Services: statutory health insurance and private health insurance
If you want to compare statutory health insurance with private health insurance, it is not that easy to do. The financing and functioning of the two insurance systems are too different. Ultimately, in both cases it is about the benefits, about adequate insurance cover. At the end of therapy, legally and privately insured patients must be healthy again.
Insurance experts have in Investigations found that well over two thirds of the top rates in private health insurance do not come close to the standard of the statutory health insurance companies.
Statutory health insurance and private health insurance - two systems
Sometimes there is even the situation that private insurance does more than statutory insurance Health insurance, however, it does not cover other important standard services at all.
- For example, statutory health insurance pays for so-called follow-up treatment. Privately insured people cannot easily take advantage of rehabilitation measures after a hospital stay.
- From the point of view of politics, it would therefore be advisable to provide all insurers with certain minimum criteria and standards for their services.
- Even if the criticism of private health insurance may appear justified, the statutory health insurance itself cannot actually serve as a reference.
- After all, the coffers are not financed sustainably. Insurance costs for employees and especially for the younger generation are and will remain high. Insurance coverage is not always optimal. Politicians can decide on further cuts at any time.
- Of the Association the private health insurer points out that around 80 percent of the private health insurance tariffs contain higher benefits than the statutory health insurance. For example, this applies to dentures, glasses, health insurance abroad, over-the-counter medicines and, in general, to the remuneration of medical services without budget restrictions.
- In addition, privately insured persons can choose which services are important to them. Private insurers have long been struggling with rising health costs. More and more privately insured people can no longer pay higher contributions.
Health insurance is compulsory in Germany. Either you are a member of a ...
Performance in comparison
If you only look at the performance of the two insurance systems, the statutory health insurance funds are not doing so badly.
- Statutory health insurance is the best choice not only for families, but also for old age. The free co-insurance of income-free spouses and children is an advantage. In the event of a longer illness, the obligation to pay contributions does not apply.
- There is also Sick pay in the event of incapacity for work and possibly also in the event of a child's illness. Contributions are calculated based on income. Those who earn little only pay a small contribution.
- Anyone who does not earn anything temporarily or due to illness will continue to be insured free of charge. No one can refuse health insurances despite previous illnesses. Billing takes place via the insurance card, there is no advance payment.
- With private health insurance, the services are based on the respective tariffs. A contribution is assigned to each tariff.
- There is no family insurance. Everyone needs their own contract. Despite a long illness, there is an obligation to pay contributions. Sick pay must be insured separately.
- Even if you earn less, you still pay the same with the private sector. If you have pre-existing conditions, you have to expect risk surcharges.
- When you go to the doctor, you are his billing partner. If the insurer does not pay immediately, you have to pay in advance. If he even rejects treatment costs, you will be left with the costs.
There are quite a few privately insured people who wish to return to the solidarity community in old age. A large part of the pension goes towards the contribution to the private health insurance. Due to the sharp rise in premiums, the available pension continues to decrease.