Healthcare is a crucial aspect when it comes to moving to a new country – be it for work, study or travelling. For people from China coming to Germany, there are some important differences and cultural peculiarities in the German healthcare system. In this blog post, we look at the key differences between the German and Chinese healthcare systems and give tips on how foreigners can prepare for them.
1. The insurance system: obligation and diversity in Germany
One striking difference between Germany and China is the insurance system. In Germany, health insurance is compulsory, which means that everyone must have health insurance.
There are two main types of health insurance: statutory health insurance (GKV) and private health insurance (PKV). Over 85% of the German population is covered by statutory health insurance.
With the ISHCP TARIF, the IHC Company guarantees very good health insurance cover for international scholarship holders, for example, but also for foreign students, doctoral students, visiting academics, prize winners and language students who stay in Germany for up to four years and have a permanent residence outside Germany. Important: Psychological and psychiatric treatments are excluded.
The ISHCP-STT TARIF is recommended for all international academics who are in Germany for a short time and require short-term health insurance. The following also applies here: Psychological and psychiatric treatments are excluded.
In cooperation with AXA Krankenversicherung AG, the FLEXMED GLOBAL IMPAT TARIFF offers first-class health insurance cover and is the customised tariff for foreign scholarship holders of the Max Planck Society for the Advancement of Science, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and THE NEW INSTITUTE gGmbH as well as other scholarship providers based in Germany.
How foreigners can prepare themselves:
- Find out about insurance options in Germany early on and take out health insurance before you arrive. Statutory insurance offers comprehensive cover and is a good choice for most people.
2. Doctor visits and treatment procedures
In Germany, GPs are usually the first point of contact when you are ill. They act as ‘gatekeepers’ and refer patients to specialists if necessary. Seeing a specialist without a referral is rather unusual and can lead to longer waiting times. In China, on the other hand, it is often common to consult a specialist directly at the hospital without consulting a general practitioner first.
Another cultural difference is the scope of preventive medical check-ups. In Germany, great emphasis is placed on prevention and many preventive check-ups are covered by health insurance. Regular health check-ups and early detection measures are an integral part of the system. In China, this is less institutionalised and screening is often less systematic.
How foreigners can prepare for this:
- Make an appointment with your family doctor well in advance and plan for longer waiting times with specialists.
- Take advantage of the preventive programmes offered in Germany. Regular check-ups can help to recognise illnesses at an early stage.
3. Distribution of medication: pharmacies in Germany
In Germany, pharmacies play a central role in the distribution of medicines. Many medicines that are freely available in China require a prescription in Germany. In order to obtain a prescription, a doctor must first be consulted. In China, on the other hand, many medicines are freely available in pharmacies and self-medication is widespread.
Another difference is that homeopathic and herbal medicines are popular in Germany and are often prescribed as a complementary therapy. While Western medicine dominates in China, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) also plays an important role and is offered in many hospitals.
How foreigners can prepare for this:
- Make sure you bring sufficient supplies of any special medication you need on a regular basis, especially if it requires a prescription in Germany.
- Seek advice from your GP about medication options and find out about alternative treatments if these are of interest to you.
4. Communication with doctors: language and cultural barriers
Communicating with medical staff can be a challenge, especially if there are language barriers. In Germany, German is the main language in doctors’ surgeries and hospitals, and not all doctors are fluent in English or other languages. In China, on the other hand, some doctors in urban hospitals can speak English well, especially in internationally orientated hospitals.
Cultural expectations of how to treat patients can also differ. In Germany, doctors often emphasise patient education and personal responsibility. Patients are expected to be well informed and actively make decisions about their treatment. In China, on the other hand, the relationship with the doctor is often more characterised by hierarchy and more trust is placed in the doctor’s decision.
How foreigners can prepare themselves:
- If you don’t speak German, it may make sense to choose a health insurance company that offers a translation service.
- Be prepared to be actively involved in the decision-making process and make sure you understand all medical information before agreeing to treatments.
Conclusion
The German healthcare system offers comprehensive medical care and places great emphasis on prevention and patient education. For people from China, the differences in the insurance system, treatment procedures and medication administration can be unfamiliar at first. Early preparation, such as taking out health insurance and familiarising yourself with the procedures in the German healthcare system, can help you to familiarise yourself with the system more quickly. Cultural differences in doctor-patient communication and the role of check-ups should also be taken into account in order to get the best out of the German healthcare system.
