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How to switch from Public Health Insurance to Private Health Insurance in Germany?

harsh.raiSeptember 9, 2022

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How to switch from Public Health Insurance to Private Health Insurance in Germany?

Health insurance is a necessity in Germany under the rules. Each month, you make a payment toward your health insurance, which also covers your medical expenses. Although public health insurance seems more appealing at first. But private health insurances are better in many ways. Now, if you took public health insurance and want to switch, we can help you. This article will guide you on, how to switch from Public Health Insurance to Private Health Insurance in Germany.

Public Health Insurance

In Germany, public health insurance covers around 90% of the population. Your money, not your health, determines the cost of public health insurance. Numerous public health insurers are available (Krankenkassen). Despite being non-profit organizations, they are not governed by the government. For all publicly funded health insurers, the costs and coverage are essentially the same.

Private Health Insurance

In contrast to public health insurance, private health insurance is based on the coverage you select, as well as your age and health upon enrollment. Private insurance can be significantly less expensive than public insurance if you are in good health and earn a lot of money because it does not take a percentage of your salary. It becomes even more affordable if you select a higher deductible (Selbstbeteiligung) or less advantageous coverage.

Your health insurance is partially covered by your job. If you work for yourself, you are responsible for paying the full cost. Because of this, freelancers must pay a high premium for health insurance.

Ways To Shift

The following are the main criteria under which you can switch with your insurance:

- If you work for a company, your yearly compensation cannot exceed 64,350 EUR.
- If you are self-employed or freelance, there is no chance.
- If you are a student and want to change jobs within three months of commencing your studies, you must locate a job that pays no more than 57,600 euros per year.
- Changes are very unlikely to be approved by statutory insurance if you are older than 55.
- If you are married and your spouse has public insurance, you could join the family insurance and end the private one if you are registered as unemployed and without income.

As we now know the key features of both public and private healthcare insurance, it is very easy to compare and comprehend. One can choose insurance according to the needs. To switch from Public Health Insurance to Private Health Insurance you need to meet its criteria. Still, the Public one is preferable as it has no criteria.