A healthcare system always reflects the cultural and social values of a country. For people from India who come to Germany, there are important differences in the way medical care is organised and delivered. The German healthcare system differs fundamentally from that in India in many areas, be it in terms of structure, access to healthcare or the role of health insurance. In this article, we take a look at the cultural characteristics of the German healthcare system, how it differs from India and give tips on how foreigners can prepare for it.
1. Insurance system: Germany vs India
One of the most obvious differences between Germany and India is the health insurance system. In Germany, health insurance is compulsory. Everyone who lives or works in Germany must have either statutory or private health insurance. Health insurance covers the majority of treatment costs and ensures that everyone has access to basic medical care.
In India, on the other hand, the health insurance system is less comprehensive and not compulsory. Although there are state health programmes, the majority of the population is not comprehensively insured. Many people pay out of pocket for medical treatment, and private health insurance is often expensive and not accessible to everyone. Government care, especially in rural areas, is often overburdened and of inadequate quality, which is why many people who can afford it use private healthcare services.
How foreigners can prepare:
- Find out in advance about the legal requirements for health insurance in Germany. As an employee, you are usually automatically included in the statutory health insurance scheme.
- If you are planning to study or become self-employed, make sure you choose the right insurance option – the IHC Company, for example, offers very good health insurance cover options for international students and scholarship holders with its ISHCP TARIF and ISHCP-STT TARIF tariffs, as well as for foreign award winners, doctoral students, visiting academics and language students. Further information on the various tariffs can be found here on the website.
2. Structure of the healthcare system: public vs. private care
In India, a public and a private healthcare system exist side by side. The public hospitals often offer medical care at very low cost or even free of charge, but this often suffers from a lack of staff, insufficient resources and long waiting times. Although the private healthcare system in India is of a higher quality, it is also significantly more expensive and in many cases unaffordable for the average citizen.
Germany, on the other hand, offers comprehensive care through the statutory health insurance system, which covers the majority of the population. Public and private hospitals provide high-quality care, and the dual insurance system – statutory health insurance (SHI) and private health insurance (PHI) – guarantees that patients receive relatively consistent medical care, regardless of whether they have statutory or private insurance.
How foreigners can prepare themselves:
- In Germany, there is not a huge gap between public and private care in terms of quality. Statutory health insurance guarantees you access to high-quality healthcare.
- If you have special requirements or would like to benefit from better private services, find out about private health insurance – the IHC Company offers a good selection with its ISHCP TARIF and ISHCP-STT TARIF tariffs for international students, scholarship holders, foreign award winners, doctoral students, visiting academics and language students.
3. Doctor’s visits and referrals
The family doctor model is widespread in Germany. This means that the family doctor is usually the first point of contact for all health problems. The GP coordinates medical care and refers patients to specialists if necessary. Seeing a specialist without a referral is unusual and is often not covered by health insurance.
This model does not exist in the same form in India. Patients can often see specialists directly and access to medical care is organised more flexibly. In urban areas there are many private clinics and specialists, while in rural areas the lack of medical staff and facilities is a challenge.
How foreigners can prepare themselves:
- In Germany, in most cases you will need to see a family doctor first. Familiarise yourself with this concept and find a GP in your area well in advance.
- Plan for longer waiting times with specialists, especially when it comes to non-urgent medical matters.
4. Costs and financial security
In Germany, treatment costs are largely covered by health insurance. Only small co-payments are incurred, for example for prescription drugs, hospitalisation or certain dental services. Compared to India, the costs for visits to the doctor and hospitalisation are highly regulated and predictable. In India, on the other hand, the cost of medical treatment can vary greatly depending on whether you use public or private healthcare services. In private clinics, the cost of surgery and other medical services can be exorbitantly high, while government healthcare is often significantly cheaper but less reliable.
How foreigners can prepare themselves:
- Expect health insurance in Germany to cover most of your medical costs. Co-payments usually remain manageable.
- If you are privately insured, check the terms and conditions of your insurance to ensure that all necessary services are covered.
5. Medication administration and self-medication
In India, self-medication is widespread and many medicines are available without a prescription. Pharmacies also often sell prescription drugs without a doctor’s prescription, and many people use this flexibility to self-medicate. This practice is particularly common in rural areas where access to doctors is limited.
In Germany, on the other hand, many medicines that are freely available in India require a prescription. In order to obtain a prescription medicine, a doctor must usually be consulted. Pharmacies only dispense medicines with a prescription and self-medication is less encouraged.
How foreigners can prepare themselves:
- Be prepared that you will need a doctor’s prescription for many medications in Germany. If necessary, bring medication that you take regularly with you from India until you receive a new prescription here.
- Check with a doctor before taking any medication to make sure it is suitable for you.
6. Communication and cultural differences
Communication between doctors and patients can be different in Germany than in India. In Germany, a lot of emphasis is placed on patient education and personal responsibility. Doctors take the time to explain diagnoses and treatment options in detail and the patient is expected to be actively involved in the decision-making process.
In India, visits to the doctor are often short and limited to the essentials, especially in public facilities where patient traffic is high. In many cases, patients trust the doctor’s expertise without asking too many questions.
How foreigners can prepare themselves:
- Be prepared to have in-depth conversations with your doctor in Germany. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and understand the options before making a decision.
- If you are not fluent in German, consider finding a doctor who speaks English or if you need translation assistance.
Conclusion
The German healthcare system differs from that in India in many respects. Compulsory health insurance, structured care by general practitioners and regulated access to medicines offer many people a level of financial and medical security that is not always guaranteed in the Indian system. It is important for Indian expats to find out about the differences at an early stage in order to prepare well and make the most of the German healthcare system.
