A Krankenkasse is a German health insurance fund. There are two types of health insurance companies (Krankenkasse) in Germany.
- public health insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenkasse (GKV))
- private health insurance (Private Krankenkasse (PKV)).
Every resident in Germany must have health insurance. Health insurance companies offer this health insurance.
Health insurer pays for medical bills, sickness benefits, and preventive medical care.
As an expat, you need a valid health insurance to sign an employment contract, apply for a resident permit, and visit a doctor.
Choosing a health insurance company affects the services you receive, the cost, and whether your family can be covered without extra cost (family health insurance).
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References:
- https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/sgb_5/
- https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/krankenversicherung.html
Synonyms:
health insurance company, health insurer, health insurance fund