Is it true that Germany has a not so good health care system? What is the cause of this?

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Alwin E

Hi, I'm German.

In my opinion, Germany has one of the best health care systems in the world. When you have a regular job, it is the DUTY of the employer to register you with the local health insurance. There are no "plans" how an employer could esape that duty. (Except for some part-time, low-paid, or student jobs.)

When you're self-employed, like I am, you can opt out from state insurance and pay your health insurance on your own. But, if you're broke, every doctor and hospital in Germany is obliged to treat you when there's an emergency. They may send you their bill afterwards, and you may check with the authorities that, maybe, the state will pay for your medical treatment. This applies to German citizens ONLY, but even when you're a foreigner, you won't be left without emergency treatment.

Germans criticize their health care system most, mainly because prices for some things that used to be free when you're with state insurance have been raised during the last few years. Like, that you have to pay ten euros (!!!) every three months to see you doctor; prescription medicine is not as free any longer as it used to be; and there are more options now which doctor to choose.

And dental treatment and glasses have NEVER been free in Germany. Believe me, as I'm German, and these are the two weaknesses of my body. But the insurance still pays, well: A couple euros.

But the state insurance pays for heavy cancer treatment, which I know from a relative of mine, who gladly seems to have overcome her attack of leukemia. Hospital bill: nil. The insurance payed everything, even the most expensive treatment. And she feels happy now.

Sure, if you want "special treatment", like homeopathy, Chinese or Ayurvedic medicine, or a spiritual healer, this won't be covered by standard insurance. But it's good to have standard insurance at all.

Dratini G

i guess you are again the same US american..

why do you keep spamming your senseless crap?
i think you need serious help

btw: the health care is compared to the US american perfect

germannurse23

The German Health System is one of the best in the world.
Everybody has health insurance and therefore will get treatment in hospitals and doctor's offices.

The American Health System sucks big time!

Best wishes to the Sheeo Boy, hope you feel better anytime soon.

Whiteout Alaskan Malamutes

I totally agree with Alwin E, further more Germans have easy accessibility to high tech medicine and treatment WITHOUT having to be privately insured. In my last job I often had to make appointment for patents (used to work in an orthopediac surgery) with back pain , knee probl ect. I usually got an appointment for an MRI withing 3-4 days.

snowbunny

germany has the almost like the best health care system!!! u autom. have it and when u need to see a doc or worser....

Uncle Sam's sonÂ®

of course the reperations payment we pushed them to pay us now

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