Do I need to take out health insurance in Germany?

Question

Hello,

I'm English and I'm currently doing a 5-month voluntary work placement in Germany. I did a 6-month work placement in Germany about 2 years ago, but that was a compulsory placement (it was part of my university course in England). My employer at the time accepted my European Health Insurance Card as proof of being insured, but my current employer has told me I need to take out health insurance in Germany, as this is a voluntary work placement. If it were a compulsory placement, my EHIC would be fine. Does anyone know if it's true that I need German health insurance? Thank you for any help.

Answer 1

You going to need private insurance. Something that the AOK does not offer to non citizens of Germany. You will need to get a "private Krankenversicherung" which can be obtained by Debeka or Sparkasse versicherungen. those are the two that come to mind. Remember Germany is more of a social welfare state. Insurance like the AOK are state regulated ( gesetzlichen Krankenversicherung)  they can only insure certian people, and their premiums are also regulated by the government.  Your employer is right, because it's volutary work, EHIC will not cover you. For this experience.

here is also a website that allows you to compare private insurances.

http://www.versicherungvergleich.info/

Answer 2

Go to the AOK website:

http://www.aok-bv.de/theaok/index.html

It's sort of a German version of the NHS, not a private insurance company - that means it's more or less the cheapest option.

In this section, they describe things for foreign students (studying, not working; but maybe there's still some info for you):

http://www.aok-bv.de/service_eng/foreign...

If that doesn't help, e-mail them and explain your situation - maybe they have some advice for you, or can tell you if you need insurance at all, or can tell you how much insurance cover would be etc.

In addition, I see no harm in contacting the NHS and ask them the same question, i. e. do you need a German insurance in your specific circumstances.

Answer 3

It is advisable that you cantact your employer for right type of insurance. Please read the contents carefully as some diseases are not covered by some Insurance companies. Pls check for Cash less option and in case of emergency SOS # of Germany should be there with you handy. Also Pay the amount of Insurance thru bankers chq. or Credit card.

Answer 4

Are you getting paid during your "5-month voluntary work placement in Germany"? If yes, how much? If there is any kind of  money involved the company is required to ask for your German social security details, they cannot get around it and neither can you.

The DWP has a guide to working abroad, check it out.

Answer 5

Additional insurance over and above your EHIC (E111) card would be a good idea anyway to speed up help and perhaps pay some compensation.

I'm surprised that your new employer insists on it. I can't see that whether you're voluntary or compulsory makes any difference to them if you're taken sick.

You could try asking the employer exactly why they want you to do this and what they expect to get from it themselves. Check that they fully understand the EHIC; it's possible that there is a clerk who doesn't understand that is dealing with your application.

Answer 6

If I'd go to Britain and do a work placement there i'd buy a travel insurance for six months in Germany. I know when u are American and go overseas u are either covered by ur current American insurance or u can do a buy a plan for a overseas insurance. Britain should have something like this too. Actually when i think about it when I used to go to London I was always covered by my German insurance only for the USA I had to buy a travel insurance. If u'd buy a insurance in Germany it could get ridiculously expensive for u. So check with ur British insurance and see if u are covered for the time u in Germany and if not what options do u have. I dont think ur current employer is up to date as we are all members of the EU u shouldnt have to buy a insurance in Germany at all.

just read something about an inside EU agreement about Health plans. Check it out:

Answer 7

When you're a student, I think your employer is wrong. However, you should turn to the AOK anyway. They run students' offices in bigger cities; but even if the town where you are doesn't have a students' office, go there and have a talk with them. They know the laws better than the employers. And go to the AOK, and _only_ the AOK for that purpose! Private insurers  will always tell you that your EHIC isn't valid, as they want to insure you, of course.

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edit:

"erring on the side of caution", yes, you said what my poor English wouldn't allow me to, but that's what I meant. I was a student once and took a semester off to earn money, and my employer wouldn't believe me that I'm officially allowed to work more than 20 hrs/week and still keep "student status".

But I don't complain about German bureaucracy. Can be worse in other countries, especially when you're a stranger.

Good luck!

(Corrected a grammatical flaw above, too.)

Answer 8

if you are working and getting paid for it you must be insured. your employer has to do this. the health system differs greatly in germany as laws also. the main bulk of contributions has to be paid by your employer. you also will have to pay (indirectly) to the AOK or similar establishment. (deduction on your wage slip) YOU MUST BE INSURED !! accidents do happen !