical consultations and insurance support?
  • Am I planning to start a family soon or bring a non-employed partner to Germany?
  • Do I earn over the salary threshold to qualify for Private Health Insurance?
These considerations will guide you in making an informed decision about your health insurance options. Hansemerkur Health Insurance provides flexible and tailored solutions for expatriates, offering the support and benefits that best suit your individual needs.
Now that you are more informed about your health insurance options in Germany, fill out the form below to receive personalized information or request a call from one of our agents. The Eye Newspapers has partnered with Hansemerkur Health Insurance to make the process of securing German private health insurance as easy and seamless as possible. We are here to guide you every step of the way to ensure you get the best coverage in English, with customer support that understands the unique needs of expatriates in Germany.



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