THE MEDICAL CARE SYSTEM IN GERMANY.

Germany offers the best quality medical care system in Europe. On the 2018 Euro Health Consumer Index, it is ranked 12th. As the care system is funded by statutory contributions, it ensures free medical care for people.

Through public health insurance in Germany, residents have the right of entry into the medical care system. Those who aren’t residents in Germany can seek private insurance to access the medical care system while the temporary residents would have to pay for treatments.

THE COST OF MEDICAL TREATMENTS.

The cost of medical treatments in Germany is competitive. It is not the cheapest, also not the most expensive either. The cost of treatment may differ, subject to the required medical needs.

FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE MEDICAL CARE SYSTEM.

1. The pharmacies are open 9 am-12 pm on Saturdays and 9 am-6 pm from Monday to Friday. Always ensure to enquire information from the doctor or pharmacist, about the drugs you are getting from them since in most cases, medications don’t come with dosage instructions.
2. There are three kinds of hospitals in Germany. The private hospitals, the public hospitals – run by local and regional authorities, and finally, the voluntary hospitals, which do not really make sales. They are usually run by the German Red Cross or churches.
3. In Germany, it is legal for doctors to give information to patients about the treatment they will receive. This is also a chance for patients to ask their bothering questions. Before giving treatments, patients are to sign consent forms.
4. The hospitals in Germany offer efficient services as they attend to patients appropriately with operative treatments, which can help patients save time and money.
5. German doctors take medical laws strictly. They are honest and respectful towards the patients. They tend to tell patients the truth and never hide information, even if it means giving bad news about a diagnosis.
6. To opt into the private healthcare insurance in Germany, you have to be self-employed, working part-time, a civil servant, an artist, or an employee earning more than 57,600 pounds.
7. In the women’s healthcare, gynecologists are there to care and support pregnant women and see to sexual health matters and other women’s health issues. Also, statutory insurance cover all maternity costs, except for private insurers who choose not to be covered.
8. If you have state insurance, you are to pay for your treatments as some doctors in Germany treat private patients.
9. As a patient, you are free to choose your own doctor. It will also do you well if you are fluent in German as many doctors speak Basic English.
10. Vaccinations for children in Germany are free. Also, for children under the age of 18, public health insurance covers the finances. If you want as a parent, you are free and it is free to choose a pediatrician for your child as, until the age of 18, pediatricians provides medical care for your child.