HomeHealth insurance in GermanyBasic information about the German health systemStatutory or private health insurance? Differences and advantagesVoluntary insurance: when is private cover an option and what are the risks?
Voluntary insurance: when is private cover an option and what are the risks?
Employees who are voluntarily insured may switch from statutory to private health insurance. The self-employed and freelancers can generally choose between the 2 systems. But what does this choice actually mean and what are the long-term consequences?
In principle, employees are required to have statutory health insurance. However, if their regular annual income exceeds the insurance threshold in the current and following year, their insurance status changes. These employees become "voluntarily insured" or "freiwillig versichert" in German. The threshold for 2026 is 77,400 EUR.Many private health funds attract young and healthy high earners with low entry premiums, a "tailored" (reduced) range of services in freely selectable plans, or an allegedly desirable special status as a private patient. However, a closer look quickly reveals that these supposed advantages come with significant risks. Private cover and the self-employed Wrong choice? Long-lasting effects!Opting for private cover offering a limited range of benefits with a large deductible might not seem like a bad idea in your mid-30s. However, can you predict what medical services you will need later on? Choosing the "wrong" private insurance plan can result in considerable financial problems: Opting for a basic plan with lower contributions can lead to reduced coverage. That means, if you fall ill . More comprehensive plans with better services are significantly more expensive.With private health cover, certain pre-existing conditions can mean you are either refused coverage or have to pay a considerable surcharge.If an insurance claim occurs, the private health insurance may not fully reimburse all services, leaving you to bear the costs either in part or full. Private health insurance: a decision for life
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