Advantages and disadvantages of all employees whose annual income is below 47,700 gross, must by law health insurance. All others may choose a private health insurance (PHI). The statutory health insurance (GKV) offers its members all the benefits of services under a uniform, so that they are all equal to GKV. What is not included in the catalog of services is not paid. The services are usually Standard partial payments. Special services must be paid in general. The contribution of SHI is based on the gross income.
Of these, a certain percentage is paid to the insurance company. The employer shall pay to about 50%. The contributions by the individual statutory health insurance may differ. Low income families and their minor children without income can be co-insured on the family insurance in the GKV. In the private health insurance, the member can decide which services should be insured like. Also special services such as chief physician treatment in hospital, or expensive prostheses may be contained in the insurance package.
The insurance possibilities are considerably more extensive than in the GKV. Depending on the budget or needs can more or less to be secured. The contribution is based on the insured benefits, the entry age and possibly health risks. It can vary between insurers. Also here the employer to a particular part. Each application must be filled out a health statement. The co-insurance of family members is not possible. Each policyholder must take their own contract and pay review. Since July 2007, must also offer a basic tariff PKV, offers similar services as the GKV. Easy to change between GKV and PKV is no longer possible.