Job Discussion Forums

[klasickkitty]

Hi,

I am living in Germany and before I left the States I purchased an international health insurance policy for one year through Travel Gaurd. It pretty much covers everything including regular docotr visits. Do you know if I still have to pay a hefty sum into the German health insurance system if I have my own coverage? Is this just a general fund that folks pay into whether or not you have your own private policy? Please, school me on this subject. Thanks.

[longtimeteach]

Hello KK,

You don't need to pay into the German health insurance system. Having health insurance in Germany is the same as having it in the US in that you pay a monthly premium for health coverage.

If you've got coverage now you don't need more. Once that expires then you can decide if you want to buy German health insurance or continue with TravelGuard. That would depend on the cost difference as well as how long you intended to live here in Germany.

Hope that helps.
Cheers!

[longtimeteach]

I just read on another board about two insurance companies in the UK which offer much more reasonably priced health insurance for people living out of their home country.

Check these out, get a quote and see if you can improve your balance sheet.

http://www.axappphealthcare.co.uk/index.html

http://www.bupa-intl.com/home/index.asp