Germany has a comprehensive state healthcare system. Up to 17.3% of the population take out additional private health insurance, which provides supplementary benefits in excess of the state entitlements.
For those earning in excess of approximately DM3,700 per month, the option to opt out of the state social security system exist. About 11% of the population have elected this route. So higher earning expatriates would have the option to opt out of the state healthcare system.
Tick-borne encephalitis is present in forested areas of southern Germany. Vaccination is advisable. HIV testing is required for foreigners staying more than 180 days in Bavaria. Foreign tests are not accepted.
Rabies is present; look out for 'Tollwut' signs. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay.
Health care: There is a reciprocal health agreement with the UK. On presentation of the form E111 (obtainable from post offices in the UK), UK citizens are entitled to free medical and dental treatment. Prescribed medicines may, in some cases, have to be paid for.
The cost of treatment in public hospitals (on referral from a doctor, unless in emergencies) is covered by public health authorities, except for a small daily charge from the start of hospital treatment up to a maximum of 14 days. Private insurance is recommended for specialist medical treatment outside the German National Health Service, which can be very expensive. Surgery hours are generally 1000-1200 and 1600-1800 (not Wednesday afternoon, Saturday or Sunday). The emergency telephone number is 112; additionally, there is an emergency call-out service out of surgery hours (1800-0700). Chemists are open Mon-Fri 0900-1800, Sat 0900-1200. All chemists give alternative addresses of services available outside the normal opening hours.
There are 350 officially recognised medical spas and watering places with modern equipment providing therapeutic treatment and recreational facilities for visitors seeking rest and relaxation. A list of the spas and health resorts and various treatments can be ordered from the German National Tourist Office, or directly from Deutscher Heilbäderverband e.V. (German Spas Association), Schumannstrasse 111, 53113 Bonn (tel: (228) 201 200; fax: (228) 201 2041; e-mail: info@dhv-bonn.de; German National Tourist Office Website.
Globalsurance is an independent Worldwide Health Insurance Advisor. If you are an expat living in Germany or have plans to live or move to Germany we can give you independent advice or a range of free Health Insurance Quotes; click for Free Advice and Quotes.
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