Out-of-pocket expenses are any payments that individuals make for their healthcare, including any payments at the point of use, deductibles, coinsurance, and co-payments.
When it comes to financing the healthcare system, Germany takes a completely different approach than for example the US. Everyone living in Germany contributes to a safety net of affordable care for all. This also keeps out-of-pocket expenses to a minimum.
For more details, check out our explainer on the German healthcare system.
Public health insurance offers the same basic level of healthcare to everyone living in Germany but is bound by the principle of cost-efficiency. When it comes to out-of-pocket expenses, there are some key things to remember.
Private health insurance policies usually include a deductible, which the policyholder is usually free to choose. This is the share of your healthcare costs you commit to pay. This system enables private insurers to offer more extensive and higher quality coverage. The legal annual out-of-pocket maximum in Germany is €5,000.
No two private insurance plans are the same, but here are some key points:
ottonova is Germany’s first fully digital private health insurance. We give you control over your healthcare and offer a range of tariffs – including a special expat tariff. This means you can select the right coverage for your needs and choose your deductible. ottonova also reimburses from the first invoice on, which is special as many other PKVs don't do that.
With our tariffs you have world-wide travel coverage. The Expat Tariff covers you up to two months annually outside the EU and in our Premium Economy-, Business- or First Class Tariffs you will be covered up to six months annually outside the EU.
If you move away from Germany, you will not need German health insurance anymore.
The initial online enrollment is in German due to legal requirements. However, we are doing this together on the phone and we will of course help you through step by step. So no worries!
ottonova is fully regulated by the BaFin and therefore fulfilling the requirements (§ 257 7Abs. 2a Satz 1 SGB V and the § 61 Abs. 5 SGB XI) for you to be able to apply for a visa with your ottonova insurance, which also includes our Expat tariff of course.
Saving on health insurance and still getting the best coverage isn’t possible? With signing in for ottonova you can make it happen!
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