Health insurance in Germany is mandatory and therefore a requirement in order to be granted a visa of any kind in Germany. That holds true for a short-term stay, for working in Germany for a few years and to move to Germany for good.
Private health insurance gives you better coverage than public health insurance and it can often be significantly cheaper. However, the law clearly dictates who is allowed to join in and who is not and just like public health insurance, there are pros and cons to adequately weigh against each other.
Public health insurance funds only cover a small proportion of the costs for dental treatment and dentures. They pay the “standard treatment” with a fixed rate of 50% and you have to pay for all additional services yourself (through bonus programs, you can get more percentages). Dental supplementary insurance fills that and other gaps, by reimbursing you more money and getting you better treatment, better materials, etc.
Public health insurance is a one-size-fits-all deal but you do have the opportunity to adjust your coverage through private supplementary health insurances. You can, for example, top up your dental care privately, whilst still enjoying the benefits of public health insurance.
The vast majority of people in Germany are insured in the public health (also called statutory health insurance) insurance system, often by choice but also simply because the law dictates so. Public health insurance ensures access to healthcare services for everyone, but can sometimes be incredibly expensive and sluggish.
The Künstlersozialkasse (KSK) is a unique social security institution in Germany that provides artists and publicists with access to health, pension, and long-term care insurance. It addresses the specific needs of freelance artists and publicists, acknowledging the irregular income and unique challenges faced in these professions.
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