The portal uses cookies to provide service functions such as “Bookmark” and to improve website usage. Information and opt-out options can be found in the cookie settings in the privacy policy.

Search
Mehrere Hände liegen übereinander und halten ein Kreuz, das das Gesundheitswesen symbolisiert. Darum herum sind Symbole gruppiert, die für Leistungen der Krankenversicherung stehen.

Health care Health insurance

Health insurance ensures that everyone can receive treatment in the event of illness. Find out more about what health insurance covers in Germany and the differences between statutory and private health insurance providers.

Health insurance

Electronic medical data card – a patient hands over their electronic medical data card to the doctor’s receptionist. Electronic medical data card – a patient hands over their electronic medical data card to the doctor’s receptionist.

The electronic medical data card (eGK)

The electronic medical data card (eGK) can be used as proof of statutory health insurance cover for medical treatment. It also serves a number of other purposes. Read on to discover what these are.

Young students with study materials sit in a circle on the floor. Young students with study materials sit in a circle on the floor.

What health insurance is available to students?

Anyone who studies in Germany must have health insurance. There are various options available depending on students’ circumstances.

A person with a stethoscope stacking wooden blocks with medical symbols on them. A person with a stethoscope stacking wooden blocks with medical symbols on them.

Health insurance – security in the event of illness

If a person becomes ill, health insurance covers the costs of any necessary medical care. This page explains how the health insurance system works in Germany.

Older woman sitting on the edge of a bed. A young woman is standing next to her. She is combing the hair of the older woman, who is clearly a care recipient. Older woman sitting on the edge of a bed. A young woman is standing next to her. She is combing the hair of the older woman, who is clearly a care recipient.

Care benefits of statutory health insurance

Anyone who needs temporary care support or help at home can access it through their statutory health insurance fund. Find out more here about the benefits available and how to apply for them.

Two people examining documents for a co-payment exemption. Two people examining documents for a co-payment exemption.

Co-payments and exemption from co-payment

Co-payments have to be paid in the case of many statutory health insurance benefits. It is possible to get an exemption from this co-payment requirement in certain cases.

A man hands a prescription to a pharmacist. A man hands a prescription to a pharmacist.

Medication costs – insurance cover and co-payments

When a doctor prescribes medication for a patient, most of the cost is covered by the health insurance funds. Read on to find out what costs are covered and what has to be paid by patients themselves.

A woman handing a document to another woman A woman handing a document to another woman

Services and elective services in hospitals

Certain services are provided to all patients in hospital. In addition, there are extra, elective (i.e., optional) services that patients can avail of and that must be paid for.

A sick cert with a pack of pills in the foreground A sick cert with a pack of pills in the foreground

Sickness benefit: amount, duration and calculation

How can I claim sickness benefit? What do I need to know about claiming sickness benefit? This article provides an overview of useful information about sickness benefit.

A man researches information on a computer while an elderly lady looks over his shoulder inquisitively. A man researches information on a computer while an elderly lady looks over his shoulder inquisitively.

Switching health insurance provider

People with statutory health insurance are entitled to freely choose and switch their health insurance provider. But when is it worth switching? Read more about it here.

A man sits at a coffee table. He is holding a pen and filling in a form. A man sits at a coffee table. He is holding a pen and filling in a form.

Appealing a decision by a health insurance provider

Health insurance holders are entitled to lodge an appeal if their health insurance provider rejects a claim for benefits. Read on to find out which steps to follow and what to be aware of.