Question

The statements below attempt to describe different aspects or features of the German healthcare system. Which of these statements is correct?

a) In spite of the mandatory requirement in modern Germany for all citizens to have health insurance, the number of uninsured in this country is still around 200,000.

b) Privately insured citizens in Germany tend to be sicker than citizens insured under the government plans, because when people develop a serious health problem, they tend to switch to private insurance to seek better quality of care.

c) German citizens can freely choose between several types of government insurance (sickness funds) or private insurance without penalties. The only factor that matters is their ability to pay premiums.

d) Capitated (per insured) payments to sickness funds in Germany are uniform across the population.

e) If a person covered by private health insurance in Germany develops an expensive chronic condition, the insurer will not have the right to adjust premiums in accordance with the changed risk.

Answer 1

• Option a is the answer.
• In spite of the mandatory requirement in modern Germany for all citizens to have health insurance, the number of uninsured is still around 2,00,000.
• The compulsory insurance schemes in Germany are mandatory for employers and their families, and students and people on job training. Even though it is a mandatory requirement to have insurance, all sections of people residing in the country is not coming under this category. The Self employed people can choose an insurance scheme as per their income and ability to pay. Some people think that insuring is waste of money and need not to buy an insurance plan. This way the country is having many people uninsured.