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6 Point Checklist to Choose the Best Private Health Insurance Providers for Expats in Germany

Posted on February 8, 2022April 4, 2023 by MW Expat

We are here to help you choose the best Private Health Insurance providers for expats in Germany. Germany undoubtedly has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, with nearly all of the population having health insurance. Getting health insurance is mandatory for each resident, including expats living in Germany who are on a short trip. They should have at least the minimum level of coverage if anything.

There are three types of health insurance available in the country; the first one is public and state-funded health insurance, private health insurance, or a combination of both. While most of the population opts for public health insurance, about 10% of the population chooses private health insurance because of its numerous benefits.

If you have opted for private health insurance, it is imperative that you choose the right insurance provider. There are plenty of insurance providers for expats, but you must choose one who gives you the best type of coverage suitable to your personal needs. This comprehensive guide covers all the essential points that expats must consider to choose the best private health insurance, provider.

Who Should Go for Private Health Insurance?

People with high wages and self-employed individuals, such as business owners or freelancers, have the option to choose private health insurance. They can opt out of the state-provided health insurance and choose this one since it tends to be more comprehensive and cover costs from private hospitals and healthcare providers.

To sum, the people who qualify for private health insurance can even include expats living in Germany if they are one of the following:

Civil servants
Freelancers
Business owners
Those who earn above 64,350 euros per year
Students between the ages of 24 and 30

Why opt for Private Health Insurance?

While the public health insurance in Germany is also excellent, if expats qualify for private health insurance, they may choose it because it provides numerous benefits. For example, it normally leads to shorter appointment waiting times, access to private healthcare providers and hospitals, and a wider range of services.

Moreover, individuals with private health insurance can choose either private doctors or those doctors in the public sector. They can choose either based on their preference, needs, and convenience. It can even allow you to get a private room in the hospital after treatment or procedures.

Checklist to Help Choose the Best Private Health Insurance Providers

There are over forty private health insurance providers in Germany that expats can consider choosing. Expat health insurance in Germany can also include private health insurance, which is why individuals coming from other countries who meet the criteria can apply for this type of insurance.

This is why they should follow certain steps to research and then choose the most suitable insurance provider based on their healthcare needs and problems.

1. Understand What Private Health Insurance Includes and Possible Drawbacks

Since the public healthcare system in Germany is one of the best in the world, most individuals do not feel the need to opt for private health insurance. This is why individuals considering this type of insurance must do plentiful research to understand what medical costs it can cover and the possible drawbacks of this insurance plan.

Private health insurance can cover the cost of medical treatments, prescriptions, emergency visits, therapy, and other medical procedures. However, this largely depends on the type of plan it is. Most basic plans offer the same facilities and services that the regular public health insurance plan covers.

Going with a premium private health insurance plan will be more comprehensive and cover more costs. However, these plans may also be more expensive. Another possible drawback of private health insurance is that the monthly payments tend to increase over time as you become older and more health complications arise. However, this can be alleviated by swapping and changing insurance providers.

Lastly, having private health insurance can often be a hassle since you will need to pay doctor fees and hospital bills yourself and then go to the insurer to claim it back. This is not the case with public health insurance in Germany.

2. Figure Out How Much You Can Afford to Pay Monthly

Private health insurance monthly costs may vary depending on multiple factors. Some of these include the insurance provider, your occupation, type of plan you choose, your health problems, age, and health risks. This is why you should contact different health insurance providers and discuss the monthly costs.

You should opt for a private health insurance plan that fits your budget. In some cases, if you are not a business owner or self-employed, your employer might be paying for half of the cost. In that case, you should figure out how much you will be paying on a monthly basis.

Furthermore, you can also control the excess amount, which is the portion of the medical cost you will pay yourself before the insurance provider steps in. If you keep these costs high, your monthly payment cost will be lowered.

Your monthly cost should likely include the overall monthly health insurance you are paying for your entire family. There is one monthly cost for the entire family in public health insurance, but this is not the case with private health insurance. You will likely need to purchase private health insurance plans for each individual of the family, including children.

3. Choose the Right Private Health Insurance Plan

Once you have figured out your budget and healthcare needs, it is time to contact health insurance providers and discuss what plans they can offer you. You must review everything that the plan offers to know exactly what is included and what you are paying for.

Explore different health insurance providers and compare the packages, plans, and monthly payments they are offering. After this, you will be able to choose a plan that best fits your needs and budget. These are the key factors you must consider when reviewing each private health insurance plan:

Does it include prescription medication coverage?
Does it include vision and dental coverage (If it is something you require)?
Does it cover pregnancy and childbirth?
Does it cover annual check-up doctor appointments?
What hospitals are included?

4. Unsubscribe from Public Health Insurance

If you have already enrolled in the public health insurance plan, you will need to unsubscribe from it before switching to the private health insurance plan. You can easily do this by letting your employer or insurance provider know that you wish to unsubscribe. Your procedure to un-enrol from the plan will begin, which will likely take two months. Once it is done, you can then apply for private health insurance.

If you have just arrived in the country and have not yet enrolled in any type of insurance, you will simply need to let your employer know that a private insurance provider would rather cover you. You will also need to inform them which provider or insurance company you have chosen. This will prevent you from automatically being enrolled in public health insurance.

5. Subscribe to Private Health Insurance

Once you have chosen which private health insurance company and provider to go with and un-enrolled from public health insurance, you can register with the provider. You will likely need to give them information about your employment, employer, health records, and your citizenship status in the country.

For expat health insurance in Germany, you should first be a registered citizen in the country before you apply for health insurance. For those expats coming from a non-EU country, you will need to get health insurance before arriving in Germany. This will help you register yourself as a citizen of the country.

Once you register for private health insurance, you will be sent your private health card via post. The card will contain relevant information about you and your private health insurance coverage. It should be presented to the hospital, pharmacy, or doctor in order to speed up appointment times and insurance claims.

6. Swap Private Health Insurance Provider Sometime Later

The monthly cost of your private expat health insurance in Germany will likely increase over time. It is recommended that at this point, you swap and change your health insurance provider and company to someone who will offer the same plan and benefits at better rates.

If you wish to change your provider, you will need to inform your current insurance provider at least two to three months before the end of the year. Similarly, if you want to cancel your policy or change to a new one, you will need to inform your current provider beforehand.

It is important to note that reverting back to public health insurance schemes is difficult once you have registered for private health insurance. However, the transition will be easier if your yearly salary has decreased and does not meet private health insurance criteria anymore.

Final Words

The process of finding the best plans for expat health insurance in Germany can be arduous and challenging, especially if you don’t know the language to begin with. For this reason, it can be helpful to seek guidance from trusted advisor. This is what we specialize in here at MW Expat Solution Services. Let us provide you with more clarity on which plans to go for and help you with the application process as well. Contact us for a free consultation here.

9 Mistakes Expats Should Avoid Before Buying Car Insurance in Germany

Posted on January 6, 2022April 4, 2023 by MW Expat

If you’re an expat living and thinking of purchasing a car, the first thing you should do is consider buying car insurance in Germany. After all, when you make a costly investment, such as a car, you need to take the necessary measures to protect it. This is where car insurance becomes essential.

In Germany, car insurance is mandatory, which means that drivers must have some form of car insurance; otherwise, they will not be allowed to register it. This goes for all German citizens and expats. You will need to buy car insurance from here as foreign car insurance will not suffice.

Take a look at the most common mistakes expats make when buying car insurance and learn how you can avoid these pitfalls.

1. Not Knowing the Amount of Insurance Coverage You Need

Germany has a set requirement of the coverage you should have for car insurance. However, this is typically not enough to base the entire amount. It is best for you to consider multiple factors and then decide the amount of insurance coverage you can afford and will be enough to cover any costs when needed.

The factors you should consider are:

Vehicle type and model
Cost of the vehicle
Years of experience of the driver
Weather and road conditions in your city and local area

2. Not Comparing Insurance Companies

Car insurance usually requires paying hefty amounts. This is why it is essential that you shop around across different insurance companies and find the cheapest option. Depending on your driving history, how many tickets you have got, and if you have had a car accident before, you might be quoted a different price.

This will help you find the cheapest and most suitable deal for your car insurance.

3. Lying on the Car Insurance Applications

Lying on your car insurance application is probably the biggest mistake you can make as an expat. Not only is there a good chance that you will get caught, but you will also face negative consequences. For example, the car insurance company might reject your application, and that would make it harder for you to find other companies willing to provide you with insurance.

Moreover, if they find out you lied after you have had an accident, they might cancel your insurance and not cover your costs. Hence, telling the whole truth and being completely transparent about your past records and vehicle is essential.

4. Not Updating Your Insurance Policy

Forgetting to update your insurance policy is another common mistake people end up making when they have an insurance policy. Germany is pretty strict about this, so that you might suffer from severe consequences. Therefore, when your children become drivers or if you get married, make sure you mention it in your policy.

5. Not Doing Enough Research

Most car insurance companies can be found online, so it will be easier for you to do plentiful research before choosing the right one. There are multiple platforms that can help you compare costs or do it yourself. This will help you find the lowest price and one that has the best terms.

As an expat, especially if you have recently moved to Germany, doing plentiful research would pay for you.

6. Buying Excessive Insurance Coverage

It is not always a wise decision to pay too much insurance coverage. For example, if you have an old car, you don’t need to buy too much insurance. Even generally, you should not pay more than 1/10^th of your car value for insurance coverage.

7. Buying the Bare Minimum of Insurance Coverage

This is one of the most common mistakes expats make when buying car insurance that will lead to negative consequences because this seems like the most tempting option. In nearly all cases, minimum insurance is not enough to cover costs. This is especially true if you have a new or expensive car. In the case of accident or theft, you might end up at a considerable loss if you just have the bare minimum of insurance coverage.

8. Asking Insufficient Questions

This will likely be your first time buying car insurance in Germany. This is why it would be helpful to ask questions if you come across issues, whether you get car insurance from an agent or an insurance company.

9. Not Looking Up Car Insurance Discounts

There’s a good chance that you save up significant amounts of cost if you look around online for discounts. There are tons of companies offering insurance and discounts. You just need to spend time looking for them.

Final Words

Do you need more help with buying car insurance in Germany? As an expat, it can become a daunting experience. Get in touch with MW Expat Solution Services, an expat insurance company that provides you with professional insurance solutions. For more information, visit their website today!

Guide to Personal Liability Insurance in Germany

Posted on January 6, 2022April 4, 2023 by MW Expat

Personal Liability Insurance in Germany can be a lifesaver for those who find themselves in an unpredictable accident. The unfortunate truth is that accidental damages or injuries can lead to costly law suits that can leave innocent victims facing reparation costs beyond their means. Fortunately, insurance providers conveniently offer liability insurance as a protective cover against such panic situations, so you are never left with exorbitant payments should something go wrong. As a matter of fact, such insurance premiums are usually more reasonable than having to pay for the hefty reparations out of pocket. So if life throws you into an undesirable but unexpected scenario, make sure you’re prepared with Personal Liability Insurance in Germany!

Liability Insurance

Liability insurance is an indemnity program that takes care of monetary compensation in case of accidental damages. For example, you forget to clear the snow in front of your house, and someone slips on it and gets injured. They can sue you for it and demand you pay for treatment. Now even though you didn’t do anything on purpose, you will have to pay the price out of your pocket. But if you have liability insurance, your insurance provider will take care of all the damages, saving you from possible bankruptcy.

Liability Insurance in Germany

Germany offers a variety of insurance policies to its citizens, some of which are mandatory, like health insurance. While liability insurance in Germany is not obligatory, it is advisable to make that investment because if you accidentally hurt anyone, you will have to bear the reparation expenses no matter what.

In other words, if you injure someone in Germany, you will be held responsible for it even if it happened inadvertently.

Since you never know when and where you might end up in an accident, you should purchase liability insurance just to be on the safe side.

Third-Party Liability Insurance

Third-party liability insurance is the name given to a policy drafted to make up for the damages caused to a third party due to an accident you are responsible for. In Germany, you are not legally obligated to invest in such a financial security plan. However, most people get it to avoid paying wads of money due to accidental damages.

There are two main types of liability insurance programs in Germany

Personal liability insurance
Professional liability insurance

Personal Liability Insurance

As the name implies, a personal liability policy covers damages when you cause an accident in your individual capacity. Meaning, you happen to injure someone while out for an errand or your morning jog, you will require personal liability insurance to pay for repairs.

However, in some cases, personal insurance may not provide for the expenses incurred due to an accident. Scenarios involving an individual’s car or a large pet, such as a dog, are not taken care of with personal liability. Aside from that, if someone works in a dangerous occupation, then they also need a targeted insurance plan. These are the three exceptions when a liability insurance policy doesn’t work.

Professional Liability Insurance

A professional liability policy covers the costs of damages caused by accident as part of your profession. For instance, you are an architect, and you design a lousy building, which collapses entirely or partly, hurting the occupants, then you will use a professional liability policy to bear the expenses.

However, it must be noted that you don’t need the said policy if you are employed because then your employer is responsible for your insurance. Typically, freelancers get this program to prevent losing all their money in case a project turns out badly. Some professionals are legally obligated to purchase a professional liability policy, including

Architects
Freelance medical professionals
Web designers
Lawyers
Tax professionals
Civil engineers
Cooks

Choosing a Liability Insurance Policy in Germany

Germany offers not only various insurance policies but also many providers for residents and ex-pats to buy their program from, based on their needs. While having a bunch of choices to pick from is a good thing, for the most part, it can turn decision-making incredibly challenging. To help you with the process, we will share some tips to get legal insurance. Germany can easily qualify as the land of insurances and insurance providers. If you want to choose one, you should consider the following pointers.

How much coverage do you think you might need?
Can you afford the premium?

Generally, people go for the cheapest option to save money, not realizing that their decision might cost them a lot more in the long run. Obviously, if your plan doesn’t cover damages above a specific amount, you will have to make up the difference out of your pocket. Therefore, pick the best one instead of looking for a program with the lowest price tag.

Terminating an Insurance Deed in Germany

While acquiring insurance in Germany is fairly easy, terminating it isn’t because you cannot end a deed before its term is over. And when you decide to close an insurance deal, you need to inform your provider three months in advance. You can also change your service provider if you feel the need to do so, but to do that, you will have to inform them three months before the term end-date.

Want Insurance?

If you are looking for a top-notch yet reasonably-priced insurance policy in Germany, reach out to us at MW Expat and save your future from unnecessary financial burdens.

Understanding Types of Vehicle Insurance Cover in Germany

Posted on December 2, 2021April 17, 2023 by MW Expat

Understanding the different types of vehicle insurance cover in Germany is essential for having a car in Germany and will make your life much easier regardless of whether you’re a young student still enrolled in a university or an adult who commutes long hours to work each day. But, before you can register a car, you will need to present proof of vehicle insurance in case of roadside accidents or any other form of damaged caused to others (or even yourself!).

Unfortunately, vehicle insurance does not come cheap in Germany. It will add quite an amount to your monthly budget and can be a daunting expense. You should keep in mind, though, that it will save you from having to cover hefty car repairs on your own!

Here are the different types of car insurance you can get in Germany.

3 Main Types of Vehicle Insurance Cover in Germany

There are three main types of vehicle insurance that you can opt for when living in Germany. Remember that cheapest isn’t always the best. You should research well into the different coverage each insurance policy offers, compare it to your needs and make a knowledgeable decision that gives you the best value.

1. Third-Party or Liability Insurance (Haftpflicht)

You already know that having at least a minimal form of car insurance is a legal requirement in Germany. If you’re a young student who has just purchased their first car, or a new expat in the country, you are probably looking for the cheapest car insurance policy to ensure you don’t face any legal troubles.

Third-party insurance is the most basic type of car insurance in Germany. It has a minimum coverage level. Therefore, you can only claim third-party insurance to cover any damage costs that arise for the other person due to an accident that you are legally responsible for. This means that it will pay for the other party’s medical and vehicle repair bills, but you will need to cover your damages.

While this may be a quick and easy solution to finding a cheap insurance plan that won’t cause you to go over budget, remember that vehicle repairs are quite expensive in Germany. Covering your medical bills and paying to fix up your car might just leave your bank account completely drained. That’s why most people in Germany opt for one of the two remaining insurance policies instead of a third-party insurance plan.

2. Third-Party Fire and Theft or Partial Insurance (Teilkasko)

The second type of insurance plan you can consider in Germany is the Third Party Fire and Theft policy. It acts as a complementary policy to the first type that we discussed above. This means that you will also get coverage for your vehicle aside from covering the damage to the other party. However, this policy only covers certain types of damages to your car. You can find them listed below:

Theft of your car or any of its parts.
Fires and explosions.
Electrical issues or short circuits.
Broken windows and windscreens due to the weather.
Accidents with wild animals.
Damages caused by Marten bites.
Damages caused by hail, storm, flooding, or lightning.

As you can see, this is a much more thorough policy that can protect you from ending up with an empty wallet after bad weather or random animal attacks. The important point to keep in mind here is that different companies offer different varieties of coverage under the Teilkasko policy. Therefore, you can expect the coverage and price range to vary based on the car insurance premiums you choose.

In general, partial insurance has a deductible amount of 150€.

P.S. If you’re unsure of which insurance company can offer you the most coverage under partial insurance at a reasonable price, you can reach out to M.W. Expat Solutions!

3. Fully Comprehensive Insurance (Vollkasko)

Lastly, we have a fully comprehensive insurance policy. Just as the name suggests, this type of vehicle insurance covers full costs of all the damage done to your car and the other vehicle when you’re responsible for the accident.

The Volkasko policy is the most substantial insurance policy you can find in Germany. It includes everything that is covered under the third party and partial insurances while also taking care of any damage due to vandalism or other incidents.

Some fully comprehensive insurance policies even cover major medical injuries caused by roadside accidents. If anybody involved in the accident faces disability or death, fully comprehensive insurance pays some of the costs to provide financial ease. However, this varies from company to company, so be sure to explore everything your insurance provider covers before signing up.

Due to the expansive nature of this policy, it is the most expensive type. But in case of accidents, you are only required to pay between 300€-500€, while the insurance company covers the rest. Do keep in mind that the cost can vary depending on your age, driving record, and other factors.

Liability Insurance Plans in Germany

Posted on November 2, 2021April 12, 2023 by MW Expat

Liability insurance is one of the most popular kinds of voluntary insurance in Germany. Personal liability insurance covers damage done to a third person or their property and makes you liable for the damage done with all your private assets. When it comes to personal liability insurance, Germany makes it mandatory for all employees, residents, citizens, and expats in Germany to take on liability insurance for motor vehicles. Although, other types of liability insurance also exist. Suppose you have moved to Germany in a job-related capacity as an expat, or are planning to spend more than 6 months in Germany. In that case, you will need to understand some things about liability insurance. This article will tell you everything you need to know, outlining how personal liability insurance in Germany works and what kinds of liability insurance plans you can opt for depending on your specific needs.

What is Personal Liability Insurance?

Third-party liability or personal liability insurance is the least expensive yet probably the most important type of insurance in Germany. As a German resident or a foreign national working in Germany in some capacity for an extended period, this is the most vital type of insurance you will require. Personal liability insurance will financially cover you or an insured member of your family in the unforeseen event that you commit an act for which a German court would most probably consider you ordinarily negligent. Regarding personal liability insurance, Germany’s laws state that there is no ceiling on the potential level of damages that an individual could have awarded against themselves due to an act that they have committed. This includes acts of ordinary negligence, which refers to any act that was committed innocently yet carelessly. Moreover, this includes any misdeeds committed by your dog or your pet horse that caused damage or loss to someone else or their property. The term ordinary negligence is a catch-all term that can refer to many different types of acts. It could be a casual matter of damaging somebody else’s property by accident, such as accidentally knocking over an expensive vase, or something more serious, such as causing a traffic accident by not crossing the zebra crossing or causing someone to sustain a bodily injury due to a sports-related accident. Third-party or personal liability insurance is intended to give the policyholder much more than simple peace of mind. The main intent is to cover financial losses and ensure that you are still financially secure following the accidental damage or loss caused by you to someone else or their personal property. For this very reason, personal liability insurance is strongly recommended for all German residents and expats and is contractually required for many people, such as those renting property.

How Does Personal Liability Insurance Work in Germany?

Third-party or personal liability insurance claims can require a very high level of cover, depending on the nature of the negligence or accident and the extent of the damages or losses sustained by the third party. Moreover, saving too much money in premiums is not recommended by taking out a cheap personal liability policy. This is because when accidents happen due to carelessness or negligence, they usually happen very fast, and even a little bit of carelessness at the wrong time can be enough to cause you an enormous financial burden. For this reason, it is normally recommended that you try to pick a good personal liability insurance policy, one that will cover a substantial portion of the most significant type of potential damages to a third party. Notably, regarding personal liability insurance, Germany’s insurance companies will not provide cover for the driver of an automobile, an airplane pilot, a boat sailor, or even a hunter. For accidents caused by negligence in any of these activities, a separate insurance policy for each kind of activity listed above is required. Very importantly, as a German resident or a German expat, you should be well aware that German third party or personal liability insurance policies with a three or five-year term cannot be cancelled before the term is complete. From the insurance agent’s perspective who sets up these contracts, they will receive a higher commission for locking a client into a multi-year policy. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you only purchase annually renewable personal liability policies. In other words, there is no reason why you should lock yourself into an insurance product that doesn’t allow you to switch policies at a pre-established renewal date, especially if a more attractive insurance cover becomes available for you to purchase.

MW Expat Solution Services

Suppose you are a German expat or are living in Germany for some time in a job-related capacity. In that case, personal liability insurance is one of the most important and highly recommended types of insurance that you will want to take on. However, depending on your specific needs, the number of family members you have, whether you are a property renter, whether you own an automobile, and many other factors, the type of personal liability insurance plan you should ideally opt for will vary. Visit MW Expat Solution Services for more in-depth information about the different types of personal liability insurances Germany offers. We are committed to helping you navigate through the confusing and comprehensive maze of insurance products in Germany so that you can ensure your financial security in the long run, no matter what.

Expat Insurance Options in Germany

Posted on November 1, 2021April 13, 2023 by MW Expat

When it comes to expat health insurance, Germany has various expat insurance packages from which to choose from, to protect their financial interests in the event of an unforeseen health issue. As a country known for having one of the most comprehensive healthcare systems globally, approximately 90% of Germany’s population is a member of the public health scheme, either mandatory or voluntary. Meanwhile, the other 10% of the population has private health insurance. Your employer is bound to 50% of your total statutory health insurance premium as a German employee. Moreover, with regards to expat insurance, Germany has three health insurance options to choose from. These are the government-regulated public health insurance scheme, private health insurance either from a German or an international insurance company, and a combination of the above two. This article will discuss the expat insurance options in Germany, outlining each option in some detail so that you can better understand the system and filter out the most suitable health insurance plan while living in Germany. While one cannot switch between different insurance options, each form of expat health insurance Germany provides comes with its specific benefits and drawbacks depending on your specific insurance needs.

1. Government Health Insurance (GKV)

The majority of German citizens and residents are members of the German government health insurance system. Notably, for membership in public health insurance, Germany makes it mandatory for all German employees earning a salary of fewer than 64,350 Euros a year to register for GKV. In 2021, the German government health insurance scheme charges a basic rate of 14.6% plus the possibility of an added supplemental rate of 1.3% of your yearly salary, with a cap of 4,837 Euros set as the maximum monthly income. As an employee earning at or above the stated income threshold and assuming a maximum monthly insurance premium of 770 Euros, you are a voluntary member of the public health insurance scheme. Accordingly, your monthly contribution will be 50% of the premium, while your employer will pay the other 50%. Moreover, as a voluntary member of the GKV, you have the option to opt-out only if a private health insurance company has accepted you. Notably, to opt-out of the GKV, you must provide a 2 months’ notice.

2. Private Health Insurance (PKV)

Compared to the government health insurance scheme, Germany’s private health insurance schemes offer a wider choice of medical coverages. As a member of private health insurance, Germany considers you a private patient, meaning you can expect a higher level of medical service under your plan. Notably, hospitals and doctors welcome private patients because they depend on them to supplement a large portion of their incomes. There are a total of around 40 insurance companies that serve Germany’s private health insurance market, each of which has a variety of premium/benefit combinations for every kind of budget. Regarding expat health insurance, Germany’s government schemes cover both you and your non-working dependents. However, private health insurance premiums are generally for each covered individual. Moving on, if you are considering opting for expat health insurance, Germany makes this process somewhat stressful as compared to if an expat was to take on public health insurance. This is because most foreign insurance companies are not registered to do business within Germany. Moreover, even registered companies have insurance plans that don’t meet the standards set in Germany’s new insurance reforms. For example, presently, a very small number of international expat health insurers can provide their policyholders with a German language certificate that is also recognized by the German immigration authorities.

3. Additional Expat Insurance Information

If your yearly salary is more than 64,350 Euros, you may choose private health insurance instead of government insurance. However, suppose you are currently in the public health insurance scheme and begin to earn more than the above-mentioned gross salary. In that case, you can either switch to expat private health insurance because you are no longer a mandatory member of the German public health scheme. Alternatively, you could become a voluntary member of the public health scheme. However, in the latter option, you will always have to pay the maximum premiums. If you wish to opt for expat private health insurance upon your arrival in Germany as a German expat, make sure to inform your company’s human resources department within 14 days of the commencement of your employment. If not, you may find yourself automatically registered in the public health insurance scheme.

Final Words

When it comes to private health insurance or expat private health insurance, Germany has many options to choose from, each with a variety of premium/benefit combinations depending on your budget. As an expatriate, it may be confusing to understand the requirements, benefits, and risks concerning opting for one health insurance scheme over another. MW Expat Solution Services is here to help you understand the ins and outs of expat health insurance. Germany has one of the most comprehensive expat insurance systems, and foreign nationals often need someone to help them simplify all these complex options.