Cultural characteristics of German healthcare: Differences to the healthcare system in Brazil and how foreigners can prepare.

Germany has a highly developed healthcare system, but it can seem complex to foreigners, especially those from Brazil. In this article, we highlight the main differences between the German and Brazilian healthcare systems and show how foreigners can best prepare themselves. We also present the customized insurance offers of the International HealthCare Company S.A. (IHCC), which are specially tailored to the needs of international students, scholarship holders and visiting academics.

Fundamental differences between the healthcare systems

Germany: Dual system of statutory and private health insurance

  • Statutory health insurance (GKV): Compulsory insurance for employees with an income below a certain limit. Contributions are based on income and are shared between employer and employee.
  • Private health insurance (PKV): Anyone can take out private insurance, although it is often more attractive for the self-employed, civil servants and high earners. Contributions are based on individual factors such as age and state of health.

Brazil: Public system with private supplements

  • Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS): Publicly financed healthcare system open to all citizens and foreigners. However, there are often long waiting times due to a lack of resources.
  • Private health insurance: Many Brazilians use private insurance or pay directly for treatment in private clinics in order to receive better and faster care.

Cultural differences in medical care

Choice of doctor and making appointments

  • Germany: Appointments with specialists often have to be made weeks or months in advance. GPs act as the first point of contact and coordinate referrals to specialists.
  • Brazil: In the private sector, access to specialists is often faster, while longer waiting times are common in the public system.

Treatment and medication

In Germany, many medications require a prescription, whereas in Brazil, numerous drugs are available without a prescription.

Challenges for foreigners in the German healthcare system

  • Language barrier: Not all medical professionals speak English; medical terminology can be difficult to understand.
  • Bureaucracy: Registering for health insurance can be complex, especially for the self-employed or expatriates.
  • Cost of private treatment: Without insurance or when using additional private services, costs can be high.

Preparation tips for Brazilians

  • Clarify health insurance early on: Before entering the country, you should clarify whether statutory or private insurance is required.
  • Learn basic medical terms in German: This makes it easier to communicate with doctors and pharmacists.
  • Make appointments early: If you need to see a specialist, appointments should be scheduled well in advance.
  • Find a family doctor: It is advisable to register with a family doctor nearby.
  • Know emergency care: In an emergency, you can go directly to a hospital or contact the medical on-call service on 116 117.

IHCC’s customized insurance offers

The International HealthCare Company S.A. (IHCC) offers health insurance policies that are specially tailored to the needs of foreign scholarship holders, award winners, visiting academics, doctoral students, students and language students in Germany. The main products include:

  • International Science HealthCare Plan (ISHCP Tarif): For stays of up to 48 months, suitable for scholarship holders, students, visiting scientists, language students and doctoral candidates. Contributions from EUR 60.00 per month.
  • Short Term Travel HealthCare Plan (ISHCP-STT Tarif): For short stays of up to 92 days, ideal for foreign guests and short-term visitors. Premiums from EUR 1.90 per day.
  • FlexMed Global Impat Tarif: Especially for foreign scholarship holders from organizations such as the Max Planck Society or the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. Term from 3 to 60 months, e.g. from EUR 188.86 per month for 20-year-olds.

Advantages of insurance with IHCC:

  • Customized rates: Specially developed for the needs of international students, scholarship holders and visiting academics.
  • No health check in the FlexMed Global Impat Tarif: Pre-existing conditions are directly covered.
  • Comprehensive insurance cover: Including additional benefits such as personal liability insurance.
  • Flexibility: Offers for short and long-term stays with different terms and contribution models.
  • Experienced provider: Specialized in insuring international guests in Germany since 2003.

The German healthcare system offers high-quality but complex care, which can be a change for Brazilians, for example. IHCC offers tailor-made tariffs for international students, researchers and visiting academics, providing easy access to medical care in Germany. With flexible terms and English-language support, IHCC facilitates the transition to the German healthcare system and ensures that you are optimally covered during your stay in Germany. We would be happy to advise you in detail, please contact us.

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