Index

Almost all citizens in Germany have health insurance, whether as a compulsory member of the statutory health insurance scheme (90 percent) or a private health insurance scheme (10 percent). The health insurance companies cover the cost of medical treatment, medication, hospitalization and preventive health care. Contributions to the health insurance scheme are made by employees and employers. Non-employed family members of those in a compulsory health insurance scheme do not pay any contributions.

Long-term care insurance was introduced in 1995 as the “fifth pillar” of the social insurance system. The compulsory insurance is financed by equal contributions by employers and employees.