"In the German health care system, decision-making powers are traditionally shared between national (federal) and state (Land) levels, with much power delegated to self-governing bodies. It provides universal coverage for a wide range of benefits. Since 2009, health insurance has been mandatory for all citizens and permanent residents, through either statutory or private health insurance. A total of 70 million people or 85% of the population are covered by statutory health insurance in one of 132 sickness funds in early 2014. Another 11% are covered by substitutive private health insurance. Characteristics of the system are free choice of providers and…
Health Insurance Coverage In Germany
"Since 2009, health insurance has been mandatory for all citizens and permanent residents, either through SHI [Statutory Health Insurance] or private health insurance (PHI). SHI covers 85% of the population – either mandatorily or voluntarily. Cover through PHI is mandatory for certain professional groups (e.g. civil servants), while for others it can be an alternative to SHI under certain conditions (e.g. the self-employed and employees above a certain income threshold). In 2012, the percentage of the population having cover through such PHI was 11%. PHI can also provide complementary cover for people with SHI, such as for dental care. Additionally,…
