As a German citizen, it’s crucial to understand the differences between statutory health insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung, GKV) and private health insurance (Private Krankenversicherung, PKV), especially when planning to travel abroad. While GKV covers basic medical care overseas, PKV often provides more comprehensive services. In both cases, additional travel health insurance can be a wise choice.
GKV vs. PKV: Key Differences GKV offers basic medical care in EU countries and countries with a social security agreement, typically covering emergency treatments but may include co-payments and deductibles. PKV often extends more services, such as covering higher costs or additional services, but this varies by contract. For more information on GKV, visit the official website of the Statutory Health Insurance.
Why Travel Health Insurance is Important Travel health insurance supplements your existing health insurance by covering costs not included in GKV or PKV. This includes, for example, repatriation costs in case of illness, which are not covered by GKV or the basic coverage of PKV. A helpful guide to travel health insurance can be found on the website of the Federal Foreign Office.
Within the EU In EU countries, GKV provides basic coverage, but there can be additional costs beyond the usual self-participation. Travel health insurance can fill this gap.
Outside the EU in Similar Time Zones In countries outside the EU, but in similar time zones, medical care can be more expensive, and GKV may not cover all costs. Here, travel health insurance is particularly important.
Example Calculation Imagine you, as a GKV-insured traveler, need emergency treatment in an EU country costing 1,000 euros. GKV might cover 70% of the costs, meaning you would have to pay 300 euros yourself. With travel health insurance, this amount could be covered.
Hidden Gems In every travel destination, there are “Hidden Gems” – places off the beaten tourist paths. Good travel health insurance gives you the confidence to explore such places.
Conclusion Travel health insurance offers additional security and can significantly reduce financial burdens in case of illness abroad. It’s advisable to check the specific conditions of your health insurance and consider additional travel health insurance if necessary.
