Berlin.
I don’t need any extra protection abroad – right or wrong? Six common misconceptions about health insurance at a glance.
It is often said that health comes first. Accordingly, the Health insurance mandatory in Germany. However, health insurance is not the same as health insurance and performance is not the same as performance. Six persistent misconceptions about health insurance in the reality check.
Myth 1: Privately insured people get better benefits
Die Private health insurance is considered the gold standard in the healthcare system. But be careful: Cheap tariffs sometimes offer worse services than the statutory provision. Anyone who insures themselves privately should therefore compare carefully. There is one at the Geldratgeber Finanztip List of key services interested parties can download and take with them to a consultation.
There are also disadvantages for those who are privately insured Parents. You don’t get one children’s sick pay, no maternity allowance and cannot give their offspring free of charge either family insurance.
Myth 2: The benefits of all health insurance companies are the same
The belief persists that it’s not worth it health insurance switch. After all, all cash registers offer the same thing. That is only partly true. The core services are defined by law and are the same for all health insurance patients. But the insurance companies now offer many extras, which can be financially worthwhile.
Some insurance companies subsidize sports courses with 200 or even 500 euros a year. Others give something professional teeth cleaning In addition, others advertise special family benefits such as grants for additional check-ups, the birth preparation course for the partner or video advice from midwives. It is therefore worth looking for a provider that suits your own needs.
Myth 3: Those who receive sick pay are not allowed to travel
Vacation despite long-term sick leave? Sounds unusual, but it is possible – as long as the doctor treating you certifies that the trip will not endanger your recovery. Insured persons do not have to be approved for travel within Germany before a foreign travel does it need the consent of the health insurance company. However, they may not refuse to stay in other EU countries and must continue to pay sick pay – unless the insured person abuses benefits.
Myth 4: Health insurance patients always have to pay extra for dentures
Since 2005, health insurance patients have had to dentures pay some of it yourself. Statutory insurance covers up to 75 percent of the costs for appropriate dentures. What many do not know: there is one for low-income earners and recipients of social benefits or student loans Hardship regulation. You will be reimbursed the full costs upon application to the health insurance company.
In 2023, insured persons with a gross monthly income of less than EUR 1,358 are entitled to the hardship rule (EUR 1,867.25 if they live with a relative – plus EUR 339.50 for each additional relative). Also who slightly over the Earning limit lies, has chances of an increased subsidy and should contact his health insurance company.
Myth 5: You don’t need travel health insurance for holidays in Europe
One Travel Medical Insurance for a holiday in Mallorca? “Unnecessary!”, many people think – and thus make a mistake that can be expensive. The protection of statutory health insurance also applies in other European countries, but only to a limited extent. Travelers are only reimbursed for what is covered by the statutory insurance in the holiday country – and that is often poor.
Statutory health insurers do not pay for an ambulance flight back to Germany. In the worst case scenario, anyone who is seriously injured or ill has to raise tens of thousands of euros out of their own pocket. That is why travel health insurance is a must. Good deals are already available for ten euros a year. privately insured are often better off abroad, but should check their contract.
Myth 6: Changing health insurance only with notice
The notice period for change of health insurance is usually two full months to the end of the month. In some cases, however, there is an immediate right to choose a health insurance company. This means that insured persons can register with a new insurance company from one day to the next – without notice period.
This is useful when changing jobs. Anyone who starts a new job subject to compulsory insurance can choose a health insurance company within 14 days. People whose insurance status changes can also choose a new health insurance company. This applies, for example, if they switch to the status of “voluntarily insured” because they are self-employed or their salary exceeds the compulsory insurance limit. The right to vote is without risk: If you don’t use it, you simply stay with the previous checkout.
This article appears in cooperation withfinanztip.de. The money guide for consumers is part of the Finanztip Foundation.
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