Say goodbye to poor health insurance: How to make the switch in Germany

KLforExpats, an English-speaking health insurance brokerage, shines some light on when you should switch German health insurance providers, and how to do it.

Unsatisfied with your health insurance? Are your monthly premiums too expensive or do you feel your coverage is insufficient? Maybe your circumstances and health preferences have changed, or perhaps you made a quick decision when you first arrived in Germany and want to explore alternative options now that you’ve had more time to settle in.

While looking for a new health insurance provider can seem daunting, with the right guidance, the process can be much smoother and hugely beneficial in the long run. This article not only helps you understand the requirements for cancelling your contract with your current provider but also aims to prevent you from making some common mistakes that might actually worsen your situation.

Unlike with car insurance, where you can frequently switch providers and chase lower prices year after year, health insurance – especially private health insurance – should be considered a lifelong decision. Switching should be carefully considered, as you may lose part of your ageing reserves in the public system when switching later in life, and needing a new medical assessment could lead to complications and higher surcharges.

Common reasons for switching health insurance providers

When should you consider switching health insurance providers in Germany and when might it be better to stick with your current coverage?

“I simply pay too much!”

Different providers offer various premiums and coverage options, so shopping around could lead to significant savings. This particularly applies if you’re currently publicly insured as a high-earning individual with no dependents, since monthly premiums in the private system aren’t calculated based on your income and therefore tend to be more affordable for high-earners than public health insurance premiums.

On the other hand, if you’re privately insured and expect to raise a family in Germany, public insurance might be the more cost-effective option.

“I just want better coverage”

In the public system, roughly 99 percent of the benefits are pre-defined by law and therefore standardised. However, private health insurance offers customisable options. Therefore, private insurers may provide better services, more comprehensive coverage, or additional benefits like alternative treatments, shorter appointment wait times, and access to a greater range of specialists.

“I’d love easy customer service in English”

If you’re unhappy with your current provider’s customer service - for example, if English-speaking customer service isn’t offered or if the claims process is lengthy and complex - switching might offer a better customer experience and save you a lot of time and frustration when dealing with your provider on an ongoing basis.

Of course, if you’re thinking about making the switch, there are a few things that you need to carefully think about first. For example, for those looking to switch between private providers or move from the public scheme into the private system, your age and health status at the time of switching need to be considered, as the cost of private premiums is affected by these factors.

How to switch health insurance providers

There are various ways to switch health insurance providers:

Option 1: Switching providers yourself

You can make the switch yourself, by following the below steps:

1. Eligibility: Check whether the minimum contract duration has already expired with your current provider.
2. Research: Compare different providers based on premiums, coverage, customer service, and additional benefits.
3. Application: Once you decide on a new provider, complete an application form. For private insurance, this will involve a detailed medical questionnaire.
4. Give notice: Send written notice of your intention to cancel to your provider within the required notice period (usually three months). You must also forward proof of your new insurance to your old provider within the notice period for the cancellation to be valid.
5. Confirmation: Ensure you receive confirmation from both your current and new provider regarding the switch.
6. Inform employer: If you’re employed, inform your employer about the change by forwarding the Arbeitgeberbescheinigungen you received from your provider to payroll so they can update their records and payroll deductions.

Option 2: Work with a health insurance expert

Another option is to work with an independent health insurance broker. An experienced broker will work with all the major insurance providers in Germany and can provide you with quotes from various providers based on your health needs, benefit preferences, and budget, so that you save time on research.

A good broker will also do the medical assessment for you upfront and negotiate final prices with potential providers so that there are no nasty surprises in the fine print when you sign your contract.

In addition, they will help you complete and submit your application, so you don’t have to lift a finger or deal with any paperwork. In Germany, brokers are free to work with, as determined by German law, so they are often the quickest and most economical option for those looking for a smooth switch.

Enhance your healthcare experience in Germany

Switching health insurance providers in Germany requires careful consideration and thorough research. Whether opting for public or private insurance, ensure the new provider aligns with your healthcare needs and financial situation.

By following these steps or working with an independent broker to help you make the switch, you can make informed decisions and enhance your healthcare experience in Germany.

KLforExpats is an English-speaking health insurance brokerage with 25 years of experience. The team specialises in finding the right health insurance provider for you by providing personalised advice, a fast and seamless service, and ongoing support throughout your entire stay in Germany, even after you’ve signed your health insurance contract. Best of all, their service is completely free!