Refugees from Ukraine have the opportunity to take advantage of free health insurance in Germany. However, German healthcare has certain drawbacks that can be significant for Ukrainians. Learn more about how to ensure access to doctors

An insurance policy is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside of Ukraine

BUY

There are currently more than a million Ukrainian refugees in Germany, and all of them have access to the local medical system. Since EU healthcare is quite different from Ukrainian healthcare, refugees often have mixed experiences. Germany is no exception. Here are some of the negative aspects of the medical system that Ukrainians cannot get used to.

European Health Insurance Card. Read here how to get preferential medical care in the EU countries.

Public health insurance

Every person legally residing in the country receives state insurance. It is covered by monthly deductions from the salary even if there were no visits to doctors. In fact, the insurance premium is paid in any case, so those who depend on government benefits and do not work (for example, refugees) are also insured. 

It should be added that the insurance covers all family members of an employed person. 

The main disadvantages of the German medical system

Ukrainians have been able to experience all aspects of life abroad, including the healthcare sector. Seeing the difference, our fellow citizens have identified the points that cause the greatest dissatisfaction - read about them below.

The main challenge that Germany currently faces is the lack of doctors. This causes long waiting lists and a long process from the first symptoms to surgery. 

You can get to a doctor of a narrow specialty only with a referral from a general practitioner. So, you need to wait for a consultation with at least two specialists.

It should be added that despite the availability of high-quality and modern equipment, the country lacks specialists who can use it. This creates a vicious circle that slows down the process of diagnosis and treatment. 

Ukrainians also complain about the requirement of medical institutions to come to a visit with an interpreter - without one, they refuse to consult. Doctors argue that communication through an online translator takes a lot of time, and the translation of medical terms can be incorrect, which can harm the patient.

We are also not used to patients being examined very quickly. This approach leaves the impression of indifference to human health. Also, potentially dangerous symptoms, such as cough, runny nose or fever, are not a concern for doctors.

Remember that state insurance does not cover all medical services. In particular, dentistry is partially covered, while cosmetology and specific vaccinations are not covered at all. 

Medicines for children under 12 years of age are paid for by the state, but for adults there are restrictions. The cost should not exceed 10 euros per drug. Free medicines can be obtained only with a prescription that is red - it will provide partial coverage of the cost. If the prescription is green, you have to pay the full cost of the medicine.

Are there any advantages of the German medical system for Ukrainians?

Germany treats serious and rare diseases, such as oncology, for free. It is also possible to rent medical equipment, such as wheelchairs, crutches, etc., for 10 euros per day.

How to ensure access to doctors?

In order to receive the medical services to which we are accustomed, we recommend taking out private health insurance. You can do this online in a few clicks here. You can use the policy in any country in the world (except russia) and in Ukraine.

Advantages of a private insurance policy:

- the ability to visit a doctor at any medical institution in the country of residence;

- access to a remote consultation with a Ukrainian doctor;

- round-the-clock online support with Ukrainian-speaking consultants who will advise on an action plan in case of illness or injury.

The policy also covers standard cases: emergencies, transportation to a medical facility, outpatient and inpatient care. At the same time, the coverage can be expanded by adding other services, such as dentistry or reimbursement of the cost of medicines. 

With an insurance policy, you will avoid long queues, receive guaranteed insurance payments and the level of medical services you are used to in Ukraine.

We would like to remind you that Ukrainians can apply for health insurance online even abroad. How to do it? Find out at the link.